At work, I don't really have too much other choice than to leave my bike outside, exposed to the elements. Other than storing it inside (not really an option - no room to put it) how can I protect it from rain, etc (mostly rain)? besides bringing a tarp of some sort, & putting it over it. Are there any other ideas that I'm missing?

depending on what saddle you have...plastic bag to cover saddle?
i wouldn't want to leave my bike outdoors here in the winter time...snow banks and such, i did manage to find a place in the bottom of a stairwell to keep my bike and it doesn't get in anyone's way and it is near a little heater so i dry my gloves there too


i would maybe search around your building for that little tucked away space just for the bike

Leaving a bike during the day in the elements won't cause nearly as much wear and tear as riding it in those same elements.

true that
good point

I realize you ruled out a tarp, but I'm going to assume that's because of the space it will take up. I have seen covers made for bikes that fold up nicely into a handlebar bag. That may be a good solution for you.

I'm still looking for little nookies to hide it where it won't be discovered - can't seem to find one the right size that would be secure.

I'm not too concerned about the saddle - I'll just wipe it off or whatever. I'm more concerned about the accumulated rain/gunk/snow/etc on the parts - derailleur, chain, etc etc. I don't really do a gung-ho job on periodic maintenance, yea maybe I should, but just trying to get a bit more life out of the parts I have without having to replace anything too soon.

when i first started commuting i would ask our front desk security guard if i could keep it indoors and he directed me to an unused coat room...that was great

since then there has been about 15 new guards...some of them not so proactive so i had to find my own solution to keeping my bike indoors so i went with the side door stairwell, i bike to work leave the bike just outside the door walk to the front of the building go to the stairwell open door bring bike in

you cannot get in from the outisde so i have to do this but i love it

I got a nylon bike cover from performance - about $14. Folds up real small and has velcro on the bottom to keep it in place on the bike. I use it every day - rain or shine. It keeps prying eyes off my ride. It also keeps the bike dry in the rain. I've had it about 2 years and I noticed that it is starting to wear. I'll get another one as soon as this one is done.

i currently have to leave my bike locked up outside in the weather and have throughout the winter.
my advice is make sure you are riding an aluminum bike, get stainless hardware (bolts etc) and keep everything EXTREMELY lubed. and you need to be on top of periodic maintenance much more when its outside, i tear mine down every 2-3 weeks depending on the weather.

I would agree with the aluminum frame and bolts. tearing it down every 3 weeks? I don't think so. I rode my bike thorugh the Chicago winter and all maintenance I did was every other week clean the chain with a rag, lube it, adjust derailleurs and brakes if needed.

As other poster said, more harm is done by riding in the elements than storing it outside during the day

Duppie