Winter months storage?
 

Should I bring my bike in the basement during the winter months if im not riding it much?
As of right now it is hanging from the ceiling in the garage. I was just wondering if the cold weather and humidity will effect it over time.
Any recommendations?

Depends how cold your garage gets. I know if you have Shimano brakes, they freeze and -22 Fahrenheit. (It's the mineral oil)

I have shimano LX hydros. I dont want anything to rust from the moisture in the air. Right now its in the upper 20's and it snowed alot over the weekend.

Just keep the thing dry. It will be fine.

correct me if im wrong, but isn't the air a whole lot dryer in the winter?

It is typically dryer in your house because your heat is on. If your garage is not heated, then your humidity levels still can remain high. In example, right now my garage is a higher humidity level then outside (I am storing firewood that I just brought in) and outside it is 24 degrees and 88% humidity. Inside the garage is 40 degrees and 92% humidity.

Thats relative humidity. Colder air holds less water than warmer air.

Yes, you are correct. That is relative humidity. It is my understanding that relative humidity is the measurement of moisture that air can handle or asborb. As air gets colder it becomes less able to absorb the moisture, thus reaching a condensation point. This is why we still measure relative humidity even when it is cold outside. Condensation will cause your parts to rust even if the air is cold.

I keep my bike inside all year round, and ride throughout the winter...
No such thing as storage...

Just ride the dang thing

A very easy thing to say when you are in the Southern part of Cali... :D. I personally cannot ride trails right now because they are under about 6" of snow and ice. Which sucks because I want to try out my new Revelation. I truly feel for people further North. At least it tends to stay above 20F here, and the wind under 15mph.

Spiked tyres and longjohns my man...

Studded tires won't help were I live. A normal December can drop 100" of snow and we average 220-250" a winter.

Dogs, sled and longjohns my man..

I have studs just a bit farther south than you and I tried to get out the other day and I couldn't move. Snow was too deep and too heavy, I just sank and couldn't cut through it. I need to find some snowmobile trails or Xcountry ski trails, I think I could ride on those.

There is definately still humidity in the winter. I wish I could ride, but there is 7 inches of snow on the ground and its not melting anytime soon.

I don't doubt this number, but I've ridden with Shimano brakes just slightly above this temperature range (-20F) and they felt fine.

Odd. Maybe some guys from out west can provide colder ride feedback.

Dang, wish I could ride today.
the trails must be under 1/8" of rain...:D


I feel your pain though...I don't do cold....

This time of year I try riding around in my building at work. I can be just as stupid there as anywhere else. On a different note, don't you use dot 5 brake fluid in your brakes?

Snowmobile!

Why is your bike in the garage anyway? You should be riding it.

The novelty of a completely empty bike path in the middle of the city never wears off.

Even if there technically is pavement somewhere under there.

I leave my bikes in the garage for the winter and the cold never seems to bother them. I've never had any components rust but I also make sure everything is clean and lubed before I put them away for the winter.

I keep mine in the basement.

Then again, I have a daylight basement and keep all our bikes there year round. That way I can work on them at night and ride during the day.:D

What about 6" of snow and ice are keeping you from riding? Find the biggest/knobbiest tire that will fit, drive some sheet metal screws through the knobs and go out riding.

Rode 15 mile on the Mtb yesterday. aliso Woods in OC Ca.
Rode 42 miles on the Road bike today. Back Bay to Santiago canyon, in OC Ca.
Was 74 deg, sunny and no wind.
I think I need to get out the winter gear and put the bike in storage.

;)