Winter bike storage
 

I don't plan on riding my bike a whole lot in the winter time, but I only have one option of where to store it. It has to sit out on my balcony all winter long, so what can go wrong with this? Will the tires go bad? Will the chain rust? Are there some parts I should try to take off and store inside my apartment during the winter?

eMXiMeR,

If you have no choice then you have no choice. I wouldn't take anything off the bike but I would cover it up nicely. There are plenty of bike covers to be found that are heavy duty and have a drawstring along the bottom to cinch the cover down. The drawstring is a requirement. Don't buy a bike cover without one. If you want to go cheap you can go to any discount hardware store and buy a big, cheap tarp that has grommets and whatever super cheap, nylon cabling they have and cover the bike up that way. Buy big.

Do a good job if you use the tarp and you'll be doing the most you can to protect your steed. Pump the tires up to max, clean and lube the chain (but don't wipe off the extra lube like usual), pull off anything that has a battery like lights and computer and store inside or leave them on the bike but pull the batteries (do yourself a favor and put your computer "how to" crib sheet in a baggie and tape it to the bike if you leave the computer on the bike- seriously) . If you want to go all out, pull and re-grease all bolts, axles, etc.. Your bike will be fine come Spring.

What can suck about a tarp is that they tend to retain a little condensation...especially when you end up having a warm winter day or two where everything thaws and refreezes. I once left a beater BMX bike outside under a tarp when I was a young kid and I think there was more rust on it than if I had left it uncovered.

:eek:

pu55y

why can't you just leave it where it is now?

just because you're not using it means it's gotta go outside and get damaged?

your frame and components will rust, assuming that the frame is steel. your tires may also dry and crack. I would avoid keeping it outside all winter, that is if you care about your bike.

I would break down the bike and put it securely into a bike box and then store it under a bed.

Or you can tell your girlfriend or wife to STFU.

Maybe he stores it on his balcony right now, which is why he's saying he'll have to store it there in the winter.

Personally, I would find somewhere...anywhere...in my house to keep my bike before leaving it outside. It's only a few months. Put it in your damn kitchen if you have to.

Maybe he doesn't like the way his bike looks at him while he's eating?

It sits out on the balcony now as someone else mentioned.


Right now I ride my bike for fun and to get to some downtown locations on the weekend. It doesn't have fenders so riding in snow isn't going to happen. I can't ride it to work or school because the elevation change is too great.

THis is probably what I will do, I'll get a cover online.

I would be willing to do this if my apartment wasn't kinda full as it is. Next spring I may be in a diff. apartment so we'll see then.

Get a set of studded tires and ride in the mess.

Why can't you dismantle it and put it under your bed. Frame and wheels will lie flat under the bed.

All you need to do is find a place for the handlebars.

Or throw something out of the apartment. Putting your bike on the balcony while you store other "stuff" inside means your priorities are all screwed up, your life is headed in the wrong direction. Seek counseling.

break it down and hang it off your wall. storing a bike outside through the winter like the ones the get in Salt Lake City is probably not such a good idea. Once you take off the saddle, handlebars, cranks and wheels, your bike shouldn't be too hard to store inside. Unless you really have that much stuff lying around your place.

In which case, adding a bike shouldn't make much of a difference then ;)

Even in one piece, a bike doesn't exactly take up a lot of room. Put a hook in the cieling and hang it!

when spring comes, you'll wish you had listened to everyone here (except for the guy that recommended a tarp -- c'mon).

the most sensible answer is to break the bicycle down and store it under the bed. Or just buy one of these:

http://zedomax.com/blog/wp-content/u.../bike-rack.jpg

spray it in something nasty

Get a can of T9 or find something thicker and coat the bike in it before wrapping it in a tarp and leaving it outside.

When it is time to unpack, repeat the process with WD40 which will help you clean off the tubes and get you moving again. Then relube your chain and get going.

I cannot believe any apartment is so small that you cannot keep a bike inside. I live in f'ing brooklyn and I have 5 bikes inside. Something tells me you have more square footage out in salt lake city...then the closets we live in 'round here.

time to throw crap away and relax with the pack rat habits? If you love your bike, you'll keep the poor fellow inside.

Realistically yes I could store it inside somewhere. I just wanted some input as to whether my original plan to leave it outside would be fine or not. Looks like I'll have to try to clear out some room underneath the old bed and give that a shot.

wall mount it. This:
http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0...=1209443740000
or:
http://www.doobybrain.com/wp-content...ystal-rack.jpg

Or ceiling mount?
http://www.bikerackshops.com/images/...110RPlarge.jpg

Wall mount the parts. it'll remind you every day how much you love riding and actually looks quite good.

Yep. I left a bike in a shed, under a tarp.... headset and every bit of steel bolt was rust city in the spring. I blame condensation.

I like those wall mounts!
The one with the ceiling to floor pole looks great.
We have one dedicated wall in the apt where three bikes are leaning. I am worried enough about rust just riding in winter, if you can keep the bike indoors do it.

+1......do not, I repeat Do Not store in a water/air tight cover with a drawstring around the bottom for more than a night or two. They Don't Breathe allowing moisture to escape. They will keep the bike from getting soaked in a heavy rain, but the moisture will get trapped inside and eat away at the bike over a short period of time. If you Have to (you really shouldn't) leave it on a balcony cover it with a tarp, but don't drape the tarp over it. I would probably strip it down as much as possible ie. tires, tubes, chain, etc.

Actually F*** what I said, grow some balls and take it inside, you'll be glad you did.

It should fit in your bed with you.

google 'ikea hack bike rack' for a cheap way to make one urself :)

Thanks!