Proper bike storage is an important issue for all cyclists. It is important to find the right place for storage. Before storing your bicycle for a long period of time, you should prepare it.
The storage location must meet the following requirements:
- absence of precipitation and high humidity;
- a temperature above +1 degree Celsius;
- no heating devices in the immediate vicinity;
- no temperature differences;
- no direct sunlight;
- quick and easy access to the bicycle;
- the bicycle must not stand on the aisle.
Places to store your bicycle
1. Glazed loggia or balcony
A great place to store a bicycle in the apartment. The bike is always near and does not take up space in the rooms, does not interfere with the passage in the corridor.
It is desirable that the balcony is heated. If the balcony is not heated, then for long-term storage of the bicycle should be properly prepared, read about it in the second chapter. Not glazed room is not suitable, it will lead to serious problems with the technical condition of the bike.
In the riding season it is convenient to put the bike on wheels, for long-term storage is better to hang on the wall. To prevent the bike from direct sunlight, cover it.
Disadvantages of balcony storage: after a trip it is desirable to wash the wheels (especially if they are all in the dirt), rolling around the apartment should be careful not to scratch the furniture.
2. Apartment
If the apartment is large-sized, this is the most convenient option. The bike is always close by, in ideal climatic conditions for storage. Small-sized apartment for storing a bike is not very suitable, the space and so little, and then there is a bicycle ... Unless the bike folding, then another matter.
Options for storing a bike in an apartment:
- on wheels in a wide hallway - a convenient option for the riding season;
- on the wall in a wide hallway - a convenient place for long-term storage;
- on the wall in a large room (a top bike can become part of the design of the room);
- on the ceiling in a hallway or rooms with high ceilings;
- in a storeroom - suitable for folding bikes.
Do not leave your bike on linoleum for long periods of time. Black tire stains may appear. Put something under the wheels.
3. Garage
For a private house, this is the ideal place for storage at any time of the year. It is desirable that it should be heated.
A detached garage is not bad for long-term storage, if it is heated, it is good. If the garage is not far from where you live, you can store your bike in it between trips. If the garage is not heated, the bicycle must be properly prepared for long-term storage, see chapter two for more information.
4. Entrance, vestibule
When it comes to preventing theft, you shouldn't put your bicycle near a stairwell or entryway. Locks are useless. In addition, clogging stairwells and stairwells is against the law.
Tambour in the hallway: a good choice if you have a trustworthy vestibule door and suitable neighbors. Do not leave your bicycle, especially a costly one, in the vestibule if you are unsure about your neighbors.
Preparing your bike for long-term storage
The following actions need to be taken before putting your bike away for a long time:
- wipe the wheels, frame, and attachments free of dirt;
- renew the grease on the chain, chain tensioner, wheel bushings, steering column, cables and pedals;
- apply silicone grease to the legs of the shock fork, squeeze the fork several times, wipe off with a cloth after 15 minutes;
- change gears so that the chain is on the small sprockets;
- reduce pressure in wheels to 1-1,5 atm;
- remove brake and shifter spring tension;
- turn the handlebars and remove the pedals to reduce the size of the bike.
- cover the bicycle with a cover.
In addition, if the bike is going to be kept in a cold room:
- remove the computer, remove the batteries or accumulators from the headlamp and lights;
- apply silicone grease to the chrome parts and any scratches on the frame, handlebars and other parts;
- if the frame or handlebars are steel, wipe them down with a vapor-oil rag;
- if the tires are expensive, lubricate them with glycerin.
It is preferable for the bicycle to hang from hooks rather than stand on its wheels. Turn the storage's wheels on a regular basis if it has any.
Summary
It is recommended to store your bicycle indoors, away from sources of direct sunlight and moisture. Turn the handlebars in a hexagonal pattern along the frame to free up extra space, or use a specific mounting system and hooks to hang the bike from a wall or ceiling.
