By storing your bike properly, you can ensure that it runs smoothly and in excellent condition. Because proper storage ensures:
- Keep your bicycle protected from the elements.
- To avoid dirt and garbage damaging your bike, store it properly.
It is difficult to store your bike inside due to limited space. Then how do you store your bike Outdoors?
As part of today’s article, I’ll discuss different ways to store bicycles outside. There are special tips for outside bicycles and how to take care of them while storing them.
That means reading this entire article will reduce your outside bike storing worries by almost 90%. Throughout this article, I’ll share some of my personal experiences.
Also, make sure to check out my post on The 5 Best Bike Bags And Boxes Detailed Review In 2023.
Why Do You Need To Store Your Bike?
Storing your bicycle properly is the best way to protect it from dirt and debris. Storing bikes is essential in winter because bikes depend on your region’s temperature and humidity levels.
It is important to know your climate and humidity levels to prevent your bike’s frame from rusting and its tires from flatting.
Its frame, drive assembly, tires, tubes, wire casings, and brakes are all made of rubber/plastic. It is essential to store these parts carefully in winter because they are more susceptible to cold temperatures and moisture levels.
How To Store A Bike in the Outdoors?
Knowing what you need to do before you can store your bicycle is important. It is important to straighten bicycles before storage so that they won’t cause any problems. To avoid all those problems, follow these tips:
TIP1: Prepare Your Bike Before Storing
By preparing your bike for storage, you’ll be able to keep it in good condition while it’s in storage. The following steps will help you prepare your bicycle for storage:
Clean Your Bike:
It is essential to thoroughly clean your bicycle before storing it. Dirt, mud, sand, dust, and grime will accumulate on your bicycle over time. When a dirt bike sits for a long time, it can rust and break down. Make sure it is thoroughly cleaned.
Lubricate Your Chain:
Air and moisture cannot reach metal surfaces because the coating prevents rust and oxidation. When lubricating your bike chains, derailleurs, cogs, and cassette, avoid using excessive oil. Wipe excess oil with a rag or paper towel to prevent dirt from collecting.
Remove The Electronic Gadgets:
Cold and hot temperatures can damage electronic devices, such as GPS units, cameras, and bicycle computers. When storing electric bikes, it is best to remove the batteries and chargers and store the bikes.
In cold or hot weather, batteries leak and rust inside electronic devices. In this case, you must remove the bicycles before storing them.
Remove The Handlebar Grips:
Cold and hot temperatures degrade rubber and plastic handlebar grips. To prevent damage and extend their lives, it is important to remove them from storage as soon as possible.
Taking Off The Saddle And The Saddle Post:
For bike storage, saddles and seat posts should be removed and stored inside to prevent deterioration. Lubricate the seat-post tube from the inside as well. It will prevent rust and make installation easier.
Inflated Tires
It is important to keep the tires inflated when storing them to prevent cracking. For storage, use the higher tire pressure in the following table:
| Bike Type | Tire Pressure |
| BMX Bike | 80- 100 PSI |
| Mountain Bike | 30 – 50 PSI |
| Road Bike | 80 – 130 PSI |
| Hybrid Bike | 50 – 70 PSI |
| Gravel Bike | 40 – 80 PSI |
| Cyclocross Bike | 40 – 50 PSI |
| Cross- Country Bike | 25 – 30 PSI |
| Touring Bike | 50 – 75 PSI |
- Cover Your Bike:
When storing your bike outdoors, make sure it is covered with a waterproof cover. It will protect your bike from all types of elements, such as snow, rain, and other weather conditions.
- Securing Your Bike
When storing your bike outdoors, make sure it is secured. The number of bicycle thefts is on the rise, so securing your bike with a good quality lock is essential.
Tip2: Find Out A Proper Storing Place
Most riders need an indoor storage space around their homes to store their bikes. I’m covering some outdoor spaces for riders like these at this point. It is easy and safe to store your bike in these outdoor spaces.
Shed:
An outdoor shed is an excellent option for storing bicycles. Consider a wooden shed with a slanted roof and reinforced walls if you want to store a mountain bicycle outside in any season.
- Warm walls and a waterproof roof keep the bicycle warm.
- If you want to keep your bicycle completely secure against theft, you should also look for a shed that has a lockable door.
- To keep the bicycle dust-free, cover it with a tarp or sheet.
Bicycle Tent:
An outdoor bicycle storage tent is a great choice when you’re looking for a secure and weather-resistant way to store your bicycle outdoors. These tents are designed to protect your bicycle from the elements while keeping it safe. These tents are available in a variety of lengths and categories. This will make it easier for you to choose anyone that matches your preferences.
- Even tents have additional security features such as locks, alarms, and surveillance cameras.
- Tents for bicycles are usually made from heavy-duty waterproof fabric. Poles and stakes are included for easy setup.
Bicycle Storage Unit:
Bicycle storage units are useful when there is no other indoor storage available. These units protect your bicycle from the elements, such as wind, rain, snow, and sun.
- Bicycle storage units made from metal or plastic are durable. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- You can even lock your bicycle with some units.
Outdoor Balcony:
You can store bikes on outdoor balconies. Since you will be storing your bicycle, it should be covered with a waterproof cover.
- Bicycle storage units or bicycle tents can be used to store your bicycle. Then place it on the balconies outside.
- Keep in mind that outdoor balconies should not be used for storage in areas with very low temperatures. You risk damaging your bicycle if you allow it to freeze.
Tarp
Some people have built shelters over their bikes with heavy-duty tarps. When you wrap the bike with the tarp, it creates a pocket of moisture that can cause it to rust.
How To Store Bicycles In Outdoors: In A Short Step
- Keep your bike clean
- Dry it completely before storing
- Use lubricant to prevent sticking
- Protect your bike with a waterproof cover or bag
- Choose a dry place at the right temperature
- Place the bike on a bike stand
- Be sure to remove the battery
- Make sure all cables are disconnected
- Maintain a vertical position
- Whenever you store a bike, make sure to check it periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What Is The Best Way To Store Bikes?
Screw-in storage hooks are the simplest and most affordable way to hang your bike off the ground. Your bike can be hung vertically or horizontally with one or two hooks. You can save space by hanging your bike on the wall or floor.
How Can I Store My Bike At Home?
It is easiest and cheapest to hang bikes by their wheels using wall hooks. Your bikes can also be hung ‘nose to tail’ – so that their bars rest next to each other’s saddles.
How Do You Store A Bike For A Long Time?
Maintain a climate-controlled environment when storing your bike. Long-term bike storage should consider temperature fluctuations and humidity to avoid rust. Apply a lubricant after cleaning the chain to remove all dirt and grime.
Final Words
After reading my entire article, you won’t have to worry about storing your bicycle. I have done my best to provide you with complete information.
Additionally, I store my bike using these methods. Because of this, I am 100% confident that you will be able to store your bike for a long time if you follow all these steps.
