It’s that time of year again where the sunny days are slowly disappearing.
It’s also an important time to consider how to protect your bike during the colder season. Putting a bicycle aside for the winter is not as complicated as in the case of a motorbike, however, even bicycles have their specific demands. If you want to enjoy your bike when the sun shows up in spring, follow the steps below.
Whatever your riding plans for this autumn and winter, here are our top tips for keeping your bike protected and secure.
Preparing your bike for winter storage
Clean your bike thoroughly and dry the entire frame and all the components with a rag as crusted mud on the tubes or deep in the components is the last thing the bike deserves.
Four tips for bike cleaning:
- For best results, always use specific products for the job.
- Don’t use the washing-up liquid as it may contain harmful chemicals that can damage components.
- Start at the top of the bike and work downwards.
- Use a soft brush or sponge for the frame and components to help loosen any dirt.
Fight the humidity
The environment in most cellars is rather humid, which might render a mixture of rust and mildew on the components and the frame scratches alike. To prevent material degradation, wipe the frame tubes with a cloth moistened with silicon oil. This procedure should conserve the bike through the winter. On top of that, grease the chain as if you wanted to ride out in the rain to keep it protected against air moisture. You also might cover the bike with a blanket to hide it from air dust that would mingle with the oil layer and generate a slimy mess.
Don’t let the tires perish
Should the bike stand on flat tires for a long time, the rubber material would degrade and perish the same way as if a car was left with empty tires – its weight would eventually press the rims through the rubber. To prevent that, inflate both tires completely and check them once a month.
Inspect your bike for damage
Now that you’re bike’s all clean, it’s the perfect chance to inspect it for damage. The more cycling you’ve done, the higher the possibility there might be technical issues with some of the bike parts.
So start by checking your bicycle for overall soundness. Then move on to taking a closer look at the frame. Search for any signs of cracks or metal fatigue, especially around weld spots and on the bottom bracket. This part of your bike supports a lot of weight and, depending on the type of riding you do, can be subject to great stress.
Next, move on to inspecting the wheels, tires, as well as brake pads. Keep an eye out for loose or broken spokes on the wheels. Spin them to see if the wheels turn straight, with no sharp veering from side to side. As to the brake pads, make sure they’re aligned properly and with no excessive wear.
Store it safely with the help of Two-Tier Bike Racks
One of the most desired benefits of the two-tier bike racks is that they work great where space is limited, as they have a strong level of accessibility. Two-tier bike racks give the greatest capacity in confined spaces, with unbeatable convenience. Thus, making it a perfect solution for storing your bike in the winter months.
About Two-Tier Cycle Rack
Two-tier bike racks are not only ideal for apartments but also for offices, hospitals and transport hubs. Furthermore, this storage solution can help developers meet their transport statement requirements when space is at a premium.
Our Two Tier bike racks available on our website:
- Accommodate all kinds of cycles
- Offer high security, as both the wheels and the frame, can be locked to the rack
- Can be single or back-to-back
- Are Code for Sustainable Homes compliant and BREEAM compliant
- Are manufactured in the UK by a handful of dedicated and well-established British fabricators
- All Two Tier bike racks are manufactured against your dimensions and room layout at no extra cost. As well as our standardised products, we’re able to create bespoke designs from scratch and customise a cost-effective solution for you. Contact us today to find out how we can help.