Bikes make for convenient vehicles but inconvenient furniture. They barely qualify as coat racks, and you’re sure to hit your shins on those pedals at least three times a week. If you’re looking for long-term bike storage, do yourself a favor and look for available storage units in your area.
Why Long Term Bike Storage is Best Done In a Storage Facility?
Unless you live in a manor and have some rooms to spare, chances are your bike will take up precious space inside your home, especially when stored properly. Whether you place it in your living room or your garage, it will be in your way.
Placing it in a shed or leaving it locked outside with a cover on it might resolve the space issue but isn’t exactly the most secure solution. The best way to keep your bike safe from thieves is to move it into long term bike storage, under lock and key.
How Do You Properly Long Term Store a Bike?
Bikes can easily get damaged over-time just by standing in one place. Tires are most vulnerable to this. Here’s how to avoid any issues:
- Inflate the tires before placing it in long term bike storage. Over time, they will deflate, so it’s best to check up on them now and again. This will protect them from developing any flat spots or bulges.
- Use a bike rack to keep the tires off the ground. If you don’t own one, a couple of books will do the trick just the same.
- If you store your bike on the ground, make sure you don’t place it directly on concrete. Loss of moisture from the rubber will cause dry rot. Place the tires on a wooden surface or a rug.
- In order to avoid warping of the rims, hold the bike by its frame.
- To keep the tires off the ground, you can also simply flip the bike upside down and have it rest on the handlebars and seat.
When it comes to the frame, make sure to:
- Wipe down the frame to remove any grime, grease, moisture, and dust.
- Also, wipe down the rims, handlebars, and seat.
Here’s how to keep the chains, brakes, and cables in tip-top shape:
- Store your bike in a climate-controlled storage unit. Temperature fluctuations and humidity will eventually cause rust and that’s important to consider when looking for long-term bike storage.
- Clean the chain to remove all dirt and grime and then apply a lubricant.
- Replace the brake pads if they became hard. Depending on how long your bike has been in storage, the pads might need to be changed. Fortunately, they aren’t expensive.
- Inspect all the moving parts and lubricate so that your bike will work as if brand new.
Properly long term bike storage is not as easy as leaving it in a corner and then forgetting about it. It takes a bit of preparation. If you follow all the right steps and place it in a clean, secure and climate-controlled storage unit, your bike will pay you back by serving you well in the future.