How to store your bike properly in winter?

Winter, as we all know, is when the cycling season ends (except for those for whom the season lasts year-round). We're forced to put our bikes away, only to return to them in the spring. To protect our bikes from damage and other unpleasant "ailments" that can occur during this time, we should ask ourselves: How and where should we properly store our bikes? I hope you'll find a few tips below that will help you with winter bike storage.

Place matters

Where you leave your bike during the winter affects its condition during the season. If you have enough space, I recommend storing it in a dry and warm place (garage, basement, apartment). However, if you want to leave it under the proverbial cloud, it's worth protecting it with a special cover. Such protection is inexpensive, but remember that under cover, the bike is also susceptible to moisture and low temperatures. Another disadvantage is the exposure of the bike to thieves, who are becoming increasingly inventive and prey on bikes. Protecting your bike with a cover is rather an act of desperation and should be used as a last resort. When storage space is limited, bike racks are a helpful solution. These bike racks save space and reduce the risk of damage to the bike, for example, in a garage. It's also worth mentioning bicycle storage facilities, where for a small fee you can leave your bike until spring. Finding them in larger cities shouldn't be a problem; they often include a spring bike service. Storing your bike this way in winter is probably the best option if you're short on space.

Maintenance: What to do before storing your bike for the winter

Before putting your bike away for the winter, it's worth doing a few things that will prevent unpleasant surprises in the spring, including:

• dismantle accessories
• remove the batteries from the lights and the meter, they may leak
• clean and oil the chain
• unfasten the brake and derailleur cables to avoid stretching them
• we leave the derailleur on the lowest sprocket, which will be the least tense (I won't mention which one, because there are different types of derailleurs; for some it will be the smallest sprocket, for others it will be the largest)
• wash the bike and pay attention to: dirt between the sprockets, mud stuck to the rear triangle
• Grease all bearings to avoid unpleasant surprises in the spring. In the case of cartridge bearings, it's worth checking them for play after the season.
• inflate the wheels to avoid deformation of the rubber

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Storing a bike on a rack

There are a multitude of different bike racks available on the market: wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, elevator-type, and Clug-style racks. These racks can hold one, two, or even six bikes. Each of these solutions is better than a balcony or a spot under the sun. If you're short on space in your garage or basement, these racks are also worth considering. They will make storing your bike in winter and at other times of the year much easier.

Ceiling hanger - for those with high rooms

The bike suspension protects the tires from deformation and protects the bike itself from abrasion.

Wall hanger – vertical or horizontal

The choice depends primarily on the amount of available space. A horizontal bike rack allows you to showcase your bike, but it requires more space. These racks are the best solution for low-ceilinged rooms. The only drawback is the possibility of getting tires on the walls (in some versions).

Floor mounts (service rack style)

There are two versions:

• with only the rear wheel suspended and the front wheel still on the ground
• a handle where both wheels hang in the air.

These are not typical hangers, but more like service stands, but they can also be used to secure a bike for longer periods of time, e.g. in a garage or basement.

Clug wall mounts - small, clever, aesthetic

Clug is a compact bike rack for storing bikes in your apartment. After mounting the rack to the wall, you attach the front wheel and "park" the bike vertically. This solution saves valuable space in apartments, which is often scarce and requires storage. This elegant solution is designed for those who also value aesthetics, allowing you to "hug" the bike with its wheels against the wall. Advantages of this solution:

• trouble-free installation,
• small sizes,
• almost invisible bracket on the wall.

Defects:

• We need to find a suitable place, because the bike will stick out from the wall towards the center, so we need to think very carefully about the mounting location.

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Winter bike storage - summary

Everyone stores their bike however their circumstances allow. Whether that's at home, in the basement, in the garage, on the balcony, in the hallway, or outdoors. Remember, however, that even a small space can accommodate a bike without causing any inconvenience. It all depends on how you approach it. Therefore, before you start thinking about where to winterize your bike, consider all the options. Especially since where and how you store your bike for extended periods has a huge impact on its condition. A good choice will often save you time, money, and health. Of course, a visit to the service center is inevitable, where a specialist will thoroughly inspect and prepare your bike for the season. Remember: take care of your equipment and it will reward you on your next cycling trips.