True fans of a two-wheeled bike do not think about how to store a bicycle in winter. They ride every year and in any weather. However, with the cooling and the advent of autumn frosts, most vehicle owners feel uncomfortable. Rain, wind and sleet are forcing to suspend cycling and begin to prepare the bike for the winter period. At the same time, storage conditions must comply with certain rules by which the bike parts will not wear out until the next season.
Choosing a wintering place
Ultraviolet radiation, frosty air, constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity negatively affect the components of the bike: their elasticity is lost and destruction processes begin. Rain and snow are also detrimental because bearings and chains are subject to corrosion.
Given the above, there will certainly be a question about where to store the bike in winter. The best option is a dry and heated room with no dampness, moisture or sudden temperature jumps. Well suited apartment, balcony and garage. You can also use the services of a bicycle workshop, saving your time and effort on self-service.
Storage of the bike inside the apartment
If the living space is quite large, or there is no desire to disassemble a two-wheeled friend, you can put the bike directly in the corridor or room. In this case, you only have to pump up the wheels from time to time, but there may be difficulties with free movement (you will often touch the pedals and steering wheel).
A storage room or a special garage cabinet are also suitable for storage. The bike is placed on the rear wheel and takes up little space. With the first option, it will be inconvenient to get the right things, and the second is a little expensive.
There is also a cargo system with counterweights. Such a design makes it easy to care for the vehicle, changing its position in the air.
Space saving
Many are concerned about the question of how to store a bicycle in the winter in an apartment so as not to feel constrained and uncomfortable. A good solution is to purchase fasteners with two hooks.
Such hangers are available to everyone, and only the material of manufacture affects the price. It is recommended to purchase wooden or plastic fasteners so as not to scratch the bike. Mounting on the wall is carried out by means of self-tapping screws, after which the vehicle is hung from the upper pipe.
In other cases, space savings are achieved by disassembling the bicycle for parts. After removing the steering wheel and wheels, the bike can be put on a cabinet or under a bed.
Storage on the balcony
Sun rays and moisture destroy the paint of the vehicle (it can completely peel off), therefore, storage of a bicycle on a balcony in winter should take place in appropriate conditions. This section of the apartment must be glazed, and the bike itself is covered with paper (cloth) and sprayed with a silicone spray. As a result, the paint will not dry out and will not fade.
In addition, it is recommended to lower the wheels slightly so that severe frost does not damage them.
Garage or pantry
Some people, in addition to their own apartment or house, own additional rooms, but they still do not know how to properly store a bicycle in winter.
A garage will be a great option only when it is heated. Otherwise, excessive humidity and temperature changes will make the bike unusable.
As for the pantry, it all depends on the temperature. If it is positive, the room will do. In this case, the vehicle must be protected with a film to avoid excess moisture.
Bike conservation
Preparing the bike for winter begins after choosing a storage location. First, the vehicle is washed, and then wiped dry. The remaining grease is completely removed from the chain and bearings with a rag or cleaning agent. After that, liquid mineral oil is applied to protect the parts from rust.
If the bike has rim brakes, they must be unfastened. In the case of disk - relax the cable, and when they are hydraulic - drain the liquid into the vessel. All this will help reduce the spring tension of the speed switches.
If the bike will be suspended by special fasteners, lower the tires. In other cases, maintain the inflated condition of the wheels and rotate them 90 degrees every week. It is also recommended to wipe the tires with a silicone spray. As a result, tires do not crack and are better preserved.
Preservation of the bicycle for the winter also involves its analysis. To reduce the dimensions, you can remove the wheels and seats, and turn the steering wheel towards the frame. However, if there is no need to save space, you can not disassemble the vehicle, but remove only important components from it (batteries, for example).
An excellent option would be to buy a bicycle case. It will protect against scratches, dust and corrosion. In addition, with the help of special handles, the bike can be hung on fasteners, which will increase the free space in the room.
Cycling in winter
Most owners of two-wheeled horses hang their vehicles in the fall and wait for a new warm season. But there are those for whom preparing a bicycle for winter will allow you to continue to enjoy your favorite walks. In this case, the correct selection of equipment and clothing is very important.
Preparing a bike for winter skiing
If you decide to ride on snowy days, you should carefully take care of tires, chains, brakes and a fork.
Inflate the wheels not to the very end, so traction will improve, and patency will increase. You can buy special winter tires, but they are expensive.
As for the chain, during the walk it gets a lot of reagents, which are strewed with roads. When you return home, the question arises of where to store the bike. In winter, it is recommended to put the vehicle in a warm place so that it thaws. After that, you should clean the chain and dry it, and wipe the bike itself with a dry cloth.
If the bike is equipped with hydraulic brakes, almost no problems. Owners of the classic vi-breaks will be forced to use the brakes after falling into deep snow. As a result, the rim and rotor will be cleaned, and the walk will become more careless.
In the case when the bike has an inexpensive plug, it simply will not function. It would not hurt the owners of high-quality vehicles to replace the oil with a more fluid one corresponding to the temperature of the environment.
Winter clothing selection
The question of how to store a bicycle in winter is fully understood. Now you can take care of clothes.
The perfect solution would be a woolen suit, windproof jacket, sweater, underwear, soft gloves and boots. At the same time, you should not dress too warm, otherwise you will sweat and catch a cold.
If at some point you decide to stop skiing before the best weather conditions occur, then knowledge of how to store your bike in the winter will certainly come in handy. The conservation of the vehicle will be successful, and there will be no reason for excitement.
Conclusion
Storage of the bike on the balcony in winter or on special hangers in the room is an excellent option for small apartments. For some citizens, a heated garage or a dry pantry will solve the problem. Also well-known cycle workshops.
Take care of your two-wheeled friend, and he will serve you for many years!