How to Store Your Bicycle for the Winter

With just a few simple steps you can preserve your bicycle and have it ready to go when the riding season swings back around. There are many people who live in places that allow them to ride year-round. However, there are also many who experience the harsh winters that force you to put your bicycle away for the season. For those of you who fall in the latter category, follow these few winter storage tips.

Prep the Bicycle for Winter Storage

• Remove Water Bottle, Accessories, and Electronics – Be sure to completely empty your water bottle, wash and dry it. You don’t want stagnant water sitting in it over the season and getting funky, or freezing and potentially cracking and ruining your water bottle. You’ll also want all electronics removed and stored in a dry safe place. Exposure to the cold can harm electronics battery life.
• Get a Major Tune-Up – It is recommended to get a basic tune-up every two to three months depending on your frequency use. However, a major tune-up is recommended at least once a year, especially if you haven’t ridden your bike in a long time. A major tune-up from Bicycles Unlimited will include the following. Labor discounts are provided for major repairs done with the major tune-up such as cleaning and re-packing the bearing assemblies, brake bleeding, and suspension service. A 30-day warranty is given on all services provided.
  • Shifting System
  • Brake Adjustment
  • Cables and Housings
  • Wheels
  • Chain, Cassette, and Crankset
  • Cleaning
  • *On full suspension bikes, we check all bolts and fasteners and torque them to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Choosing Winter Storage for Your Bicycle

Depending on where you live there could be a variety of options for your bicycle storage through the winter. Ideally, you want to be able to store your bicycle indoors. However, some of you may not have that option. If storing outdoors you will want to invest in a cover for your bicycle to help protect it from the elements. Either way, indoors or outdoors, you’ll want to be sure your bicycle is locked and secure. You wouldn’t want someone to steal your bicycle! Another thing to keep in mind is doing your best to not store the bicycle where the tires are in direct contact with concrete floors. The concrete draws moisture out of the rubber tires and can cause dry-rot and premature aging of the tires. Either hang your bicycle up by the wheel (this is the best way) or put some sort of rug or rubber mat under the wheels to help protect them. 

If you follow all of the above steps you will be able to preserve your bicycle lifespan and with a few minor tune-ups, you’ll be able to jump right back on and cruise come the new riding season. For the best bicycle servicing or questions on bicycles, reach out to Bicycles Unlimited.