Storing your bike? Do you really need to worry about it? Can't you just leave it and be done with it? You can. But especially if the storage lasts for several months or the entire winter, and the bike is not moved during this time, you shouldn't be surprised if it doesn't work properly afterward, and you have to go hunting for spare parts, a pump, and chain oil before your first rides. Here you'll learn how to avoid storage damage to your bike.
Bicycles are outdoor sports equipment and therefore fortunately not particularly susceptible to damage from moisture or cold temperatures. They don't mind if they aren't used for a while. During an injury break, because you have more than one bike to choose from, or simply because the weather isn't bike-friendly, for example. But if you want to store your bike for several months or an entire winter, and it shouldn't be moved during this time, you can avoid storage damage with a few simple precautions. We present them to you step by step here, and further down you'll find a checklist so you don't forget any important steps!
Why it's worth storing the bike (winter-proof)
“Storage damage”. You may have heard of it before. It refers to defects in cars that occur after a long period of inactivity. This can also happen to your bike! Parts that are susceptible to storage damage are primarily moving parts (like the drivetrain and brakes) and rubber parts (like tubes and tires). Metal parts of the bike can also rust or at least develop surface rust.
Whenever a bike is not used for an extended period, it should be prepared for it. But especially if it gets wet and frosty during this time, careful storage is worthwhile.
Then you can usually ride off with little effort, usually just needing to pump up the tires. Overall, with careful storage over a long period or the winter, you can significantly extend the lifespan of the bike and its components, and the resale value remains higher!
Which bikes should be prepared for storage?
Is special treatment only worth it for a brand new, expensive bike? Or a top e-bike? No, actually every bike deserves careful storage! Certainly, you should treat a new, “good” bike particularly well, but since all components are still fresh here, these bikes will probably withstand longer periods of inactivity without visible damage. Older bikes, on the other hand, may already have some wear and material aging, and proper storage can greatly influence their operational life.
Where can you store your bike?
If you know that you will not be using your bicycle or e-bike for a few months, you should not just park it anywhere. Find yourself a dry, safe spot for your bike!
A bike cover, a bike cover, or a “mobile bike garage” is an ideal storage for a bicycle that is not ridden for a long time. No matter what you call it, these practical protective covers keep your bike relatively dry during storage, even in winter! Image © Topeak
- Ideally, the storage space for your bicycle is dry. However, you don't have to keep it in the living room all winter long. A garden shed, garage, or basement are good places where you can store your bike dry. Anything with a roof, really...
- If you don't have a bike cellar or something similar available, a “bicycle protective cover” (a plastic cover, available for one or two bicycles) can help. Cover your bike with it, and it will stay mostly dry.
- These covers also prevent the bicycle from getting dusty in the garden shed or garage.
- If you want to store your bike in the basement, garden shed, or garage under such a cover, you should occasionally check if condensation has formed. If everything is swimming under the cover, you can let the bike and cover dry outdoors on a sunny day before repacking the bike.
- A frost-free storage space would also be very advantageous. At least large temperature fluctuations should be avoided. You should not park your bike in the blazing sun during winter, where it heats up during the day before being shock-frozen at night.
- Even if you want to store your bike in summer, it should not be directly in the sun .
- If the storage space is publicly accessible, you should especially protect the bike from thieves. Seemingly forgotten bicycles are particularly popular with thieves! Secure your bike during storage with a good lock or even with a GPS tracker. If you don't have a bike cellar or garage available as a secure parking space, you should definitely register and/or code valuable bicycles!
- You can hang your bike on a wall or ceiling mount because this way the storage is particularly space-saving. If it is to be stored hanging for a longer period, it is better if it is horizontal on the frame and does NOT hang vertically on the wheel!
- You can set up your bicycle for storage in a floor stand or display stand if it doesn't have a kickstand. It should definitely not fall over and just lie there.
Bicycle Storage Made Easy
To prevent your bicycle from developing storage-related damage, you should take the following precautions:
The first step: Wash your bicycle thoroughly before storing it!
The bicycle must be clean if you want to store it for a longer period. While fresh dirt can usually be rinsed off quite easily, dust and dirt dry up nicely during a longer riding break. Scrubbing then becomes significantly more strenuous and thus more annoying. Especially before a bicycle stands around for an entire winter, you should thoroughly clean and dry it beforehand. We have a detailed article with washing instructions for you, where you'll find important tips to help you wash your bicycle properly. A thorough bicycle wash is particularly important before the frost sets in!
Get rid of the dirt! For winter storage, your bicycle should be sparkling clean! Image © Peaty’s
Step 2: Well lubricated is half the battle!
Once it is washed and dried, the drivetrain must be well lubricated . There are also special care oils for the surfaces of the stanchions and the seals on the suspension fork. You can coat all metal parts with a corrosion protection . A care spray protects the surface at the end.
> Bicycle protection, lubrication and care in the Bike Mailorder shop
Step 3: The right tire pressure for bicycle storage
- You can lower the tire pressure for storage to relieve the material somewhat. However, you should not completely deflate the tires! The tire should not be under full tension but should not visibly dent under the weight of the bicycle.
- Your shocks and the suspension fork can (depending on the design) be under air pressure. However, this remains untouched in winter.
Step 4: Bicycle storage for bikes with derailleur gears
Shift your derailleur to the smallest gear at the back (and front, if available). In this position, the tension springs are relieved, maintaining their tension and preventing them from wearing out.
Step 5: The bicycle brake during storage
In any case, the bicycle brakes should be clean before winter storage. If you ride hydraulic disc brakes , you should fix the pulled brake levers to the handlebar with Velcro straps, straps or cable ties for longer storage, to prevent the brakes from “airing” and needing to be bled as the first task in spring. With mechanical brakes , you can skip this step. For hydraulic brakes, it is also particularly important to store the bicycle horizontally . It should not hanging vertically be stored , even though it would be particularly space-saving. The brakes can also draw air here. Then they won't brake properly, and you'll have to bleed them.
Step 6: Remove your bike computer before storage
To prevent it from being damaged by frost or moisture, you should give your bike computer or bike navigation a warm spot in the house. These devices are generally at least protected against splashing water. However, constant moisture is not good for them. Batteries and accumulators do not particularly like prolonged frost. It may also be advisable to remove the batteries entirely to prevent them from leaking unnoticed. The same precautions apply to your battery-powered bike lights and the e-bike battery.
Mobile bike navigation systems, digital speedometers, and bike computers should be stored indoors when it gets cold. Image © Garmin
Special case: E-bike
You can also store an e-bike after this preparation. However, you should remove the battery and the display, especially if the e-bike is wintering outdoors. The contact points should be protected from moisture and you need to check occasionally to ensure no condensation has formed there.
The stored bicycle during winter
Your bike is ready for storage, you've washed and lubricated it well. Now you can just forget about it for months?! Not quite. There are a few steps you should perform once a month during storage.
- If your bike is standing on the floor, simply lift the rear wheel and turn the crank a few times. If you store it hanging, it's naturally even easier. This moves the drivetrain, preventing it from sticking in one spot and optimally distributing the drivetrain lubrication. If you want to be precise, you can shift through the gears once and then leave the gear in a small position.
- Then you should set both wheels in a new position so that one spot is not constantly under stress.
- Compress the suspension fork and the shock absorber on a full-suspension bike a few times to redistribute the shock oil well.
- Finally, you can check the tire pressure . You don't need to handle a manometer here, as the tire pressure is already reduced. But the tires shouldn't go flat. If a bike stands flat for weeks, the tire and tube can crack at the kinked spot.
If your bike is stored hanging, you can occasionally turn the crank. That's almost it for maintenance! Image © Cycloc
The bike storage checklist
Here is the checklist for bike storage once again:
- Wash the bike
- Lubricate the drivetrain
- Apply care spray and corrosion protection
- Reduce tire pressure a bit
- Set the gears to the smallest sprockets
- Remove bike computer, bike navigation, and battery lighting
- Select a dry, safe location
- Lock and secure the bike well
- Change the position of the wheels monthly
- If available, compress the shock absorber
Prefer cycling in winter? If you change your mind…
Many bikes are sent into a forced break during the winter. It is absolutely possible to have fun on the bike in winter, or even use it daily for trips to the store or to school/university/work. If the snow piles up meters high, you should leave the bike, otherwise, there's nothing against getting in the saddle even in the cold season and riding on cleared, gritted roads. If you're considering going cycling in winter, you should definitely read our posts on this topic beforehand.
Everything you need to know if you want to cycle in winter – the blog series:
- “Winter with the bicycle – finally safe through ice and snow!”
- “Clean and maintain your bicycle: 5 steps to stay clean through the winter”
- "Proper bicycle maintenance"
- "Winter cycling clothing – the best frost protection"
Title image: Juan Encalada on Unsplash
