Storing your bike
Storing Your Bike
Unfortunately, we can’t be out riding bikes at all times; we still need to sleep or eat at some point during the day. Jokes aside, there are a few key points you should consider when storing your beloved bike. By keeping on top of the following tips, you can rest assured your bike will be enjoying its resting time and ready to rip when the time comes.
KEEP IT CLEAN
A clean bike is a fast bike! We can’t stress this enough. Keeping your bike clean is not only beneficial to your components' lifespan and performance, but it’s also good for morale. Rinsing or wiping your bike down after every ride goes a long way, especially during winter or after wet, muddy rides. Grime and dirt left on your bike can harm bearings and moving parts, so do yourself and your bike a favor and get that cleaning kit out before storage time.
CONSIDER THE ELEMENTS
Storing your bike outside is never a good idea, and we definitely do not recommend it. However, if that’s your only option, look for a sheltered area and use a bike cover to protect it from rain, wind, and dust. These elements can speed up deterioration and lead to rust development. If possible, find an indoor spot for your bike’s resting time to keep it in tip-top condition.
CONSIDER THE SPACE
If you have space inside to store your bike, consider yourself a lucky rider! Depending on the room available, you may need to look into different storage solutions, such as hooks, wall mounts, or ceiling racks. Storing your bike indoors, even in limited space, will protect it from harmful elements and ensure it remains in great shape.
SET THE TYRE PRESSURE
Proper tyre pressure is crucial during storage. Too much or too little pressure can be detrimental to your tyres and tubes. For short storage periods, keep your tyres inflated to the recommended pressure. However, if you’re storing your bike for an extended time, consider deflating your tyres to about half the usual pressure. This helps maintain their shape and prevents high-pressure fluctuations that can lead to dry rot.
SUSPENSION AND DROPPER POST
Prolonged storage can also affect your suspension and dropper post. These components rely on rubber seals that can deteriorate over time. Store your bike with the dropper at full extension to decrease air pressure inside the component. Periodically cycling through your suspension and dropper travel—by compressing the dropper and pumping the suspension—will keep the seals lubricated and improve performance when you’re ready to ride again.
CARE FOR THE DERAILLEUR AND HANGER
If your bike has a rear derailleur, you may have experienced inaccurate gear shifting due to a misaligned hanger. This soft metal component is designed to bend during impacts, protecting more expensive parts. However, it can also become misaligned during storage. Keep an eye on your rear derailleur and ensure the hanger remains aligned to prevent gear issues when you’re back on the saddle.
Now that you’re equipped with expert knowledge on how to properly store your bike, we hope you find these tips helpful next time you have to be apart from your two-wheeled friend. Remember, maintaining your bike can be just as enjoyable as riding it. Happy riding!
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