Bikes are generally durable; they can take a beating and keep on ticking, so to speak. This doesn’t mean they don’t need care and maintenance, of course; if you want to make your bike last if possible, then you will have to make sure it stays in good shape and that it doesn’t get damaged or ruined by weather or anything else. Here are five ways to store a bike outside properly, to ensure that it looks great, works well, and lasts as long as possible.
Bikes have many benefits, such as saving you money on gas, reducing stress on your body by providing exercise, and giving you the freedom to go where you want when you want. However, they also have some drawbacks that aren’t always obvious until it’s too late. Leaving your bike outside can subject it to damage caused by other vehicles or weather conditions, and it can even get stolen or vandalized in some cases. If you’ve been thinking about leaving your bike outside all winter long,
Here are the seven worst things that will happen if you do so
1) Damage to the frame
If you leave your bike outside for extended periods of time, it’s going to be exposed to all the elements. This can lead to rust, corrosion, and a lot of other damage. The frame will likely start to twist and buckle as well if it’s not stored in a stable location.
The frame will be susceptible to damage even if you regularly wash your bike. However, at least then you’re more likely to notice any issues when they arise. Leaving your bike outside can mean not noticing rust and other damage until it’s already pretty bad and requires significant repairs or replacements.
2) Rusted parts
It’s important to store your bike in a dry, sheltered place with the tires off the ground and out of direct sunlight. Bikes with rusted parts are more likely to break down faster, so take care of your bike by keeping it clean and stored properly.
If you’ve ever gone through a rainstorm without your bike, it can quickly get wet and rusty. Water is also part of a typical rider’s daily routine (unless you’re using public transportation or sticking to indoor gyms). Bikes are best kept in covered storage when not in use, but if you forget to lock them up or keep them in a place where they’re easy prey for would-be thieves, then rusting can quickly follow.
3) Flat tires
Flat tires are the most common problem with leaving your bike outside. It doesn’t take much to puncture a bicycle tube and that means a long walk home or an expensive cab ride, not to mention the hassle of pumping up your tire. A flat can happen in as little as 10 minutes and it is not easy to tell when one is coming.
4) Paint fading/scratching
Most people don’t think about the effects of leaving your bike outside, but it can be disastrous for two reasons. For one, there is the matter of paint fading and scratching. Paint fades over time when exposed to the elements, and this is even more intense for bikes that are left outside overnight. The second reason why it’s a bad idea to leave your bike outside is that it’s much easier for them to get stolen.
5) Locks breaking
Locks breaking is the most common issue people have when they leave their bikes outside. Locks break for all sorts of reasons, from people cutting them off to the bike being exposed to extreme weather conditions. If you’re lucky, your lock will just be jammed and you’ll be able to fix it with a little elbow grease. But if not, you might need a replacement lock. There are plenty of locks out there that are both heavy-duty and affordable, so there’s no excuse not to get one.
6) Vandalism
Vandalism is the most common issue for bike owners. Whether it’s a single scratch or full-blown theft, vandalism can put your bike out of commission and leave you without a way to get around town. It’s also a sign that there are other problems in the neighbourhood, like crime and poor quality of life.
The impact of a single scratch or dent may not seem severe. But in many cases, it sets off a chain reaction. As soon as you notice your bike has been damaged or vandalized, you’re likely to let it sit outside longer because you don’t want to deal with fixing it. The result is that your bike spends more time getting attacked by vandals and exposed to weather elements like rain, snow and sun.
7) Theft
Theft is the worst. There are a lot of reasons why someone would want to steal your bike, but no matter what, it sucks! The most common type of theft is when somebody steals an unlocked bike. And if you have a chain lock and they cut through it with bolt cutters, that’ll take some time and they’ll need something like gas or water to break down the steel link chain. A chain lock will deter most thieves because there’s not really anything else that can be done without being seen.
How To Prevent Your Bike From Bad Effects By Leaving It Outside
When storing your bike outside, you should use a cover to protect the bike from rain and moisture. This can keep the bike from rusting, which is common for bikes that are not stored inside. You can purchase a cover for your bike at xyzctem.com.
Let’s take a look at some of the options available.
210D WATERPROOF MOTORCYCLE COVER
The 210D WATERPROOF MOTORCYCLE COVER is a great way to keep your bike safe from the elements. This cover is waterproof, UV-resistant, and tear-proof. The high-density fabric provides protection from dust, bird droppings, tree sap, and other debris that can cause damage. The 210D WATERPROOF MOTORCYCLE COVER also has a full three-year warranty for any potential defects in manufacturing or workmanship.
While nothing can protect your bike from environmental damage 100%, these covers will give you peace of mind knowing that your bike is protected against a large portion of daily threats. No matter how you choose to store your motorcycle outside, whether in a shed, garage or on its own out in a yard, investing in a protective cover can greatly extend its life while keeping weather and other elements away from key components.
Bicycle Sheds
Bicycle sheds are the perfect way to store your bike outside. They offer protection from the elements and keep prying eyes away. If you have a shed on your property, you will want to make sure that you don’t leave it unlocked. This can be a real problem for many people in this day and age because most bicycle sheds don’t lock automatically. The locks on these types of sheds are usually very flimsy and can be easily cut by anyone with a pair of wire cutters or bolt cutters. There are some really good bicycle sheds out there that do come with high-quality locks, but they are usually rather expensive, so if you’re on a budget, then it’s not something that you’ll want to worry about getting right off the bat.
Bicycle Tents
If you don’t have a garage or shed, fear not! There are plenty of options for storing your bike outside. The most popular option is to use a bicycling tent. Bicycle tents protect your bike from the elements and will also keep any thieves away.
Another great benefit to using a bicycle tent is that you can use your bike in any weather condition. Bicycle tents are usually waterproof so no matter what rainstorm comes, or how snowy it gets, your bicycle will stay dry and protected.
Bike Covers
Bike Covers are a great way to protect your bike from the elements. They keep dirt, dust, and moisture away from the frame and components of your bike. Some covers have zippers in the bottom to allow you to place a seat on top of them if you like. They are reasonably priced and come in many different color so that you can find one that suits your style. Check out these 5 ways to store your bike outside without ruining it!
Waterproof Seat Cover
The first thing to do is cover the seat with a waterproof seat cover. It’s important not to let the seat dry out and crack, especially if you plan on storing your bike for an extended period of time. Covering the seat with a waterproof seat cover will also protect it from dirt and grime as well as from being scratched by objects in the environment.