How to store a bicycle in winter?

Winter is fast approaching. For most cyclists, this is the period when they put away their two wheels and don’t plan their next rides until spring. So for these next few months, the unicycle will stand unused, waiting for more favorable weather. However, are you sure you know how to store your bike in winter? If you’re not sure what the right place for it will be, check out the tips we’ve prepared in the text below!

How to store a bicycle in winter to properly protect it?

The above question does not apply to you if you do not part with your unicycle all year round. Riding in winter conditions can provide an unforgettable experience, although in many ways it is also very demanding (both for the cyclist and the bike). That, however, is a topic for a completely different occasion. Today we will consider how to store a bicycle in winter. This question arises frequently and, contrary to appearances, is not as simple as it might seem. If you are not among those most avid cyclists, and your bike needs space to “winterize”, you should take care of the most optimal storage space for it.

The optimal place – well, what kind of place? First of all, covered. Storing a bicycle under a cloud in winter is the worst possible idea. So forget about keeping your bike on the balcony. Keeping it outdoors for long periods of time will be tragic for virtually every component. You’ll read about why it’s not worth it later in the text. In addition to the fact that the chosen place for wintering should be under a roof, it must also be warm and dry. This will save you a lot of effort and money in maintenance work, preparing the unicycle for the spring season. So the best answer to the question “where and how to store a bicycle in winter” would be… in an apartment, and preferably with the use of a bike rack or hanger. Many people may react with surprise, but it is the four walls that will be the best storage for the bike.

Why is storing a bicycle in an apartment the best solution?

For obvious reasons, the apartment meets each of the conditions mentioned above: it is covered, dry and the temperature is optimal. However, instead of focusing on the positive aspects of storing a bicycle in winter on the premises, it is worth pointing out the drawbacks of the other solutions.

• Bicycle on the balcony – this is a common mistake, but it is difficult to say whether it is due to ignorance or lack of other ideas. Storing a bicycle on a balcony in winter leads to corrosion of steel components (including bearings in the bottom bracket, suspension frames or rudders), as well as color fading when exposed to the sun. Don’t tell yourself that a frame made of aluminum or carbon will be able to protect the entire bike from adverse weather conditions. Keeping a bicycle on a balcony also carries a huge risk of two-wheeled theft. For skilled thieves, the height of 4-5 is no obstacle. floors, not to mention the lower ones. So you may find that when winter is over, you won’t have anything to ride on. It’s probably not worth the risk, right?
• Bike in the basement – statistically, the most common thefts of unicycles occur precisely in basements, which are shared spaces. So it is not a recommended place to store a bicycle in winter (and generally throughout the year). What’s more, basements can sometimes be damp – and, as you know, moisture has a fatal effect on individual bicycle components.
• Bike on the staircase – in this case, again, there is a risk of bike theft. Thieves may try to steal a unicycle even in a situation where there are dwellings all around and they are completely exposed. Remember, too, that by leaving your bicycle in the stairwell, you may accidentally block the free passage of other tenants.

So how do you store a bicycle in the winter in an apartment, even if you don’t boast much space? There are proven ways to do this that you may not have heard of or haven’t had a chance to try until now.

Stand for storing a bicycle vertically

The upright storage rack Brutus Up Pro is a sturdy design that can handle holding unicycles weighing up to 30 kg and with tires up to 29 inches in diameter. As the name suggests, it is designed to hold bicycles vertically, which is of considerable importance in terms of saving space in the apartment. Thanks to the non-slip feet, the stand is very stable, so there is no question of accidental “tipping”. It is also resistant to the most common damages (bruises or abrasions) – the high quality structural surface it is covered with is responsible for this. The stand will work well both in an apartment, placed against the wall (even in studios!), and, for example, in a home garage.

How to store a bicycle in winter in an apartment? Try wall hangers for horizontal bike storage

For wall hangers designed to hold bicycles horizontally, you have check wall hanger for hanging a bicycle by its pedals Crank Pro – The subtle design of the hanger makes it remain almost unnoticed against the wall, and the bike seems to literally float above the ground. However, these are not the only advantages of this hanger: it consists of 3 small, but damage-resistant parts and can easily handle holding bicycles weighing up to 30 kg. The included dowels and screws allow for quick and easy installation in a pre-selected location.

Vertical bicycle storage wall rack

It’s a hanger that holds the bike by the front wheel. It is adapted to unicycles weighing up to 30 kg and with tire diameters up to 29 inches – so practically all commonly available bicycles. It is worth considering the purchase rotating wall hanger Kranked Twist, which allows you to freely configure the position of the bike (within 180 degrees) according to your current needs. This way you gain additional free space. The hanger is easy to install and does not take up much wall space.

How to store a bicycle in winter? Trust our experts!

You already know that a bicycle on a balcony or in a basement is a bad idea – especially when we’re talking about storing a bicycle in winter, which means for a period of at least several months. Instead, take your two-wheelers into the apartment and make sure to set aside space for them. If you have a problem with this, be sure to take a look at our rtrbikes.com store and choose one of the bike racks or hangers. This is not only a practical way to store a bicycle in the winter in the apartment, but also a striking decoration that will appeal to any unicycle lover!

Check also:

Bike maintenance for winter. How to prepare 2 wheels for winterization in the garage?

How to protect a bicycle from corrosion?

Photo source: rtrbikes.com (Brutus Up hanger, Crank hanger), shutterstock.com