Bicycle Storage: Tips To Save Space And Save Your Bike Itself

Published on 6/24/2022

Bicycle Storage: Tips to Save Space and Save Your Bike Itself

 With the weather getting warmer, the move to eco-conscious alternatives getting stronger, and the price of gas–we know; it’s a sore subject–getting higher, the cycling industry has seen a major boom over the last few years. Bicycle companies are producing at high volume, consumers are buying them as fast as they’re made, and the industry has also seen a major increase in brand new riders.

 

One of the questions that might not cross your mind when buying your first bike (or second, or third, or…), though, is: What do I need to know about storing this properly? Today on the blog, we’re going to cover a few tips and tricks for not only storing your bike efficiently, but keeping it in good order for next time you take it out for a ride.

 

Bike Stands and Racks

 

Most bikes will still come with a kickstand, but if yours isn’t one of them, or the idea of lining a few bicycles up leaned against each other makes you nervous, you’re not alone! There are plenty of alternatives to propping your bike against the wall, from pulley-operated, ceiling-mounted hoists to elevated hooks for storing your bike vertically against the wall and no-hardware “gravity” racks, which let you stack two or more high to save on floor space. We recommend visiting your local bike shop to ask about options you might not even realize are out there!

 

Rain Covers

 

For a bike? Absolutely! It’s not always convenient or practical to bring your bike indoors, but it’s even more inconvenient to come outside to a rusty chain after a surprise rain the week before. There are a number of companies that make bicycle-specific rain covers–and even snow covers–, which often fit more snugly than just tying a tarp or plastic bag around your seat. There are also different types and shapes available for road bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes, and more.

 

Maintenance Before You Store

 

Applying lube to your chain every hundred miles or so is Bicycle Maintenance 101, but there are also things you can do to keep things working when you’re not on a ride. Some quick and easy tips are to clean any debris out of your chain and gears after a ride (as a tip, you can use an old toothbrush and even a quick, dry scrub can prevent issues down the road), making sure nothing heavy is leaning against your spokes when putting it away, and to inflate your tires to the proper pressure even when the bike is stored–over time, unused tires will deflate and cracking can occur if a deflated tire is left on the ground for too long.

 

Of course, these tips are just a starting point. We recommend asking your local bike shop and mechanics for long-term maintenance recommendations, and of course, visiting Spartan Storage to see available units for storing your bikes and more.