Photo: mali maeder

Should I deflate my bike tires for storage?

If the bicycle is stored on wheels, make sure that the tyres are inflated. Deflated tyres, with bicycle's weight pressing them, can develop side-wall cracks. Too high a pressure also stresses the side-walls needlessly.

bike.bikegremlin.com - How to store a bicycle over the winter - BikeGremlin

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Guest post by: Keindl-sport

Cold weather is not something that should worry us when it comes to riding a bicycle in the winter. We just need to dress for winter cycling. Besides that, we should make sure to have good winter bicycle tyres, make sure that brakes are good and the chain is lubricated regularly (how to prepare a bicycle for winter cycling). Still, if we wish to store a bicycle over the winter, the story is a bit different. Let us begin.

Ideas for practical bicycle storage indoors.

1. Preparing a bicycle for winter storage

Many people hang the bicycle over the winter. Which is not a bad idea. If the bicycle is stored on wheels, make sure that the tyres are inflated. Deflated tyres, with bicycle’s weight pressing them, can develop side-wall cracks. Too high a pressure also stresses the side-walls needlessly. See about optimal bicycle tyre pressure. So, before storing a bicycle, pump up the tyres and check the pressure once a month – top up if needed, since they might deflate over time, especially in cold rooms. After that, check the brakes and shifers. See if the brake pads are worn. If they are, replace them with new ones. Also check the chain and see if it should be replaced (how to check whether bicycle chain is worn). Winter, if a bicycle isn’t ridden, is a good time to do all the needed maintenance. Remember when you bought the bicycle? How it was all shiny? So, before storing it over the winter, clean it thoroughly so it is ready for the spring. Use either “special bicycle/car” washing detergent, or a simple dish-washing detergent (I like fairy – Amazon affiliate link). Warm water, spunge and/or cloth and clean everything: the frame, saddle, wheels. It is also good to clean bicycle chain and chainrings. Finally, rinse it with clean water and dry it with a cloth. After all is nicely dry, lubricate the bicycle’s chain. Lubrication prevents corrosion and protects the moving parts from wear, so it is important. You can also use “thin” lubricant on the cables, to keep them from rusting. Thick lubes attract too much dust and dirt. Explanation of (bicycle chain) lubricants. We are near the end of the bicycle winter storage preparation. Now you just need to cover the bicycle to prevent it from gathering dust and dirt. Materials that don’t let water vapour come through, like nylon, are not a very good choice – because of condensation (and rust) – especially if the bicycle is completely wrapped.

2. How to prepare the bicycle in the spring?

After all noted above, the logical question is how to prepare the bike for the spring, so that the ride is nice and safe. Clear sky and warm weather are perfect for cycling. It is time to get the bicycle out of storage and prepare it for the coming season. First clean any dirt. Wipe it with a spunge, or cloth. Then check the tyre pressure. It is good to have a pump with a pressure gauge. Maximum allowed pressure is usually noted on tyre side-walls, while a separate post explains the optimal bicycle tyre pressure. Before you start riding, check the bicycle saddle height and tighten the saddle. Loose saddle can cause problems and discomfort. Finally, check if you have all the needed cycling equipment: lights, locks, gloves etc.

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Is it OK to spray your bike with water?

Water: When used carefully, water can be a handy tool, but be careful here. Water, especially when coming from a high-pressure hose, can cause damage to sensitive bearing systems throughout your bike. Soap / general cleaner: Use diluted dishwashing soap or preformulated bike wash cleaner for frame cleaning.

rei.com - How to Clean a Bike: Steps for Washing a Bike | REI Co-op

Your bike is a collection of moving parts. When exposed to mud, grime and debris, these parts begin to deteriorate. A regular schedule of maintenance (monthly, weekly or more often depending on your type of riding) is important. If you spend a lot of time riding in wet, muddy conditions, or if you ride hard, fast and often, plan to clean your bike more frequently. If you touch the chain with your finger and it comes away black and greasy, that’s a sure sign that a clean and lube are needed. Another sign is hearing excessive amounts of chain noise when you’re pedaling. Keeping your bike parts properly cleaned and lubricated is crucial for good performance. Lubrication protects moving parts from excessive wear caused by friction, prevents them from “freezing up,” and helps keep rust and corrosion at bay. Be careful, though. Over-lubricating can lead to poor performance and component damage (excess lubricant will attract dirt and other abrasive particles). As a general rule, excess lube should always be carefully wiped away before the bicycle is ridden. Tip: When lubricating a number of parts at once, remember the order in which you apply the lubricants. Wiping off excess lube in the same order will give the lubricants time to soak in.

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