If you need to store your bicycle long-term, you’ll know that there are a range of challenges that you can face — whether it’s an imminent house move, space (or lack thereof), risk of theft or poor weather conditions, storing your bicycle isn’t always simple.
The good news is that we’re here to help! Whatever the reason, it’s important that you know how to store your bicycle so you can enjoy cycling for years to come. First and foremost, we would advise that you leave it down to the professionals and store your bicycle with a team of storage experts. That being said, there are other steps you can take to better your bike for long-term storage.
To store your bicycle long-term,
- Give your bicycle a thorough clean.
- Strip down bicycle into individual parts.
- Cover bike parts with protective materials and pack.
- Invest in a frame case or garage box if your bicycle is expensive or sentimental.
- Consider purpose-built storage facilities.
1. Clean Bicycle
First things first, you need to give your bicycle a thorough clean. If you plan to store your bike over a long period of time, a build-up of dirt, grime and grease can cause permanent damage and deterioration if it is not dealt with before.
Some areas of your bike can be cleaned with just hot water and a sponge, but others will require more attention. Lots of individual parts — like your gears and bike chain, for example — will need to be degreased and lubricated to maintain their condition. You should refer to Google or your bike’s manufacturer for advice on how to clean your specific bike and its parts.
2. Strip into Individual Parts
With a clean bike in front of you, your next step is to strip the bike down into individual parts (wheels, saddle, handlebars, pedals, chains, wires and so on should become separate parts). Although this is not an essential, if you plan to store your bike for a long-time, this can make it much easier (and more convenient) to store.
Moreover, if you leave the bicycle “whole” and on the ground in storage, you might encounter flat-spots if the tires are not inflated throughout the storage period. For this reason, having the wheels separate to the frame can be a good idea.
3. Cover Bike Parts with Protective Materials
Now your bicycle is broken down into individual parts, take some time to wrap each part in protective materials (bubble wrap, foam tubes and cable ties will suffice depending on the shape of the part). Once this is done, you can pack the parts in a Ziploc bag or cardboard box for additional protection. Make sure to fill all gaps in the box with soft materials or packing peanuts to prevent the parts from rattling around and getting damaged.
This is also a good point to label each part (and box) to ensure you know where each part is when it comes to reassembling your bicycle.
4. Invest in a Frame Case or Garage Box
If your bike is expensive or sentimental, invest in a frame case. These heavy-duty cases, often designed for travel, will make your bike and its parts near invincible! You could also consider a garage box. These containers have a lockable roll-up door and a steel construction for ultimate protection.
If you’re investing in a storage unit, your removals team will often place your bicycle in a garage box for you…which leads us on to our next point.
5. Consider Purpose-Built Storage Facilities
The last — or perhaps first step if you want to be organised — is to arrange a purpose-built storage unit in your area. These reliable facilities have been designed to store items in safe and perfect conditions over a long period of time.
Your removals team will also ensure your bike is protected in its transit to the unit; as well as being placed in a garage box, your bicycle, if it is left whole, will be covered with special protective transport blankets and moved with great care.
When you get to the other side, consider investing in bike storage. These smart solutions will help you to keep your bike safe and secure when you’re not riding it.
