Kind of dumb question about rain, camping and the bike.

[Jmenorton]

Hi, i've recently been thinking about doing a bit of cycle touring next year. I just wanted to know what people do with there bikes at campsites when its raining? i wouldn't dream of leaving my bike outside in the rain at home, is it worth just throwing a plastic bag/sheet over the drivetrain? or would a quick wipe down in the morning keep rust at bay, would rust even have a chance to develop on a bike being used for 6+ hours a day?
Thanks for any help

 

[compo]

You put it in the tent and sleep outside.

 

[marzjennings]

I've been thinking about some touring and camping myself, and with regards to the tent, thinking of buying or making something like this...

... not so much to keep the bike out of the rain, more out of view of potential bike thieves.

I've never seen a campsite where I've feel comfortable leaving my bike outside the tent.

 

[Ticktockmy]

I am afraid my bike has to sleep out in the rain, snow and sleet when I am on tour, just keep the saddle nice and snug and dry with a bag, at night I thread a long cable through the wheels and frame, pass the cable into the tent, and lock it to the panniers and a long peg which would slow down most potential thieves. In the morning, I do a quick check of the nuts and bolts, and a quick squirt of oil on the chain.

 

[Ian Cooper]

I've done over 20,000 miles touring and commuting, I've left my bike out in all weathers, and I've yet to have a problem with rain or snow, other than a bit of rust on nuts and bolts. Rust cleans off, or if you can't stand it, you can replace the nuts and bolts. As for bike frames, they don't seem to care much about the wet, unless you leave them uncovered for a year or two. The chain might deteriorate a little faster after being left in the rain a lot, but I never noticed any real problem there.

I now have a Brooks saddle - now that thing DOES care about the rain. So much so that I'm wondering if it was such a good purchase. In my view, a bike component that can't take a bit of wet needs to shape up or ship out! Still, it is a beautiful saddle.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Make sure the paintwork is kept in good repair and the mechanicals are well lubricated (but not too much) and you should have no problems with rain. If you are using rim brakes try and keep the rims free of crap. If you have a leather saddle then cover it or take it off the bike at night. I sometimes cover my bike with a tarp when I'm stealth camping but more to keep it out of sight then protect from the weather.

 

[Jmenorton]

Thanks for the advice everybody, didn't fancy having to carry a bike cover. Another question, i assume people don't haul a dlock around with them, is a cheap light cable lock sufficient for supermarkets etc.

 

[psmiffy]

Thanks for the advice everybody, didn't fancy having to carry a bike cover. Another question, i assume people don't haul a dlock around with them, is a cheap light cable lock sufficient for supermarkets etc.

I use a cable lock - but get a long one - trees at campsite are often not that skinny

 

[marzjennings]

Thanks for the advice everybody, didn't fancy having to carry a bike cover. Another question, i assume people don't haul a dlock around with them, is a cheap light cable lock sufficient for supermarkets etc.

Depends on how much you paid for and like your bike. I always haul a heavy dlock to the shops and I wouldn't consider a light cable lock sufficient to secure any bike.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I use an Axa Defender lock built into the rear wheel + a longish cable lock. As already alluded to D locks are not that useful with trees, fencepost, etc.

 

[middleagecyclist]

...didn't fancy having to carry a bike cover.

The right tarp is lightweight and small to pack. As well as covering the bike at night (mainly to stop reflections from passing car lights) it can be used as an extra groundsheet.

I think its important to make sure you cycle tour with useful things and don't carry stuff 'just in case' but don't get too hung up on weight.

 

[snorri]

I wouldn't leave my bike out overnight at home either, but it doesn't worry me on tour when it's outside all day anyway so another few hours makes no difference. It's only the drivetrain that is likely to show rust, and it's just about impossible to give that a quick wipe down without getting into an oily mess, so just keep it lubed and all will be well.

 

[Brains]

Thanks for the advice everybody, didn't fancy having to carry a bike cover. Another question, i assume people don't haul a dlock around with them, is a cheap light cable lock sufficient for supermarkets etc.

I take a double bike cover for our two bikes, it weighs very little and doubles up as a picnic blanket, a sitting place in the evenings when cooking, and an emergency shelter for sudden storms.

It's also good for locking up the bikes complete with panniers in towns, as nothing can be seen

 

[Crankarm]

Take a 2nd tent for your bike and luggage?

 

[bluemint]

I've used an army type poncho to cover the bikes from the rain and to hide them a bit. They're designed so you can use it as a tarp as well.