Storing bike in the elements

[scouserinlondon]

I know it won't melt. But my new employer doesn't have covered bike storage. Other than a plastic bag over the saddle is there anything else I should consider to keep it running smoothly after repeated soakings?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SurlyNomad]

i swear by a complete cycle cover, if youve paid for a bike no matter how much you have to look after it. some of the bikes in our rack at work, one in particular i know to be £800 is just sat there come all weathers. i dont agree with that and have said on numerous occasions to the bloke but he must have more money than sense. My bike is £1000 and i wouldnt dream of not covering it up,if nothing else it keeps prying eyes away.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Open the boss' sunroof and put a plastic bag on HIS seat

As above, really a full cover would be the best way

 

[fossyant]

I've used a full bike cover for many years to protect bikes at work when my employer had next to no facilities. They work well, so long as you make sure you trap the sides under the wheels to stop them blowing off. The bike dries fast under them.

I used to transport mine to and from work every day.

For one-off's I'll leave my bike in the rain at other sites these days, as it mostly comes into a warm office.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I've been working outdoors for the last 7 weeks in London/Bromley on the bike. Neither me nor the saddle or the bike have got wet in all that time and dry lube's been fine. Bikes are outdoor creatures and besides it's not raining.

I left a steel frame on my balcony for several years and the only real damage to it was the red paint faded to pink on one side. I blame the sun.

 

[fossyant]

It's hissed it down in Mcr the last two days..... we've had two very dry springs after two very cold winters.

It's normally mild and wet.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Damn, you lot treat your bikes harshly! There's really only one way to treat them:

 

[biking_fox]

Be extra vigellent on your chain and cable cleaning / maintenance. Being exposed 24/7 means a lot more oil will get washed off, and grit etc blown into it. You'll need to clean the chain more frequently than if you had somewhere sheltered to store it.

 

[Black Sheep]

Been riding and leaving my bike out in the rain for the past 3 years (lives inside at home)

I've splotted a bit of lube on there occasionally but not nearly as often as I should.
Might change the chain soon as I stopped riding for a month which is the only time my chain has shown any signs of rust.

 

[petec]

I just make use of a motorcycle (sorry) all weather cover - ok, it looks a bit daft as its bigger than my python hybrid, but its waterproof and has an elasticated base to hold it on the bike when at work. Other than that it lives in the shed at home.

 

[troyka]

Until I got married, my bicycle lived in my front room.. now its banished to the kitchen.. at work I take it into my office when im there, but don’t cover it when out and about which is about 70% of my working day.. Maybe I should get a cover.. but then again seems a lot of effort.


(Edited to use random punctuation)

 

[abo]

Until I got married my bicycle

You married your bicycle???

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

You married your bicycle???

Same old same old isn't it..

You share the front room, then get married and banish them to the kitchen

Although to be fair, most husbands would prefer their spouses were covered when out and about - so its very liberal of troyka

Although if he buys one cover, no doubt that will feed a desire for umpteen covers so that the same one isn't used to the same place twice

 

[Mackerel]

Mine lives in a courtyard and is kept covered. Couple of products for storing bikes outside;

Bike Wall Anchor - if you need something to secure to http://www.hbdesigns...ke-wall-anchor/

Bike Parka - http://bikeparka.com/ - this bike cover allows you to thread your lock through it.