Protect a Bike this winter
The British weather is never good, so when storing your bike, you need to be sure your cycle storage shed is secure and weatherproof. Asgard bike sheds are made from duty weatherproof steel, so they are very secure. Around the roof of this sturdy bike shed are a number of hidden vent holes. These discreet slots allow airflow inside the unit, keeping moisture levels down to a minimum without compromising the unit's security.
Asagrd cycle storage - Customer experience:
"I have had my Asgard for three years, and it has seen me through 3 British winters, snow, ice, wind, and rain. Not a drop inside in the 3 years I've had it. As long as you give your bikes a bit of a wash before leaving them inside, your bikes will be dry and secure," Andy
General bike storage advice from an Asgard customer:
Do you need to lubricate the cables or chain before storing the bike?
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My tip is if you are not using your bike for a while, keep everything lubricated.
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If you are not planning to use your bike for some months, make sure you clean your bike thoroughly!
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Get ALL the dirt off, dirt will rust your bike if it becomes damp through the winter.
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Then, lubricate the chain and other mechanisms. DO NOT USE WD40,
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You should always use bike-specific lubricants such as GT85 and Finish Line oils. These are not expensive (£7.00 for both). WD40 attracts all sorts of yukky stuff and will soon clog up your mechanism once you start cycling again.
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I use paint thinner (meths) to clean my chain right down, then thoroughly oil it up. This prevents any of the links from rusting or becoming stiff. You can buy a chain cleaner from eBay for around £5 that clamps to your bike and brushes your chain clean in seconds. Use plenty of oil after, then lightly rub the excess off.
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A drop of thin oil inside the brake lever mechanism will help to keep them in tip-top shape. Preventing seizures.
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I then spray some GT85 on a rag and rub all the bodywork down. GT85 acts as a cleaning/polishing agent, AND will give your bike an extra bit of protection.
Should the tires be inflated or deflated?
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They should be inflated. They will deflate over the winter months. If you store your bike in an unheated garage, you can take the tires off and bring them inside to a heated area. This will protect the rubber on the tires.
Should I hang the bike up?
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You can hang your bike on a wall or ceiling, or just turn it upside down so there's no weight on the tires.
Will direct sunlight harm the bike?
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Don't store your bike in direct sunlight. Unless your windows are new and UV-protected, sunlight can dry and split the side walls of the tires.
Do steel-frame bikes need any special attention in the winter months?
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If steel-frame bicycles are left in an unheated garage, the metal can get cold enough for condensation to build up inside the tubing. This causes rusting. It's best to store these bikes in a heated area or pre-treat the steel frame with rust-proofing oil. Should you use an Asgard bike store, you can be sure that condensation will be kept toa minimum, due to the hidden roof vents and spacious design. If in doubt,a bag of salt left in the shed/garage will absorb any moisture in the air.
What about other bike bits?
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Take the batteries out of any lights; a little squirt of GT85 in any bike tools will keep them in good order.
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Make sure you wash the liner of your bike helmet to remove any bacteria (Milton Fluid is great for this). This will stop the helmet from smelling.
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Wash your riding shoes well. Again, any dry mud mixed with light dampness will just rot the shoes through the winter.
Keep It Simple
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If you are lazy or don't have the time to do the above, simply take the bike to your local bike shop. For around £30, they will prepare your bike ready for winter, then lock it up in your bike shed and wait for the sun!
All the information is correct at the time of writing. For the best way to protect a bike during winter, see our huge range of bike storage.
