Even the most dedicated cyclists have to admit that it’s an activity best suited for the months out of the year when there is no snow on the ground. So now that winter in Massachusetts is almost upon us, it’s time to start thinking about storing your bike for the winter. To ensure that your bike is in good condition and ready to ride next year, it’s important to take care of it and store it carefully. Whether you take it to a bike maintenance shop or do it yourself, there are a few things you shouldn’t neglect to do before putting your bike in storage.
Clean and Check for Damage
To prevent corrosion while your bike sits in storage over the winter, clean it and remove any mud, dirt, or grime. You’ll want to clean the frame, chain, and other components. Make sure it’s dry before you put it away to avoid rust. To further protect it from rust, you can apply a layer of wax to the frame. While you’re cleaning, look for damage and repair or replace any worn parts.
Lubricate Moving Parts
When you’re ready to ride next spring, the last thing you want to deal with is a stiff bike. To avoid moving parts from becoming stuck before going into storage, lubricate the chain, derailleur, and other parts so your bike will operate smoothly when you take it out of storage.
Adjust Gears and Brakes
It’s easier to make adjustments before putting your bike into storage than after it’s been sitting for a while. A bike maintenance shop can handle these adjustments for you, or you can make them yourself. You should also tighten all bolts and fasteners to the recommended torque so they don’t become loose while in storage.
Check Your Tires
Before storing your bike, check that your tires are at the correct pressure. Over or under-inflating your tires can damage them during storage. If possible, you should also store your bike off the ground so the tires are not in contact with a cold floor for an extended period of time. This will prevent flat spots on your tires when you retrieve your bike from storage in the spring.
Bike Maintenance Shop | The Brake Bike Shop
Get your bike ready for winter storage with The Break Bike Shop! We are the go-to bike maintenance shop in the Fitchburg, MA, area. Our team will make sure your bike is in great shape so you can get out and ride next spring. Contact us at (978) 503-9174 to schedule a tune-up for your bike.
