How to Store Your Bike Safely

Bikes can get damaged while waiting around to be ridden. Try one of the following solutions to the bike storage dilemma.

Things You'll Need

• Bicycle Racks
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Locks And Cables
• Bike Lube
• Bikes

Instructions

1. Try hanging your bike from a hook. This won't damage the front wheel, and it will help keep the tires in better shape if you don't plan to ride the bike for a while. It also saves floor space.

2. Store your bike in an unheated garage if you plan to ride in cold weather conditions. Bringing a cold bike into a warm house invites major condensation buildup, which in turn could cause your frame to rust.

3. Store your bike away from the refrigerator - freon can prematurely age tires.

4. Understand that if your bike falls over on the drive side, you can damage the rear derailleur or the derailleur hanger. See "How to Check a Bike's Hanger Alignment," under Related eHows.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your drivetrain before a ride, especially if you haven't ridden the bike in a while. See "How to Maintain a Clean and Efficient Bike Drivetrain," under Related eHows.