The bicycle is one of the most popular means of transportation for Austrians, especially in cities. It is used regularly in almost 80% of households – whether for the daily commute to work or for sporting excursions at the weekend.
Although Vienna still has some catching up to do compared to the other federal states, with 61% of households cycling here, it is almost 20% below the Austrian average. But the trend is clearly rising. Cycling keeps you healthy, protects the environment and beautifies the cityscape – convincing arguments.
As bikes are usually only used seasonally, apart from a few extreme sports enthusiasts who are out and about even in snowstorms, you should think about bike storage during the cold winter months.
So that your first ride of the year isn’t over before it’s even begun, we’ve thought about how you can store your bike so that it gets through the winter safely.
Special care with disc brakes
To protect the brake system of bicycles with disc brakes from air distribution during longer storage periods, especially when the bicycle is standing horizontally, it is advisable to keep the brake lever tightened. Cable ties or a cord can be used for this purpose. Take care not to damage the handle by wrapping it with a piece of cloth beforehand. After storage, it is essential to check that the disc brakes are working properly – ideally by a specialist.
Bike storage: Preparation before stowing the bike
Reduce air pressure
To protect the tires during longer storage periods, it is advisable to reduce the air pressure to preserve the material. A rule of thumb is about 1 bar for mountain bikes and about 2 bar for racing and road bikes. If the bike is left in one place for a long time and cannot be hung up, it is helpful to rotate the wheels every 1-2 months. This prevents pressure points in the tire and prevents an unwanted flat tire.
Clean your bike thoroughly
Before storing a bike for several months, it is particularly important to clean it thoroughly to prevent material damage such as rust. A brush is ideal for thoroughly cleaning the frame, especially around the pedals and gears, as well as the rims. To be able to reach all areas easily, it is helpful to place the bike upside down on a blanket (on the saddle and handlebars). Even if the bike appears to be clean, there may be hard-to-recognize deposits such as salty sweat residue, which is why preventive cleaning is recommended.
Bicycle storage: the right storage space
A place with stable temperatures and protection against external influences and theft is crucial for the correct storage of your bike. Temperatures that are too high or too low can have negative long-term effects on the material, and plastic parts in particular could become brittle. It is also important to avoid high humidity, as this encourages the formation of rust – one of the greatest dangers for the bike. Some apartment buildings have their own bike cellars, but for maximum security and convenience, bike owners can use a self-storage provider they trust. Self-storage offers the reassurance that the bike is kept safe from the elements and theft. It also allows flexible access and space for additional items that also need to be stored securely.
Storing your e-bike: what you need to consider
As the trend in recent years has clearly been towards e-bikes, we would like to share our useful tips on e-bike storage with you. Basically, the same rules apply as for conventional bikes, but the battery requires additional attention when storing an e-bike. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but the battery should generally always be stored away from the bike and at temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees. To minimize the risk of deep discharge during longer storage periods, the battery should ideally be stored at a charge level of 60-80%. An occasional check of the battery status every 2-3 months is also recommended.
As you can see, there are a few important points to bear in mind if you want to store your bike properly for the winter. However, with our tips and tricks, you’ll be well equipped to get back on your bike next year without any problems. If you have any further questions about seasonal storage, you can also find helpful tips on topics such as Christmas tree baubles, garden furniture and more in one of our previous blog articles.
Store your bike at STORE ROOM
If you want your bike to be optimally protected during the cold season, STORE ROOM offers the perfect solution. Our storage room is specially designed to keep your bike safe and secure. With state-of-the-art security measures and a constant temperature environment, STORE ROOM ensures that your bike is protected from the cold, moisture and potential damage. You can rest assured that your bike will remain in perfect condition and will always be ready when you need it again. STORE ROOM is the ideal choice for storing your bike in winter.