Cold Weather Bike Storage

I have found I am not going to be a cold weather bike rider:(. I currently have my bike next to my elliptical behind my couch in my living room-company floods in during cold weather so I want to remove it from behind the couch. I have a cold, dusty basement, extra bedrooms also. Please tell me where and how to store my bike for the winter. Should I cover it, inflate tires, oil it, what to do to have it ride ready for warmer weather next year? Thanks.

I have the same questions you do. So far I learned that if you can, hang the bike up on hooks. That this will keep the tires in the best condition if you are not going to ride for a while. Also, the cold in your basement won't harm the bike, except if you bring it into a warm house-- it can result in condensation on the bike, which is not good. I wouldn't imagine you'd be bringing it up until the warm weather kicks in again. My bike is down my basement and covered by a sheet to keep the dust from gathering on it. I remember reading somewhere to keep it away from refrigerators and furnaces. I am not sure why, but I do have mine off in another area. I wasn't sure what else to do either. I'll watch your post to see how others answer.

I'd keep it accessible. You never know when one of those 70º days we have on occasion in the Northeast in winter will pop up. If it's in the basement, you for sure won't ride until spring.

My lbs guy shifts to the small ring and smallest cog - he says it saves wear on the springs in the derailleurs. Not sure if it's true, but it's a suggestion. How's security in the basement?? Mine all live in conditioned space, so I'm not the best to ask (2 in the extra bedroom, 1 + a tandem in the dining room and 4 in the living room between 2 people).

CA

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Originally Posted by wnyrider

I remember reading somewhere to keep it away from refrigerators and furnaces. I am not sure why,

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That's because ozone from the electric motors will degrade the tires and tubes. Probably the cable housings, bearing seals and plastic handlebar tape too. Best not to put it right near a heater vent either - heat, dust and radical temperature changes aren't good for anything.

I'm with redrhodie though. Keep it where you'll see it regularly. Even if you have to move it around when company comes - well, there's a topic for conversation ;)

Thanks y'all I'm keeping it right behind the couch, the basement can be ice cold and dusty. The bike is a definite conversation piece when people come to visit..it's staying up where it is warm and I can see it and dream of warmer days.