Storing a bicycle in winter: can it be stored on the balcony, garage and storage room?

In recent years, bicycles can be seen more and more often on the streets of our cities, so for many people the problem of storing their equipment in the winter is pressing. Some cycling enthusiasts prefer to store their bike on the balcony in winter, forgetting about the simplest rules of preservation and long stay in one place.

This is just a guard.

It’s worth noting right away that a two-wheeled friend should not just survive the winter among the rest of the trash and many other things.

You need to store your bike correctly in winter, especially on a balcony or loggia.

First of all, the following requirements must be met:

• Before storing equipment for the winter, it must be properly prepared;
• Understand and choose the most favorable storage method, of which there are several.

In addition, you can purchase a special case in the store, which is designed for storing bicycles and other similar equipment. By placing your bike in a case, you can protect it from direct sunlight, high humidity, and severe frosts. If it is not possible to purchase a specialized case, then you should use the basic rules and recommendations for storing bicycle equipment in the winter in a loggia or balcony.

The bag has a cover - it is convenient to transport and can be stored hanging.

An excellent place for storage is an insulated and glazed balcony, ideally if it is attached to the room.

In this case, the owner is only required to periodically pump up the wheels and make sure that sunlight does not fall on the equipment. In some cases, the smell of oil can interfere with a comfortable rest, so in such situations, storing a bicycle on a heated balcony can be difficult.

Cover for a warm balcony.

Bicycle storage features

Regular bicycle models are not designed for winter use. Therefore, most often from mid-autumn until spring, owners remove bicycles for storage. You can keep a two-wheeled vehicle in winter not only in the apartment, but also in the garage or other utility room. However, you need to take into account storage features:

1. Bicycles should be stored in a dry and sufficiently warm place in winter. Humidity and extremely low temperatures are harmful to the bike, as they negatively affect the strength characteristics of the mounts and also lead to rust.
2. The bicycle should be kept at moderate temperatures - hot air from heating devices has a bad effect on rubber seals and bicycle tires.
3. The bike must be stored in the shade. In both summer and winter, direct sunlight is dangerous primarily for the rubber elements of bicycle transport and for its painted parts; the rubber can dry out, and the paint and varnish can peel off.

Important! When storing bicycles, it is also necessary to take into account its dimensions. It should not interfere with movement in the garage and especially in the apartment.

The best place to store bicycles is an apartment

Types of bicycle wall mounting

The bicycle is a fairly flat unit, so it can be easily placed on the wall at some height from the floor. Properly organized mounting and storage of a bicycle in winter will be convenient and aesthetically pleasing. Here are several types of this device:

• Hook fastener;
• Fasteners for horizontal storage;
• Fastening for vertical storage;
• Bicycle rack with shelf;
• Special hook for mounting on the ceiling;
• Bike rack.

The diversity of these types is no coincidence, since the interior interiors of apartments are far from the same type, as are the preferences of bicycle owners. This means that their careful study will help to cope with such a problem as seasonal storage of bicycles in modern life.

In what position should you store your bike?

Many owners store their vehicles in the apartment directly on wheels, leaning the bicycle against the wall in a free corner. But this way of storing a bicycle is not entirely correct. After several months of immobility, the bike's tires go flat, and in the spring they have to be re-inflated.

It is optimal to store a bicycle in an apartment in a suspended state - on the wall or on special hooks mounted in the ceiling. If this idea cannot be realized, it is recommended to opt for vertical bicycle storage. It is better to leave the bike on wheels during active riding, when the bike is taken outside almost every day.

It is best to keep bicycles suspended in winter

How to do it yourself

It's quite easy to create a bike mount for the wall with your own hands. In this case, installing shelves will be the best solution. To get started you will need:

1. Measure the depth of the shelf taking into account the distance between the handlebar stem and the end of the grip.
2. Determine the diameter of the bicycle frame in order to make a cutout in the shelf of the required size.
3. Calculate the width of the shelf using the dimensions of the frame size. If the first element is high, then the second should be wider.

A DIY bicycle mount on the wall will be reliable if you use the drawings for the work. Tools and materials that will be useful during production:

• wide boards made of natural wood or sheets of plywood with a thickness of at least 15 mm;
• jigsaw and hacksaw;
• wood glue;
• wood varnish or paint (if necessary);
• mounting bolts, washers;
• hand drill;
• roulette;
• pencil or marker.

The next step is to cut the boards to the final design. Then they draw and cut out a recessed hole for the frame with a jigsaw and a hacksaw. After this, they begin to assemble the body of the structure. At the end, the surface of the shelf is degreased, cleaned, glued and any remaining adhesive is promptly removed. Before you hang your bike rack on the wall, you can sand it, apply a shallow pattern, varnish or paint it. Also, installation holes for bolts are drilled in the shelf, mounted on hinges or directly to the base, and attached to the wall. At the final stage, it is advisable to check that the DIY bicycle holder not only looks great, but also holds the bike securely.

Finding an acceptable location for a bicycle on the wall on your own can be problematic, so you should ask someone you know to hold the mount in different places and then choose the best option.

It is necessary to prepare pine boards

One screw can be used for each corner

Before assembling the structure, all internal parts must be sanded.

Ready-made wall shelf for storing bicycles

Preparing your bike for storage

Before storing your bike for a long time, you need to prepare it for the winter. The process consists of several stages:

1. First of all, the bike needs to be thoroughly washed and cleaned. This must be done both if you plan to store the vehicle in an apartment, and if the bike will go to the garage for the winter. Clean brakes, gear shifters and wheel bushings using a stiff bristle brush.
2. Metal parts of the bicycle, such as the tensioner, chain and sprockets, are cleaned and degreased using any solvent. It is not necessary to fill the metal elements; you can simply spray them with a spray bottle. After this, the parts are lubricated again for the winter.
3. The bicycle is thoroughly inspected and repairs are carried out if necessary. It is usually much cheaper to repair a bike in the fall than in the spring, and besides, with the onset of the new season, it is much more pleasant to get on the bike right away than to waste time on repairs.
4. Before storing the bicycle, it is necessary to release the tension in the chain, cables and fastenings.

If the seasonal storage of the bicycle is planned not in an apartment, but in a cold room, then before storing it is necessary to thoroughly lubricate all chrome elements with silicone grease. It will prevent metal corrosion from cold temperatures. Tires can be treated with glycerin, which will also prevent the rubber from drying out and cracking from the cold. Before cold storage, it is recommended to loosen the fastenings under the saddle and on the stem.

It is best to store the bike in a suspended position so that its wheels do not experience constant pressure. But if you can park a bicycle in an apartment or garage only on wheels, then it is recommended to slightly inflate the low tires once a month, in this case they will not be deformed by the hard rim.

Before storing for a long time, two-wheeled vehicles must be washed and cleaned.

Attention! Before storing your bike, you need to remove all battery-powered electrical devices from it - headlights, navigators, and so on. During long-term storage, batteries may leak.

Fastenings

To preserve free space on the balcony when storing a bicycle there and to preserve the structure and shape of the tires, it is recommended to use specialized mounts. There are 3 categories of fasteners common:

1. Wall mounts do not require large purchase and installation costs. There are variations where you can fit several bikes. Varieties of wall brackets require mounting on a frame or wheel.
2. The ceiling fixer is more difficult to install, as it consists of several elements. The storage method is reliable, but the cost of the mechanism is high.
3. A stand on the floor does not save much space. A budget option.

It is more convenient to use a wall bracket.

Where to store your bike in winter

It is strictly not recommended to store the bike in the cold outside or on an open balcony. First of all, rubber bicycle tires will suffer from frost; they will no longer be elastic and will crack. Cold can also damage fragile metal parts.

Temperature changes and high humidity pose a great danger to a bicycle. A bicycle left outdoors will quickly become covered with rust, it will be difficult to remove, and the service life of the bicycle will be significantly reduced.

It is best to store the bike in a warm place during the winter - in an apartment, in a storage room or on a closed balcony. However, you can put the bike in a basement or unheated garage; at positive temperatures and low humidity, the bike will easily survive the winter.

Basic principles of organizing space

Proper distribution of space depends not on the area, but on zoning. On a small balcony it is possible to create a storage room, a relaxation area or a work area.

Zoning

To make the right decision, you need to re-evaluate the available resources and set priorities. If an impressive cityscape opens from the window or a forest approaches the house directly, the choice is obvious - preference is given to a place for a family vacation. But this does not mean that the “functionality” is limited:

• A folding table and a folding chair are an idea for a compact corner for a needlewoman or working on a laptop.
• Shelves or cabinets installed along the side are ready-made storage space on the balcony.
• Wall shelves and window sills are ideal for arranging flowers and seedlings.
• In the partition there is a place for bicycles, which can be fenced off with a screen or curtain.
• Mezzanines are suitable for placing tires, car accessories, and tools.

With the correct division of zones, there is no feeling of clutter or chaos. Every item is accessible and in its place.

The relaxation area easily turns into a place to work - the secret is in the folding table

Work corner

Favorite hobbies or remote work require that there should be a dedicated space for activities. Few people can afford a full-fledged office. The kitchen is constantly invaded by people wanting to eat, and people watch TV in the living room.

If you manage to settle down in the bedroom, someone's fluffy tail will certainly sweep away open boxes of beads, and paws will print alternative text on an important project. The optimal solution is a work area on the balcony

Device options:

• Wardrobe and table on the side. This can be either a “male” or “female” zone. It all depends on the specific needs of family members. The necessary tools, fixtures, and consumables are freely placed on the shelves and drawers, and the table serves as a working plane.
• An ergonomic solution is a retractable or folding tabletop and a folding chair. The workplace can easily be transformed into a tea table, and no one will bump into the chair.

If space allows, and interests do not strictly conflict, work areas can be placed on both sides. The balcony turns into a home workshop or a cozy office.

Working in such conditions is a real pleasure.

Rest zone

Storing things and relaxing are not contradictory concepts with appropriate distribution of space. Basic components of the recreation area:

• A sofa installed along a long wall or built into the side if width allows. The furniture can be equipped with a cabinet drawer, which increases the practicality of the solution.
• The table is chosen in such a way that there is a free passage. If the width is small, folding furniture is preferred. The “set” can be equipped with a pair of armchairs and gather with the whole family or a small group.

The relaxation area is perfectly complemented by a small shelf with flowers, and additional comfort and coziness is created by sofa cushions and other accessories.

Comfortable and practical seating area - there is a spacious cabinet under the sofa

Mirrored balcony cabinet doors visually increase the free space.

The mirror surface completely changes the perception of space

How to properly store your bike in winter

The rules for storing a bicycle largely depend on the place in which it will wait out the winter. If you follow simple recommendations, wintering will be completely safe for two-wheeled vehicles, and in the spring it will not take long to prepare it for use.

How to store a bike in a cold garage in winter

The garage is one of the most convenient places to store bicycles in winter. It is ideal if the room is heated, but even in a cold garage, bicycles will be able to wait out the winter without problems, since they will be protected from moisture and temperature changes.

A dry garage is well suited for storing bicycles

It is best to place the two-wheeled vehicle suspended in the garage. For example, you can mount a bicycle on the garage wall, on a special bicycle rack, or on hangers attached to the ceiling. Since the garage is not constantly used, a bicycle placed in it will not interfere with everyday movements.

The optimal temperature for a bicycle in the garage will be from +5 degrees to + 25 °C. It is allowed to store a bicycle at low temperatures; in a cold garage, you can place the vehicle almost anywhere where it will not interfere with the owner of the garage. But if the heating in the room does turn on from time to time, the bike must be placed in the coldest corner away from the heat source, otherwise dangerous condensation will appear on it.

How to store a bike on the balcony in winter

If you don’t have a garage, you should consider options for storing your bike on the balcony. There are several points to consider:

1. Only a glass loggia, protected from rain and snow, is suitable for storing a bicycle. You cannot keep a bike on an open balcony; it will be constantly exposed to dampness and temperature changes. Storing a bicycle on an open balcony is no different from storing it in the yard on the street; the vehicle will rust in a few months, the rubber tires will freeze and crack. In the spring, the bike will have to be overhauled, or even bought a new bike.
2. A bicycle is damaged not only by cold and dampness, but also by direct rays of the sun. A photo of storing a bicycle on a balcony demonstrates that if a bicycle is stored on a glassed-in loggia in winter, it still needs to be covered with a dark film or cover or put away in a shaded corner. The sun's rays pose a danger to both rubber tires and the painted and varnished parts of the bicycle, which can peel and begin to peel.

On the balcony it is important to ensure that the bike is dry and frost-free

Even on a glassed-in loggia, temperature changes during a thaw cannot be ruled out. Therefore, from time to time it is recommended to check the bike and wipe it from condensation. It is better to store the vehicle in an upright position.

Before placing your bicycle on the balcony, it is especially important to thoroughly clean and wash it. You will need to carry a two-wheeled vehicle through the entire apartment, so it should not leave behind traces of dirt and dust.

How to store a bike in a small apartment

If there is neither a garage nor a glassed-in balcony, then an apartment is often the only option for winter bicycle storage. This can create certain inconveniences if the apartment is cramped - any bicycle has considerable dimensions.

To prevent your bike from interfering with moving around your apartment, the easiest way is to store it in an upright position. In this case, you can put the vehicle on the rear wheel in any free corner.

A tall built-in closet or pantry is ideal for storing a bicycle, provided that the apartment has one.

To store a bicycle in a Khrushchev building, you can hang the vehicle on the wall in a horizontal or vertical form. It should be taken into account that it is better to place the bicycle higher in the apartment so as not to touch its pedals and handlebars when walking. It is convenient if there is a small niche in the wall in the hallway of the apartment; usually a hanger is placed in it, but bicycle owners often prefer to arrange two-wheeled transport there.

Recommended reading: Benefits of walking

If desired, a bicycle bike in a cramped apartment can be hung from the ceiling in the hallway, but for this you need to make very reliable fastenings that will not fall out of the ceiling and will not allow the bicycle itself to slide off.

Even in a cramped apartment, bicycle transport can be placed compactly

Storing a bicycle in an apartment without a balcony must take into account standard requirements for humidity levels, temperature and lighting. Transport should not be placed close to heating radiators; it is not recommended to place it in the kitchen, where the humidity is constantly changing. If the bike is placed in a well-lit place in the apartment, then it must be covered with a cover or cloth from the sun's rays.

How to store a bike in the basement

Another convenient place for winter storage of bicycles is the basement. Most often, owners of private houses resort to this method, since in multi-storey high-rise buildings problems with access to the basement may arise. However, if several residents of the house want to store personal vehicles in the basement, then it makes sense to contact the management company; perhaps the employees will still consider it possible to issue the keys to the residents.

The bike can only be stored in a dry basement.

In any case, when storing a bike in a private or shared basement, several factors need to be taken into account:

1. The basement must be dry; if it is constantly damp, then the room is not suitable for long-term storage of bicycles; the bicycle will become covered with rust.
2. In a dry basement, you should place your bike away from hot pipes and heating radiators - hot air negatively affects the condition of rubber tires.

Advice! It is also worth moving bicycles away from pipes for the reason that they can always burst. In case of an accident, hot or cold water will rush directly onto the two-wheeler and cause serious damage to it.

How to store a bike in a storage room

The storage room in the apartment is optimal for winter storage of bicycles. It is usually separated from the rest of the rooms by a door or screen; it is used quite rarely, so a two-wheeled vehicle in the storage room will not disturb anyone.

Considering that a standard storage room in an apartment is very small in size, it is best to store the bicycle vertically on the wall - on the rear wheel. You can also put the bike on a special rack.

Two-wheelers should be kept upright in the storage room.

Since the bike will be kept in the closet of the apartment for several months in winter, it needs to be positioned so that it does not block access to other items - tools, cans of paint, folding stepladders. It is important to securely secure the vehicle in the storage room; if the bike falls and hits nearby shelves, it will take a long time to restore order.

How to store a bicycle in the country

Some cyclists prefer to ride two-wheeled vehicles only in the countryside and, with the onset of winter, do not take the bike to their city apartment. A bicycle can winter quite comfortably at a dacha, the main thing is to provide it with the basic conditions:

1. It is forbidden to leave a vehicle in the open air area. During the winter, the bicycle will freeze repeatedly and experience the effects of snow and moisture during thaws. By the beginning of the new season, it will simply become unusable, since the metal will rust and the rubber tires will crack and lose their elasticity.
2. It is best to store a bicycle in the country inside the house; an unheated but dry shed or garage is also suitable. The bike must be placed in a dry place with a constant temperature and covered with film or burlap, which will protect it from changes in humidity and direct sunlight. The vehicle can be placed in the living room, hallway or kitchen.

A closed terrace is also suitable for storing a bike. But you cannot store bicycles on an open terrace, although a canopy will protect it from precipitation; temperature changes will still lead to condensation on the metal and rubber, which will worsen the condition of the vehicle.

You can’t leave your bike in the open air at your dacha.

In the living room

– This is not the most convenient place chosen for my iron friend.
This is a living room. There is very little space in it, and there is practically nowhere to put the bike, so it is stored near the window, a step from my bed, a meter from my desk. Jokingly, you can say that I practically sleep with him. But such conditions are dictated by my lifestyle: I live in a small rented room. The apartment owners don’t mind if I put the bike in the hallway or on the balcony, but there is even less space there, and the long base of the bike (under my height of 188 cm) blocks the entire passage. In fact, there is very little dirt from it: the linoleum with which I covered the entire floor saves me. Of course, you have to vacuum and wash it once again, but it takes very little time. After the rain, all that remains is to wipe the storage area free of dirt. And in winter I leave my bike in the entrance for a couple of hours. During this time, water, salt and road reagents drain from it. Then I calmly lift it dry to my floor and roll it into the room. The bicycle also functions as a hanger. It’s very convenient when I’m not using it, drying laundry or leaving clothes on. Not exactly aesthetically pleasing, but more than comfortable. The only drawback with this type of storage is the wide steering wheel on a narrow aisle. I almost always brush against it when passing by, which causes the bicycle bell to make noise and the cat to freak out. And it is impossible to turn the bike in this position. Although quite recently, right in this place in the room, I completely went through the entire chassis: cleaned and lubricated all the bearings, replaced the pedals with metal ones, changed the chain, cassette, and tires. I thought that I would smear everything around with grease and dirt, but everything turned out neatly.

Unusual ideas for storing a bicycle in an apartment

The main place for winter storage of bicycles is the apartment. Since most cyclists are forced to keep their personal vehicles in limited space, you can find many original options for storing bicycles on the Internet.

Under the ceiling

Even in the cramped apartment, a bicycle can be stored under the ceiling in winter, in which case it will not interfere with movement at all. You can drive reliable hooks into the ceiling or build a lifting mechanism similar to a winch, which will allow you to easily lift and lower two-wheeled vehicles. When storing bicycles under the ceiling, it is important to ensure that the ceiling mounts are truly strong and can confidently withstand the weight of two-wheeled vehicles, otherwise the method will be too dangerous.

Under the ceiling, two-wheeled vehicles will not take up any extra space

On a high stand

If space in the apartment is limited and there is simply nowhere to put the bike away, you can hang it horizontally on a high rack - this is one of the best options for compact storage of bicycles. The stand itself will take up a minimum of space, and the overall bicycle structure will be placed closer to the ceiling, in which case people will not touch the steering wheel or pedals while walking around the apartment. If desired, the bicycle transport can be turned into a design element of the interior, the rack can be additionally decorated with indoor plants, or thematic images can be hung on the wall nearby.

A neat rack allows you to compactly place the bike in your apartment

On the window

Window frames are opened infrequently in winter, so you can hang your bicycle in your apartment right next to the window. You will first need to equip brackets for the vehicle between the window and the ceiling or directly on the plastic part of the frame. In this case, free space in the apartment is saved very effectively.

The disadvantage of this storage option is that the bicycle will inevitably block part of the daylight. In addition, the storage method is only suitable for models made of light metal alloys - it is better not to hang a heavy bicycle on a window.

A lightweight bicycle bike can be hung on the window in an apartment

On the wardrobe

This option is suitable for owners of apartments with high ceilings. If the closet in the bedroom or living room does not rest against the ceiling, but occupies only half the height of the room, it is quite possible to place a bicycle on it. The main thing is to additionally secure the vehicle so that over time it does not fall off the cabinet. On a closet in an apartment, a bicycle bike will not take up any useful space at all and will wait out the winter in comfortable conditions.

In apartments with high ceilings, you can place bicycles on a cabinet

In the hallway as a hanger

A very original option for storing a bicycle in an apartment suggests using it instead of a hanger during the cold months. On the free wall in the hallway closer to the ceiling, it is necessary to place reliable brackets, hooks or metal pins on which the bicycle can be firmly secured.

In winter, a bicycle bike can act as an original hanger

The vehicle itself is often hung upside down on holders; a bicycle can be stored upside down, and the frame and handlebars down. The frame and handlebars are used throughout the winter as a bar for ordinary hangers with hangers. Of course, the two-wheeled vehicle must be completely clean so that clothes do not get dirty from contact with it.

How to save space on the balcony

Is it possible to store a bicycle on the balcony so that the car does not interfere with the passage of people? There are several rules that can be followed to ensure more compact storage of a two-wheeled vehicle:

• Remove the front wheel.
• Remove bicycle pedals for separate storage.
• Turn the steering wheel parallel to the frame, which requires turning the unit 90 degrees.
• Remove the saddle from the bicycle frame.

Watch the video on how to install a bike storage rack.

Hanging a bicycle in a case can be provided in a place on the balcony where the case with the car will be raised to a considerable height. The position of the bike in the case is with the wheels up. In any case, it is necessary to hang the bicycle for the winter under a canopy or balcony slab so that autumn rains, snow and drops do not spoil the mechanism.

If the bicycle is used until late autumn (fishing, a trip to the forest to pick mushrooms), news of a drop in temperature to minus should serve as a signal to preserve the mechanism.

Good storage spaces

An enclosed balcony or loggia is a good place to leave your bike for the winter. You just need to remember to cover it with cloth, paper or oilcloth, because even in winter there are sunny days. Be sure to make sure that water from drying clothes does not drip even onto the covered bicycle.

A garage or shed are good options for wintering your bike. And if in the garage, given the car, there is not enough space for another vehicle, then any bike can be hung on the wall.

It is better to make a homemade hanger from wood or plastic, so as not to scratch the frame when hooking a bicycle on it. It is correct to hang a two-wheeled vehicle by the frame, and not by the handlebars and saddle or by the wheels.

In stores you can buy both a hanger in the form of hooks that is accessible to everyone, and a more expensive rack. The rack-style design is strong and a great space saver, because it rests on the floor and is attached to the wall, and also allows you to mount two bicycles on top of each other.

In online stores you can buy a non-standard, but with many positive reviews, Cyclos mount, which from a distance looks like a flower pot. This mount, in addition to being compact, is interesting in that you can hang a bicycle on it not only horizontally, but also at an angle or, in general, vertically.

The manufacturer offers the Cyclos mount in several colors to choose from.

Storage options

There are several tricks that will help you properly organize your storage system on your balcony.

Wardrobe on the balcony

The closet on the balcony is very useful, it will “put everything in its place.” You just need to correctly calculate its width, height and depth. Decide on the distance between shelves. This storage system can be made from either finished furniture parts or lumber.

Now ready-made furniture blanks and accessories are sold. From these you will assemble a cabinet, like a construction set.

How to make a rack

If you make a shelving unit for your balcony, it will organize your space just as well as a closet. However, there are no doors on the rack, therefore, all the contents will be exposed. But it doesn’t take that long to build it.

The material for the shelving is selected taking into account humidity, temperature and exposure to the sun. If the conditions on your balcony are normal or the sun is hot, feel free to install a shelving unit made of chipboard; if the humidity is high, use metal.

Cellar on the balcony

A cellar on the balcony is needed to store vegetables in winter. It is made from scrap materials. Boards, plywood, chipboard, or even the same old cabinet will do! The main attribute of such a cellar is double insulated walls. They protect our “second bread” and other vegetables from frost.