Bicycle Storage Question

Thomason

Thomason

Joined
Nov 28, 2002
Messages
9,375
I am not a hard core bike rider and once cold weather comes I don't ride at all. If a bike is not ridden for a lengthy period of time, should it be suspended somehow so it does not rest on the tires? Seems like I heard that somewhere and wanted to verify if this is true. What better source of info than bike riding knife knuts.
 
For anything more than a few days it is best to hang your bike, and for long term storage, let some of the air out of your tires... Resting on the tires results in tire rot, essentially, and the rims cut into the tube/tires as it slowly deflates over time.
You should also clean/lube the drivetrain real well if you plan on leaving it stored for more than a few months...

However, the best thing is to just continue to use the dang thing 'cause it ain't only the bike that suffers, so will your gluteus maximus!!! :D
 
I wouldn't go nuts. this week I bought a 86 world tourist, and it looked like it had not had air in the tires in years. I pumped them up, and have been riding ever since.
 
I've stored my bikes both ways at various times, and I really haven't noticed any difference or had any tire problems related to storage. That said, I hang them all now due to space considerations.
 
As a former bike mechanic:
1) Doesn't matter if you hang it or don't hang it. It's the same weight on the wheels, just in a different vector.

2) I recommend against letting air out of the tires to store. In fact, keep them topped off.
 
I maintain our fleet of police bikes, as well as all my own. I've never bothered to hang any of them. Just keep them out of the weather. Most higher-end bikes have little on them to rust; a well-lubed chain is good for a long time.
One trouble spot for moisture collection is hex-head screws and fasteners. A little shot of WD-40 or something similar will keep 'em rust-free.
 
I don't hang mine and it's okay. Just make sure that you keep it in a dry place, ie. don't leave it out in a snow bank :) and it should be okay. I have a large storage closet in my apartment and that is where mine spends the winter months, just have to pump up the tires and throw some chain lube on in the spring.
 
I'm lucky enough to live in sunny San Jose, Kalifornia, so long-term storage here isn't an issue.

But if you are going to not ride it for the winter, makes sure the driveline is freshly cleaned and lubed. Contaminants from the road will quickly start to rust metal driveline components, as well as rubber brake pads. I'd even coat the exposed cables with a thin film of grease, to keep them protected.

As far as the tires are concerned, I'm not aware of rot being accelerated because it was stored at half pressure, full pressure, no pressure or by hanging it up. One safety tip, if the tires are more than two years old you are #1 not riding enough (joke there) and #2 running the risk of a blowout due to casing failure from UV rot. What's cheaper, 2 new tires or dental reconstruction?

Hope this helps
AL
 
Thanks for all the info, gentlemen. I knew there would be a bunch of rapscallions around here with the answer. :D
 
Another solution...

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