Storing your mountain bike for winter is a fundamental part of keeping it running smoothly and in top condition. Because proper storage ensures the protection of your bicycle from the cold, wet, and snowy elements that come with winter temperatures. It’s also important to store your mountain bike properly to avoid dirt and garbage from damaging its components.
In this guide, I’ll cover all the vital steps that you need to know for storing your MTB in winter. Also, you’ll recognize several important winter cycling tips. Thus continue reading the entire article for knowing all the necessary information.
Check Your MTB: Is It Ready For Winter?
Winter is here, is your bike 100% ready for the cold winter weather? How to prepare your mountain bike depends on what type of winter conditions your bike will be in. A mountain bike should have good tread on the tyres, a good suspension system, and a winter-specific drivetrain to handle cold and wet conditions. And you should investigate the bicycle brakes, look after they are working properly and the brake pads are in good condition.
If you plan to ride in wet, muddy, or slippery conditions, then you will likely need to make some adjustments to your bike. Only then, your bicycle becomes more suitable for winter cycling.
- Install fenders or mudguards to protect from mud.
- Check the frame and components for rust or corrosion and replace any worn-out parts.
- Properly lubricate and ensure that all nuts and bolts are tightened.
- Additionally, scan all the lights, reflectors, and other safety features in good working order.
Storing MTB In Winter: How To Store A Mountain Bike For Winter?
By following a proper process you can easily store your mountain bicycle in winter. Be sure to follow each of the following steps correctly. Otherwise, there may be problems later on your bicycle.
Clean The MTB
Start by cleaning the frame, wheels, and components of the mountain bike. A mild soap and water mixture can give very good output in removing any kind of dirt or mud from the bicycle.
- When you see that the bicycle is completely clean, then it is important to dry it thoroughly.
- You can wipe dry the MTB with any dry cloth.
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Lubricate The Mountain Bike’s All Moving Parts
You should perfectly lubricate the bicycle chain, derailleur pulleys, and any other moving parts with high-quality chain lube. This will increase the protection of the bicycle from any type of rust and corrosion while in the storage position.
- Decent lubrication also assists all bicycle parts in functioning properly during the whole winter months.
Examine The Bicycle’s Brakes
Examining the brakes is very important before storing your bicycle. You must properly check that your bike’s brakes are working appropriately. If necessary, adjust the brakes and replace any worn-out pads or cables.
Replace The Tires
When it comes to mountain bicycles, you will find a variety of winter-specific tyres in the market. Those are specially designed for cold temperatures and icy surfaces.
- So replace the regular tyres with winter-specific tyres before storing the bicycle in winter.
- Also, deflate your tyres so they won’t go flat while in storage.
Protect The Component
A bicycle-specific wax or polish can protect all bicycle components from rust and breakdown. So never skip to use it.
Store Your Bicycle In A Cool And Dry Place
Storing your bicycle in a cool and dry place such as a garage or basement is a very important task.
- Avoid storing your bicycle in a damp or humid environment. Otherwise, this will cause extreme damage, rust, and corrosion.
- Thus you should choose a dry space but be careful not to expose your bicycle to direct sunlight.
- You can prop it up on a stand or hang it up with a bicycle hanger to prevent it from getting winter damaged.
Use A Bicycle Cover
Using a bicycle cover is a great way to protect your mountain bike from any type of dust, grime, and other elements while in the storage process.
Store Your Bike In An Upright Position
The upright position works best for winter bicycle storage. Since mountain bikes are quite heavy. So the parts can bend, if not properly positioned.
- Be sure to winterize your bicycle in the upright position.
- Then the mountain bicycle will be protected from being damaged or deformed.
Invest In A Bicycle Stand
When it comes to bicycle storage, a bicycle stand is a great way to keep your mountain bicycle secure. You can use a bicycle stand to store it in an upright position. Because this will especially help to keep your bicycle in the right position.
Remove The Battery
Some different mountain bicycles have batteries.
- When storing the bicycles with batteries during winter, the batteries must be removed.
- Also, store the batteries neatly in a separate dry place. Because batteries can be damaged if left in extremely cold temperatures.
Select An Adequate Space To Store A Mountain Bike For Winter
At this point in the article, I will tell you about some special indoor and outdoor spaces for storing your mountain bicycle. You can store the mountain bicycle for the entire winter by choosing any space from here according to your convenience. But you must visit once a week to check whichever place you store your bicycle- if there is any problem with the bicycle.
- Mountain cycles should be stored at temperatures between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 10° C) in winter.
Examples Of Some Indoor Space
👉 Basement: One of the best places to store an MTB in winter is in a cool, dry, and preferably dark location.
- If possible, keep it away from extreme temperatures.
- An unheated basement is an ideal spot. It can provide a great place to store a mountain bike for winter weather. It’s often cool and dry, and there’s plenty of space to keep the bicycle safe.
- But you should perfectly check the moisture. And it doesn’t have the opportunity to build up around the bicycle which could lead to destruction and corrosion.
- Wipe down the frame and components before storing them in a basement.
👉 Closet: Keep your bike in an indoor space such as a closet, that is great. If you don’t have a basement, a large closet can also provide a good place to store a mountain bicycle for winter.
- Properly clean the bicycle and lubricate all the moving parts before storing it in a closet.
- Be sure the closet is large enough to fit the bicycle nicely.
- You can cover the bicycle with a dust cover to keep it clean.
👉 Indoor Bicycle Storage Rack: You can find many different types of indoor bicycle storage racks to store an MTB for winter. Some of the most popular options include wall-mounted racks, floor stands, and ceiling-mounted racks.
- Wall-mounted racks are great for storing mountain bicycles in areas with limited space, as they can be hung from the wall.
- Floor stands are ideal for larger spaces. It can be used to store multiple bicycles together in winter.
- Ceiling-mounted racks are perfect for storing bicycles in garages and other high-ceilinged areas.
👉 Garage: The perfect space to store a mountain bike in the winter is in a climate-controlled garage. This will keep the bicycle from getting too cold and protect it from the cold damaging element. This one is also a promising area to store.
- You can use a bicycle rack or other secure storage system to keep it from getting knocked over or damaged.
👉 Indoor Balcony: Indoor balcony is another great choice to store a mountain bike during winter. So storing your bicycle in such a space is completely safe. And there is no possibility of any kind of theft. That’s because indoor balconies are mostly in the interior of our house. And the result is much in front of the eyes and completely safe.
- If you store mountain bicycles on indoor balconies, you must cover the bicycle with a tarp or blanket to protect it from anything bad.
Examples Of Some Outdoor Space
Many riders do not have an indoor place in or around their home to store their mountain bike. For such riders, I am covering some outdoor spaces at this stage of the article. In these outdoor spaces, you can easily and safely store your mountain bike throughout the whole winter season.
👉 Shed: An outdoor shed is an extraordinary option for winter bicycle storage. If you desire an outdoor shed to store a mountain bicycle in the winter, analyze a wooden shed with reinforced walls and a slanted roof.
- The walls are perfectly insulated to keep the bicycle warm and the roof is waterproof.
- You should also look for a shed with a lockable door to keep your bicycle 100% secure against theft.
- Also, cover the bicycle with a tarp or sheet to maintain it arid and fully dust-free.
👉 Bicycle Tent: If you’re looking for a secure and weather-resistant way to store your bicycle outdoors, then an outdoor bicycle storage tent is a great option. These tents are designed to keep your bicycle safe and secure while also protecting it from the elements. You can find these tents in a combination of lengths and categories. So that you can easily select anyone that matches your desires.
- Some tents have even additional security features like locks, alarms, and surveillance cameras.
- Bicycle tents are usually made out of heavy-duty waterproof fabric. It comes with poles and stakes for an easy setup process.
👉 Bicycle Storage Unit: When you don’t have any other indoor storage options, you can purchase a bicycle storage unit. Most of the units are designed to protect your bicycle from the elements, such as wind, rain, snow, and sun.
- These types of bicycle storage units are made from durable materials like metal or plastic. So they can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Some units even come with locks, so you can keep your bicycle safe from thieves.
👉 Outdoor Balcony: Outdoor balconies can be used for mountain bicycle stores. But in this case, since you will be storing your mountain bike during the winter season, it must be well attached with a proper waterproof bicycle cover.
- You can store your bicycle in a bicycle storage unit or bicycle tent. And then place it on the outdoor balconies.
- But keep in mind that outdoor balconies should not be used for storage if you live in an area with very low temperatures. Otherwise, there is a possibility that your bicycle will freeze and get damaged.
Special Tips For Storing Your MTB During The Winter
- Clean and lubricate.
- Store your bike in a dry, well-ventilated space.
- Avoid storing in extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Remove batteries, if your bike has.
- Store your bicycle in an upright position.
- If you have enough space, use a bicycle stand and bicycle rack.
- Cover your bicycle.
- Don’t cover the bicycle too tightly
- Use a plastic bag for the bicycle’s wheels and tires.
- Store a few bags of desiccant to absorb any moisture.
- Spray your MTB with a bicycle protector.
Last Call Regarding Storing MTB In Winter Or Snow Weather
Winter means extra care is needed when storing a mountain bike. And if all those care is not done properly, there is a possibility that your bicycle will be completely damaged. Hope that awful thought is gone now. Because if you follow the methods that I’ve written today, you can easily store your mountain bike even in winter without any tension.
Happy Winter Cycling! Also, Stop Worrying About Storing Your Bicycled When We Are Here With You.
