How to properly store a bike on the balcony in winter

bicycle storage option on the balcony

A bicycle is a unique transport that enjoys well-deserved popularity among millions of people. For city residents, this is both a convenient way of transportation and an opportunity to combat physical inactivity. Cycling is an excellent substitute for expensive fitness and exhausting workouts in gyms. A whole network of bicycle paths stretching throughout the city helps make riding safe and turn it into a real pleasure. There's only one question left: where to put the bike when you're not using it? It is unlikely that anyone will buy a garage for this reason. What if you organize bicycle storage on the balcony? The idea is not as bad as it might initially seem. Let's try to figure out how to successfully implement it.

In the living room

Photo: Alexander for TUT.BY

– 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.

Options for mounting a bicycle on the balcony

There are three mounting methods depending on the location:

The floor method is the most convenient, but is only suitable for one or two bicycles.
The wall-mounted option allows you to more compactly store even several two-wheeled vehicles in winter, placing each of them in a separate case. Removed rims, tires, forks can also be easily placed on the wall.
The ceiling method involves storing a bicycle under the ceiling for a long time, for example in winter. Fixing the bike is carried out in different complicated ways. With this option, the weight of the suspended structure is of particular importance.

You can buy furniture for the balcony ready-made, or you can make it yourself. Read about it in our publication.

You can read about decorating the inside of the loggia with your own hands in this article.

How to store?

A bicycle can be stored in different ways; we will consider this point in more detail.

Folded

The most convenient for storage is a bicycle that has folding elements. You can fold the frame, pedals and steering wheel. This allows you to place the product even on small balconies, since it does not take up much space.

When folded, the unit can be hung on the wall, or placed in a closet or convenient cabinet. Changing this state is quite simple; assembly and disassembly takes about 10-15 seconds.

Disassembled

This option will not be convenient if the bicycle is used frequently, but for long-term placement in the winter it is quite suitable. The disadvantage of this method is the need for assembly and disassembly. However, as a result, there is much more free space on the balcony.

Users recommend disassembling the structure as follows. To begin with, the fasteners are loosened, and the steering wheel is removed or turned so that it is parallel to the frame. The seat and pedals are removed. After this, first the front and then the rear wheel are unscrewed.

The parts can be placed in a case or a special container, which is made of synthetic fabric, but at the same time has a rigid structure. It is used for long-term storage.

Assembled

This method is used when the bicycle does not fold, and for some reason it is impossible to disassemble it

In this situation, it is very important to securely fix the structure. Special devices offered on the market can help with this.

The product can be placed on the floor, wall or ceiling.

The easiest way is to install it on the floor. In this case, the wheel is secured using a special stand. It is very small and makes it easy to take the bike. Certain types of floor structures are designed for fixing and storing several bicycles at once. They are especially relevant if the family has not one, but 2 or 3 products for all family members.

Installation under the ceiling allows for longer-term storage. In this case, removing the bike will not be easy and quick; you will need to make an effort. The model is fixed to the ceiling using cables. This allows you to free up as much space as possible on the balcony, but not all owners like it. Even reliable mounts may not support a bike that is too heavy. In addition, sometimes the height of the balcony is not sufficient to carry out these manipulations.

Most often they try to place the bike on the wall. There are several explanations for this. First of all, to implement this idea, simple fasteners are used, which you can buy inexpensively in a store or make yourself. The structure is fixed primarily in a horizontal position, which allows the elements not to deform. Removal occurs very quickly, and the tire rubber is preserved for a long time.

As for the fastening devices, they must be selected based on what the wall surface is made of, as well as the weight of the structure and its features. To keep the steering wheel out of the way, it should be turned 90 degrees. The bicycle can be hung on hooks, brackets or a special shelf.

Most often, users choose hooks. They will be required in the amount of 2 pieces, and attaching the product to them is not difficult. Moreover, this fastening system is very reliable, because if one accidentally breaks, the second will continue to hold the structure. This method is easy to implement on your own, no professional help is required.

Wall brackets can even hold several products vertically. Using anchors, the device is fixed to the wall. In this case, the bicycle can be easily removed and put back.

Finally, special shelves cannot be ignored. They are not only functional, but also look very attractive.

Most often they are made of wood, but have a coating that prevents slipping and damage to the surface.

Which balcony mount to choose?

There are three types of bike mounts: 1) Floor-mounted. An option for a family with no more than two bikes. The most convenient type of rack - because you don’t need to make any special effort to pull the bike out.

2) Wall-mounted. These mounts are designed for those who want to use the floor on the balcony for other purposes. The convenience of this type of arrangement of bicycles is that they can be stored in “floors” - the most used ones on the bottom, the most unused ones above. But this, of course, is an option for people who have more bikes than family members. By the way, large spare parts can also be hung on such mounts - tires, forks, rims, etc.

3) Under the ceiling. This type of mount requires long-term storage of the bicycle, for example in winter. Pairs perfectly with a floor stand. There are two types - with a pulley system, which allows you to raise and lower the bike without using a stepladder, and a simple mount with hooks from the ceiling. Not recommended for models heavier than 22 kg.

Storage case

A bicycle cover will protect your car from dust and moisture, but will not provide a barrier against the cold. You can make your own protective equipment by sewing a car storage case from durable water-repellent fabric.

Purchasing a ready-made bicycle cover from a sports equipment store guarantees better protection of the machine from adverse factors during storage.

Bicycle storage case
The base for the case is a regular tarpaulin; this fabric is highly durable, does not allow water to pass through and practically does not get wet in the rain.

A canvas case for storing a bicycle must be sewn with handles that are convenient for carrying and hanging a bicycle; in such a case it is convenient to transport a two-wheeled car to the dacha. A trip on a summer vacation with a bicycle will also not be burdensome if the car is packed in a reliable and durable case.

Storage assembled

This storage option is chosen when it is impractical to disassemble the bicycle; in addition, the model is awkward. There is a large selection of different devices on the market for effectively securing a bike.

During storage, the bicycle is placed in one of the following ways.

Floor installation

This is the simplest method, in which the bike stands on a stand that secures the wheel. This design is small in size and allows you to use the bike at any time.

There are floor structures on which several bicycles are located simultaneously. This is convenient for a large family with adult and children's bicycles.

Wall installation

Fixing your bike on the wall provides a number of advantages:

simple fastening. It is commercially available or can be easily made in-house;
Most often, fixation is performed in a horizontal position. In this case, the parts are not deformed, and removal is not difficult;
the rubber of the tires is well preserved, since they do not touch the floor;
high security of fastening. Even a falling bicycle does not pose any particular danger to others.

Fixation devices are selected depending on the following indicators:

quality of wall material;
bike weight;
design features of the bike.

When hanging on the wall, the steering wheel creates a problem, so it turns 90 degrees.

The following types of devices for securing a bicycle are common:

2.1. Hooks

A very simple and reliable device that is used more often than others. Its advantage is that the two hooks are not connected to each other, and if the bike accidentally falls off one support, it will remain hanging on the other.

It is distinguished by its graceful mounting of a bicycle using hooks in a vertical position. In this case, the front wheel is fixed on the upper hook, and the rear wheel rests on the lower thrust bearing.

Fastening on hooks is easy to build with your own hands. Two hooks are installed so that the frame fits on them. To protect it, the hooks are coated with liquid rubber.

2.2. Wall bracket

The device allows you to store several bicycles in an upright position. It is attached to a brick or concrete wall with anchors. It is not difficult to remove the bike from such a structure.

2.3. Shelf

In a specialized store you can choose different shelf options. It not only holds the bike securely, frees up space on the floor, but also decorates the interior.

Such shelves are made of wood and then covered with a material that protects them from damage and slipping.

Ceiling installation

First of all, this method is used for long-term storage, since removing the bike requires effort.

The bicycle is mounted on cables under the ceiling, so there is a lot of free space on the balcony, however, for safety reasons, it is better not to hang heavy models.

The lifting mechanism uses a pulley and a rope. The device is attached to the ceiling and allows you to lift the load to any height. A limitation for use may be the ceiling height on the balcony.

On a podium made of pallets

Wide wooden pallets will play the role of a fashionable podium, especially next to elements of a similar style - simple and rough. This could be a massive barrel cabinet or box chairs. In addition, the bicycle can be conveniently secured between the boards. But remember - this solution requires a lot of free space.

Is it possible to store a bicycle on the balcony?

By swap
On 07.12.201410.03.2015

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A common question that arises among cycling enthusiasts is where can you store your bike in winter? After all, in winter you can’t ride on snow and ice, so cyclists hide their iron horses from bad weather and let them spend the winter in peace. We all don’t want our favorite bikes to suddenly become less functional or attractive after the winter, and even more so, for them to become unusable. A good bicycle is an expensive thing, difficult to assemble, customize and select exclusively according to the owner’s needs. You don't want to lose such a friend due to winter weather. So let's figure out how and where you can store your bike so that it doesn't get damaged.

It is important to understand that rubber and plastic parts of a bicycle can deteriorate due to sudden temperature changes or direct sunlight. They will simply lose their elasticity and may simply crumble. And the varnish covering the frame will certainly fade and collapse due to temperature changes or strong sun on the balcony.

And the varnish covering the frame will certainly fade and collapse due to temperature changes or strong sun on the balcony.

As for metal parts, snow and rain are unlikely to help preserve them. Such important elements as the chain and bearings will simply become unusable over the winter.

To prevent damage to the bike over the winter, we need to place it in a dry room, eliminating temperature changes. You can store it in the winter directly in the apartment, but in no case near heating devices, near which sudden temperature changes are inevitable.

Another option to store your bike in winter is on the balcony. But only if it is glazed. In addition, the bicycle will need to be covered with cloth or paper to prevent direct sunlight from hitting it

It is very important that there is no high humidity on the closed balcony. It’s easy to understand - if vegetables have never frozen on your balcony, then the humidity is normal, but if such stories happen on the balcony regularly every winter, then you shouldn’t put your bike on the balcony in winter

Bicycles can also be perfectly placed in a garage or shed. This is not a heated room, but since it is protected from snow and rain, it is possible to store a bicycle in it in winter. Bicycle tires on the balcony can only be stored inflated; if they are stored deflated, there is a high risk of seal failure. It is best to hang them, then they will not become deformed.

Before sending the bike to the “winter”, it must be cleaned and be sure to lubricate it with oil.

Moreover, all metal parts need to be lubricated with oil. In principle, it is better to do a seasonal inspection in a specialist workshop. Particular attention should be paid to the chain; it needs to be cleaned and lubricated.

But you must understand that cold still does not have the best effect on plastic parts. Therefore, perhaps it’s time for you to think about handing over your iron friend to a special service that deals with the proper storage of bicycles.

If the bike will be parked all winter, then the tires must be inflated to operating pressure, and it must also be checked regularly in winter to maintain it at operating levels. Otherwise, the tires will become deformed. If you are going to hang the bike, you don’t have to adjust the tire pressure; with this type of storage, they will not deform. You can hang your bike on the wall using two metal hooks.

All batteries must be removed from electrical equipment. This applies to headlights, flashers, heart rate monitors and bicycle computers.

To reduce the size of a bicycle, you can remove the front wheel, turn out the pedals, and turn the handlebars.

Tell your friends about the proper storage of bicycles, so that after the winter their horses do not rust or deteriorate, and for many more seasons they will delight their owners with a magnificent and quiet ride.

//www.youtube.com/embed/AmV4Dez89PU

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Position selection

There are three systems in total that will allow you to send your bike to the balcony for winter for preservation and not worry about its technical condition.

Suspension fastening

To do this, it is best to purchase:

special stand: adjustable for different frames, folding, only for the rear wheel;
decorative shelves, which hold the vehicle suspended, and their surface can be used to place tools.

In a standing position and in a case

To prevent it from staining you or the furniture, you can use a special bicycle cover for storage on the balcony, put on the vehicle and covering it entirely.

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.

Summary

After reading our guide, you have hopefully discovered that preserving and storing your bike, even in a small apartment, is easy. Look around the space you have and it turns out that you can do more than just lean your bike against the wall for the winter.

It can be:

attach vertically or horizontally to the wall;
attach to the ceiling;
roll it onto a bike rack;
put on a bike rack;
disassemble and put in a closet, pantry;
take it to the garage;
hand over to a specialized bicycle box for seasonal storage.

Read on topic: 16 useful accessories for cyclists

How to store a bicycle in an apartment

The question of how to store a bicycle at home worries many sports fans. Let's consider various options for placing transport in the warm season.

In the hall

Another place to store your bike at home that immediately comes to mind is the hallway. There may be the following options:

If you have a large hallway, you can simply place the vehicle against the wall. However, in this case there will be a problem with cleaning the floors or the ability to open the doors wide.
It is better to use a vertical or horizontal option for hanging a bicycle. If you choose a vertical storage system, then hanging the bike with its wheels up, the frame can be used as a hanger bar.
Attach the product to the wall or to the ceiling if the hallway is small.
If the hallway is large, then make a special cabinet for transport, even without doors, but with shelves: place a bicycle in one section, and accessories for it in the other: a pump, lubricants, tools, a helmet, etc.

In the corridor

Corridors can be different - both in area and in the length of the walls, so there is enough room for imagination. You can use various openings, niches, walls and ceilings, even the end of the corridor, by installing a wardrobe for a vehicle there.

Important! Find a storage place close to the front door so as not to pollute the apartment when you bring your equipment home after a bike ride.

In the room

People for whom a bicycle is not just a means of transportation, but a principle of life, an ideology, do not particularly think about where to put a bicycle in their apartment. This could be a hallway, or even a bedroom.

Important! You should not store your bike near a heating radiator or electric convector, as excess heat will deteriorate the protective varnish on the frame and dry out the rubber. If you decide to share a room with a bicycle, then make sure that it fits harmoniously into the style and interior

If you decide to share a room with a bicycle, then make sure that it fits harmoniously into the style and interior.

Let's look at some interesting ideas for storing your bike:

Use of wall mounts. When storing equipment in an apartment, you can use two opposing options:
A radical contrast in color schemes. In this case, the two-wheeled piece of furniture will become the focal point of the entire room.
Use vertical space, provided the ceilings are high enough.
Building “walls”. For example, between two vertically hung bicycles, place a bookcase or shelving unit.
Turn a bicycle into a necessary piece of furniture, for example, into a stand for flower pots: you can put the baskets on the trunk or hang them on the handlebars.
Decorate the room in a sporty style. Draw a pattern on the wall along the outline of the vehicle using contrasting paint, and attach hooks for storing a bicycle. Place other sports accessories nearby - as a result, the room will acquire a sporty style and will look very bright.
Special furniture for bicycles. Furniture for two-wheelers and sports equipment consists of “screens” with hooks and shelves. Wooden or metal frames are made without walls or without doors, with boxes for equipment at the bottom, and space for a bicycle at the top. This cabinet looks easy thanks to its profile.
Use the “dead” areas of the room, for example, between the wall and the closet or the gap between the wall and the sofa. Even 20 cm is enough between the wall and the door to accommodate a thin sports bike. You can remove the steering wheel and wheels for this purpose.
On the ceiling. The roller suspension system is only suitable for rooms with high ceilings.

Important! When decorating the interior, use all your imagination and irony, for example, you can place your “two-wheeled friend” in a large frame, like a family member, or use designer covers to fit it into the interior; knitted accessories look especially touching and homely

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Making soap is actually not as difficult as it might seem. You can learn this by watching just a few videos on YouTube on the Internet.

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Storing a bicycle in a small apartment

So, storing bicycles, as you already understand, is not the last thing. And first, you need to carefully weigh all the pros and cons, and at the same time get acquainted with a number of necessary rules that will help you save your two-wheeled friend.

Storing a bike on the balcony

As a rule, some cycling enthusiasts place their bike on the balcony for the whole winter. And this seems normal, but it is worth remembering that winter storage in the cold means a temperature difference and increased humidity, which can contribute to micro-breakages not only of plastic, but also of mechanisms and rubber. The bright sun causes the bike to fade and the quality of the tires to deteriorate. Therefore, storing a bicycle on the balcony is only possible if it is glazed. You can also use a special bike storage case or cover. The exception is not the sunny side.

Of course, there are “inventors” who use such a method as storing a bicycle on the wall of the house, using fastenings in the form of hooks or something else. But this is even worse than on an open balcony.

Bicycle storage in the hallway

A good option when the place to store your bike is the hallway. Either a special suspension, hook, bracket or some kind of fastening is used

It is important to note that a convenient bicycle crossbar, which is a hanger bar, will be simply ideal for this purpose

Closed bicycle storage cabinet

Bicycle storage options are complemented by a special custom-made cabinet in the hallway. It can serve really well due to its compactness. In addition, it is completely closed from the eyes of strangers, and the iron friend is ideally protected from external influences. One of its advantages is the fact that you can place all the necessary accessories there, which will be stored until the next cycling season.

Living room for bicycle storage

There are some fans who do not shy away from sharing a room with a bicycle. If desired, you can always demonstrate it to guests at home. Of course, we should not forget that the style of the room should not be disturbed by such a neighborhood. You can, for example, use the techniques of foreign designers who know first-hand what bicycle storage ideas are like today. Although, when placing an iron friend in the house, it is worth remembering that close proximity to heating devices, due to dry air and a fairly high temperature, can negatively affect tires and fork seals.

Preparing for seasonal storage

The most important thing is to prepare for storing your bike in winter. At this time, high humidity and temperature changes are very dangerous for him.

Before storing a bicycle on the balcony in winter, the following operations must be performed:

The bike is cleaned of dirt, washed and dried. To protect the frame, polish is applied.
Mechanical parts and components, including the chain, are treated with machine oil.
The transmission cables are weakened: the chain is placed in small gears.
The wheels are inflated to the nominal value. In severe frosts, it is better to remove the tires from the rims and store them in an apartment.
To protect from sunlight, the frame is covered with paper or thick waterproof fabric.
Before winter storage, maintenance is performed.

This will help extend its service life. It is very important that the bike is stored away from places with high humidity: drying clothes, storing vegetables, etc. In any case, if it is to be stored on an unglazed balcony, firstly, the bike is carefully wrapped in synthetic film, and secondly, bags are placed inside the packaging silica gel for drying.

The requirements for storing a bicycle in summer are almost the same as those for winter.

The main thing is to protect the bike from high humidity and sunlight. During this period, quick access to the bicycle must be ensured, so on the balcony it is placed on the floor and covered with thick material. After each trip, dirt is removed and the tires are washed.

In general, storing a bicycle on the balcony does not require much effort or expense. If you follow the basic rules, the safety of your iron horse is guaranteed.

Hanging a bike from the ceiling

Regardless of the design of the suspension, placement on the wall “eats up” noticeable space and reduces the useful passage at the location. This disadvantage is eliminated by placing the bicycle on the ceiling.

In a minimal version, hooks are used for this, similar to those used for wall mounting.

Raising the bike above your head to remove it after half a year is not difficult, but with daily use the process becomes quite tedious.

Mechanical lifts that represent combinations of blocks and cords simplify the process.

Interesting are those where the design allows you to place the bicycle parallel to the ceiling. In this case, not even a decimeter of usable area of the home is lost.

The disadvantage of ceiling mounts is that they are difficult or impossible to use on suspended and suspended ceilings without major modifications. Therefore, when planning renovations in your apartment or purchasing a bicycle, think in advance where you will place your two-wheeled friend.

On the shelf

If you want to save more usable space, you don't have to hang your bike on an empty wall. You can equip a special shelf with an additional section for the frame. At the same time, the surface of the shelf will remain functional - for example, for storing bicycle accessories or favorite books.

You can hang your bike from any suitable rack using the saddle. The result is an interesting composition that does not require additional fasteners.

Reducing the dimensions of a bicycle during storage

We fully admit that you are interested not only in the process of storing bicycle equipment, but also in how to store potatoes on the balcony with limited space. How to store a bicycle at home on the balcony: preparing a bicycle for storage in winter, proper preservation of a bicycle, where is the best place to place a bicycle at home. Is it possible to lay laminate flooring in what to lay them on the balcony? Can you lay laminate flooring on. It is clear that potatoes are a product that is often used at any time, unlike a bicycle, so the box for storing it should be accessible in winter.

The best option is to hang the bicycle on the wall so that it does not interfere with access to the potatoes, and for this you need:

Choose the right place for hooks;
Screw them in;
Reduce the size of the bike for compact placement on the wall.

If this is not possible, then to reduce the size of the bicycle we proceed as follows:

Remove the front wheel;
We unscrew the pedals from the connecting rods (screwing them in from the reverse side);
Turn the steering wheel 90°;
We put the bike in an unused place on the balcony, protected from sunlight.

Storing semi-disassembled bicycles on the balcony

Storage requirements

To store a bicycle, the balcony must meet certain requirements:

easy access to the bike;
the storage location is protected from direct sunlight, since it destroys paint, rubber and plastic parts;
the internal temperature does not fall below +5 ºС. It has been established that low temperature worsens the technical condition of a bicycle;
heating appliances are located at a distance from the storage location, since high temperatures destroy rubber seals and tires;
There are no leaks during rainfall. Constant humidity causes corrosion of parts.

If stored this way, the bike will not last long!
Using a balcony to store a bicycle provides a number of advantages:

guaranteed protection against theft;
unlimited storage time;
Convenient use of a bicycle. You can go on a trip right from home;
If necessary, there is room for minor repairs.

People usually refuse to store a bicycle on the balcony for the following reasons:

the useful area of the balcony decreases;
protection from sunlight is required;
You need to make extra efforts to wash your bike and clean your balcony. Special shoe covers for wheels and bike carriers have been developed for use when bringing the bike onto the balcony;
storage requires a heated or at least glazed balcony. Sitting on an unglazed balcony is equivalent to being on the street. In winter, this leads to negative consequences for the bike.

Based on these requirements and the characteristics of the bicycle, one of the storage options is selected.

Preserving your bike for the winter

In order for the bicycle to feel comfortable on the balcony in winter, it is imperative to take the following actions:

Wash the car thoroughly and wipe it with a dry cloth. The bicycle must be absolutely clean. However, this is not enough. To ensure guaranteed protection against moisture and rust, it makes sense to treat the bicycle frame and all chrome parts with a special silicone-based lubricant-sealant.
Remove dirt, dust and lubricant residues from all components and parts. Especially from the chain. To do this, you can use a brush and a rag soaked in solvent. The chain, bushings, moving parts and mechanisms require mandatory replacement of lubricant. It will not be superfluous to lubricate the brake and gearshift cables, renew the grease on the seat tube and in the places where the steering stem is attached.
A very effective method to maintain the quality of bicycle tires in winter is to lubricate the tires with a glycerin-based compound. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the tire pressure by approximately one and a half times. Even if you plan to hang the bike on the balcony, it will have no use for overinflated wheels in winter.
The newly lubricated chain must be reset by derailleurs to the smallest sprockets.
All spring mechanisms - brake levers, calipers, pads - must be loosened to the maximum extent possible. As well as the cables of the control and braking systems. It would be a good idea to loosen the clamps securing the seat tube and stem.
Along with the winter preservation work, a thorough inspection of the machine is carried out for the presence of minor breakdowns and malfunctions and their immediate correction. Repairing a bicycle in the spring, as a rule, is much more difficult, more expensive and longer than eliminating defects before putting the bicycle into “winter quarters”.

Video tips from bike technicians and experienced cyclists

Preserving the bike for the winter:

Master class from the pros:

How to hang a bike on the loggia wall? Wall mount overview:

The cost of a modern bicycle bike starts from several hundred dollars and can reach several thousand conventional units. Therefore, it will be doubly disappointing if before the start of the season you find rust on the frame or cracked tires. To avoid this, you need to store your bike on the balcony in the winter in the right conditions, making sure to take measures to preserve the equipment.

Having made quality preparation and equipped storage space, you will not have any problems during the off-season. And after it’s finished, it’s enough to assemble the bike and, if necessary, remove excess lubricant, after which your iron friend will be completely ready to conquer new heights.

How to properly prepare for winter

How to store a bicycle on the balcony and what is needed for this? First of all, it is necessary to prepare the bike for long-term exposure to low temperatures. To this end, all maintenance work is carried out carefully. The owner of a two-wheeled vehicle must follow the presented algorithm:

removal of dust and dirt accumulated as a result of its active use. If this rule is not followed, particles of debris can get inside the mechanism and mix with lubricant and oil. This combination will lead to rapid destruction of parts, which will affect both the cleaning process and the further operation of the bike;
weakening of spring mechanisms. To properly store your bike, it is advisable to completely remove the chain. If this is not possible, it is enough to loosen the brakes and reduce the voltage from all switches. Otherwise, under the influence of low temperatures, all cables can fail;
decrease in pressure on shock absorbers. It is not recommended to lower the chambers completely; the unit should not stand on the rims;
lubrication of spare parts. All parts are subject to mandatory processing. It is not recommended to neglect this point, otherwise rust will form on the spare parts. Many vehicle owners forget about the need for protection, citing the high cost of lubrication. For wintering, the simplest and cheapest product is sufficient;
covering the frame with a thin layer of rags;
treating tires with glycerin. To easily store your bike, you can’t do without this action. Glycerin creates an additional protective layer and helps the bike to “survive” the cold season normally.

All of the above activities are mandatory. They are not complicated and not expensive, both in terms of time and finances. However, to store a bicycle, preparing it alone is not enough; the owner must have free space on his balcony. How to solve this issue with minimal costs will be described below.

Main dangers of long-term storage

bike mount to wall

Of course, a loggia, especially without glazing, is not the best place for winter “parking” of a bike. Here the vehicle will be tested for strength:

ultraviolet;
dust;
moisture;
low temperatures.

Their impact can have a detrimental effect on the condition of the bicycle. For example, paint may peel off or tires may crack, frames may rust, or rubber components may dry out. Stockpiles of vegetables with drying laundry will not be the best neighbors either. So how can you store a bicycle on the balcony so that by spring it doesn’t become just a pile of scrap metal?

How to store a bicycle on the balcony: methods tested in real conditions