| Many people store their bike outside and do not realize | | | | seats and anything that is made of a rubber or plastic. |
| the big mistake they are making. If you store your bike | | | | As the weather changes from hot to cold that is not |
| outside then you need to read this. Here is why you | | | | good for these same items. As well, moisture or salty |
| should never store your bike outside. | | | | air will speed up corrosion and that is never a good |
| If you want your bike to last and perform at its peak | | | | thing. |
| efficiency you must not store it outside for extended | | | | If a bike sits for a long period of time the weight of the |
| periods of time. | | | | bike bears down on the tires and the tires can |
| There are many reasons why people keep their | | | | become distorted and even develop weak areas on |
| bicycles outside. Perhaps they have limited room for | | | | the side walls. The exposure to sun and the weather |
| storage inside their home or garage. Maybe they keep | | | | accelerates this process. |
| their bike outside because they live in a rented room or | | | | Here is the big problem. Most people do not want to or |
| a dorm room and there is no extra space. Sometimes | | | | will find an excuse why not to bring their bike indoors |
| it is because it is just easier than bringing the bicycle | | | | because the bike is dirty. A bike should be washed |
| indoors or often people are just too lazy. | | | | and cleaned every time after it is ridden. But most |
| But what these people do not realize is that this type | | | | people do not do this. All the dirt and grime that collects |
| of behavior is shortening the life of their bicycle, making | | | | in the chain and gears and other mechanical parts is |
| it so that it will need repairs more often and will not run | | | | not good. If the bike was washed clean, then it could |
| as best as it is designed to. | | | | be brought inside or so the thinking goes. Best advice: |
| When a bike is stored outside it makes it vulnerable to | | | | rinse the bike off and bring it indoors to store it. |
| theft. No matter what type of anti theft device you | | | | There are many options for storing bicycles inside. |
| have installed, the determined thief can still make away | | | | There are hoists that lift them off the ground and then |
| with whatever they want. The real problem is that | | | | suspend them from the ceiling. There are all sorts of |
| most people are too trusting and don't protect their | | | | bike racks that are specifically designed for inside |
| bike well enough and just make it too easy for thieves. | | | | storage that take up minimal space. These all work |
| The weather and sun are also harmful to bicycles. The | | | | very well and make a lot of sense and will help to |
| sun fades the paint and dries out tires, brake pads, | | | | extend the life of a bicycle. |