Winter mountain bike storage tips
Storing your MTB during the winter months is an important task to ensure that it stays in good condition and is ready to ride when the warm weather returns. Setting up bike is not the only important thing about maintaining your MTB. Here are some tips for storing your MTB during the winter:
1) Clean and dry the MTB thoroughly: Before storing your MTB, it’s important to clean and dry it thoroughly. Remove any dirt, mud, and grime that has accumulated on the MTB during the season. Dry the MTB off completely to prevent rust and other forms of corrosion. Finally when it is time in spring for setting up bike, check out SAGLY, a mountain bike app which helps you to document tun and compare your MTB settings.
Lubricate, Lubricate, Lubricate …
2) Lubricate the chain: A dry chain can rust and become stuck over the winter, so it’s important to lubricate it before storing the bike. Use a bicycle-specific lubricant and apply it to the chain, pedals, and derailleurs. Wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent it from attracting dirt and grime.
Inflate tires for storage and the setting up bike with SAGLY.
3) Inflate the tires: Underinflated tires can develop flat spots over the winter, so make sure to inflate them to the recommended pressure before storing the bike. This will help maintain the shape of the tires and ensure that they are ready to ride when the warm weather returns. You can also use for your tire setup SAGLY. There is an EASY SETUP GUIDE integrated, which suggests you tire pressure settings based on your weight and tire types.
4) Store the MTB indoors: If possible, store your MTB indoors, in a cool and dry place. This will protect it from the elements and prevent rust and other forms of corrosion. If you don’t have indoor storage space, consider using a MTB cover to protect your MTB from rain, snow, and other forms of weather.
5) Avoid hanging the MTB by the wheels: It’s generally not a good idea to hang your MTB by the wheels when storing it. This can put unnecessary strain on the wheels and hubs, potentially causing them to become damaged or out of true. Instead, use a MTB stand or lean the MTB against a wall to support its weight.
It is not time to setting up bike, snow is coming 😕
6) Remove the batteries from electronic components: If your MTB has electronic components such as a dropper post or an electronic shifting system, it’s a good idea to remove the batteries before storing the MTB. This will prevent the batteries from draining and potentially causing damage to the components.
7) Protect the MTB from pests: Mice and other pests can sometimes find their way into your garage or storage space and chew on things like MTB cables and rubber seals. To prevent this, you can use a natural pest repellent or cover the MTB with a protective cover.
8) Store the MTB in a dry place: It’s important to store your MTB in a dry place to prevent rust and other forms of corrosion. If you don’t have a dry storage space, consider using a dehumidifier to keep the air inside the storage area dry. This will guarantee that the for setting up bike in spring everything is set.
Protect your MTB from the cold.
9) Protect the bike from extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can cause damage to your bike, so try to avoid storing it in a place that gets too hot or too cold. For example, if you live in a place with very cold winters, it’s a good idea to bring your bike inside or at least into a garage or shed to protect it from the cold.
10) Consider using a bike-specific storage bag: If you don’t have a lot of indoor storage space, you can use a bike-specific storage bag to protect your bike from dust and other contaminants. These bags are designed to fit your bike snugly and keep it clean and protected while it’s in storage.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your mountain bike stays in good condition during the winter months and is ready to ride when the warm weather returns.
Do not forget SAGLY, a free mobile app which helps you to tune your mountain bike settings.