What good storage needs to do
Where a bike lives affects how long it lasts, how often it is stolen and how pleasant it is to get out for a ride. A good place for a bike is generally dry, secure, easy to reach and out of the way of walkways. Few homes offer all of those perfectly, so the aim is to find the best compromise for your space.
This article is general information. If your bike came with storage or care instructions, follow them, particularly for unusual materials or components.
Indoors: usually the best option
Storing a bike inside the home, in a hallway, spare room, garage or flat, tends to protect it best from weather and theft.
- Floor stands and racks. A simple stand holds the bike upright, uses little space and keeps it off the wall. Some hold the bike by one wheel, others by both. Make sure the stand suits your tyre width and mudguards.
- Wall hooks and wall-mounted racks. These lift the bike off the floor and can save space. They must be fixed securely to a wall that can take the weight, using the right fixings for the wall type. If you are unsure, ask someone experienced to help, since a falling bike can injure people and damage property. Check the maker’s guidance on how to hang a bike, as hanging by certain parts is not recommended for every bike.
- Vertical storage. Some racks hold a bike on end. These save floor area, but lifting a heavy bike takes effort and care. Consider whether you can do it comfortably and safely.
- Protect floors and walls. A mat under the tyres catches dirt and water, and padding on the wall can prevent marks from handlebars and pedals.
Wipe down a wet or muddy bike before bringing it indoors, or keep it in a place where dirt does not matter. Dirt and chain oil can stain carpets and walls, so keep the drivetrain side away from surfaces, or use a chain guard or cloth.
Outdoors: shed, garage and covered spots
If indoor space is not available, a shed, garage or covered store is a good second choice.
- Keep it dry. Water is the main enemy. A solid roof, good ventilation and a floor that does not flood all help. Condensation can form in sealed spaces, so some airflow is useful.
- Use a proper lock. Even inside a shed or garage, lock the bike to something solid and secure. The right locks and locking methods are a topic in themselves; the basics of how to lock a bike securely include choosing a strong lock and anchoring it to a fixed object. Anchor points set into concrete or secured to a sturdy structure are better than loose items.
- Out of sight. Keeping bikes where passers-by cannot see them lowers the chance of theft.
- Shared spaces. If you live in a building with a shared bike room, check the rules and use the locking points provided.
If the bike has to stay outside
Leaving a bike fully outdoors is the hardest on it. Rain, sun and temperature swings can speed up rust, fade parts and make rubber and plastics age faster. If you have no choice:
- Use a weatherproof cover that fits well and does not trap moisture. Check it periodically, because covers can hold dampness.
- Keep the bike off bare soil and standing water.
- Lock it to a sturdy anchor with a good lock, and consider more than one lock. Even then, theft is a risk, so insurance and a record of the frame number can be worthwhile. Check your policy and local advice.
- Clean and lubricate the chain more often, and inspect cables and bolts for rust.
Keeping it out of the way
A stored bike should not block exits, stairs or fire routes. Think about:
- Handlebar and pedal width. These stick out and catch clothing and legs. Turning the handlebar to the side or using a stand that holds the bike flat to the wall can help.
- Children and pets. Make sure stored bikes cannot be knocked onto someone. Bikes leaning against walls often slip.
- Easy access. If getting the bike out is hard, you are less likely to ride it. A storage spot that takes a few seconds to use makes riding more likely.
- Using a kickstand. If your bike has one, use it properly and on a stable surface; read about bike stand and kickstand use for more detail. Kickstands can fail on soft ground.
Storing for a long break
If the bike will not be used for weeks or months:
- Clean it and dry it fully.
- Lubricate the chain and wipe off the excess.
- Keep it somewhere dry. Avoid places with large temperature swings, damp or direct sunlight.
- Consider keeping the tyres reasonably inflated, since tyres lose air over time. Use the pressure range printed on the sidewall as your guide.
- Check it over before riding again. A pre-ride bike check is a good habit anyway after a long gap, because rubber and lubricants age even when the bike is unused. Look in particular at tyres for cracks, brakes for function and the chain for rust.
If you stored a bike through the colder months, remember that damp and salt residue from riding in winter conditions should be rinsed and dried before you put the bike away.
Special cases
- Electric bikes. Batteries often have their own storage advice, such as temperature limits and charge level. Follow the maker’s instructions, and ask the supplier if unclear.
- Carbon fibre and other lightweight frames. Avoid clamping them in ways the maker warns against.
- Children’s bikes. Keep them where the child can reach them safely, but out of the way of walkways.
Good storage does not need to be fancy. A dry, secure space that makes it easy to wheel the bike in and out, plus a quick check before you ride, protects both the bike and your safety.