Outdoor cycle storage

[livpoksoc]

Evening all, apologies if there is a thread on this. Post a link and I'll read.

I have just moved into a flat and have nowhere to store in the flat, but have two specialized bikes I need to store. I currently have them locked up outside but with with winter rolling in I want to keep them dry and safe from rust etc.

I can't really afford to spend £hundreds on a cycle shed and there's no guarantee the landlords will allow it anyway. The security is fine as there's a courtyard I leave them in right by my flat window so I can keep an eye on them and only other tenants have access.

Any solutions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[festival]

A water proof bike cover available from all good bike shops and some bad ones.
It will keep them in reasonable condition if you clean and lube regularly.
Have you thought outside the box with regards to storing? eg hanging from the ceiling.

 

[NorthernSky]

just bought this and seems well made. completely cover the bike
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproo...K_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item2c69f1aad0

 

[livpoksoc]

Thanks both. I bought two large pieces of tarpaulin to cover the bikes as I'm not a fan of buying a custom cycle cover for £30. They keep the bikes dry, but rust & other effects of cold are my concern.

As for hanging them inside, i'm currently focussing on compromising on everything else (the flat belongs to the Mrs) plus there's nowhere i can really hang them as it's a relatively small flat.

 

[snorri]

As for hanging them inside, i'm currently focussing on compromising on everything else (the flat belongs to the Mrs) plus there's nowhere i can really hang them as it's a relatively small flat.

Even if you were to arrange a pulley system so that they were suspended flat against the ceiling? (ie each bike on its side)

 

[livpoksoc]

Even if you were to arrange a pulley system so that they were suspended flat against the ceiling? (ie each bike on its side)

not 100% sire how it would work but she has the 'out of sight' perspective really & I wouldn't want to go putting holes in the celing tbh

 

[Zakalwe]

Cold shouldn't be a concern, it's not going to harm anything. You can't control it anyway if you store outside, unless you rig a heater to your tarp. Just make things are dry and lubed, give all moving parts a regrease before winter and they should be fine.

 

[livpoksoc]

Thanks for the advice, i'll go with that.

If i'm not using them how often should i lube up the relevant parts? (assuming chain/gears, crank)

 

[livpoksoc]

Especially as one is an MTB so never had to worry about disc brakes before

 

[Zakalwe]

If they won't be used, just once generally. It's the using and moving of parts that work lubricant out or contaminate it, sitting still a smear of grease will stay put. I don't know anything about disc brakes though, apart from the ones on my car are fine over winter