How to store your bike through autumn and winter

In the wetter and colder months, giving your bike a proper home becomes even more important. Rain, mud, condensation and general British weather can all take their toll, particularly when a bike is left outside or squeezed into an unsuitable corner of the garden. Plus, who wants a wet bum when you're heading out for your commute. 

A purposeful bike shelter can help protect your bike from the elements while keeping it secure, accessible and ready for your next ride.

Keeping bikes out of the rain

A little rain probably isn't going to ruin your bike. It's when moisture is allowed to sit around for weeks and months that problems can start to appear.

Water can contribute to rust and corrosion, particularly around chains, gears, brake components and other metal parts. Mud and road grime can also work their way into moving parts, making everything a little less smooth.

Keeping your bike under cover gives it some much-needed protection from the worst of the weather.

 

Keep bikes dry and ready to go

One of the biggest benefits of purposeful bike storage is convenience.

Your lovely garden shed might seem like the obvious place to keep a bike, but it can quickly become like a game of Tetris. By the time you get to the bike in, there's often very little room left. A dedicated bike shelter gives your bikes their own space, meaning you don't have to empty half the shed every time you fancy a ride.

When your bike has a dedicated home, you know exactly where it is and can get to it easily. There's no dragging it through the house, moving garden furniture out of the way or digging through other stuff to get it out.

And when the weather suddenly clears for an hour, you can actually take advantage of it - something even more important in the autumn/winter months.

Protect your bike from all the elements

A good bike shelter isn't just about keeping the rain off. A covered, enclosed space can also protect bikes from:

• Frost and cold weather
• Direct sunlight
• Falling leaves and debris
• Mud and dirt
• Wind
• Accidental knocks and bumps

Keeping bikes protected from the elements can help them stay in better condition and reduce the amount of maintenance needed over time.

Don't forget about security

Outdoor bike storage should also provide somewhere secure to keep your bikes when they're not being used.

A purpose-built bike store can make it easier to keep bikes out of sight while giving you somewhere designed specifically for storing them safely.

It's another advantage over simply leaving bikes leaning against a wall or tucked behind the shed.

Out of sight, out of the weather and, ideally, out of reach of anyone who shouldn't be borrowing them.

 

Find bike storage that works with your garden

Choosing a bike store that complements your outdoor space can make it feel like part of the garden rather than an afterthought. A green roof is the perfect way to introduce storage that beautifully blends with the outdoor space it's in. 

Positioning your store alongside a fence, at the end of a path or in an otherwise underused corner can make clever use of space without taking over the garden.

With the right shelter, you can protect your bike from the worst of the weather, keep everything organised and make it easier to get out and ride whenever the opportunity appears.

See the Bluum range of bike storage options here.