A Quick Guide to Preparing Your Bicycle for Winter Storage5 Things to Check on Your Bike Before You Put It Away for the WinterPrepared by Bike Racks for Garage HQ - A Premier Bicycle Storage Center Onlinehttp://bikeracksforgaragehq.com

Do you wonder how to prepare your bike for winter storage?

Do you know what you need to do to ensure that it won't get damaged during the cold months?

If there is one thing I don't like about winter it is that I can't use my bike during those months. Moreover, I always worry if no damage is going to be done to it as a result of the low temperatures.

And now, with the cold months slowly approaching, seems to be the best time to start thinking about preparing your bike for winter.

Step 1Inspect And Clean The Frame

Start off by giving your frame a thorough inspection. check out the overall structural integrity of the frame. Look out for any signs of cracks, metal fatigue and more. Look at the bottom bracket and weld spots, they take on a lot of your weight and are the first to be prone to damage.

While doing so, wipe clean the frame. This way you will prepare it to be put away for the cold months.

Step 2 Inflate The Tires

Before you put your bike away for the winter, be sure to fully inflate your tires. This is even more important of you plan to store your bike resting on its wheels.

If your tires are flat, the weight of the bike will sit there pressing down through the rims on one spot on the rubber all winter long. This can cause the deterioration of your tire, the rubber can end up distorted or it can even develop a weak spot at the tyre wall.If you are going to use a ceiling lift, this naturally becomes less of a problem.

Step 3Lubricate the Cables

You will want to avoid problems with rusting or poor performance in the cables that may pop up in the spring. To do so, lubricate the cables that control your brakes and shifting. Put in just a few drops of light lubricant in a rag, use it then to rub on it exposed cable and very lightly work through the cable housing.

Step 4Clean The Chain

Clean your chain and to get rid of all the dirt that has accumulated on it since the last cleaning. It is also a good idea to add a single coat of lubricant to help protect it against rust.

Step 5Empty and Clean Your Water Bottles

This isn't really a bicycle itself related advice, however I felt it is worth a mention. While you are preparing your bike for winter storage, also take out all the water bottles off the bike. Empty them out so that whatever you have in them doesn't stay there throughout the winter.

Run your bottles through the dishwasher, get them all nice and clean so they are ready to go when you decide to pop back on your bike.