The beauty of a Michigan fall is upon us, and many of you are planning peaceful Autumn bike rides down scenic drives. We don't blame you, as it's one of the most stunning times of the year and still tolerable for outdoor activities. That said, old man winter will arrive soon, ending your two-wheeled adventures for a few months. For those without adequate space to keep their bike indoors (we highly recommend you don't leave it outside in the winter), self-storage is an excellent option for storing your bike. While the brave Michigander might keep their bikes available in case there's a break from the snow, most of you will want to stow them away. So to ensure your bicycle is good to go come spring, we've assembled five tips for preparing your bike for winter storage. Proper cleaning While the thought of throwing your bike in storage and worrying about it in the spring might sound enticing, you'll regret it come April. The summer months have resulted in great memories, which have left your bike covered in dirt, grime, and dust. Giving your bike a thorough clean before storing it for the winter is a great way to avoid corrosion. Keep the cleaning simple with a brush, rag, and bike soap (dish soap also works). Further, you'll want to flip your bike upside down to ensure you don't miss any surfaces. Next, inspect the bike for any cracks or damage, then dry thoroughly. We'll repeat it to emphasize this step: dry your bike entirely before storing it for the winter. Under 'tire' pressure To ensure your tires stay round, we encourage you to check the air pressure of your bicycle before putting it into storage. Here's an excellent guide for the correct PSI for bike tires. If you have a tire pressure gauge handy, we suggest checking it two or three times during the winter. Keeping the pressure consistent will help the longevity of your bike. Make sure you have enough room Okay, this tip seems obvious, but don't assume your bike will fit in your self-storage unit, especially if it's a 5x10 unit. Oddly, your storage space is already quite full, so you might need to reorganize. Moreover, storing your bike with the wheels touching the ground is okay if you properly inflate them. If your unit is too crowded and you're worried your bike or other valuables might get damaged, speak to our front office about upgrading to a larger size. Remove personal items Save yourself a yuck moment by removing any water bottles, snacks, or other trail gear from your bike. This step may seem obvious, but how many times have you left your bottle in its holder after a long ride? Further, now is an excellent time to assess if you need to replace any items such as handlebar grips, reflectors, etc. Tune it up and lube it up Taking your bike in for a complete tune-up is essential before storing it for the winter. Unfortunately, a pre-winter tune-up is an often overlooked step, as many people think it's better to wait until spring to get your bike tuned up. Instead, we suggest you take it in now and mention to your local bike store that you plan on storing it for a few months; that way, they can check off most of the items on this list. Then, your future self will thank you when it's the first beautiful and warm weekend in April and your bike is ready to ride. Another perk of having a pro do your tune-up is that you get to skip the messy step of cleaning and lubricating the chain and gears. U-Lock-It Self Storage is here for all your storage needs as you gear up for winter. Stay organized and keep your items secure and accessible in our 24-hr access units. Please call us today for availability.
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U-Lock-It Self Storage Belleville, MI. Archives
September 2022
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