How to prepare your bike for the winter

How to protect your bike from the snow

Asgard have been producing the best in cycle storage for many years.  The recent bad weather holds no fear for the owners of Asgard bike stores!!!   Here are some tips on how to prepare your bike for long term winter storage.

How to prepare your cycle for winter storage.

When it comes to bike maintenance, there are two kinds of cyclists—those intimate with their bikes, who lovingly wash, lubricate and maintain their trusty steed throughout the cycling season—and the normal people.

Do you need to lubricate the cables or chain before storing the bike?

My tip is if you are not using your bike for a while – Keep everything lubricated.

If you are not planning to use your bike for some months, make sure you clean your bike thoroughly! 

Get ALL the dirt off, dirt will rust your bike, if it becomes damp through the winter.

Then, lubricate the chain and other mechanisms.  DO NOT USE WD40,

You should always use bike specific lubricants such as GT85 and Finish line oils.  These are not expensive (£7.00 for both). WD40 attracts all sorts of yukky stuff and will soon clog up your mechanism one you start cycling again.

I use paint thinner (meths) to clean my chain right down, then thoroughly oil it up.  This prevents any of the links from rusting or becoming stiff.  You can buy a chain cleaner from ebay for around £5 that clamps to your bike and brushes your chain clean in seconds.  Use plenty of oil after, then lightly rub the excess off.

A drop of thin oil inside the brake lever mechanism will help to keep them in tip top shape. Preventing seizure.

I then spray some GT85 on a rag and rub all the body work down, GT85 acts as a cleaning/polishing agent AND will give your bike an extra bit of protection.

Should the tires be inflated or deflated?

They should be inflated. They will deflate over the winter months. If you store your bike in an unheated garage you can take the tires off and bring them inside to a heated area. This will protect the rubber on the tires.

Should I hang the bike up?

You can hang your bike on a wall or ceiling, or just turn it upside down so there’s no weight on the tires.

Will direct sunlight harm the bike?

Don’t store your bike in direct sunlight. Unless your windows are new and UV protected, sunlight can dry and split the side walls of the tires.

Do steel-frame bikes need any special attention in the winter months?

If steel-frame bicycles are left in an unheated garage the metal can get cold enough for condensation to build up inside the tubing. This causes rusting. It’s best to store these bikes in a heated area, or pre-treat the steel frame with rust-proofing oil.  Should you use an Asgard bike store you can be sure that condensation will be kept to a minimum, due to the hidden roof vents and spacious design.  If in doubt, a bag of salt left in the shed/garage will absorb any moisture in the air.

What about other bike bits?

Take the batteries out of any lights, a little squirt of GT85 in any bike tools will keep them in good order.

Make sure you wash the liner of your bike helmet to remove any bacteria (Milton Fluid is great for this) this will stop the helmet from smelling.

Wash your riding shoes well.  Again, any dry mud mixed with light dampness will just rot the shoes through the winter.

 

Keep It Simple

If you are lazy or don’t have the time to do the above, simply take the bike to your local bike shop.  For around £30 they will prepare your bike ready for winter, then lock it up in your bike shed and wait for the sun!

 

Keep your bike dry and safe through the winter.

 

Top Ten Places to Go Cycling This Summer

1.Swinley Forest.

Variable distances

Situated to the South-West of Windsor Great Park, Swinley forest comprises over 2600 acres of woodland. There are numerous trails to choose from so you can find one appropriate to your ability. Recently there has been a lot of investment into new facilities so it’s well worth a visit.

2. TETBURY TO SHERSTON, COTSWOLDS

Approx. 13 miles

This route takes you through quite country lanes and plenty of beautiful scenic pubs to stop at on the way. With few hills and little traffic this is a good ride for most of the family.

3. Kennet and Avon Canal, Bath to Reading

85 miles

Britain’s most popular long distance waterside cycle route passes through areas of outstanding natural beauty and features aqueducts, tunnels and historic buildings. Riders can do this in a day but less experienced cyclists can split this into 3 sections.

4. Mawddach Trail Cycleway, Wales (Dolgellau to Barmouth)

10 miles

A disused railway line, stunning ride running below the foothills of Cadair Iris and tucked away in the south of the Snowdonia national park this is an idyllic ride suitable for all the family.

5. Tarka Trail

31 miles

This route is renowned for its wildlife along the way there are “discovery posts” with information on the wildlife around that area. You could be lucky enough to spot an otter on the river bank! This is a great way to explore rural Devon.

6. Grizedale Forest

Variable distances

With 8 routes to choose from Grizedale is perfect for the family with lots of facilities including a bike hire shop where you can hire normal bikes as well as adult tag along bikes and trailers for young children.  Once you’ve finished cycling there is a café, playground and shops.

7. Causeway Coast Cycle Route (Giants Causeway to Benone)

23 miles

The route has fine sea views over as well as a railway path to the Giant Causeway Visitor centre which is a World Heritage site created by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. Refreshments and toilet facilities are available at towns throughout the route.

8. Tweed Valley

Variable

One of the most visited tourist attractions in Scotland. The trails are graded so it’s good for beginners as well as more experienced riders. Bikes are available for hire as well as tuition at the ‘Dirt School’ where groups are split into different abilities.

9. Purbeck Ride, Dorset

47 miles

Rural scenery and costal views with a few historic landmarks along the way; this route is mainly on roads with a few steep hills and is ideal for confident riders.

10.The Camel Trail, Cornwall

18 miles

Based on an historic railway track passes through beautiful Cornish countryside. It goes along the coast as well as through areas of forest and is relatively flat so perfect for families.

It’s not always easy when you’re away from home to keep your bike secure. So take a look at one of Asgard’s bike storage units so you know your bike is safe from theft!

Could cycle route logging get your bike stolen?

A warning has been released by police in the Tamworth area, urging cyclists to be cautious about posting too many details about their cycle routes online. This warning has come after a spate of thefts in the area.

The police have suggested that it is possible that bike thieves are logging onto cycling websites, that enthusiastic cyclists use to log their routes, bike details etc and are using this information to steal their bikes.

Bike theft police warning

Chief Inspector Ian Coxhead said “These are sites where cyclists can log the make of their bike and upload their cycle routes as tracked by the GPS devices, which can track people back to their home, so I would be cautious about what you advertise online”.

This type of bike theft is not too dissimilar from bike thieves following cyclists home after cycling events and finding out where they live, so that they can steal the bikes at a later date.  This was the case with charity bike rider Stuart Fox in Lincoln, who had four bikes stolen just hours after completing a charity bike ride and raising £1,500. Mr Fox said “I go out on my bike three or four times a week and I feel like maybe I’ve been watched”

When your bike isn’t in use, make sure your bike is fully protected at home and is stored securely and safely out of sight. Asgard bike storage units offer fantastic protection for bikes. These bike sheds are all made from strong weatherproof steel panels and have been designed to help keep thieves out!

Asgard best selling bike storage

These bike storage units are available in a range of shapes and sizes and if you live in a particular risky area, the Asgard high security bike store will do the trick! View the full range of Asgard bike storage and help keep your bike protected from the risk of theft.

What is the best high security bike storage?

The Annexe is Asgard’s toughest bike shed,

Fitted with a range of strong high security features to keep your bikes protected from theft. Take a look at its key features here.

1. Door security bolts

This bike shed features tough door bolts as an added security measure.

2. Galvanised steel

All Asgard metal bike sheds are all made from galvanised (weatherproof) steel, for tough storage.

3. Reinforced panels

The Annexe secure bike storage unit boasts reinforced doors, panels and hinges for the best bike security.

4. Hooks available

Heavy duty hooks are available to purchase, these are ideal for hanging helmets and cycling accessories. These hooks are easy to fit as Asgard sheds are already pre-drilled to accept them.

5. Rain guard

Bad weather is no match for the Annexe bike shed, as it is fitted with an integral rain guard designed to keep the bad weather out!

6. Shelving available

Heavy duty, galvanised steel shelves are available to purchase. Keep all of your cycling gear stored with your bikes.

7. Full metal base

Asgard bike sheds are fitted with a full integral metal base for security, this metal base can be bolted to concrete for extra tough storage.

8. LPCB Approved

The Annexe high security bike shed, has been approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board  to level 1, which may help to reduce insurance premiums.

9. Pick resistant lock

Fitted with a euro cylinder pick resistant locking mechanism, for the best bike security.

10. Tough locking system

The Annexe has a tough 5 point locking system, designed to keep thieves out!

Take a look at the full range of Bike Sheds from Asgard.

What is the best garage for bikes?

If you have anything up 6 bikes, the Asgard cycle garage is the best way to store them all securely and there is still plenty of room inside for cycling accessories and bike tools.

Asgard Cycle Maintenance Garage

1. Galvanised Steel

The Asgard cycle garage is made from strong weatherproof steel, for the best bike security.

2. Easy Assembly

Asgard products all come with easy to follow step by step instructions, an installation service is also available.

3. 10 year warranty

This bike shed is supplied with a 10 year warranty, as are all Asgard sheds.

4. Heavy duty ramp

The supplied heavy duty ramp makes it easy to ride your bike straight inside the garage.

5. Integral metal base and protective wooden floor

The integral metal floor provides security and the supplied  protective wooden floor, helps keep your bike tyres in good condition.

6. Heavy duty shelves and hooks

This cycle garage includes a shelf and hooks which provide even more storage for your cycling accessories.

7. Shed ventilation system

A vented side panel is fitted in this bike shed, designed to minimise condensation.

8. Pick resistant lock

Fitted with a pick resistant lock to keep bike thieves out!

9. Tough 5 point locking system

This locking system provides the best security for your bike.

10. UK Locksmith Association Approved

The Asgard cycle garage has been approved by the UK Locksmiths Association.

The new Asgard Cycle Store XXL

Just in time for their bank holiday sale Asgard have launched the new extra-large bike shed, the Cycle Store XXL.

This metal bike shed is Asgard’s biggest bike shed to date, with massive storage space for up to 8 bikes. This metal bike storage unit has been designed with bike maintenance in mind, as it offers the ideal space for carrying out bike maintenance, which will come in handy when bad weather hits.

Asgard’s Biggest Bike Shed!

Asgard have a popular wide range of metal bike sheds and this cycle store has many of the same features, which make Asgard bike storage units so great.

Key Features

• Made from galvanised steel panels
• Supplied with a 10 year warranty
• Stores up to 8 bikes
• Features an integral metal base
• Comes supplied with a heavy duty shelf, hooks, ramp and wooden subfloor
• Fitted with a tough 5 point locking system for the best bike security

View the full details of the Cycle Store XXL on the Asgard website or see view their full range of bike storage units.  Get 5% off Asgard products when you like them on Facebook. Offer ends Tuesday 7th May.

How can I store 4 bikes?

Asgard 4 bike storage features

The Access 4 bike shed is the best selling bike shed from Asgard. This bike shed is popular because of its large easy access double doors, easy lift up lid and shrouded locks.

Take a look at the rest of this bike sheds features:

1. Galvanised steel

This 4 bike shed from Asgard is made from strong weatherproof steel, the same as all Asgard metal storage units.

2. Metal shed 10 year warranty

Asgard sheds come with a 10 year warranty as standard.

3. Bike shed accessories

Shelving and hook accessories are available to purchase, adding more storage space to your unit.

4. Unique shed ventilation

All Asgard metal storage units are fitted with a unique ventilation system to minimise condensation.

5. Gas assisted lift up lid

The Access 4 bike shed has a unique gas assisted lift up lid.

6. Easy assembly

This metal bike shed comes with easy to follow step by step instructions. An assembly service is also available.

7. Integral metal floor

Security is added with an integral metal floor.

8. No exposed screws

Asgard bike storage units feature no exposed screws or dangerous sharp edges.

9. Two Shrouded locking points

This bike shed is fitted with two shrouded locking points, designed to keep thieves out!

10. Fits up to 4 bikes

Fit up to 4 bikes securely in the Access bike shed.

See the full range of Asgard bike storage.

Bike racks instead of car parking spaces?

Would you rather have cycle racks outside your home instead of a parking space? Cambridge city councillors are planning on doing just that, as parking spaces in tightly packed terraces could be replaced by cycle racks if residents choose.

This will be trialled in as an idea in intensely developed areas.  Martin Lucas- Smith the campaigners chairman stated that he had been approached by households living in the area that wanted on street bike storage. Councillors have said that they would be interested in testing out this idea, but realise that any changes would have to be carefully thought out as car parking spaces are also in heavy demand.

However this does raise the question as to whether it will increase the amount of bike thefts in the area. If large quantities of bikes are kept in a specific area every night, they are very likely to become targets for bike theft. As Cambridge is one of the worst places for bike theft in the UK, these bicycle racks could just encourage bike thieves in the area. It will be interesting to see what residents in the areas think of this idea and whether the scheme will be successful when trialled.

Anti-theft bike stand

A new bike stand has been designed to offer cyclists secure bike storage in cities.  This new concept of bike stand is an anti-theft lock stand created by R&D Core. The bike stand works by rolling the bike into grooves in the ground.  When the stand is activated, a lock attaches the bike frame to the stand and two bolts slip through the spokes of each bike wheel, immobilising the bike. The user can then access their bike using smartphone or smartcard. This new concept may be just what is needed to stop bike theft away from the home in its tracks.

New concept bike rack

Although many bike users are most concerned about their bikes safety when out and about, the majority of bike theft actually occurs at the home. Never underestimate the importance of secure bike storage at home. Reports of home bike theft are always increasing and as summer approaches, garden shed thefts will also be on the increase and your bike will be vulnerable. If you store your bike in a standard wooden garden shed, it is unfortunately only a matter of time before it will be stolen. Make sure you have the best protection for your bike at home with a strong metal bike shed.

Asgard best selling bike storage

These bike sheds from Asgard are made from strong weatherproof steel, fitted with tough locking systems and come with a wide range of features. Take a look at the full range of secure bike storage from Asgard.

Information provided by Bikebiz