Cycling is a sport enjoyed by thousands of people every year, and for some, it’s a method of transportation used all year round. A self storage unit for your bicycle is the perfect complement.

At this time of the year, winter is officially just around the corner, and that means inclement weather and colder temperatures are on the way. However, unless you’re really dedicated, you might prefer to have a safe practical means of storing your bike.

When space is too limited, if there’s no more room at your condo storage or the local cycle shop, or if you simply don’t want to make your bicycle a visible part of your décor, then self-storage is certainly a viable alternative, which provides you with access to your bike anytime you want, any time of the year.

If you have only have one bike to store, and you’re willing to stand it up vertically, then the smallest standard storage unit size will more than suffice, letting you save you money in the long run. Inside the unit, you can still use portable items like a stand and a cover to store and protect your bicycle while you’re not using it, and moreover, you’ll still have ample space available for your toolset, air pump, and even a few other sports accessories that don’t need to be hanging around your home while you wait out that never-ending cold front.

However, before you put your bicycle in storage, there a few basic precautions you can take to optimize its condition later on:

Clean your bike thoroughly before your store it and inflate the tires fully.

Keep it out of the sun! Not only can it cause the paint to fade, but direct sunlight over the months can cause severe damage to the rubber in your bike’s tires.

Clean and lubricate your bike’s cables and moving parts, like the gears and the chain

When you finally do take your bike out of storage, especially if it’s been there for at least several months, don’t forget it to take it into the cycle shop for a quick inspection and tune-up.

Just as with a car, conducting routine maintenance and occasional upgrades will go along way to increasing the years of use you’ll get out of your bicycle.

Once you know your bike’s performance-primed, break out your helmet, and happy trails!