Storage and Maintenance of a new bike

.ak · 08-04-2014 9:38am #1

I'm storing my new bike indoors at night, however I don't like the idea of bringing in all the dirt/water with it after a cycle in the rain. Is there a cheap bike stand you can buy that will keep it off the floor?

Also, I'm a bike n00b, so do you have any tips for maintenance of a new bike? Things I should look out for, things I need to keep clean or maintain etc?

Morgan · 08-04-2014 9:41am

Even with a stand the rain and muck will still drip onto your carpets. Just put something under it - a mat, a square of lino, an oriental rug.

AstraMonti · 08-04-2014 9:44am

Buy a cheap plastic cover for rain and use it upside down.

07Lapierre · 08-04-2014 10:34am

Clean you bike..wipe it dry with a cloth..then bring it indoors.

.ak · 08-04-2014 10:47am

07Lapierre wrote: »

Clean you bike..wipe it dry with a cloth..then bring it indoors.

... :pac:

.ak · 08-04-2014 10:47am

Good point. I'll keep an eye out for something to keep it on.

OldBean · 08-04-2014 10:52am

Ikea have mats that are exactly the length of a bike in the garden section. Can't remember the name, but it's been keeping the Mrs. happy for over a year now.

manwithaplan · 08-04-2014 10:59am

OldBean wrote: »

Ikea have mats that are exactly the length of a bike in the garden section. Can't remember the name, but it's been keeping the Mrs. happy for over a year now.

But how are you storing your bike?

07Lapierre · 08-04-2014 11:02am

.ak wrote: »

... :pac:

BTW I was serious..wiping the bike down only takes a minute.

.ak · 08-04-2014 11:28am

07Lapierre wrote: »

BTW I was serious..wiping the bike down only takes a minute.

I know. But I am far too lazy for that.

OldBean · 08-04-2014 11:33am

manwithaplan wrote: »

But how are you storing your bike?

On the mat? It's just inside the door, so I can plonk it on that if it's covered in ****e, and clean it off even of it's lashing down outside. It stays on the mat 'til it's next run.

.ak · 08-04-2014 12:49pm

OldBean wrote: »

Ikea have mats that are exactly the length of a bike in the garden section. Can't remember the name, but it's been keeping the Mrs. happy for over a year now.

That sounds like the job. Must try looking for that, can't see anything on their site.

.ak · 08-04-2014 12:49pm

What about maintenance? Should I be lubing the chain regularly? Is there any particular areas of the bike I need to keep clean/dry etc?

omri · 08-04-2014 12:51pm

07Lapierre wrote: »

Clean you bike..wipe it dry with a cloth..then bring it indoors.

Something I used to do on a daily basis after a rainy day.

OldBean · 08-04-2014 1:21pm

manwithaplan wrote: »

But how are you storing your bike?

Ah. Humour fail on my part. Lol.

Finneranjames · 11-04-2014 2:39pm

What bike did ye buy?

thejaguar · 11-04-2014 2:48pm

I live in a small apartment - keep my bike in the bath.
We have an en suite shower so don't really use the bath. Keeps the bike out of the way and I just need to wash away and crap the drips off on bad days.

t'bear · 11-04-2014 7:15pm

.ak wrote: »

That sounds like the job. Must try looking for that, can't see anything on their site.

Is this the yoke?
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/50228265/

Type 17 · 11-04-2014 7:24pm

.ak wrote: »

What about maintenance? Should I be lubing the chain regularly? Is there any particular areas of the bike I need to keep clean/dry etc?

After working in various LBSs, here's the stuff that you see neglected on most commuter bikes:

Chain: the most important thing to check, do it once or twice a week, more often if it's wet - it should be grey, ie: rollers not silver (too little lube), but not black (too much lube). When the edges of the side plates become blurred (dirt build-up), it's time to clean and re-lube. If you keep your chain well, you'll get a few thousand km out of it, but if not, you might only get a few hundred. A worn chain will wear the rear sprockets and (if left longer), the front chainrings, which can add up to a triple figure cost on a decent bike.

Pump the tyres every week (all tyres weep air). Hard tyres are more efficient, wear more slowly, and are harder to puncture.

Oil the brake pivot points, and any place where cables enter or leave the housing.

Keep an eye on your brake pads - they wear quickly in bad weather, and you can get caught out (rim damage) if you don't notice in time.

Get it checked at your LBS at least once a year, more if you ride a lot/in all weathers, they'll spot the other stuff that you don't see.

Storage and Maintenance of a new bike

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