Storage facilities offer safe places for your belongings while you renovate your home or relocate. You can also use a unit to store your bicycle indefinitely if you’ve changed your primary means of transportation. Below, you’ll find a helpful guide on how to get your bike ready for long-term storage.

How to Get Your Bike Ready for Storage

1. Clean It

If you put a dirty bicycle into a storage unit, grease, grime, and debris may sink into the metal components and become more difficult to clean over time.

Use a degreaser and bike cleaning solution to wash the tires, chain, rims, and frame with a brush or sponge. Dry all surfaces with a gentle cloth afterward. 

2. Oil the Chain

Even though you won’t be using your bike, it’s still important to lubricate the chain and cables before placing it in self-storage. Oiling these parts will prevent them from rusting or popping.

Add two to three drops of lubricant to a cloth and wipe it over the chain and cables. You can also use a spray-on product.

3. Inflate the Tires

If you store your bike upright and the tires are under-inflated, the weight of the bike may put excess pressure on the wheels.

To prevent potential damage to the rims, add air to the tires so the wheels can support the weight. You can also suspend the bike with cords or hang it on the wall of your unit. Place an indoor cover over the bike to protect it from dust.

When you’re ready to store your bicycle, rent a unit from Galaxy Self-Storage. They provide self-storage solutions, including options for vehicles, to clients throughout La Crosse, WI. For your convenience, they have seven locations throughout the state. Call (608) 526-9000 to ask about sizing and pricing, or visit their website to learn more about their locations.