How can I store my bicycle for 4 months?

If you plan not to use your bicycles for 4 months, it is best that you find ways to hang up your bike to protect the tyres and tubes. This is because after 2 weeks or so, your tube will slowly deflate and your rims will sit on the tyres causing it to crack. The weight of the bicycle sitting on the deflated tubes may even damaged them.

If you cannot hang it inside your home and have to keep it outdoor, cover it properly to prevent it from the exposure of rain and sun which will wear out your components sooner than they should. The heat from the sun will break down the plastic and rubber parts on your bicycle to become slimy or brittle. Colours will fade. Once humidity sets in, you will also have issues with rust and seized parts like your cables which will affect shifting and braking efficiency. If it gets caught in the rain more visible corrosion damage on moving parts will be noticed.

A plastic bicycle cover like this will also help you avoid the hassle of dusting your bicycle up after 4 months in storage.

Another option will be to keep your bicycle in a travel case for bicycle like this one.

Separate wheel cases are provided and since the whole bicycle is enclosed in this manner you do not have to worry about it getting caught in the environment of rain, sun and dust.

It would be best if you could find a friend to ride your bicycle now and then while you are away. But if you can’t, make sure that you lubricate your bike properly before storing it away.

If you read the following articles I shared earlier, you may find more useful information that will help you keep your bicycle in good working condition even after 4 months.

How do we protect bicycle tires from cracking?

What are the best tips to maintain a bike in the proper way?