How do you choose the perfect cover to cover and protect a bike?

The best way to protect a bicycle is to place it in a bag.

Check out these bags for folding bikes. Most of the time, they are made for 20″ wheel size foldies.

You can also find bag for folding bikes that can be folded. This model comes packed in a bag which you can hang on the handlebar when not in use.

There are also similar looking models that are installed with rollers at the base to ease moving the bicycle around.

You can also find hardcase bags for bicycles in larger wheel size like this.

It is large enough to store a bicycle in wheel sizes of 26″ up to 700C. When bicycles are stored in such bags, the wheels are removed to be packed in a separate compartment.

This cover is a cheaper way to protect a bicycle.

As it lays open at the bottom, dirt and rain water can still get to it. The wheels can also be stained with dirty water when the floor it is parked on is being cleaned. Overtime rust will appear on some of the parts. So, when the bicycle is stored in this manner for a period of time, some cleaning up will still be required when it is time to ride on the bicycle again. For long term storage, it is best that the bicycle is located in an enclosed area to protect it from the elements of nature.

If you plan on not cycling your bike for a long period of time,  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.

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.

You may find the additional information at the following links useful in helping you keep your bicycle in good working condition:

How do we protect bicycle tires from cracking?

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

How do we protect bicycle tyres from cracking?

Avoid doing things to your tyres that will age and dry them out and cause them to crack.

You should:

1) keep bicycle indoor to avoid exposure to the sun's heat or rain.

2) use the proper air pressure in your tyres to prevent overstretching them out.

3) not wash your tyres excessively with chemical cleaners that will remove waxes and other chemical compound the manufacturer used to protect the surface. If you like your tyres looking clean and new, shop around for polish or wax for tyres that will protect or prevent dirt and mud from sticking to them easily.

4) ride on your bicycle regularly so that the tyres are stretched to maintain their flexibility.

5) inflate the tyres at least every 2 weeks even if you are not cycling your bicycle.

6) remove the wheels from your bicycle and hang them up if you do not plan to cycle for a long period of time. This is to prevent weight of your bicycle from sitting on the tyres.

You can also find other ways to store your bicycle. My customer bought this ceiling hooks from our bike shop to hang his bicycle up in his parent’s home. He rides it only when he is free during the weekends.

You can also check out bike shops to learn how they hang their bicycles for display. This was how we displayed our bicycles at our former bicycle shop.

These are some of the storage racks for hanging bicycles up, that you should be able to find in the market.This rack is suitable for those with more than two bicycles to store, as additional holders can be purchased separately.

This rack is suitable for those with more than two bicycles to store, as additional holders can be purchased separately.

If you have to keep it outdoor, make sure that it is properly covered to protect it from the exposure of rain and sun.

You can also find such covers in shops selling motorbikes but I noticed that there are usually priced higher there than at a bike shop.

Where do you keep your cycling glasses?

There are small bags that you can hang on your saddle or handlebar or frame of your bicycle for stuff like glasses, tools, keys and wallet.

This is a handlebar bag.

This handlebar bag can be used folded or opened up to carry more stuff.



This saddle bag is longer for folding bike users.



If you are worried that your glasses will get smashed up because of the soft casing, you can consider using hard case carrier like this.



There are also padded handlebar bag meant for storing camera which should keep your glasses safe.



If you are not talking about your reading glasses, there are also helmet with retractable visors attached. These visors are more curved to prevent dust particles and smog from getting into your eyes.



I shared quite a number of photos on bags for bicycles on my instagram account.  Check it out for more storage solution.

What are the best options to ship a bicycle internationally?

If you plan to ship your bicycle internationally, check with your local bike shop to see if they can pack your bicycle up for you. 

If you do not want to pay for the service, you can easily find tutorials on YouTube to guide you along. The bike shop you go to regularly will most likely be willing to give you a used box for this purpose if you make a request.

You can also buy a hard case travel bag that is large enough to fit any bike from size of 26″ to 700C, which is about 29″.

If plan to ship a folding bike, this is the luggage size to consider.

If you use a hard case bag with wheels attached, it will be easier for you to move it around to your next destination, once it leaves the airport.

How do I bike on city roads during rainy seasons?

If you plan to cycle everyday through the monsoon season, dress your bicycle for it first. 

Lubricate metal parts of your bicycle to prevent rust and corrosion.


Also use wet lubes on your chains as they are water resistant. This will reduce friction for smoother rides as it runs through the components of your drivetrain.

Have you installed a full set of fenders on your bicycle? If you have not you will definitely be splattered with mud and dirt cycling through puddles.

Also install a waterproof bag or one that has a rain cover provided on your bicycle. How big it is going to be depends on whether you need to shower and change your attire and shoes at your final destination. If you would like to keep yourself warm, also pack a flask of your favourite hot drink or liquor.

A small handlebar bag will do if you only need a towel to dry up or if you prefer wet wipes for a cleanup.

If you need to carry more than one bag or panniers as shown here, you will have to install a rear carrier on your bicycle too.

For better protection against splatters choose fenders that can be fitted closer to the wheels. Rear carrier like this can usually take weight load of 25kg if a bigger size bag or panniers are required.

Be seen while you are cycling on the road in the rain. Install front and rear lights on your bicycle and ensure that the rear lights are blinking very brightly. If you need more information about lights, you can read an article I wrote earlier.

Now we can talk about trying to keep yourself warm and dry as you ride by watching this video. It also provides many tips on how to keep yourself safe while cycling under the rain on the road

Planning to tour on a bike?

What should you cycle on if you plan to ride for a longer distance?

If you plan to stay somewhere overnight enroute, you will need a bicycle that can carry the load of your pannier bags.  Do you have to travel by plane, train or car to get you to your cycling site?

Now that I got you thinking about it, following are some tips you should consider before you start on your journey.


Trekking Bicycle for Long Distance Ride from Nancy Poh

Enjoy the ride and the views.