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:
