Leaving bike outside

nickm926

I live in a very small flat and currently have my beloved aluminium bike in my room which is taking up a lot of space but does double as a towel rack..anyway, I'm technically not allowed to have a bike in my room and feel I should lock it up on the bike rack which is covered partly. I have a substantial lock so theft shouldn't be a problem. My question is however will the bike be ok maintenance wise being exposed to the elements 24/7? Lube it every other week etc? It won't be used a great deal...advice and suggestions would be great!

Cheers.

LeDomestiqueTours

Getting a good bike cover is probably a worthwhile investment, but make sure you regularly air the bike off as covers can sometimes just trap water and prevent it evaporating. Lubing everything regularly is definitely a good idea as is trying to ride it as much as possible.

If a really bad patch of weather is due then its probably not a bad idea to bring it back in doors if possible.

Re security I would use two different types of lock (ie a d lock and a big chain) as that makes a thief's life harder and make sure you regularly check the locks for signs of attmpted theft and make it obvious that it is being used every so often (by moving it around the bike racks rather than keeping it in one place.

MichaelW

I've done that with a steel bike in a coastal town. It does the bike no harm.
You can coat the frame and exposed cables and bolt heads with wax,put grease or anti-seize on all threads and metal-metal contacts (stem, seatpost, pedals, crank-BB interface).
Put a cover over your saddle to prevent water dripping down the seat-tube.
Drill a drainage hole in the BB shell.
I also pack all bearings with excessive amounts of grease to prevent the ingress of gunk.

Mad Roadie

nickm926
you should buy two things.... another bike, and a tent - sleep outside and there will be room inside for your existing and new bike :twisted:

jc4lab

A work colleque did the same but the wheel got pinched so cable lock those too.with an extra lock..

EKIMIKE

I'm keeping mine outside. Albeit in a gated car park/courtyard so security isn't much of an issue. I've got one of these:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=11336

Whilst excessively expensive for what is essentially a sheet of plastic, it does the job well... so far. I've only moved into this place 3 weeks ago so i haven't tested it in the worst of winter weather. Should be fine though.

I'll be keeping my chain well lubed. I would go mad on the grease - this is often counter intuitive as it attracts the grit and grime and creates a bad grinding paste. Just be sharp on your maintenance, checking that nothing gets too dry (of grease).

Bozman

A mate of mine left his Boardman outside all night, he got up in the morning and it was still there but somebody had nicked the wheelie bin it was leaning against!

cookdn

Bozman wrote:

A mate of mine left his Boardman outside all night, he got up in the morning and it was still there but somebody had nicked the wheelie bin it was leaning against!

Priceless .

Does this mean even thieves are put off by Halfords?