Jun 14 2024

How To Pack Your Bicycle For Storage

Packing your bike for storage is an essential part of keeping it in good condition for long periods of time. On top of packing, learning how to properly store a bicycle is important to maintain the bike's condition. Whether you are an avid cyclist and have multiple bikes for all conditions from road to mountains and everywhere in between. Or you are moving soon and need to pack up your prized bikes for storage.

At Loxon Storage, we have decades of experience under our belts. So, we know a thing or two about preparing bicycles for short-term and long-term storage. In this blog, our storage experts will discuss the steps you should take to ensure your bike stays protected no matter what bike storage solution you choose.

1. Clean Your Bike Thoroughly

Dirt, grime and moisture on your bike can cause rust and deterioration over time. So before stowing your bike away in storage, it is important to give it a good clean. Using a gentle bike cleaner and a soft brush is key to keeping your bicycle in tip-top condition. Start from front to back and be sure to clean all parts of the bike. This includes the frame, chain, handles, gears and wheels. After a thorough cleaning, dry the bike using a spare towel to prevent any moisture from being trapped during storage.

2. Lubricate Moving Parts

Once your bike is clean and dry, it is important to lubricate the chain, derailleurs, clipless pedals, seat posts and any other moving parts using the appropriate oil. This will prevent rust and keep these components in good working order. After all, the bike will be stationary for long periods of time in storage!

To lubricate moving parts of your bike effectively, we recommend grabbing the essentials including a degreaser, lubricant, gloves, a soft bristle brush and a spare towel. Begin by pouring a small amount of degreaser on your brush and brushing this on your bike chain and other moving parts.

Next, clean each part with soapy water and rinse to clean off any of the remaining degreaser. After the bike is clean and dry, lubricate all moving sections by placing a small drop of bike lubricant on a clean towel or onto your gloves directly and apply it to key sections of your bike. Make sure to wipe off any excess lubricant, particularly on the outside of the bike chain, to avoid attracting dust and dirt.

3. Disassemble Your Bike

If you are packing your bicycle into a bike box for storage or need to save space in your storage unit, disassembling your bike is an efficient way of doing this. Start by removing the pedals, wheels and handlebars and pack them into the storage bike box. Be sure to keep all small parts like nuts and bolts in labelled bags to avoid losing them.

4. Pump The Tyres

Before adding the bicycle tyres to the bike box for storage, be sure to inflate the tyres to their recommended pressure, ideally lying on their side. This can help to avoid flat spots whilst your bike is in storage.

5. Protect Your Bike Parts

Before the bike is packed into its storage box, use bubble wrap or foam padding to protect the frame, fork and other more delicate parts of your bicycle. The derailleur, in particular, can be vulnerable to damage. We recommend placing cardboard or padding between the wheels to prevent them from rubbing against each other when in transit or storage.

6. Pack Your Bike Box

If you are using a bike box to store your bicycle, place the frame in first, followed by the wheels and other parts. Use packing material to fill any gaps and prevent movement within the box while the bike is being moved in and out of storage. After ensuring everything is snug and secure, seal the box tightly with proper packing tape and label it appropriately. Clear labelling is particularly important if you are storing multiple bikes or items.

7. Store Your Bike in A Suitable Location

If you are not storing your bike in one of our secure self-storage units, choose a storage location that is dry, cool and away from direct sunlight. This is important, as extreme temperatures and humidity can damage your bike over time. From warping the frame to melting rubber features or creating flat points in your tyres. We recommend indoor storage instead of a shed or garage, but if thatâs not possible, consider using a bike cover for added protection.