Bicycles are experiencing a noticeable surge in popularity for leisure and competition use in the United States. For those moving toward use of bikes for everyday transportation, the trend is supported by the increasing infrastructure in cities in the form of additional bike lanes.
Additionally, the community growing environmental awareness is contributing to more commuters using bikes as opposed to gasoline powered vehicles. E-bikes are on the rise! The surge toward using bicycles for daily use instead of personal vehicles or public transportation is also being driven by the focus on health benefits and urban congestion.
A 2024 report found the highest bicycle participation in the U.S. in a decade, with millions more Americans cycling, including significant jumps in youth ridership.
With a significant increase in the number of bicycles being used for transportation as well as
recreational activity, there is a need for safe and secure storage facilities for families, companies, and organizations who might have several bicycles.
Also, inclement weather months might require bicycles to be placed in long-term storage. And, individual entrepreneurs who collect bikes for recreation or competitive recreational activity many times need additional space to store these bikes.
It is crucial to store bikes properly in a self-storage unit because they’re relatively easy to
damage and costly to get repaired. In addition, it needs to be kept away from the elements or from places where scratches, punctures, and rust are a common occurrence. Self-storage units are an ideal option for this with multiple size units available and even climate-controlled storage units.
Here are important tips to remember when placing bikes in long-term storage.
INFLATE THE TIRES BEFORE PLACING IN STORAGE
When you bring your bike(s) to the storage unit, it is a good idea to make sure the tires on each bike are full inflated. This is particularly important if you are going to store your bike(s) on the wells as opposed to suspending from the ceiling. A bike sitting on deflated tires runs the risk of accelerated deterioration or possible weakening of the tires.
CABLES INSPECTION BEFORE PLACING IN STORAGE
This is a good time to lubricate all the cables on the bicycle before placing it in long-term storage. This helps prevent rust and corrosion to one of the most part of the bike. Take a close look at the exposed cables that control the brakes and shifting and lubricate those areas with care.
INSPECT TIRES, WHEELS, BRAKE PADS
After you have inflated your tires to the proper PSI (pounds per square inch), wipe down each of the tires to remove any dirt and grime. Do the same for the wheels and check for loose or broken spokes. Turn the bike upset down and spin the wheels to get a look at how the tire spins. Make sure it is spinning true. The wheels should spin straight with no wobbling and veering from side to side.
They should not rub against the brake pads. If they do, make the necessary adjustments
to the wheels alignment to assure proper functioning for the next time you take it out on the road or path. Check the brake pads for proper alignment and inspect to make sure there is not excessive ear in the pads.
CLEAN CHAINS
The chains on a bike gather a considerable amount of grease and grime over time. Take time to clean the chains and add a coat of lubricant to protect against rust and have it ready to roll for the next ride. When performing this cleaning and lubricating, be sure to place a protective plastic drop cloth or similar material under the bike to catch the grease and grime and lubricant overflow.
BICYCLE STORAGE SUMMARY
In summary, the rise of bicycle use is driven by the growing population’s desire to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of riding bikes; bikes offer zero-emission transport options; biking is cheaper than car ownership or frequent public transit use; bicycles offer a flexible, often faster, way to navigate crowded city streets.
Storing bikes long-term in self-storage units shields bikes from sun (UV rays), rain, snow, and extreme temperatures that cause paint fade, rust, and material breakdown. Additionally, it provides a secure, locked environment, much safer than leaving bikes outside or in easily accessible areas. It helps free up valuable room in your garage, home, or apartment, especially for multiple bikes or seasonal storage.
And, if you toss in all the items associated with bikes, a storage unit keeps your bike and all its accessories (helmets, tools, pumps) in one place.
There are no administrative fees or hidden fees when you rent a self-storage unit at Macho Self Storage for your bicycles and e-bikes. When we quote you a rate, that’s the rate you pay!
Also, you will receive 50% off your first month’s rent (restrictions apply) and a FREE lock for your storage unit.
In addition to all these amenities, we have all the packing supplies you might need for your self- storage unit. Whether you are storing your bikes long-term until the next riding opportunity or you have a larger collection than your garage will hold or you have a bike repair business and just need extra space….we have your storage solutions!