If you store your bikes outside...

[snickersnack]

...do you cover them, and if so, what do you cover them with? We've got two adult bikes and child's bike with stabilisers. We had some very flimsy covers last year but they got badly ripped and were worse than useless.

I have been through several covers and currently have a motorbike cover as opposed to a bicycle one as the extra room allows me to position more easily thus avoiding tears. I have also looked at the oxford covers on motrobikes locally as they look pretty robust. They do one for bicycles for about £20.

If you have space the bike cave is a nifty idea too

dp who is cycle specialist recommends: a cover that is 100% waterproof will help protect the bike which Halfords sell!!!! but any bike left outside for even a few days at a time will slowly rust due to the damp atmosphere, the cheaper the bike the quicker it will rust, then on slipperly slope of no return.

Once rusty will either cost a lot to put right or if its under £200 it can be ruined for good.

what's a cycle specialist woolie?

I keep my bike in a bike shed but it gets used every day regardless of weather, so still gets wet and is exposed to all sorts of weather conditions and it's rusting yet (fingers crossed)

If the bike is outside and you then have to claim onto the frozen saddle, this might help

www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2009/nov/27/christmas-gift-guide-bike-cyclists?picture=35606 4186

overmydeadbody, a cycle specialist is someone who has worked in the cycle trade over 20 years in various roles both manufacturing and retailing thus achieving many years experience with all bikes.

keeping bike in bike shed will help. dp says generally most people do not cycle for that long so will not rust but leaving exposed overnight for more than one night will create rust. glad yours not rusting yet. How much did it cost?

dp says in his opinion most bikes don't get looked after like they should do, its about keeping it dry, lubricated and well maintained. if not you run the risk of deterioration like anything else if not looked after properly.

But if you have no shed and a tiny house what else can you do but try to cover effectivley??

Interesting - dh is of the opinion no harm will come to them being left outside but will tell him he knows nothing before I head off to Halfords tomorrow!!