Safely storing your bike should be a top priority. A bicycle’s key features – that it is light, convenient, and man-powered – are also what make it a target for theft. If you cannot store your bicycle within your home, it is very important to secure it in some other way.
A common and inexpensive way to keep bikes safe is by using a specialized bicycle lock, which can come in a variety of styles, including U- or D-locks, cable locks, and wheel locks. Any lock and chain will probably do the job, but you should take the weight of the chain into account before attempting to secure a bike through this method. It is important, whether you use these locks for home bike storage or workplace bike storage, that you secure the bike to something sturdy, such as a rail or a tree, if a bicycle rack is not available. In addition, just because your frame is secure does not mean the rest of your bike is. Your bicycle’s tires are susceptible to theft if not locked or modified.
Special wheel locks can prevent the wheels from being removed from the frame and from being peddled, but they usually do not secure the bike to anything else. Likewise, locking skewers can be added to your bicycle where quick-release clamps are now. This may remove the convenience of a quick tire or seat change, but it will improve the security of your bike, as you will need special tools to work with locking skewers.
As your bike will most likely be outside when using these methods, it is also important to weather proof. To protect against rust, make sure to wipe down your bike after it rains, and regularly oil its chain, gears, and any other moving metal part (Commercial bicycle oils are available, though some have suggested vegetable oil works just as well). You probably cannot avoid your bicycle’s exposure to weather, but you can respond quickly to diminish damage. Proper maintenance and storage should be a top priority of all bicycle owners.
The Bicycle Storage Guide has much more information about the types of bike storage available for your families bicyles.
Related posts:
