Leaving my bike outside?

Question

I'm leaving for college in a few days and wanted to take my bike along with me. It's fairly nice and I enjoy going for rides on it. My question is is it bad for bikes to be left outside all the time in the rain, snow, etc? If so, is there anything you can do to make them more weather proof?

Answer 1

Yeah get her indoors at least at the end of the day bro.  That's your ride right there.  Also there is theft risk to consider.  

Outside, the wet - it's bad for the bike long term.  You harden the cable casings, let water seep into the chain and bearings... after a hard ride in a bad weather you gotta clean the bike good and let her dry.

This is your ride and your ticket to freedom - to go places, plus live car free.  Treat it right bro.

Answer 2

How would you like to be left out in the snow and rain ? Bikes have feelings too ! Keep it in your room ! You can hang her from the ceiling.

Answer 3

dumb idea leaving it outside. weather, theft, vandalism, emotional distress from feeling abandoned, etc. I kept my bike in my dorm room, so did the folks I rode with. my roommate wasn't even weirded-out by it..

Answer 4

Of course it is, can't you keep it in your room?  

Answer 5

Its called a tarp, 5 dollars at home depot.

Answer 6

I live in an apartment and would never leave it outside.  I have mine hanging from the ceiling in a large closet.  Or just get a floor stand

Answer 7

no no no no no.  After your ride wipe the bike down with a towel, clean off any dirt and store it inside your dorm room or apartment. Check for tire debris and cable condition. Get a small floor stand, not the type mechanics use and store it up right. Or at least a towel over the saddle and handlebars where they touch the wall so as not leave a mark.  You might be able to buy bike insurance on your dorm policy if you have one.  Get a Citadel of Kryptonite type lock if you plan to leave your bike outside if you ride it to classes of the library, etc.

Answer 8

I wouldn't leave it outside - yes it's very bad for it to have continued exposure. Why can't your bike be stored in your apartment or dorm?

Answer 9

Where I live it gets to -30 in the winter.I ride my bike all year round and aside from a rusty chain it hasn't given me any problems.In fact bringing it indoors in the winter with salt and slush all over it would do  more harm than good.