Whether you’re a beginner or professional you’ll know how much money riding can help you save, how enjoyable it is (especially at this time of year), and how good cycling can make you feel inside and out.

Getting on your bike benefits you in many ways, so it’s important that you return the favor by giving your bike the proper care and attention it needs will help it stay reliable when you ride it.

Here are some top tips on how to store your bike, cleaning its wheels and drivetrain properly.

Bike Storage

Storing your bike safely and carefully is an essential part of its maintenance. However, many cyclists will cram their bike into a small space, like a garage or garden shed, whilst others leave the bike outside to brave the elements, which can lead to the build-up of rust.

We’ll admit, bikes aren’t the easiest thing to store, due to the awkward shape and sizes. They take up a lot of space and can be easily knocked over or damaged.

That’s why we came up with the Bike Nook – your smart cycling storage solution!

Introducing the Bike Nook:

The Bike Nook from Thane is the ultimate space-saver for any bike owner – whether you choose to store your bike in your garage, shed, hall, living room, on the balcony, or even at the office.

The clever caddie allows your bike to stand up horizontally, while the wheels run parallel to a wall. The Bike Nook frees up 3.5 feet of floor space and, because you can store it inside, protects your bike against damage and theft. Here are some more reasons to pick up a Bike Nook:

  • Easy-to-use upright design – no more struggling to lift and hang heavy bikes to make room in your house.
  • Prevents bikes from scratching or damaging walls, ceilings, cars and more while you store. The Bike Nook is completely drill-free.
  • Protects your bike from bike thieves and weather damage
  • Adjusts to various heights, for bikes with 10-inch wheel size or bigger. It’s perfect for mountain bikes, road bikes, racers, kids’ bikes, beach bikes, and more.

Bike Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your bike will help to prolong its lifespan by protecting it from dirt, mud, grime, and worst of all, rust. Cleaning your bike will also save you money and hassle later down the line. Looking after your bike’s frame, wheels and drivetrain will only take you minutes – just follow our step-by-step guide and your bike will be sparkling clean in no time!

Frame and wheels

  • Turn your bike upside down and lay it on a mat or old towel to protect the seat and handlebars.
  • Spray the bike down with a low-pressure hose – make sure you do this outside or in your garage. Don’t use high pressure, as this can force water and mud into the components and cause rusting.
  • Fill up a bucket of warm water and soap, you can use a specific wheel cleaner if you wish.
  • If you want to do a thorough clean, remove the wheels to access all the small areas and scrub away the hard-to-reach dirt.
  • Before putting the wheels back on, take the sponge and clean the frame. Don’t use an abrasive brush as this can damage the surface. If there are tough bits of dirt, use a small amount of degreaser and let it soak on the spot for a couple of minutes. Then scrub in a circular motion until it comes off.
  • Polish up with a chamois cloth and product if required.

Drivetrain (cassette, rear derailleur, chainrings, and the chain)

  • The drivetrain is a very important area to look after, as it is prone to the build-up of mud, grime, and rust.
  • The easiest way to clean your drivetrain is to turn the bike upside down, so you can run the chain and the bike won’t move.
  • Find an old rag and some degreaser to scrub the chain. Pour a little bit of the degreaser on the rag and run the chain freely between your fingers with the rag. Repeat this a few times until the grime starts to come away. You can use an old toothbrush to get rid of any dirt.
  • Make sure you lube the bike chain immediately after

Top tip! Dry off your bike after rainy rides with an old towel or rag, this will decrease the chance of rust building up.

Shop the Thane Bike Nook today.