Is it ok to leave a bicycle outside during winter?

Question

I tend to leave my bike outside all year. It snows here and someone said I shouldn't do that because it damages the parts. Truth?

Answer 1

not advisable. snow melts, and where does the water go? into your shifters and other moving parts, and also rusts the chain. a rusty chain will most likely need to be replaced. if you have a basement, garage, or even a shed, store your bike in there. just keep it protected from the elements

Answer 2

It's the truth. Bikes should not be left outside (and knives should never go into the dishwasher). Doing either means you're white trash.

Bicycles are made of metal, and most of the metal in the drivetrain is steel. Steel oxidizes when exposed to the elements. This is called rust. Rust is bad for your bicycle.

So when your bike squeaks, groans, is hard to pedal, won't shift, and eventually falls apart, it is because you neglected it. You people drive me nuts riding past with the front wheel wobbling and the chain going SQEEAKEE-SQEEAKEE-SQUEEKEE! Makes me want to pummel you about the head and shoulders with a dead cat!

Ask yourself the same question about your car: "I've driven 20,000 miles without changing my oil and someone said that was bad. Is that the truth?" YES bicycles are precision machines that demand attention and care. Leaving a bicycle outside is abuse, plain and simple.

Answer 3

Bad idea to leave a bike out in the elements, whether its snow or rain, etc. Besides rust, the rubber components will break down faster.

Answer 4

I understand why you are concerned. I would try reporting again or get someone else to report them. Although I know horses and ponies can withstand most weather, they usually have shelter. I am concerned by the fact that they are tied as well. Where they stand will become boggy. I have seen pictures of horses who have died because a rope has been caught around their neck because they have slipped over and strangled to death by the rope. Try reporting it to the ILPH (now known as the WHW) as they have more horsey knowledge. They'll probably only make the people give them shelter and un-tie them, but hey, it's better than nothing right?

Answer 5

I don't leave my bikes outside during summer, let alone winter. Don't do it, man.

Answer 6

it can rust n the paint can be eatten away, n u might have to replace the tires after winter. if u wanna leave it outside, id put a trap or something on it n make sure its straped down.

Answer 7

Ever hear of rust.

Answer 8

not realy thats sorta bad.
dont do that, you can crap up your bike that way

Answer 9

True. You might want to just throw a tarp over it.