In Hibernation Until Spring: How to Properly Store Summer Sports Equipment 0 47

BICYCLE

Before sending your bicycle into winter "hibernation," it is essential to conduct a sort of technical inspection; otherwise, the risk of encountering unpleasant surprises in spring increases, says bicycle workshop employee Nikita KORABLEV. Be sure to clean the bicycle of dirt. This is important because urban dirt often contains aggressive components. Rinse the chain and lubricate it with oil or silicone. It is advisable to wash the wheels with soapy water.

If the bicycle will be standing on its wheels, inflate them and periodically check them during the winter; otherwise, they may become flattened under the weight of the bicycle and could crack. If you will be hanging the bicycle on a hook, then the wheels do not need to be inflated.

For storing the bicycle, it is preferable to choose a warm place without significant temperature fluctuations: an apartment, a spacious closet, a heated garage, an insulated balcony, etc. It is important that the bicycle is not exposed to direct sunlight and is kept away from heat sources. When storing the bicycle for an extended period, especially in cases of temperature fluctuations, it is advisable to remove the batteries from the front light, rear light, and bike computer. Otherwise, not only the batteries may corrode, but also the contacts in the devices themselves, rendering them unusable.

During the winter, the springs and metal parts of the bicycle may rust. To reduce the risk of this problem, it is recommended to loosen all tensioned cables and nodes. The chain should be shifted to the smallest "sprockets" so that gear 1–7 is set for a bicycle with 21 speeds, gear 1–8 for a bicycle with 24 speeds, and so on.

"ROLLERBLADES" AND SKATEBOARD

Other sports equipment also requires proper care and storage during the cold season. For roller skates, it is recommended to remove the rolling parts, disassemble and clean them, rinse and lubricate the bearings. The boots should be washed of street dust and dirt (with regular or soapy water) and dried thoroughly. It is advisable to pack the "rollerblades" in a plastic container, cardboard box, or bag to protect them from moisture and dust. You can place some absorbent material (such as activated charcoal) in the packaging in case there is any remaining moisture, to avoid mold and unpleasant odors. Roller skates should be stored in a dry, warm place away from heating appliances, direct sunlight, and strong drafts.

Similar principles should be followed when preparing a regular scooter (non-electric) or skateboard for winter: thoroughly clean the equipment of street dust and dirt, lubricate the moving parts with special grease, and store it in a dry place without significant temperature fluctuations and drafts.

Scooters with inflatable wheels should be inspected particularly carefully. For example, if the wheels are deflated, they should be inflated, as deflated wheels may deform and lose elasticity during downtime.

As for skateboards, wooden ones are especially sensitive to moisture and dampness. Therefore, it is important not to wash them under a stream of water – this can destroy the deck (the main flat part of the board where feet are placed), which will absorb liquid and begin to deform.