Bicycle trips in the U.S. have increased nearly 40 percent over the last few years. People choose cycling for lots of different reasons: The commute. The conservation. The cost. The convenience. The calisthenics. The cool factor. The community. But one need they all have in common: A bicycle cover.

Not that every rider utilizes a bicycle cover, but those who do have far fewer issues with theft, grime build-up and corrosion. UV rays and direct exposure to the elements can degrade the paint, rubber, and metal components. Humidity can cause the gears, frame, and other components to rust. The presence of dust, sand, and other debris can accelerate corrosion. Some of these issues can surprisingly crop up even if you store your bike in a covered garage or indoors.

A high-quality bicycle cover can go a long way toward minimizing the need for maintenance and repair. It can help keep your bike in good working order so that it’s ready to ride whenever you are.

Choosing the right bicycle cover is important, though, because not all are created equal. A cheap bicycle cover might keep your ride concealed from prying eyes and direct exposure to elements like sun, salt, sand and rain – but could actually increase the corrosion risk if it traps both oxygen and moisture inside.

Some things to consider when shopping for a new bicycle cover:

The right fit. Your bike cover should fit completely around your ride without being too tight. You don’t want it to be so large that it’s unwieldy. But a bicycle cover that’s a little looser can be easier to get your bike in and out of (which will make you more likely to use it). Plus, the outside shape will be somewhat ambiguous, which can be a theft deterrent. Zerust bicycle covers fit all single-rider upright bicycles.

Lightweight and portable. If you’re going to use your bike cover regularly, it needs to be light enough to use without too much trouble and easy to fold or roll up for convenient storage when you’re not using it.

Water resistant and mold resistant material. A good bicycle cover MUST keep rain and moisture out. One of the biggest threats to your bike is water/humidity – because that combined with oxygen is how you get rust and mold. But it’s not enough just to keep the moisture out. It must also protect the bike from any moisture that might get trapped underneath. (Unless you’re vacuum-sealing your bike into the cover, this is impossible to prevent.) The only way to truly protect against this threat is by using a bicycle cover that is made with vapor corrosion inhibitors, or VCIs. This is a newer technology that involves polymers that contain corrosion-inhibiting compounds released into the air. These molecules are non-toxic, colorless, and odorless, and settle on the metal components stored inside VCI products (such as car and bicycle covers, poly bags, and storage units equipped with adhesive vapor capsules).

Durability. A bicycle cover made from cheap plastics or other materials is going to need to be regularly replaced. Not to mention, it might not provide much in the way of corrosion protection. Look for a cover made with rip-resistant fabric or other materials, reinforced stitching, and VCI protection that lasts up to 5 years.

Bottom line: Investing in a quality bicycle cover is a small yet crucial step in maintaining the condition and performance of your bike. By keeping it secure, clean, and protected from rust and corrosion, you can enjoy many more miles of cycling adventures ahead.

Contact Zerust for information on bicycle covers and bike rust prevention by emailing us or calling (330) 405-1965.

Additional Resources:

Good News, Everyone! People Are Riding More Than Ever, Sept. 26, 2023, By Molly Hurford, Bicycling.com

More Blog Entries:

Do I Still Need a Bicycle Cover for Rust Prevention In a Garage? June 22, 2023, Bicycle Rust Prevention Blog