​A bike cover is like a shield for your bicycle, guarding it from stuff like rain, dust, sun, snow, and pollution. You can use it whether you keep your bike inside or outside. Usually, they're made of tough stuff that can handle water and block sunlight.

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2. Why bother with a bike cover?

Good points:

Stops rain, sun, and snow messing up your bike.

Keeps dust and dirt away, mainly if you keep your bike inside.

Stops the sun from fading the paint and wrecking the tires and seat.

Keeps rust away from metal bits.

Hides your bike from thieves.

Makes your bike last longer by cutting down wear.

3. What kinds are there?

Outdoor: These are waterproof and stop sun damage and wind. Great for all-weather outside.

Indoor: Light and keep dust off. Made for garages or apartments.

Full: Covers the whole bike for max cover.

Partial: Just covers the seat and handles for quick use, but not as strong.

Travel: Tough and padded for when you take your bike places.

Snug: Tight fit, often stretchy. Cool for inside to guard against light dust.

4. What to look for:

Stuff like waterproof polyester, nylon, or Oxford fabric.

Sunblock that keep the sun's rays away.

Seams that are double-stitched or heat-sealed.

Holes for locks to hold the bike + cover.

Stretchy edges for a tight fit.

Straps you can alter so it doesn't fly off.

Air holes to stop water buildup.

A bag to keep the cover in when you're not using it.

5. What's it made of?

Polyester: Waterproof, sunproof, not bad strong, light.

Oxford fabric: Waterproof, sunproof, strong, average weight.

Nylon: Waterproof, kinda sunproof, average strong, light.

PVC: Super waterproof, sunproof, real strong, heavy.

6. What size do I need?

Pick a cover that matches your bike:

Road/Hybrid: Medium (70 inches max)

Mountain bike/cruiser/fat tire: Large to XL

E-bikes/tandems/with baskets: XL or XXL

If unsure, get a bigger one.

7. How to look after it:

Dry it before you fold it to stop mold.

Wash with soft cleaner, nothing nasty.

Don't use a washing machine.

Keep it in its bag when you don't need it.

Check it now and then for rips.

8. Things to avoid:

Getting the wrong size.

Using a cover that doesn't breathe indoors (traps water).

Not strapping it down in wind.

Leaving it dirty or wet when you pack it away.

9. When to use them:

Everyday parking: Waterproof and sunproof cover.

Long-term storage: A strong full cover.

Apartment hallway: A light dust cover.

Moving it around: A padded travel cover.

10. What else can I use?

If you can't find a cover, maybe:

Use a tarp.

Old bedsheets(inside).

Bike tents.

Storage sheds.

Last points:

Measure your bike first.

Make sure there's a lock hole and secure both the bike and its cover.

A cover isn't much money but saves your bike.