storing an old racing bicycle....

[jtbinvalrico]

I've got a old Schwinn racing bike....a 24" Predator I got circa 1983. It's still in near perfect condition and rides like new. They really built things to last. The frame is chrome. Of course, the tires and rubber parts have been replaced over the years as they wore. But it's all original otherwise.

My question: How would I go about prepping it for storage in an attic perhaps? Or what if I were to disassemble it and box it up to set aside in a corner of the garage? Any materials or substances I can put on that chrome frame?

Thanks.

 

[csp]

What's the climate like where you're at? The procedure in Florida isn't going to be the same as in Arizona from a humidity/corrosion aspect.

 

[Possum]

I would be tempted to leave it together, anytime you take something apart and box it up for storage you are just asking to lose parts.

 

[MikeYC]

Swing down to the local Bike shop and ask them if they do boxing for triathalon's. tell them you need it packed and shipped for hawaii and store it in that box.

 

[A1an]

This is what I did for my 1974 Raliegh. I cleaned the bike and tore it down somewhat. Removed the wheels and took off the tires (put the tires in plastic bags since I figured this may help prevent dry rot or critter damage). Remove chain, clean it, relube it, and throw it in a zip lock bag. Lubricate the cables. Probably the best idea is to remove the cables, lubricate them, and put them in a sealed bag to prevent rust.

For the frame there is a product called frame saver that will help it keep from rusting from the inside. You'll need to remove the bottom bracket and headset to properly apply it inside the frame. I didn't use this since I really didn't care all that much. I sealed off the open parts of the frame with tape to prevent critters from calling the frame home and threw it up in the attic.

 

[jtbinvalrico]

Frame saver....got it. The climate is Tampa, FL....hot and humid. I was also wondering if there's something I can wipe or goop onto the frame to prevent corrosion of the chrome finish.....

 

[A1an]

Figured you were in Valrico (from your screenname). We just moved from Brandon up to Lutz.

I am really not sure about the chrome. I know it should have something to prevent rust spots from forming. I would assume some sort of thick grease would work if you coated the frame and wrapped it up...only issue I see with that is possibly trapping moisture and making the situation worse. Any chance you can keep the frame up in a closet somewhere inside the house? Or maybe even figure out a way to put it on display as a form of art in the house? How humid is your attic?

 

[A1an]

Oh...that is a steel frame, right?

Interesting thread on storing chrome. Seem to be a lot of different ideas on how to do it right:

http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/207331/pid/1606764/

 

[CraigFL]

How about this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmoline

 

[The Rider]

I've got a old Schwinn racing bike....a 24" Predator I got circa 1983. It's still in near perfect condition and rides like new. They really built things to last. The frame is chrome. Of course, the tires and rubber parts have been replaced over the years as they wore. But it's all original otherwise.

My question: How would I go about prepping it for storage in an attic perhaps? Or what if I were to disassemble it and box it up to set aside in a corner of the garage? Any materials or substances I can put on that chrome frame?

Thanks.

When you describe the frame as "Chrome" do you mean it has been chrome plated or is it made of cro-moly steel?

I've bought and sold countless steel frames and as long as they haven't been left outside to rust they generally hold up very well.

If you are concerned about moisture though T-9 is good:

http://boeshield.com/

 

[jtbinvalrico]

As I understand it, it's cro-moly steel with a chrome plating......nothing terribly expensive at the time. Cost about $260 then. With enough disassembly (which is not a problem), I could prolly break it down into a small box and stash it in a closet. Thanks guys.

 

[The Rider]

As I understand it, it's cro-moly steel with a chrome plating......nothing terribly expensive at the time. Cost about $260 then. With enough disassembly (which is not a problem), I could prolly break it down into a small box and stash it in a closet. Thanks guys.

It will be fine.

Ask at a bike store for a bike box - one of the cardboard ones they are delivered in. Leave everything on it apart from what you need to make it fit in the box. This will usually mean removal of the stem, seatpost, wheels & pedals.

No more disassembly is required!

 

[motorbreath53]

why hide it? Why not display that thing... (and ride it to morning coffee from time to time..)

 

[Hannibal Hector]

why hide it? Why not display that thing... (and ride it to morning coffee from time to time..)

+1
Of all the bikes I have (currently 12), if I have not ridden it in the past year I will sell it. That includes my mid '80s Lemond and my '50s Hawthorne. Beautiful bikes are meant to be ridden, not hidden...

 

[Cobra_Bob]

Hang it vertically from a hook on the wall. That way you won’t have an excuse not to ride it.