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If you’re storing your bike outdoors, you’ll want to make sure it’s locked up, but you’ll want to make sure it’s covered up too. The best bicycle covers (also called bicycle tarps) can protect your bike from dust and dirt, while also keeping it out of sight from noisy neighbors.
When buying a bicycle cover, you’ll want to look for tarps made from thick, heavy-duty material. We found options that are made from the same ripstop fabric as camping chairs, tents and luggage, ensuring that they’ll hold up to any stretching or tugging without tearing. Many of these covers are thick enough to protect against accidental scratches. They’ll last longer too, and can be easily wiped down if dirty.
We also recommend a waterproof bicycle tarp, which can repel rain, snow and sleet, to keep your bike dry and to prevent its parts from rusting. The best waterproof bicycle tarps should be large enough to completely cover your bike from the handlebars, all the way down below the wheels, ensuring that no moisture gets through. The options on our list have built-in straps to secure the cover to your bike, or are made with elastic hems, to fit more snugly around your ride. Forget about the rain, these covers will stay put even in windy conditions.
Many of the best bicycle covers these days also come with a UV coating, which helps to prevent sun damage. Direct sunlight and UV rays could cause the paint on your bike to fade, or wheels to go flat. Keeping a UV-coated tarp over your bikes keeps them shielded.
Finally, look for options that fold down easily when not in use. All of the options on our list can be rolled up or tucked into a backpack (or your bike basket).
Even if you’re storing your bike in the garage or shed, it’s important to have a good bike cover to keep it clean and protected (say from dust, bugs and other harmful particles in the air). We’ve found extra-large tarps that can cover motorcycles, scooters and electric bikes too. Parents also like using these as stroller covers. The best waterproof tarps on our list can accommodate up to three bikes underneath, ensuring that your ride stays dry, clean and in tip-top shape.
