Warning: I blew $400 on a 'winter-ready' bike cover that fell apart in one Calgary storm

Back in 2019, I was so sure I was being smart. My garage was full, so I bought this heavy-duty cover online, advertised specifically for harsh Canadian winters. The pictures showed it surviving snow and ice. It cost me $400, which felt like a lot but seemed worth it to protect my bike. The first big snowfall hit, and the material just shredded. It wasn't the wind, the fabric itself got brittle and cracked everywhere. I came out to find my bike covered in tattered blue plastic and a fresh layer of snow. Total waste. Now I just use a cheap tarp and bungee cords in a pinch, which works better. Anyone found a cover that actually lasts more than one season up here?

2 comments

2 Comments

palmer.val4d ago

Man, that really stinks but is it even worth it? I see bikes under fancy covers all winter and they still look wrecked by spring. Salt and slush get in anyway. My neighbor's bike had a cover but the chain rusted solid because the damp just sat under there. Sometimes the cheap fix is the real one, like your tarp. It breathes a bit and when it rips you're out twenty bucks.

avery6294d ago

Tried a cheap cover once and had the same rust problem as your neighbor. Now I just use a heavy duty tarp and bungee cords, but I leave the bottom open for air. Wipe the chain down with an old rag and some WD-40 every couple weeks. It's ugly but the bike starts every spring.