Spec me a bike cover

bloodiedathame · 16 Mar 2012 at 17:41

My bike lives outside as of last week so I want to treat it to a cover to keep the elements out. No idea what to buy though. Suggestions? It'll need to be one that I can throw over if it is hot, wet, dry, grimy etc

Mr Blonde · 16 Mar 2012 at 18:49

I was recommended one from Argos, which was on offer two weeks a go for £15 (now back to £22). It will fit a medium sided bike no problem, has good elasticated edges and a bungee strap underneath. Seems fine so far : http://reviews.argos.co.uk/1493-en_gb/7400311/reviews.htm

For a bit more money, Ride magazine recommended the Oxford Rainex and R&G Superbike covers.

Felix · 16 Mar 2012 at 19:35

I have had a Rainex since October and the soft lining is now coming away from the inside. Better than the Aquatex one I had before which let water in.

wazza300 · 16 Mar 2012 at 20:34

look in aldi might be some left,£8.99 look good too

lollyhayes · 16 Mar 2012 at 21:19

I reccomend the R&G Superbike cover.

Ride magazine named it best cover in a round up:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/Ride Magazine/Product test pdfs/12 Dec 08 Covers.pdf

Its brilliant, fits perfectly never blows off...

bloodiedathame · 16 Mar 2012 at 23:03

Tempted to try a cheapo one but don't want it to melt. Could try Argos, Chas Ohlsen or Lidl. I heard from a friend that the R&G cover goes brittle after 6 months and that Stormex cover (although not highly rated by Ride) has lasted well for years...

Ish · 17 Mar 2012 at 00:37

I use a large Oxford Rainex and got a new one for about £15 from Ebay. I've had no problems with it.

MonkeykingZX · 17 Mar 2012 at 00:45

Ish said:
I use a large Oxford Rainex and got a new one for about £15 from Ebay. I've had no problems with it.

I've got the medium version of it and it's been fine for me so far aswell.

Foghorn Leghorn · 17 Mar 2012 at 15:10

I've used an Oxford Stormex for a couple of years. Well made and fleece lined to prevent scratches (provided you only put the cover on a clean bike).

I don't bother covering my bike any more, good wash and wax every so often, spray round with ACF50 and GT85, keeps the rust at bay and all fasteners looking good.

Griffo · 17 Mar 2012 at 19:59

Prety sure mine is the large Oxford Stormex. Most pleased with it. A friend has the rainex - few years old now - and it appears to be leaving white, chalk-like deposits on the bike, suggesting it's disintegrating. Anybody else had this?

bloodiedathame · 17 Mar 2012 at 20:28

Griffo said:
Prety sure mine is the large Oxford Stormex. Most pleased with it. A friend has the rainex - few years old now - and it appears to be leaving white, chalk-like deposits on the bike, suggesting it's disintegrating. Anybody else had this?

Or fungus!

lollyhayes · 17 Mar 2012 at 20:30

bloodiedathame said:
Tempted to try a cheapo one but don't want it to melt. Could try Argos, Chas Ohlsen or Lidl. I heard from a friend that the R&G cover goes brittle after 6 months and that Stormex cover (although not highly rated by Ride) has lasted well for years...

I've had mine for 2 years, its faded a bit but is still going strong.