Keeping a bicycle under cover protects it from winter weather and prying eyes, but with urban areas short on garages and sheds, for many it’s easier said than done. When a manufacturer of tents was challenged to address the problem, the result was Bike Parka – a high-quality, fitted water-proof cover for bicycles.
In the way that today’s all-weather cyclists have forgone the traditional cagoule in favour of waterproof, yet breathable jackets, so Bike Parka offers a technical alternative to the basic tarpaulin. Manufactured from rip-stop, the lightweight material used to fabricate sails, parachutes and kites, the Bike Parka features sealed seams, an elasticated fit and a slot through which to pass a lock.
Most bike sizes are catered for by a range of sizes – including kids’ bicycles – and prices start at around £30. See bikeparka.com
Win a Bike Parka
We have a Bike Parka Urban worth £40 to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, simply leave us a comment at the bottom of this page.
Ethical cycle insurance
On the face of it, one cycle insurance policy is much like another, but the devil is the detail. Check your small print for so-called ‘new-for-old’ replacement – many insurers use the term, but if your bicycle is more than a few years old, devalue it severely. This means you are left out of pocket when you come to replace it.
With ETA cycle insurance, however old the bike, if it’s stolen you get enough to buy a new model. Furthermore, every cycle insurance policy you buy from us helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future. No wonder The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be ethical in Britain.
stephen
My bike would really appreciate one of these please, …….rain’s on the way!
Gary
Better than using a plastic bag to ensure a dry seat awaits when a leave work.
MARK
A great giveaway with wonderful timing. After a beautiful summer, the winter rains are coming. Fingers crossed and thanks to ETA.
Mark
Gillian Watling
This would be super useful to keep the rain and dirt off my pride and joy!
Sarah
Winter is coming.
Luke Brown
Oooo boy, i’d love one of these! Need to keep my bike safe from the harsh conditions of the British winter :O
Andrew Powell
Would make all the difference to my winter commuting.
Ali
I wonder if they do ones to cover baby bike seats on the back too…. mostly its my 3 year old who gets a wet bottom! But soon he gets his own bike, so mine would love a winter cover-up…
Richard Scrase
With this I don’t need to fix the leak in the hall – do they do pink?
Carol W
This would be great for my bike when it has to brave the elements by itself during the day. No more soggy saddles and handlebars 🙂
Philip
It might even double up as a tent.
Peter Clark
Got it covered!
Clare
Electric bikes rock and do love a cover ☔️
Bob
I live in the west of Scotland – lots of rain
Ben
A pppppperfect pppppparka will keep the rain off and as it’s breathable help keep the rust away too. Just what my trusty commuting steed needs
Christopher
Really handy to keep those heavy-dews off that start in September, and that are not good for leather saddles.
Jill
Perfect for covering the bike while chained outside our favourite cafes while my cycling friends and I enjoy a warm drink on our winter rides,
Philip Atkins
Looks great but where is the fluffy bit around the hood?
Janet
One of these would be great for my daughter – renting her first flat and the new bike will have to stay outside.
Kerri
The bike parka sounds really useful – i’d love to give my beloved one as he works away 3 days a week and this would keep his bike warm and dry out back of his B&B
Robert Nunney
Keep up the good work ETA!
Steve Walsh
This is just what I need to keep my commuter bike dry outside my office all winter.
Mary Lloyd
I am really pleased with my bike rescue with ETA it gives me peace of mind whilst I’m riding my bike on my own!
Would love one of thesecovers to keep my bike in tip top condition!!y
Steve K
Great for a cool bike
David
I reckon Richard Scrase should win this, for his honesty in not keeping up with his house maintenance, but mostly for his admission of his love of pink!
Mark Bobbitt
Yes please, I’d love one!
Douglas Milsom
I’d love to “bag” one of these!
Peter Chisnall
Wrapping
Jane Collier
Well, if WE wrap up warm why shouldn’t our bikes?!
David
Yes m’lady – my bike would love a Parker!
Kevin Holland
This would be a great idea instead of using old thread worn bed sheets.
Lucy Delap
My bike needs its own duvet day!
Mike the bike
My folding ebike isn’t heated and gets cold in winter.
Mike the bike
My folding e-bike doesn’t have a heater!
Hilary Foster
Ooh could do with this to keep the frost off my saddle. Don’t want frozen assets….
Dan
This is a fantastic idea. I would use it to keep my bike when I leave it outside at work. No more soggy saddle when riding home.
Jamie J
Parka… well done!
Russ Taylor
I have a nice old Raleigh racer, but no shed or garage, but my wife hates me keeping the bike indoors. A bike parka would be ideal as it would keep my bike from getting soggy and rusty when it is stored outside during the winter, whilst keeping my wife happy too!
Steve
Great idea!
Martin Ross
I’ve won, it’s a wrap.
Jane C
Excellent idea, rain coat for my bike, and might make it less obvious for thieves. Maybe a a green camouflage version would help it blend on the allotment and in gardens?
paul jones
hate to see my love and joy get wet and cold, this would help
Neil Woolford
My bike would feel stylish and cosseted in one of these…
Cycling John
To be sble to get on a clean and dry bike at the end of the day would be sheer bliss. So dear, kind people of ETA, please send me a cover cor my bike. XX
Richard
Great protection no matter the weather ☉🌧
Judy
Would love to try this snug cover !
Matthew
A comment at the foot of the page. If selection is random, it could still win!
Anne
Like the arrow saying Front, and the fact that this matters because the thing is properly bike shaped.
Nicholas Kilpatrick
Such a brill idea! Ever since my landlord doesn’t allow bikes indoors I have been forced to leave my bike outside. This would be very helpful to preserve my bikes integrity!
Joyce Edmond-Smith
Just what my lovely bike needs after trying too many covers which are just not perfect as this one is
Joyce Edmond-Smith
Just what my lovely bike needs after trying too many covers which are just not perfect as this one is
Keith
I’m looking out the window at my handlebar sticking through a tear in its cover so a new Bike Parka would be just the ticket before the weather gets too bad!
James Russell
Bike wearing a Parka? Going to have to change a few song titles: Wonder-bike stand, Don’t look back in road rage, Ride forever, etc, etc
Craig Young
This looks to be a really good quality cover from BikeParka. So much better than the mattress poly bags I’ve been using for my trusty stead! Well done to ETA for the opportunity.
Craig
Allison
My car’s got its winter coat on already and my bike would like to have one too.
C Buckley
What a great addition to the family this would be!
Greg
Please Pack me a Parka for parking my pedals.
Steph
I ran out of space in the garage for my daily commuting hybrid many moons ago, so this would be very useful to help protect against the dreaded rust!
Phoebe
I never win these things.
Rod Hewson
Always there.
Is it time for you to do car insurance?
I for one would be interested
Kris
This would be handy!
Cycling John
Rain rain go away,
Come back another day –
When my bike has a rain cover
To keep it dry another day
Cycling John
Rain rain go away,
Come back another day –
When my bike has a rain cover
To keep it dry another day
So yes please, kind staff of ETA,
Please give me a wonderful rainy day cover
Iain
One of these would be perfect to keep bike dry.
Raf Martínez
Is it too late to get into the raffle bag
KIRSTY NORTH-WILD
Looking out of my office window right now, this is EXACTLY what I need!
Christine Dillnutt
It would be an enormous improvement on the hotel shower cap I am currently using.