Modern Buddy

I don't have my Stella yet, but it's looking like a clearer and clearer possibility.

I live on the coast of New England, and winters here are extremely unpredictable.

Some winters are absolutely frigid and very snowy (2010-2011).

Others are borderline subtropical (2011-2012).

The most recent winter was mild for the most part, but with a sudden blizzard of epic proportions that buried many cities in snow and shut down all traffic completely.

I don't have a garage--would it be foolish to keep my prospective Stella in winter in an unheated structure, like a shed or a tent? She would be mostly protected from snow, but exposed to temperatures as low as 0F. On dry, warmer days (above 32F), I'd take her for rides; she wouldn't be sitting idle the entire winter, just days of snow/frigid rain/extreme cold).

Is 3 months of on-and-off exposure to cold likely to hurt a Stella, if it is protected from moisture?

If your going to store the bike for any period of time I think as long as you follow the recommended methods for storage (STABIL, Draining things? I'm not 100% sure on this as I ride year round) you should be fine.

I don't think low temperatures could be a problem as long as you let the bike warm up when riding in them.

Is 3 months of on-and-off exposure to cold likely to hurt a Stella, if it is protected from moisture?

Cold isn't that bad. What would be bad is a damp environment with daily temp fluctuations that would cause condensation.

That's why cycle covers breathe - so any dampness can evaporate while at the same time the cover stops sudden air temp changes from condensating on a bike when the door is opened on a shed or garage.

Use a fuel stabilizer.