Many of us choose to store our bike(s) indoors – we don’t want rust to tarnish our beloved companions, and we certainly don’t want a to give thieves the chance to get their hands on them.

However, muddy tyres, oily chains and sometimes just the preconceptions held by housemates or landlords can mean that the bike needs a – something.

A cover? No – that’d fall off.

A box? Too bulky.

A sock? Well – that’s not a bad idea…

VeloSock launched via a KickStarter this month, with their inventive bike cover that is already available to pre-order.

The stretchy sock is made from Polyester and Spandex. It’s available in fourteen genuinely quite stunning designs and can be used  to keep walls clean, to stop your pets depositing hair on the chain, and to prevent children nipping their fingers on sharp components.

Not only that, VeloSock are keen to point out the cover can also be handy when transporting the bike by car or on public transport.

Since it’s meant to get grubby, the sock is machine washable, and quick drying –  and it is available for children’s bikes, as  well as the adults size.

You can create your own custom design, though this bumps up the price from $59 (£34) to $85 (£55).

Founder Oskars Mickevics, is a passionate cyclist – he explained where the idea came from, saying: “My wife, kids and I live in an apartment, and I keep my bike inside our home. When I carry my bike in, the urban dirt and sand that sticks to the tires and frame messes up the floor and marks the walls and I have to waste time cleaning up after it. That’s how I came up with the idea for the Velosock.”

He added: “I believe that this is just what people who value a clean home, and a green way of living, have been looking for.”

Find out more, and pre-order via the VeloSock website. 

Struggling with tyre marks on the walls? Here’s our guide to getting them off – and a funny look at some of the quirks all cycling households will recognise.