Friday, August 26, 2011

Bicycle Storage Shed Guide

Storing your bike can be a challenge, especially if it is used on a regular basis. It’s one thing to hang a bike from the garage ceiling when you only need it once a year; it’s another thing to have to reach over your head every day. Leaving it parked comfortably in the garage is easy, but this consumes valuable floor space. A far better option is to invest in a bike storage shed.

There are a few things you should keep in mind before you start shopping for your shed. It should be large enough to hold all the family's bikes. You should also take into account how much yard space you are willing to lose. It should look nice in the yard. The last thing you want is a bike shed that doubles as a disturbing eyesore.
Here are some tips on what to look for in any bike shed.

Materials
Bike sheds come in plastic, metal and wood. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. Metal sheds are the least expensive, making them attractive from a financial viewpoint. They can also be unsightly and condensation will form on the inside of the metal when the temperature drops. They won’t last very long, and your bike might start to rust in the meantime.

The next option is plastic. These sheds can be expensive, but condensation is not a problem. Some are very attractive and will look great on your property. Keep in mind that the sun will cause plastic to dry rot, and you might be looking for a new shed in a few years if it’s placed in a sunny spot. The sun will also fade the colors on the shed. If you go with these sheds, try to choose a shady spot for protection.

Wood is the best option for a bike shed. The wood acts as a natural insulator, so you won’t have to worry as much about rust. They aren’t damaged by the sun, and fading paint can be touched up to keep it looking fresh. It’s the most expensive option, but it can add value to your property rather than being an eyesore.

Temporary Sheds
Another option for bike storage is a temporary shed. Crafted from PVC tubing and covered with a weather-resistant material, these sheds are a good choice if your bike is only used regularly for a few months out of the year. If you are happy to hang it from the ceiling in the garage the rest of the year, then these sheds can work nicely. Moisture will still be a problem, so be sure to use your bike regularly to prevent it from rusting.

Flooring
Not all sheds are equal and not all sheds feature flooring. However, if you really want to protect your bike flooring is a necessity. Choose a shed with a slightly raised floor made of wood for a nice level of protection from ground moisture. If you are really serious about the bike shed you might consider pouring a small concrete slab on which to put your shed. The concrete will provide the highest level or protection from moisture and it will be easy to keep clean.

Shed Options
There are many different options available for purchase when you are in the market for a bike shed. Here are just a few of the sheds you can expect to find when you begin this journey.

Rubbermaid Bicycle Storage Shed – This shed features 92 cubic feet upon which to store your bikes. The roofs are low when closed, but by opening them you can easily maneuver bikes in and out. Double doors open fully, the grid floor provides protection and the doors are lockable. Easy to assemble and simple to use, Rubbermaid sheds of this size start at about $500 and go up from there.

DuraMax Bicycle Storage Shed – Walk-in sheds are very easy for storing bikes, and this one features a large 5x3 size. This is a modular shed, allowing you to alter the size and get a custom fit that can match any needs. Starting at about $500, they are a popular choice for storing bikes.

Wood Sheds – For as little as $500, you can buy a kit for a wood shed in a 10x8 finished size. These sheds are a durable choice that will help protect your bikes in any weather. You can also find them in a range of sizes and styles, with windows and without windows.

Whatever you choose for your bike shed, you are certain to be pleased with the ease of storage and the extra space you will have in the garage. Remember to purchase a lock to secure your bike shed, and then prepare to ride on a bike that is clean, dry and ready to go.

3 comments:

  1. We really need a guide for our bicycle storage, if how we have to put it inside. Thanks for this.


    Storage Shed Plans

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  2. I believe that sheds with raised flooring have stronger foundation and thus will likely to last long.

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  3. So which of those bike sheds option mentioned in your post can you suggest or recommend?

    ReplyDelete