Storing bikes indoors can be a compelling job. In large households where every family member has their own bike (and sometimes more than one), keeping can become a real burden. Sometimes you may consider ways for outdoor bike storage but don’t know how to apply them. Keeping bikes inside the home is not so handy because of lack of space and cleanliness problems -think of the wet season and all the muddy wheels! Even if it is a folding bike, carrying it up and down is not easy. Especially when the bikes are used daily.
We all know that the garage is the best option when it comes to bikes; it is always dry, safe, and practical. But when it is not available, what should we do? Here we are, suggesting the most exemplary outdoor bike storage guide that can make life easier and help you build it as conveniently as a garage. But suppose you don’t have enough garden space to install an outdoor storage system. In that case, you can consider using your balcony or even find ways to store your bikes in the smallest apartments.
Finding the Best Bike Shed
Bike sheds are the best options when it comes to outdoor bike storage. They keep bikes dry from rain and protect them from the harmful effects of sunlight. They also provide security since the sheds can be locked. Moreover, it is way easier to take them out before using them than indoor storage systems.
Size of the Outdoor Bike Storage Matters
The first step of finding the best bike shed: determine the optimum size for your needs. How many bikes do you have? Are they for kids or adults? Do you have extra accessories? Before looking for buying options, answer these questions in detail.
An average bike is 175 cm to 180 cm in length, 40 cm in width, and 110 cm in height. So, a rough calculation shows that for one bike, you’ll need a 0,72 meter square of the base area to site your bike shed. Do the math according to the number of cycles and if you want to use the bike shed as a storage space for bicycle accessories.
Choose the Best Spot
When choosing the best location for your bike shed, there are a number of issues to keep in mind. The most important one is to locate the bike shed in an easily accessible spot where taking out and putting in the bicycles is comfortable. Consider the opportunities of your garden. It must be laborless to open the shed’s doors and turn the bikes.
Types of Materials
There are a lot of options when it comes to bike shed materials. Each of them has its own benefits. We advise you to choose one depending on your needs and aesthetic choices.
Plastic
Plastic bike sheds can easily be your favorite! They are easy to install and move around because of their lightweight quality. They don’t require maintenance, and they are pretty cheaper than other options.
The downside is that they are not aesthetically pleasing. If you are going to locate it in the front yard, a plastic bike shed may look out of tune with your garden design.
Metal
If you are looking for a durable and robust bike shed, you should go for metal bike sheds. Metal sheds are resistant to any weather condition, whether it’s rain, snow, or a harsh storm. They require minimum maintenance; a quality metal shed is invulnerable to rotting for long years. Plus, they are effortless to clean. However, it might be necessary to paint them every couple of years (again, depending on the quality).
They are highly secure since bending or breaking the walls is hard. If you have high-quality and expensive bikes, you may want to consider metal bike sheds seriously.
Wood
Wooden bike sheds are the most attractive options you can have. Moreover, they can be customized, it is easy to add new compartments and features afterward. If you can build your own, they can be pretty reasonable in price.
Wood is a sustainable material; it is a big plus in these times of climate crisis. However, it requires continuous maintenance against bugs, mold, and rodent animals. Because of these issues, it is necessary to choose a type of wood of good quality to reduce future problems.
Security Issues
The security of any outdoor bike storage system relies on several conditions. The location of the shed impacts the security of your bicycles. A bike shed in the front garden can attract many gazes. If possible, prefer locating your bike storage in the backyard. But if it is not possible, consider more secure materials and think about extra safety measures.
The material of the bike shed makes a big difference in terms of security. Plastic sheds are usually very sturdy, and it is very easy for intruders to disband their pieces. Wooden sheds can be broken with a bit of effort. Metal bike sheds are the most secure option.
