People are getting more and more aware that exercise is essential. With the rise of the pandemic, many people are turning to bikes as a means of exercising. However, once you invest in the bike that you like, you’ll want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. It should come as no surprise that proper maintenance will help your bike last longer, but you should also consider the best way to store your bike.
Storing your two-wheeler properly is essential to keeping it safe. But with so many options to choose from, it can be a daunting task. However, for those who own bikes and have trouble figuring out where to store them, bike storage specialists can offer plenty of options. With a bit of research, you’ll have no problem choosing the right one.
Storage Solutions Outside Your Home
Garden Bike Shed
Bikes, while not heavy, are cumbersome to store in a small space. Some experts advise against leaving your bike outside because extreme temperatures and humidity can corrode metal parts and make the bike look worn out prematurely. Others note how vulnerable bikes are to theft when locked on outdoor racks. When it comes to properly protecting your bike, a garden bike shed is the way to go. These functional units, made of metal or plastic, can be easily found on the market, and they don’t cost a fortune either. Plus, if you own a bike shed, you don’t have to worry about your beloved two-wheeler getting damaged in bad weather.
There are many different types of bike storage sheds available today. Choosing which type to buy can seem like a daunting task at first, but it really doesn’t have to be that complicated. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your bike storage shed.
Size
To start, it’s important to think about the size of the garden bike shed you need. For example, you may want small bike storage shed for your child’s bike or a larger one to hold two adult bikes and all other bike accessories.
Material
Next, you should think about what material you want your bike storage shed to be made out of. Plastic is inexpensive and easy to maintain, but it isn’t as durable as steel. Metal bike sheds are great as they do not suffer from these problems and are much more weatherproof than plastic sheds. They also don’t need any special treatment like painting or varnishing either as they are already galvanised or coated with plastic or paint.
If you’ve decided to go with a metal shed for your garden, it’s important to keep your shed in good repair. Whilst metal sheds are usually very well constructed, they do need some basic maintenance. A good way of doing this is by using anti-rust paint on the metal parts of your shed such as the roof and sides. This is a very cheap and simple treatment that will make sure your shed doesn’t rust over time, making it look old and more like a shed than a modern building!
Bicycle Storage Rack
There are two main types of racks that you can use to store your bike outside: those that are attached to a wall, and those that are mounted on the ground. Wall-mounted racks are often more secure, but you do need to attach them to a wall. If you don’t want or can’t attach your rack to your home, then think about whether you have anywhere else you could put it. You could use railings on a balcony or in a yard.
If you’re leaving your bike at a place for the weekend, a ground-mounted bike rack may be a good choice. Many of these racks have built-in locks, protecting your bicycle from theft. However, keep in mind that such models may make your bike easier to spot and target thieves, so secure it well and hide it if possible.
Bike Cover
If you decide to leave your bike outside, you might want to buy some sort of covering for it. Bike covers come in all sorts of designs and styles. They snap on easily and keep your bike clean and dry. Some even include a lock, which will help keep your bike from getting stolen.
Inside Bike Storage Solutions
If you’re planning on keeping your bicycle inside, you’ll need to find a way to safely store it. You can’t just dump it in a corner or hang it from the rafters, because that’s not safe for the bike and could damage your walls and ceilings.
The simplest is stashing it in a closet or garage where it won’t get rained on or damaged by the sun. This isn’t ideal if the room doesn’t provide ventilation and you don’t have any way of venting the room. It might also be too small if your collection is large.
Another option is to use a bike rack that can hang from ceiling hooks or wall hooks. This works fine for stationary bikes and recumbents. It also works for folding bikes, which aren’t as affected by changes in humidity, but you’ll need to make sure the rack is strong enough to hold them up.
To Sum Up
With a bit of research, you shouldn’t have much trouble choosing the right storage option for your bike. Finding out about the pros, cons, and features of each type is often key to making an informed decision about which storage option best fits your needs.