Even the most avid cyclists will tell you that everyone, even the best of us, occasionally leaves their bike outside. However, they will also tell you the dangers of long-term outdoor bike storage. Bicycles are a relatively big purchase and most hope to get many years out of their new bike. One of the best ways to keep your bicycle safe from the elements is with quality bike storage sheds. A storage shed, when properly set up to store your bike, can help keep your bicycle safe from theft, harsh weather, and damage. For more information on quality storage sheds, contact Dutch Country Sheds today!

Outdoor Storage – Is Your Bike Safe?

It is not uncommon to walk by a house a see a bike or two leaned up against the side of a home. But how long can you store your bike outside before it becomes a problem? Bicycling.com says it depends on a number of factors. A new bike can most likely be left outside longer than an older one. Bikes left out in moderate weather will fare better than those left out in the rain or snow. Even hot but humid environments can quickly damage your bike. Just one week outside in rainy or humid conditions can cause serious damage to a bicycle. In perfect, dry weather conditions, a bike could theoretically remain safe outdoors for a few months.

When deciding whether or not to keep your bicycle outside short-term, check for these conditions:

• Is it raining or has it just stopped raining?
• Is it snowing or is there a chance it will snow?
• Is it very hot today?
• Is it very humid today?
• Are there high winds or more wind than usual?

All of the above weather conditions can quickly damage your bicycle.

Excessive winds can knock other objects into your bike, or even knock your bike over. Rain, humidity, and snow can cause rust. Very hot temperature can begin breaking down rubber and plastic parts. The list below outlines the most problematic areas for a bike left in the elements:

• The chain – Chains, especially older chains, will be one of the first parts to go on your bike. You will notice rust, even after just a week of outdoor storage in a rainy environment.
• Plastic/rubber parts – The decline of these parts will soon to follow when your bike is left out in hot temperatures. Fading and material breakdown can occur.
• Bolts & bearings – Bolts can corrode and seize up while bearings can break down and congeal.
• Cables – Cables will begin to corrode, causing problems with shifting and breaking.

One of the best ways to prevent damage, rust, and decay is to look into bike storage sheds. Properly storing your bike in a secure, quality shed can keep it safe from the elements and increase its life expectancy.

Source – www.bicycling.com

Is A Storage Shed Right For Me?

If you or you and your family own bicycles, it is a good idea to have a storage plan in mind. Replacing bicycles can be costly, especially for higher quality adult bikes. Depending on how much you use your bike, how much maintenance you are willing to put in, and what parts you are willing to replace, bicycles can last 25+ years to a lifetime! That’s why it’s important to keep them in the best condition possible.

Depending on the temperature of your area, simply storing your bicycle in a shed and forgetting about it for the winter may not be enough. Extremely cold weather can still cause damage to your bike, even without contact with snow or ice. However, there are many available small space heaters that can help on extra-cold days.

It may also be a good idea to store your bike on hooks, just in case snow or water gets tracked into the shed. Condensation can also be a problem – so many cyclists advise covering your bike while it is stored. Covering can also help prevent spiderwebs/cobwebs from forming on your bike. However, ensure you cover your shed correctly with an appropriate cover to prevent trapped moisture and condensation.

Some avid cyclists even run electricity to their shed to ensure safety during the extreme winter or summer months. However, most would say that covering your bicycle and ensuring it remains free of water and condensation will be enough to keep your bicycle safe and sound in your shed throughout the winter. No matter what the typical weather or climate of your area, bicycles can only stay safe outdoors for so long. A storage shed is right for anyone who wants to keep their bicycle(s) safe from weather-related decay and damage, as well as protect their bicycle from theft and even vandalism.

Bicycle Storage – Home vs Shed

Many bicycle owners choose to store their bike inside their home. Others, especially those who live in apartments or condos, do not have a choice. Some advantages to home storage include the fact that you always know where your bike is and that it is stored at room temperature all year round. However, for those with a yard or property, a storage shed may be an ideal location to keep your bike.

As some users have commented online, storing a bicycle in your home can take up space and sometimes even cause friction with family members! If you have an unfinished basement, that is usually an okay place to keep a bike. However, many homeowners do not have basements or use their basements for other purposes. Storing a large, heavy bicycle in any room of a small or mid-sized home can take up valuable space…and is not exactly aesthetically pleasing.

Storing a bike indoors can also track in a lot of dirt and even germs. Most people want the stuff caked into bike tires to stay outdoors. Storing your bicycle in a shed helps keep germs and dirt out of your home and carpet. Bicycles can also be difficult to drag up stairways, around porches, or through doorways. One of the biggest reasons some bikes end up staying outdoors is because they can be difficult to transport into homes. Wheeling your bike into a shed with large double doors, a ramp, and empty hooks ready to store it is a far easier storage solution.

Source – www.bikeradar.com

Bike Storage Sheds – Ideas

Our sheds at Dutch Country Sheds are perfect for any of your storage needs – including bicycle storage! See below three of the best bicycle storage shed ideas, all with large double doors for easy entrance and exit from your shed. To view all of our portable storage buildings, click here!

Lofted Barn

The Lofted Barn is a great storage building for recreational items. It includes additional storage space in the loft area, allowing you to easily store items not frequently used, or smaller and more fragile items. The Lofted Barn features:

• Sidewalls – 6′ 4″
• Double Doors & more!
• Smallest Size: 8’x12′
• Largest Size: 14’x40′

Utility Shed

The Utility Shed is a very practical storage shed. It is also one of the most economical choices and can easily be used to store whatever you have in mind, including bicycles! The Utility Shed includes:

• Sidewalls – 6′ 4″
• Double Doors
• Smallest Size: 8’x8′
• Largest Size: 14’x40′

Lofted Garden Barn

The Lofted Garden Barn includes a unique U-shaped loft that allows for greater versatility and storage room. The Lofted Garden Barn is perfect for those needing ample storage space. The Lofted Garden Barn features:

• Sidewalls – 6′ 4″
• Double Doors & more!
• Smallest Size: 8’x12′
• Largest Size: 14’x40′

Ready For Your Own Bicycle Shed?

If you are ready to keep your bicycle safe, secure, and in the best shape possible, contact Dutch Country Sheds now to learn more! A bicycle shed can be the solution you’ve been looking for.

We even have a Rent-To-Own option to make it easy for you to own your very own shed today! Dutch Country Sheds is committed to both affordability and high-quality structures.

We take the time to listen to our customers and help them choose the best design for their particular needs and budget. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

We are so confident in the high quality of our product that we offer a 5-year blanket warranty.

Our 5-year blanket warranty covers any defect in workmanship, lumber, and products, including the function of the product. Dutch Country Sheds are made to last – we guarantee it with our 5-year warranty!

“It was a pleasure working with confident and qualified people. The workmanship
and materials are second to none…I would recommend Classic Buildings to anyone
who requires a building for storage, recreation or whatever your needs are.”

– Mike Dinello, a Classic Buildings Customer – More Testimonials Here!

Ready To Find Your Dream Shed?