Wednesday, May 20, 2015

The Top Ten Bike Storage Sheds

The Top Ten Bike Storage Sheds

http://zacsgarden.com/how-to-build-a-shed/which-one-do-i-need/purpose/top-10-bike-storage-sheds/

The Top 10 Bike Storage Sheds

Love cycling, but fed up with bikes cluttering your hallway, laundry, or entrance?

Bike Storage ShedsBikes are for freedom, but in the winter when they are lying around the house they can feel like they are trapping you in.
We believe the best storage is dry, secure and big enough to store your bikes and equipment, but also not be cluttering up your home.
With that in mind we have scoured the internet looking for bike storage sheds, and options to keep your bikes out of your bedroom.
There is something for your pride and joy, no matter what your budget or circumstance.

Bosmere Trimetals A305 Bicycle Storage Unit

A custom made bicycle storage shed

A tough, custom made solution to your storage needs. It’s a metal shed that’s PVC coated and the exterior fixings are stainless steel, so it will last for years. In fact its guaranteed for 25 years.
The design allows you to keep your bikes away from the house, although you may want to bolt it to something. The manufacturers say depending on the size of your bikes, it will hold up to 3.
The roof/lid slides up and allows easy access to your bikes. You will have to lift your bikes in and out which may be a deal breaker for some. Available in two colors
Bosmere Trimetals Bicycle storage unit

The Lifetime 6405 8-by-10 Resin Shed

Want a secure space for your families bikes, and a place to fix them?

This shed is more like a palace for your bikes. It looks better than some of the other houses in the street! And best thing yet, the shed requires little to no maintenance.
The sheds design is well thought out. It is reinforced with powder coated steel, and comes with vents to stop condensation on the inside. We like this shed because of the natural light that is let in by the skylight and window; great for a small workbench.
It also comes with some shelves to store your bits and bobs. And if you don’t think 8×10 foot is big enough, you can buy an extension kit with extra window. For security it also comes with lockable doors, although the windows don’t come with shutters.
We couldn’t go past the Lifetime 8 x 10 shed for value for money.It looks great, can be placed anywhere there’s room and will stand up to tough weather conditions.

Yardstash III

If space and price are factors for you…

Then the latest Yardstash storage tent is definitely worth a look.
It’s a new take on an old problem. Using a thick canvas material as protection against the elements instead of a typical more rigid one.
The pros and cons really fall on these lines, it is portable and easy to assemble, so it is good for those in apartments, townhouses and anyone who needs to be creative with their space.
But the use of a tent like structure also provides less rigidness and durability than its more traditional counterparts. It does need at least some protection from the elements, and doesn’t take abuse well. Overall the Yardstash III is an easy and affordable solution for those who have limited areas in which to put it.
Accompanyment: Racor PBS-2R Two-Bike Floor Bike Stand– the shed needs a stand for the bikes to be stored correctly, and this is the one we recommend.
The YardStash III is the latest canvas storage system from Yardstash. It is a cheap and easy way to provide protection for your bikes.
Yardstash half open

The Rowlinson Wallstore

This handsome storage shed protects your bikes out of the elements

Because it’s made from wood, it is strong enough to handle the elements, and it is easy to add hooks on walls or a floor stand for your bike.
The downside is the shed is 6ft wide (outside) so it can be a little tight for some bikes. If you’re thinking about this shed, measure your bike(s) first.
Assembly is quite easy as the panels are delivered pre-made. However the shed does require a level base which the owner needs to organize.
Otherwise, Rowlinson Wallstore is a great storage solution for your bikes, especially for the look and the price.
Bosmere WS1881H closed doors

Arrow Hamlet 10 ft. x 8 ft. Steel Shed

If you want a lot of storage space for your bikes, on a budget…

Then metal sheds are where to look. We like this one because it gives you a massive 10×8 footprint which is ample storage space for your bikes. But just because it is budget priced, doesn’t mean its budget quality. The galvanized steel construction protects from rain, wind and snow loads.

Assembly

Assembly is a little tedious, however if the instructions are followed, anyone can do it. The individual shed parts can feel a little flimsy, but once the shed is together, it is quite stable.
There are a lot of extras available from Arrow, some of which are needed, including the floor, and base support. There is also a roof strengthening kit if you are in heavy snow prone areas. Although the parts you do get are good quality.
The steel panels are electrogalvanized which protects against rust and corrosion from the elements. The lockable doors open wide to easily get bikes in and out, and the roof is high so you don’t have to live in a Notre Dame Bell Tower to use it.

Our verdict:

The Arrow Hamlet Steel Storage Shed is a well-designed, rugged shed that has plenty of bang for your buck.
Arrow Hamlet

ShelterLogic Shed-in-a-Box  

ShelterLogic Shed-in-a-Box Canopy Storage Shed

An affordable, neat looking solution This canvas storage solution keeps bikes bone dry, even in the snow.
The unit will fit in three bikes quite comfortably; all you need is a place to put it, some time to figure out the instructions and a bike stand. We wonder about the real ‘toughness’ of canvas units. The manufacturer claims that the polyethylene cover has been treated for everything including fade, and fungal resistance.
It also comes with a steel frame so it can take some weight on the roof. This unit doesn’t come with a floor though, so you will need to put it somewhere you are happy for your bikes to sit (gravel, deck, concrete). Being canvas like material, it can also be susceptible to condensation depending on your climate.
Assembling the unit can be a little frustrating first time; however one person can do it by themselves (a ladder helps). There are also some extras that you may need, depending on where you put it (longer augers/pegs, roll up door kit, and extra fixings).
Our verdict, The Shed-in-a-Box is a reasonably priced, storage solution for your bikes that fits most yards.


KLOUD City Waterproof Picycle cover

KLOUD City ® 190T Nylon Waterproof Bike/ Bicycle Cover

Only need a poncho for your bike?

If you want to keep light rain, sun and wind off your bike, then this is fast and easy solution.
This cover is inexpensive, lightweight yet durable and protects well against the elements.
Being a nylon cover it is portable, and waterproof. Although if your rough with it, it will rip. The elastic bottom holds the cover on in stormy conditions and make it easy to put on and take off. But because there are no vents, it can sweat inside a little in warmer humid climates.
The KLOUD City bicycle cover is a fast solution for protection against the elements – Great for covering your bike on the balcony, deck or porch.

Suncast BMS4900 Glidetop Slide Lid Shed

3 bikes? No worries!

This solution is large enough for your bikes, but small enough not to get your council or HOA involved.
It looks great and is easy to put together. One person can do it in less than an hour and you don’t need tools, only a ‘+’ screwdriver. For more convenience, Amazon and other outlets will deliver to your door. The shed comes with a heavy duty plastic floor, but requires a flat, level surface for the doors to work properly. This is something that shed owners need to organize.
The lid slides open for easy walk in access to your bikes and equipment. It is lockable as well with a padlock at the front of the unit. The hard plastic is very tough and will outlast many of its competitors.  It can be placed with full exposure to the elements and still looks great and work as intended, time after time. And because it’s plastic, there is little to no maintenance required.
The Glidetop Slide Lid Shed is a long lasting solution for your bikes, so if you are the type of person who wants it done right first time, then look no further.

*Check your Home Owners Association (HOA), but typically horizontal sheds like these have no need for approval
Suncast BMS4900 Glidetop Slide Lid Shed
Flower house

Flower House SHSM655 StorageHouse Walk-In Storage House

Looking for a temporary solution?

The Flower House is a quick and easy way to house your bikes.
Although being a cheaper (and temporary) solution, the storage space is quite large. When installed there is enough room for two adult bikes, or three kids bikes (bike stands recommended).
Unfortunately, the wall lining can tear under pressure, but it is also easily repaired with duct tape. This will keep the water out, but isn’t a pleasant sight. Assembly takes less than an hour, and requires two people.
Overall Flower House Walk-In Storage House is limited in what it can do, and is recommended only to those in moderate climates (like California).

DIY Bike Storage Shed Plans

Do you like a project?

If you love your bike, the why not custom make your own bike storage shed? You can buy the plans to make things easy so you can get all the info you need. DIY is a great way to get a great quality shed and SAVE money.
These shed plans have many different sizes and styles, so you don’t have to spend your time working out length sizes and drawing plans up yourself for the Council or Home Owners Association.
DIY is not for everyone, but if you want to take on a project then these bike storage shed plans will help you create one that you can be proud of.
bike-storage-shed-plans
SturdyBland appearance
Low maintenance
Plenty of Storage SpaceRequires Flat, Level Base
Heavy DutyAssembly requires 2 people
No Maintenance RequiredNo Shutters for Windows
Setup is easyNot for fully exposed areas
Portable and easy to moveDurability questionable
Great looking storage solutionTight fit for 2 bikes
Small footprintNeeds caulking to be watertight
LockableRequires some assembly
Great ValueAssembly Required (2 people)
Tough & DurablePanels can feel flimsy
Good ValueAssembly can be tedious
Holds 3 bikesExtras are required
Stand up to snow
CheapCan rip if it is handled rough
Fast way to cover a bikeDoes not support bike
Mobile – Can take it anywhereOffers no security
Little maintenance requiredRequires a level flat base
Suits any yardA little pricey
No HOA/Council approval required*
InexpensiveWall lining can tear
MobileRequires moderate climate
Easy to assemble
Get good quality at good priceDIY can take some time
Get a custom jobRequires some DIY experience

Best Outdoor Storage Solutions [Outside Magazine Online]

https://www.outsideonline.com/1970181/what-are-best-outdoor-storage-solutions


If you love playing in the mountains, it’s easy to accrue a mountain of gear. It isn’t until you have to contend with storing three boats, four bikes, and two SUPs that you start to feel like a hoarder. 
But when your gear consumes all the open space in your garage, don’t move the cars outside. Go for one of these smart outdoor storage units instead.

Dero Bike Locker ($TBD)


  Photo: Dero

If you’re worried about thieves nabbing your beloved road bike, check out Dero’s bomber steel locker. In addition to being theft-proof, the unit is 100 percent dirt- and waterproof. Each locker is customizable with different locking options, colors, sizes, and flooring setups. 

YardStash III ($130)


  Photo: YardStash Solutions

Outside senior editor Axie Navas raced road bikes at Northwestern and tests dozens of bikes year-round for work (she has at least four at the house or in the office at all times). So when she raved about the YardStash III, I took her seriously. The durable polyester tents (Axie has two) protected her bikes from the elements throughout the winter without taking up too much space in the yard thanks to their 74-by-30-inch footprint. They’re also an economical option at $130 each.

Sutton Resin Storage Shed ($549)


  Photo: Suncast

My wife and I moved into a home last year that came with one of these sheds on the property. I used to think plastic storage this big (about seven by seven feet) was just an eyesore. But once I filled it with small, easy-to-lose essentials and tools, it became a lifesaver. The shed accommodates four bikes (if stored properly), but I’ve found it to be most useful with shelving to store smaller items. 

NRS Kayak/SUP Hanger ($25)


  Photo: NRS

Kayaks start to look like planters in your backyard if you leave them on the ground to collect water. Lift them off the grass with this inexpensive 89-inch strap-based solution from NRS. It uses an adjustable system of eyehooks and cam straps to cinch the boat tight against your house. When you want to access your boat, just loosen the strap and the kayak will slide right out of the unit. 

Kloud City 190T Nylon Waterproof Bike Cover ($16.40)


  Photo: Kloud City

Don’t punish your old commuter by letting it rust outside. Best for the space- and price-conscious cyclist, the Kloud City 190T Nylon Waterproof Bike Cover costs less than a post-ride burger and beer and fits easily over your bike. The nylon cover will maximize your outdoor bike’s life by keeping it safe from the sun and rain—just don’t expect this cover to last more than a season or two.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Compare the YardStash and Tidy Tent

Amazon review comparing the experience with a YardStash and Tidy Tent



5.0 out of 5 stars Best Tent - Way Better than Tidy Tent, January 4, 2013
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: YardStash II: Outdoor Bike Storage, Garden Storage and Pool Storage (Misc.)
This replaced a tidy tent (cheap, lousy zippers). Yard Stash is solid - I would sleep in it. Zippers are sturdy and the assembly is a breeze. My only minor complaint is the bottom lip of the tent is a little high so I need to lift my bike over. (It is staked so solidly I can roll right over it on the way out.)

Outdoor Bike Shed ideas from Houzz

Link to outdoor bike shed ideas from Houzz:


http://www.houzz.com/BIKE-SHED

http://www.houzz.com/BIKE-SHED