Outdoors storage
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Given the options, the shed sounds to me like the best alternative (other than the girlfriend with a garage). You'll have better protection from the weather and better security.
I'm kinda torn between getting something like the shed in a box and getting a decent cover that I can carry with me.On the one hand with a cover I can park on the street in front of the house when I plan on riding the next day where with the shed in a box I'm pretty much stuck with putting it in the back yard.Then again the back yard is definately more secure and the shed in a box is going to provide much better protection from the elements than a cover.Damn, I've kept my bikes indoors since 2000 now I'm actually considering parking it on the street, times are tough.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 1
The problem I have seen with these types of sheds is they will collect condensation, especially if you have live in an area with a lot of moisture. It's probably better to have something made out of wood. I have a Tuff Shed but that's a little pricey. I thing Lowes has a selection of sheds that are reasonably priced.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 643
Likes: 9
From: Georgia
Some of my friends who live in apartments rent nearby storage units. They usually get the 4x8 size by themselves unless there are several of them sharing one together. It's a little costly but protects the bikes from the elements and eliminates vandalism, theft, and the possiblity of someone backing into it and knocking it over. That was the biggest problem they were having.
If you live in a humid environment, keeping a cover on it will cause the chrome and bolts to rust faster. I keep mine under a carport and it does fine. I used a cover for a little while and eventually stopped because condensation didn't evaporate fast enough every time it rained. I would just put some type of roof over it and it should do fine as long as it has air circulation.
If you live in a humid environment, keeping a cover on it will cause the chrome and bolts to rust faster. I keep mine under a carport and it does fine. I used a cover for a little while and eventually stopped because condensation didn't evaporate fast enough every time it rained. I would just put some type of roof over it and it should do fine as long as it has air circulation.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Ventura,CA
Cover for your bike
For me in Southern California, I have (2) moving style blankets I drape over the bike (as to not scratch with the plastic tarp) and then over that I put a heavy duty silver colord tarp. The color is to help with the UV rays. On the cheap, seems to work just fine. Either way it sucks to have it outside but this works. I did see sometime back...A clear "bike bubble" with electric air flow on this inside. Looked pretty cool! Cost...? - not sure.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Ventura,CA
Another thing is, I've built one of those metal sheds before and it was quite a project.Like an erector set from hell.The shed in a box looks like it's maybe a little more difficult than a tent but not as complicated as one of those metal sheds.You know the original throw a tarp over it and weight it down idea is starting to look better and better.Oh well it's not like it's an emergency and I need to make a decision tonight.
That is what I do. Keep it simple, keep it protected.
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Ed i use a walmart bike cover... on all my bikes actually. my sport touring is basicly outside all the time... with this time of the year though there are some great close outs, this is a green house. they last about 4 winters and summers in the chicago weather... i also line the whole thing with a tarp before covering it wiht the stock cover part to add a bit more... the floor is coverd with a tarp as well... i have 4 bikes in there and it works great
