A great ride demands a high-quality bicycle, but the pleasure will be short-lived without a proper bike storage solution. Investing in sturdy bicycle storage is as important as choosing your next bike model. It ensures the safety of the bicycle as well as extends its life. This guide focuses on providing you with various options so that you can decide what works best for you.
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Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Storage Solution
Getting a suitable bicycle storage system doesn’t have to be a daunting task. However, there are some factors one must keep in mind before exploring all the options available.
To begin, you need to consider how much space you have for personal use. If you live in a shared apartment like most urban millennials, the usable amount of space is significantly less as compared to your own house. Measure your bike’s dimensions (height, length, and width) and weight to estimate the amount of space it will take up.
Next, consider the weather conditions of where you live. If your bike can easily be damaged if kept outdoors, it will need extra protection. You need to also keep in mind the security needs. You can’t simply put your bike outside where your bike might get stolen, especially if you live in the city.
Lastly, check your financial situation to prepare a budget. See how much money remains after investing in your favorite bicycle. The surplus amount will determine the amount of money you can utilize for your storage solution.
Top 3 Bicycle Storage Options
We shall now explore the three of the most common storage places that people use to keep their bicycles safe and secure. Outdoors, indoors, and the garage – these are three primary places where you can install your bike storage solutions. Read on to learn what is available on the market and where to use hooks, stands, racks, etc.
Outdoor Storage – Bike Shed
Bike storage sheds are an affordable option for storing your rides and saving them from corrosion caused by snow and rain. Most of these sheds don’t take up much space and are easy to assemble within an hour. Although a cheap option, bicycle sheds make it harder to access the bikes. Also, if you don’t consider the handlebar’s width and the pedal arrangement, the bike may not fit inside the shed. In addition, keep your vehicles safe by selecting a secure location for your bike shed. For example, a fenced yard is suitable for most people.
Garage Bike Storage – Horizontal Rack and Floor Bike Stand
If your garage’s floor space seems crowded, you may want to use a horizontal rack. It lets you utilize the ceiling and walls while freeing up floor space. This storage solution is significantly cheap, portable, and easy to set up. It enables your bikes to fit adequately in smaller spaces. Plus, it keeps them safe from accidents that can damage frames and chains.
Floor bike stands are a great option that can accommodate multiple rides. If your garage has enough floor space, this option is the best as your bicycles remain both accessible and safe. Moreover, a spring-loaded arm in the setup allows you to lock and unlock your bike without hassle.
Indoor Storage Solution – Vertical Bike Rack and Ceiling Mount
A vertical bike rack is a brilliant choice if you are looking for a maintenance-free and easy-to-install bike storage solution that saves on floor space. Vertical racks such as the PARKIS bicycle lift can give you back up to 40% ground area, so they’re perfect for storing heavy bikes. These wall-mounted lifts are spring-loaded, allowing you to position your bike on the rack within seconds. Depending on your requirement, vertical racks can hold multiple bikes, offering you plenty of room indoors.
A ceiling bike rack is an ideal option for condos, where you can jack up the storage capacity using lifts and hoists. The ceiling is an often overlooked zone of great utility that you can convert into a storage space. Using a ceiling mount hanging rack is safe (when properly installed) and saves a lot of floor space. Moreover, the bike will be hard to steal, and you don’t require a ladder to bring it down. However, your ceiling must be able to support the load of the bike. This setup can also accommodate multiple rides.
Key Takeaways
Whether you live in tight apartments or condos or have a lot of room to play around with, a space-saving PARKIS bicycle lift will work perfectly. On the contrary, a budget-friendly floor bike stand is ideal for individuals with a dedicated garage. Your choice depends on your resources and how innovative you can get with them. But remember, whatever your storage solution, always consider the safety of your bike. A lock is always a worthy investment.
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