Doobie

I live in an apartment, half house, looking for smallest possible outdoor (Rubbermaid or equivalent) storage unit for my adult Schwinn bicycle. Anybody know of, or have one that a bike would fit in?? Just planning on 1 bike storage, nothing else. Tired of hauling bike up and down stairs or keeping in kitchen. Desperate here!!

Alfster 

Personally I wouldn't risk leaving it in a plastic / rubber storage unit outside of an apartment. Too easy to break into. Can't you come up with a better indoor solution than leaving it in the kitchen. There are plenty of indoor storage devices that will mount bikes on ceilings, walls, or free-standing (which is what I use).

Digital_Cowboy

Agreed, both of my primary bikes sit in my living room, while the other one sits in the closet in my bedroom. A plastic/rubber storage shed is just asking for trouble. Especially one that is left outside of an apartment.

Looigi

Cook and eat on the patio, keep the bike in the kitchen? Hang it from a wall, ceiling over the kitchen table?

Doobie

For the three replies so far------- Did I mention I was DESPERATE here?!? Have no wall space to hang, and little floor space- have small apt. I prefer to not have in my living space.

gecho

I think any type of storage unit would just entice thieves into thinking there is something really valuable in there. Maybe look at one of those super heavy kryptonite link chains and either remove your saddle or get a tether to secure it as well. If there are no bike racks consider an anchoring point like a Kryptonite Stronghold or similar. Top if off with a clear plastic bike cover to keep out the elements.

steve0257

First off, Have you checked with the landlord about outside storage facilities. The landlord may say that no storage containers are allowed. If something is allowed check someplace like Mills Fleet Far or Menards. They sell small storage containers designed for backyard use. The smallest are the size they will hold a lawnmower and some yard tools.

Digital_Cowboy

I'd still have to think that in the long run it would be safer. And as has been mentioned your landlord may have a rule against outside storage. Can you take the wheels/pedals off and store it under your bed?

Doobie

It would be much more convienient for me to lock it up in an outdoor storage unit, there are no landlord restrictions . I do not want to keep it in my house.

Alfster 

I like this one: https://www.asgardsss.co.uk/detail.ph...l=0&cat_code=0

Doohickie

Store it in the bathtub. Take it out while you're showering, but other than that, leave it in there.

Digital_Cowboy

Given that I as so many here currently have on or more bikes stored somewhere in our homes. Most the advice that you are going to get is in regards to keeping it inside your home.

Somethings that you are going to have consider are:

a) how much is your bike worth
b) can you replace it easily if it is stolen while you are storing it outdoors
c) can you replace or repair it if it is damaged due to severe weather
d) whether your renters or landlords insurance will cover it in the case of theft or weather damage

If it isn't worth much than you might be better off storing it outdoors with your landlords permission, if it is a valuable bike or one that you treasure store it indoors. Even if that means storing it in the kitchen, living room, bedroom closet, bathtub, or taking the wheels/pedals off and storing it under your bed.

Personally, even though I live in a pretty good neighborhood and my landlord/leasing office provides at least two bike racks around the complex you will NEVER find any of my bikes locked to any of them. As they are too far away from my apartment, they are not protected from the weather, they are out in the open where anyone can mess with the bikes, they are the wheel bender type of racks.

So if you are going to store your bike outside and it sounds as if you are committed to this idea. Than the only practical advise that we can give you is to take as many precautions as you can to safeguard your bike.

Just remember as my paternal Grandfather used to say, "locks are only there to keep honest people honest." And if you have an outside storage shed/unit that eventually someone will get curious and come around to see what it is that you are storing in it. And if they like it enough, you may find yourself without your bike.

If that is a risk that you are willing to take and can live with, than I wish you the best of luck.

sharrn

Check and see if your public transportation company has bike lockers if your in an area with public transit... Their usually very cheap. It won't be onsite, but within a few miles most likely. That's a lot safer than a plastic box outside.

Digital_Cowboy

That's an option, or as I suggested to another member in another area of this site. The OP can look for a public self-storage company close to his home to store his bike(s). Again, not onsite, but a damn sight more secure than a plastic storage shed. Plus it would have the advantage that it can be used as a workshop to work on his bike(s).