Digital Gee

I'm moving soon, and my three bikes will take up a lot of precious real estate in the new house. Once again, no garage. The "yard" isn't much either -- just a small space around the house maybe 10 feet deep on the sides and back.

But I'm thinking of getting some kind of small shed for the bikes (or at least two of them). Anyone do this, and have a recommendation (or warning)?

What I'm thinking of is something like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...egoryID=502627

Retro Grouch 

So you're surrendering the dining room bike storage area and repair shop? WIMP!

Digital Gee

Yeah, but I'm gaining a beautiful wine rack. Can't complain too much!

Retro Grouch 

I figured.

I can't say about San Deigo but the thing I'd be concerned about here would be moisture condensation.

stapfam

8 x 3 would not be big enough for the "N" factor. In fact it could be a struggle if you upset the girlfriend and have to sleep in it aswell. 10x 16- insulated and power laid on. Works for me.--Just about.

rdmjr

I'd be more concerned with the longevity of the metal sheds. I got one of the wooden shed kits (8x10) and it's lasted longer than amy of the metal sheds in my neighborhood. Most of the metal sheds look and work fine for about the first 6 months. After that, the doors don't work smoothly; the storage shed then becomes more of a storage lean-to, with one or both doors left open because they're too hard to open and close. After about 9 months or so, they've collected a fair number of dents (typically from the inside, where something's fallen over). The longest lasting one I can recall lasted 4 years; by that point, it was a mass of loose screws and rusted panels, just waiting for a minor wind to collapse. My wooden shed, on the other hand, is about 12 years old. It requires a paint job about every 2-3 years, and has had to have the hasp replaced twice due to breaking & entering attempts (sometimes it's good to have a neighbor with a barking dog!). Retro Grouch is right about the condensation problems; I wish I'd added one of those rooftop ventilator units to mine. We typically have 90% or higher humidity levels in the summer; everything in the shed is usually damp, if not outright wet, for weeks at a time. I'm thinking about adding some sort of vent panels in the gable ends and possibly even one of those rooftop turbine ventilators to mine (but I've also been thinking about adding all that for the last six or seven years, so it probably won't happen again this year!).
- Bob

Beverly

I have a Rubbermaid storage shed I use for bikes. Easy to install, maintenance free and will hold 4-5 bikes. If you move you can disassemble and take with you.

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stapfam

Have to agree with rdmir. Wood is a better proposition. Better sound insulation- Better ventilation- looks better.

One of my neighbours had a metal shed- The sound of Seagulls landing on it was like someone bashing a dustbin. Windy weather caused a problem on opening the doors after a couple of years and direct sunlight used the get it too hot to touch- even in the UK.

maddmaxx 

Are those doors sli8ding or hinged? Does the shed come with a base or is that something you have to construct.

Beverly

The doors are hinged and it comes with a base. I installed it about 8 years ago.

Artkansas 

This calls for a loft bed. Mattress above, bikes below.

beatnik

bro i put a rubbermaid up at work for my bikes locking is the only thing ..imho
cheers

n4zou

You can't use a metal shed for bike storage. It must be constructed of Oak or Maple hardwood with redwood shingles. The doors must have hand carved decorations depicting scenic vistas and lead glass windows. Shutters are required with each window. Shutters may or may not be functional but must meet decorative requirements. The roof must sport a weather vain. A functional bicycle rack with space for the maximum number of bicycles to be stored in the shed must be placed 5 feet 4 and 3/4 inches to the right of the doors so there is never any danger any of the bicycles falling over while the doors are opened or closed. A supply of clean water must always be available so the bicycles may be properly washed before storage in the shed.

Beverly

I replaced the locking setup that came with the shed. I installed a hasp from the inside and use a Master lock. I've never had any problems but I also live in a low crime area and my backyard isn't easily accessible from the street.

stapfam

Forget the water- Just leave outside for an hour and wipe dry.

And on the bike rack- In an enclosed space like a shed- you will be limited by size of the shed. Far better is to clear the living room. spread a couple of sheets over the table and you have the perfect bike accomodation. And TV and Drinks cabinet could not be handier.

Retro Grouch 

I think that you might be overlooking the major premise. DG needs to get his bikes out of the living quarters or he won't be allowed to fully enjoy his beautiful wine rack - ever.

Digital Gee

Here's an interesting option....

Bikeshed

Wildwood 

I stored many bikes in an outside (wooden) storage shed without problems, in Santa Cruz, CA. During the wet winter months I did open the shed when the sun was out. Ride them regularly and there will be no probs.

BengeBoy 

Here's my vote:



"The Bike Castle."

$6,799.

The little guy is an optional extra; he will guard your bikes 24/7.

RoMad

I have a couple of rental properties with the small metal sheds and they are a pain. They rust, the doors don't work well and they leak. I like the one Beverly recommended. You may need to do a little upgrading of the locking system. How are you with tools? Oh, never mind ,you could get someone to put a heavier hasp on it. The folding one you attached the link to looks like it might not make it through a thunderstorm.

rdmjr

I like the looks of the Rubbermaid one also. If I ever have to replace my shed, I'll definitely be checking those out in a lot more detail. It's good to hear that they're long lasting!
- Bob

cranky old dude

Do you have to burp it to keep your bikes fresh, or is that Tupperware?

mandovoodoo

My metal shed must be a special one - 13 years and just now getting ratty. Takes a little maintenance, but the doors work etc. In the next few years we'll either build a workshop/store in that area with extra storage, a real 2 story garage, or another small retirement house with garage and let the kids have this one. But that shed was a real bargain. Gambrel roof.

Deanster04

If you are close to power you can keep a light bulb on in the shed and it will heat up the shed just enough to keep it dry. Used this trick on my sail boat and dock box. You could setup a small heater on a timer and build in a small vent on the roof and cycle the heater on and off to keep things dry...

BCRider

If your area has a lot of rain or gets regular evening dew then a shed is just a moisture collector unless you add a heat source and proper venting. Something like a couple of 60 watt light bulbs or a low power electric heater to keep the insides more warm than the outsides will work. And shuttered vents for the summer to let out the moist air that'll condense inside from the coolness of the ground unless you build it on a slightly raised floor pad.