Why do I want a bike locker?
 

I just found out that I cleared the (very long) waiting list for a bike storage locker at my workplace and I have to decide by tomorrow whether to take it (and pay the rent). Strangely, I find myself thinking that now I don't think I need it and I wonder if I'm missing something.

Situation:
- I work in a large office tower, downtown Seattle
- Bike parking is in first floor of underground parking garage
- We have bike racks that are very secure...there is a guard stationed about 20 feet away, all day (he is there to guard the entrance to underground car parking).
- There also is a small locker room that bicyclists can use...I have a locker inside the locker room that is big enough to hold a towel, a change of clothes, toiletries, etc.

So, my current situation is I lock my bike in the out-of-the-weather bike rack, stroll past the guard and go to the locker room, where I store shoes, a belt, toiletries, etc.

Pretty good deal, I know.

I guess the bike locker would keep my bike *more* secure (and maybe on nice days I would ride a nicer bike, instead of the Craigslist special I commute on...) and maybe I could keep more junk in it, but I feel like my current set-up is already OK.

If I take the bike locker, I would give up my little "locker room" locker, 'cause there's a waiting list for both, and I would feel like a pig taking up both a bike locker and a clothes locker. Now that I'm at the top of the bike-locker list I realize that I am already pretty well situated. (FYI, cost is not a factor - the cost of the clothes locker is about the same as the cost of the bike locker).

Am I missing something?

(Yes, I know this is hardly a *problem,* still I bow to the collective wisdom of BF commuters).

i'd keep things as they are if they're working for you

Out of curiousity, how much is the rent for the bike locker?

US$ 15/mo.

Is it kind that can hold only one bike or two? If two, then you can share the rental costs. Some have a diagonal divider plate separating the locker into two compartments.

Since your current parking spot is secure and away from the elements, I'd keep doing what you're doing. Give the bike locker to somebody who wants it more than you.

Yes, get the locker. I say this because you said you "lock" your bike to the underground rack. So, you aren't 100% sure of the security. (You shouldn't be; his job isn't to protect your stuff).

Bike lockers are awesome; no other solution I know of lets you protect all your bike components from tampering or theft.

Bengeboy you aren't by any chance talking about the Columbia Tower are you?

I would switch to the bike locker. I have had both just a locker and a full bike locker. I am really enjoying being able to keep everything on my bike (lights, seatbag, pump ect) instead of having to take it off every day. Also, you still have a place for your stuff in the locker so you are not losing anything just gaining more secure bike storage.

Yes. Small world, huh?

As you know, there's been a bit of chaos in their storage lately, and I went from having nothing to getting a chance at both lockers. I'll go check out the bike locker tomorrow.

Thanks for the advice, all...

I'm the only on at work that bikes it in. I keep my bike down in a small cellar.
I don't have to lock it up, allthough I do. Lowes' had a sale on rotomold
garden lockers that I moved in to store bike stuff, stand, cleaning gear,
etc. The locker is a huge plus as it starts to fill up. I don't have a
a pic of the locker. Here is a stand that I got on sale at Performance
for $30.00 It will hold 2 bikes.

Heck, with your current situation I see no need for the locker. I don't even see the point about a nicer bike. Inside and guarded? I'd leave any bike there.

I'd go for the locker. Its great to leave the lights, pump, helmet, gloves, etc on the bike in the locker and not have to carry it inside. Besides even with the rack near security I bet somethings still come up missing on someones bike. GD

I'm guessing you already decided yes or now, but I'll add my two cents anyway!

I have a bike locker at the BART station (train) and I love it.

First off (and this doesn't really apply in your situation), I had a bike stolen from the station right in front of the Station Agent's booth, right at the main entrance. My friend had 3 bikes stolen at the same station. When I spoke to the BART police about my stolen bike he said that he had never heard of one stolen from the lockers (in his 15 years).

The thing I really like about the locker (besides the security) is that I can ride up, put my bike in the locker and get on the train. No removing the headlight, taillight, battery and computer. I also keep an extra pannier on the bike with tools, extra tubes and rain gear - no need to remove it. I've considered keeping some gear in the locker, but I don't see the need since I can keep everything on the bike (and the extra weight is good for me since I have a short commute).

$15 does seem a little high, but in my case I would pay it - I'd be devastated if I had this bike stolen (even though it's another used old steel bike I love it). In my case, the locker is $30 a year - easy decision for me!

I'd take the locker. I have one and there have been occasions where I had to leave the bike overnight and having it secure inside a locker was good for the peace of mind.

Yeah - I'm reconsidering my position. My office building manager doesn't like me bringing the bike inside but I do anyway since locking it to the rack right in front of his secretary's window is guaranteed to get it stolen.

I think if you had the opportunity to start riding different bikes to work for variety, you'd never go back. If it were me, I'd get the bike locker.

I have three bikes, and I get up in the morning and head down to the basement to decide which ride I'm taking. Racing on the road bike, cruising on the hybrid, or take the mountain bike and hit some mud in the morning? I love having options.

If I could only ride my crappiest bike every day, I'd be bummed. But then most of my riding is commuting, so your mileage may vary.

I'd take a locker in a second. You wouldn't have to worry about the other cyclists beating up your bike. My worst bike rack problem was having someone's cable lock through my brake cable.

Skip the locker...
 

... just bring the security guard a doughnut every now and then!

I mean, really, a guardhouse a few feet away? I think you're covered.

I leave my bike at a bike rack in our office garage, with a uniformed guard and a very busy door about 30 feet away.

I secure my bike with a bogus lock -- one of those cable jobs. Other riders (we have about three, sometimes four, out of 2,000-plus employees; kinda sad) don't bother with a lock at all.

I leave my lights on the rig, and often leave my helmet and gloves there, too. Nothing missing.

I would not, of course, leave it there overnight. Guard goes home at 7 p.m., and the garage is not locked (in fact, doesn't even have doors).

Sounds like you've got a good situation. Keep the $15.

Thank you all for your advice.

If anyone cares, I ended up taking the locker. It turns out that there is no longer a waiting list for clothes lockers so I don't feel guilty about having two spaces now.

Unfortunately, all of you missed the best reason to have a bike locker: I can buy another vintage bike and stash it in there without "anyone at home" finding out I've bought another bike until I thin down the fleet...

:innocent:

lol