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-   -   Bike Tarp / Canopy (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1121898-bike-tarp-canopy.html)

jbw57 09-13-17 10:24 PM

Bike Tarp / Canopy
 
Any recommendations for a bike tarp or cover.....we have a 8' x 16' Tuff Shed, its all 2"x4" framing with trusses and a comp roof, completely water proof and insulated. I want this to store our four bikes and thinking on covering them with a small movers blanket and then keeping them in a bike tarp specifically for bikes. Our winter months are mild but does get down in the high 20's to low 30's for a few months. I've seen a few covers specifically for bikes, they have a zipper and are water proof.....I want to avoid the condensation that could occur so I thought the movers blanket and bike tarp as a possibility but welcome your suggestions. Thanks for reading.

Jon T 09-13-17 11:24 PM

I wouldn't use the blanket as it could attract moisture and moisture causes rust. Same reason not to leave firearms in a fleece-lined case. A small space heater or de-humidifying rod might be your friend.
Jon

FBinNY 09-13-17 11:35 PM

There are covers treated with a chemical rust inhibitor. Kool Stop used to sell one, though I don't know if they still do, and a company called Zerust still sells one. It might be less expensive to find generic tarps with the same kind of treatment, or something that can be placed in the enclosure along with the bikes.

Another alternative if you can run power to the shed is to leave a 100w bulb burning full time as a space heater. The heat it generates won't warm the shed, but is enough to keep the air dry.

KD5NRH 09-14-17 01:04 AM

With the exception of saddles and bar tape, there's really not anything on a bike that would be harmed by a good spray of silicone based lubricant. A couple cheap shower caps or grocery bags will cover the saddle and bars. (There are much better protectants, IMO, but they're not as common, and this one works fine for something that is sitting still leaned up against the wall.) Maybe toss a cheap bed sheet over each bike to keep dust to a minimum.

Do wipe it off the rims or brake discs before riding again, and lube the chain properly, but I guarantee you any of the "been in storage since last fall" bikes I've worked on in the last few weeks would have been better off (as in "air up the tires and go ride" instead of full cleaning and tuneup, using bolt cutters to remove the rusted chain) had they been completely soaked in silicone spray before being left in the dustiest corner of the garage, right where the rain blows in when they leave the door open.

Also consider getting them off the tires. They're going to get really low, if not completely flat, and sitting on flats for months isn't good for the sidewalls.

jbw57 09-14-17 09:05 AM

Thanks for the replies.....I currently have a 8' x 16' tuff shed for all my tools and for the past four years nothing has been effected from condensation and such. The sub floor, framing, insulation, sheet rock and roof follow what one would construct a typical home with so now I'd like to get another Tuff shed dedicated for our bikes and all related stuff. The 100 watt light idea mentioned above is a great one, thank you!.....There are only a few months out of the year that its cold here in California and its not to terribly bad but most likely wouldn't be riding.

I found a few bike bags on-line, they look nicely made and not costly......still leaning along these lines plus it will keep the dust and such off them. Its been mentioned not to cover the bikes with a moving blanket as it will trap condensation.....not sure I'm 100% in agreement with that yet, I've had plenty of storage places with motor cycles, quads, tools etc and have had no issues with corrosion or rust. I had another idea of installing a small exhaust fan to circulate the air a bit.....the sheds have two small vents in them, one at each end sort of like attack vents we have in our homes.....so maybe with the the 100 watt light and a small exhaust fan running at night time will be significant. Any other suggestions anyone?......thanks!

rumrunn6 09-14-17 10:00 AM

shed sounds nice. jealous. got a pic?

fietsbob 09-14-17 10:10 AM

canvas, you can hire a sewing shop to make a big cover out of it ..

the places that sew marine canvas pieces for boats would be in the places with sailboats..

I have a Friend in Portland Oregon serving the water craft owners.. making those .

jbw57 09-14-17 11:04 AM


Originally Posted by rumrunn6 (Post 19861279)
shed sounds nice. jealous. got a pic?

https://www.tuffshed.com/products/#/all/

Doing the Garden Ranch model, going with 6'x14' size....should be a nice space to park the bikes and do some maintenance when needed. A mini bike cave :)

jbw57 09-14-17 11:06 AM


Originally Posted by fietsbob (Post 19861299)
canvas, you can hire a sewing shop to make a big cover out of it ..

the places that sew marine canvas pieces for boats would be in the places with sailboats..

I have a Friend in Portland Oregon serving the water craft owners.. making those .

Decided on four of these http://www.probiketool.com/bike-cove...tdoor-storage/ they seem well made and get descent reviews, shall see how they hold up. With the 10% I had it was about $100 for the four.

jbw57 09-14-17 11:45 AM

Just spoke with a contractor friend of mine and he say's as long as I insulate and vent it correctly there should be no issues.....I also mentioned the exhaust fan to move the air and he says yes circulation is very important and believes all will be good. Probably going to spend about $3000 when all said and done but well worth it to have a nice dedicated area just for the bikes.


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