Bikes are all about experiencing freedom when you’re out on a journey, but they can also make you feel trapped when they’re lying around during off-seasons. The modern urban life typically means that you have to sacrifice a significant amount of space for storing bikes. Plus, storing bikes in tight areas can be problematic for you.
Is your bike taking up valuable space in your garage or living room? Or is it too attractive to sit outside? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then it’s time that you search for a bike shed to store your bike properly.
What Are Bike Sheds?
A bike shed is a storage area where you can leave your bike when you aren’t using it. This type of storage not only shelters your bike, but it also protects it from the harsh elements and thieves.
There are times when purchasing outside storage becomes a necessity instead of an option. For instance, you might be living in a small house where you have no room to store your bike in your home. For this reason, outdoor bike sheds come in handy, so you can protect your bike from the outside elements when you store it outside.
Things to Look for When Buying a Bike Shed
Chances are, your bike was an investment, and because of this, you want to protect it at any cost with the right bike storage solution. Safely storing your bike will prevent it from rusting out, parts from becoming damaged, and your seat from crumbling apart.
Finding a bike shed that will adequately protect your bike is a huge responsibility. There are so many bike sheds on the market that it can become difficult to know what you need. Below you’ll find a list of things that you should consider when purchasing a bike shed.
Storage Space
Not everyone has an abundance of space where they can store their bikes outside. However, the bike shed that you pick must be able to fit in that space. Therefore, it’s important to think about how much available space you have to put your bike shed. If the space is small (e.g., your patio), you’ll need to find a compact bike shed that is also functional enough to store your bikes.
How Many Bikes You Need to Store
The number of bikes will also play a key role in determining how large a bike shed you need. If you only have one bike to store, a compact and small bike shed should work. But if you have more than one bike, then you’ll need to find a bike shed that can fit in your available space and can accommodate multiple bikes.
Budget
The cost of a bike shed is different based on the size, materials, options, and brand you’re looking to buy. You can generally expect to spend about $200 on a bike shed, but this can go up to at least $500 if you’re looking at a larger shed.
Now that you have an idea of what to look for when purchasing a bike shed, let’s take a look at some of the best bike sheds available today.
YardStash III
This bike shed is a great option if you’re looking for a space-saving option for your yard to store your bike and other lawn care equipment. Whatever you put inside this bike shed, they’ll be protected and easy to access. This bike shed is large enough to fit two adult bikes. You can put this bike shed together in about 15 minutes.
Pros:
- No condensation build-up
- Can fit two adult bikes
- Quick and easy to set up
- Keeps out the rain
Cons:
- The material can break down with extended use
- The flap at the back can let water into the bike shed
- The floor material is flimsy
Lifetime Bike Shed
This bike shed is great for storing your bikes and all of your lawn care equipment. This is a large bike shed that is 94 inches high. Since it is such a large structure, it does require a level and flat foundation base made of wood or concrete. There are also four large skylights and a shatter-proof polycarbonate window that lets in natural light. Plus, this bike shed has been manufactured to withstand all types of weather conditions, including 64 mph wind gusts.
Pros:
- Attractive appearance
- Easy to put together
- Has plenty of headroom
- Very strong and robust
Cons:
- Panels don’t always snap together easily
- It takes some time to put together
Keter Outdoor Bike Shed
This bike shed is sturdy and stylish and won’t take up a lot of space in your garden, but still features amazing capacity and can hold your bike and all your gear. It’s made from polypropylene resin plastic and has steel reinforcement to make it durable. It can withstand wind and rain and won’t fade even after years of UV exposure.
Pros:
- Made from plastic – so mites and bugs won’t attack it
- Well-ventilated
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not made to withstand extreme weather
- Takes a couple of people to assemble
Bravindew Bike Shed
This portable and highly useful bike shed is made from high-quality PE polyester. This bike storage shed stands 68 inches high and has enough storage space to fit two adult bikes with room leftover for more. It’s lightweight and extremely portable while still be able to withstand wind and rain.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Not expensive
- Very sturdy
- Easy to put together
Cons:
- Has no floor
- Does not have lockable doors
Rubbermaid Bike Shed
This bike storage shed is made from durable resin and has double walls that are very durable and tough. The walls won’t dent or leak and can withstand even the harshest weather conditions. It’s only six feet high, so it won’t protrude above any fences, but also provides you with 96 cubic feet of storage space and has double doors for easy access.
Pros:
- Strong and sturdy construction
- Looks new even after years of use
- Can be put together in a few hours
Cons:
- Not all the parts fit together well