Outdoor bike storage/locker?

[ezraw]

OK folks, I need some ideas/feedback:

Does anyone have any ideas on building or buying a secure, weatherproof outdoor bike storage unit? Ideally something that could hold 2-3 bikes. This would be for my backyard, so I don't need something that would withstand public use, just my own abuse and the occasional backyard bike thief.

I am thinking of something like these:

http://www.bikeparking.com/btwlockerp/index.html
http://www.ameribike.com/catalog/bike/301vpages/301v.html
http://www.cycle-safe.com/ProParkLockers.html

These are expensive, though, so I am thinking I might be able to build something for a lot less. Anybody do this themselves?


Ezra

[jks9199]

I wouldn't think building one yourself would be too difficult, if you're reasonably handy. Either the vertical or the 4' high version wouldn't be hard. You're looking at some very basic framing with 2x4s and then plywood sheeting to cover them. Paint, or if you really want to get fancy, use siding. I'd make sure you slope the roof at least a little, caulk the corners and so on just to make sure it's reasonably weather tight.

(I'd make one myself, but the homeowner's association would frown on it... No sheds allowed.)

Jim

[martin]

I was at Home Depot today and saw one of these:

Rubbermaid Storage Shed (http://www.rubbermaid.com/hpd/consumer/product/detail.jhtml?prod=HPFG375201+714&attributeId=HPATT4005&nextType=noValue&currentType=HPCAT02&locationId=LOC00001&thirdMenuIndex=5)

Might be just waht you're looking for...

[ezraw]

http://www.shelter-systems.com/images/ssside.jpeg

Check this one out: http://www.shelter-systems.com/bikeshed.html

Pros: It's afforable, small, not completely ugly, and appear to be waterproof.
Cons, It's kinda ugly, and would not block out moisture completely. I would think it would get pretty humid in there during a rainstorm.

My bikes are Ti, Carbon and Ai, so frame rust won't be a problem. Does anyone think that exposure to humid air alone is a reason to reject this? After all, these bikes do get wet from riding on a regular basis.

Ezra

[martin]

Check this one out: http://www.shelter-systems.com/bikeshed.html


Not very safe is it? In that case, just get yourself a tarp...