A Guide to Bicycle Storage and Security at Home

Bicycle storage may not be an exciting part of bicycle ownership but most bike owners prefer to spend their money and time on things that could make their riding easier and more fun. If you want to ensure your bike security, you should think about where and how to store your bicycle.

It would be a very devastating and annoying experience for every bike owner when their bike gets stolen. A place that you think is secure, probably being targeted for stealing by bicycle thieves and this makes you feel unsafe and vulnerable. However, here are some tips and tricks that may make your bicycle secure and safe.

The golden rule to follow

The first and main rule of bicycle storage is very simple – just don’t let anyone know about the existence of your precious tricycle or bicycle. Thieves could easily break into your bike shed or garage but it is possible to keep your cycle by taking the right approach.

If the people near you know that you’ve a valuable bicycle in the shed, they are more likely to break into your shed and steal it. The simple and easy security measures that most of the people take, is easier for them to break. You should have your private profile or it is better to set up your privacy zone. Never provide a direct location to the front door to anyone.

Moreover, uploading the pictures of your bike on social media is normal but you should avoid doing this. These pictures could give the thieves enough clues and ideas about your new and lovely bike, the location of your house and where you may store it.

Location

The location of your bicycle storage would depend on some facts like the value of your bike, the amount and budget of the available space. If you are living in a risky area, even mortar and bricks may not frighten the criminals. However, in other areas, a simple wooden shed using some extra security methods may be more than enough to prevent stealing. There are some kinds of storage that you should consider:

Inside the house

This would depend on the patience-level of your spouse or your roommate and the available space inside your house. Generally, security is higher inside the house especially by locking your bicycle to a steady object.

Garage

Garage is the perfect place for storing your bicycle and working on it even without getting stains on your carpet. Not everyone owns a garage or has enough money or space for one. the problem is- thieves could easily break the door of the garage and you have to improve the security levels by adding a door defender. Moreover, you could improve security with a wall or ground anchor and a motorcycle chain.

Breeze block or brick shed

Breeze-block or brick shed is another best option for you. Some people just put their cycle inside the shed without locking it and that’s why thieves could steal it easily. These types of sheds are not cheap so most of the people couldn’t afford them.

Flat-pack shed

They are comparatively cheap and would hide your bicycle from view. But they are less secure. You could store your cycle there but you have to take some precautions to make it less attractive.

Standalone shelter

If there is less space available and you want something small to store your bicycle, there is also an option. This type of shelter is less secure than your shed and you would not get enough space to work on it. you could take some security measures to make it more secure.

Tips for your bicycle security

Be realistic

Thieves could try to open your roof or your side panel to get into your garage or shed. Choose such an area to fix your shed that is difficult to operate for thieves and draws less attention. You should install various security measures for protecting your valuable bicycle. If you install many security systems, thieves need much time and effort to crack it and they probably give up stealing in your yard and move on in search of an easy target.

Moreover, the location should be far away from the sight of the thieves but not in the area where they could steal without panic of being seen. Build your shed in a driveway or backyard that is accessed through a private route. It is used by a few households and any stranger here would arouse suspicions.

Be careful when choosing the shed type

You would find three kinds of the shed- wood that is cheap but less secure, metal that is fire retardant, durable and strong but are likely to rust, plastic that requires low maintenance but less secure. If you pay a good amount, you would get thicker walls and it would be secure.

Toughen up the joints

The joints of your garage or shed door are attached to the soft wood using some short screws. If the door is kicked with much force, it could easily rip out the screws. Moreover, it would take a few minutes for thieves to unscrew the screws. Thus, you have to tighten them up properly. It is better to use drill machines to make wide holes and replace your screws with bolts and nuts. To make the joints much harder, you could use superglue where the bolts meet nuts.

Add padlocks and hasps

Locks that you find with the sheds are nothing but useless. You should fix minimum 1 hasp with a covered padlock. If you fit many hasps with sophisticated padlocks, it may draw the attention of unwanted people. You could use locks of different manufacturers and this would make the work of the thieves harder. Don’t forget to use bolts instead of using screws because bolts are hard to break.

Moreover, U locks or D-locks are the best but you need to attach your bicycle with something strong and firm.

Install an alarm

If you want to secure the door with external security measures, an alarm could be the best for you. It works by sensor system using a door trigger. It could be disarmed and armed with a remote control. If anyone tries to break in, the alarm makes a sound and lets you know that someone is trying to get in.

Choosing how to keep the bike

There are some options available for you:

• You could lean the bicycle against the wall. It is the easiest option but your bicycle would need more space and it is likely to be knocked over.
• You could hold your bicycle up by using a wheel rack. It may take some valuable space but there is less possibility to knock over.
• Hanging from a knob horizontally or vertically is the best option to free up some valuable space. You could also purchase horizontal racks for using it inside your home.

Hopefully, this article would be helpful for you to improve your bicycle storage and security. Follow the steps above and get the benefits!