Outdoor Bike Storage Ideas: 4 Solutions for Organization

Bicycle storage shed

Bike storage is an inevitable requirement if you own a bicycle. While the best way to keep your bike from contending with harsh weather elements is to keep it indoors, what happens when you don’t have the extra space in the house?

Let’s review some outdoor bike storage ideas.

On its face, keeping your bike stored outside is not the ideal solution. The bike is not protected from the elements that often affect its long-term reliability and maintenance.

The wide handlebars, dirty wheels, and an unpreventable tendency to scuff up the walls may inconvenience your space.  

Storing the bike outside could also make it easier to spot and more tempting for thieves to steal. Unfortunately, you may not have a choice about storing your bike outside.

Luckily there are many bike storage solutions for many circumstances and different bikes.

This guide discusses how to store a bike outside and keep it from deteriorating quickly. It shows how to store your bike at home, whether in a large house or a small apartment.

Contents

What Happens When You Store Your Bike Outside?

garden bicycle storage

Whether you have a mountain bike, road bike, e-bike, or any other type, the best solution is always to keep it indoors.

However, bikes take up a lot of space when not used and can cause unnecessary inconvenience. While keeping them outside is not a big deal, as long as you secure them with a good lock, it will not take long for your bike’s components to rust.

The benefit of storing your bike outside is that you won’t have to clean the bike every time you get home. However, you may deal with the risk of corrosion and rust.

Your bike’s components corrode depending on several factors. They include the age of the bike and location. An older bike is more likely to rust as it lacks advanced seals on the headset. Also, areas that experience a lot of rain or relative humidity above 80% corrode quickly.

Finding the best outdoor storage for a bike is the best to avoid this rust and corrosion. The good news is that you can easily find the best outdoor storage that you could imagine. They range from simple activities like using a cover to complex ones like constructing a shed.

Outdoor Bike Storage: Key Factors to Consider

Outdoor Bike Storage ideas

Here are important factors to consider before deciding on the best method of storing and securing your bike.

Space

The ideal bike storage solution depends on your available space. If you live in a tiny apartment, you’ll need to be more creative than someone who has a garage.

However, if you have a bit of outside space and want to invest in your bike’s longevity and security, buying a dedicated external storage product is more sensible.

Security

When storing your bike in a space that other people have access to, such as a shared garage, you may need to think of additional layers of security.

For example, you may need to purchase security cameras or alarms to scare away potential invaders. A bike lock is also crucial to prevent theft.

The weight and size of your bike

The weight of your bicycle is another important consideration when thinking of one outdoor bike storage idea. A heavy bike demands a different storage method than a lighter bike.

You don’t want the bicycle to come down tumbling or cannot fit into your newly purchased bike shed. Ensure the intended storage method accommodates your bike and its paraphernalia.

Fixtures and fittings

Before constructing an outdoor storage facility, ask permission from the landlord to change your environment.

For example, you may need permission to construct a bike tent if you live in a rented apartment.

Outdoor Bicycle Storage Ideas

Storing your bicycle can be a much easier process in an outdoor space.

The best bike storage idea depends on your need from our security and aesthetic standpoint. Here are some of the best outdoor bike storage ideas.

1. Bicycle sheds

 Bicycle sheds

A bike shed is a better option to protect your bike when there is some space. It is your ultimate outdoor storage solution if you don’t have a garage.

The bicycle shed keeps your bike out of view and provides a reasonable amount of security. They can accommodate over one bike and rarely take up too much space.

A bicycle shed is the best choice for outdoor bike storage when you have multiple bikes and want mid-top security storage. They come in a range of sizes to fit different bicycle types.

There are varieties in this category contoured to fit around most bikes. They are available in different durable materials. Consider a standard shed as the footprint is much bigger to store your bikes. You can’t build your bike shed by acquiring the materials and learning the procedures.

If you have little space in your bicycle shed, you can consider storing your bike vertically, thus creating more space.

However, criminals can easily access your shade and steal your possession. Therefore, you’ll need to reinforce your shed with some additional heavyweight locks, alarms, and security cameras to put off a potential thief. Also, ensure you separately secure the bike to a wall or floor anchor inside the shed.

2. Bike tents

Bike tents

In case you don’t have space for constructing a bike shed, you might get a bike tent.

This is an affordable and easy-to-assemble outdoor bike storage option and protects your bike from bad weather. You only need a floor stand, a rack, and a kickstand to construct the bike tent.

These tents are a good option in areas with minimal risk of bike theft. They are small and only slightly bigger than your bike. Bike tents are easy to assemble.

They are also extremely portable compared to other outdoor storage methods, which is a significant advantage if you need storage at work and home. 

You construct the tent to accommodate bicycles and associated paraphernalia. Tents come in many styles and shapes. Choose a bike tent made of high-quality material, features, and portability. The bike tents from polyester are tough enough to endure knobbly bike tires rubbing against them.

A suitable tent should be able to cover the bike entirely. The tent keeps your bike nice and dry as it is waterproof and weatherproof. The front and rear sections of the tent have a zip running all the way around. When putting an adult bike inside the tent, you unzip all the way and pop the front cover onto the roof and the wheel.

However, a bike tent offers little else in the way of security other than keeping your bike out of sight. This means you won’t be able to secure your bike while enclosed.

In the event you plan to leave your bike out in the open for a few months, purchase a security system to keep them secure.

3. Bike covers

Bike covers

Bike covers are the cheapest bike storage options for the outdoors. They are cheap and can be good for long-term storage.

A bike cover keeps dust and other debris out and is certainly better than leaving your bike open to the elements. You pull the bike cover over your bike to keep the worst of the weather off while it’s stored outside.

The material of bike covers is an important factor to consider. Most of the covers differ in appearance and material. Purchase thick material to offer more durability over an extended period and stand the test of brittleness and reliability.

For example, Denier is the best material because it is thicker and heavier. Also, choose a cover that can cover the bike entirely by inspecting the measurements. Bigger cycle covers provide adaptability and conceivably cover more bikes.

Find an elastic cover to protect your saddle from dirt, rain, and the sun. Waterproof bike covers will protect your bicycle seat from cracking. They comprise durable and waterproof material with stretchable straps to secure around the bike.

The cover comprises strong materials that protect your bike against moisture dust and harmful UV rays. The downside is that covers don’t protect your bike from theft but will keep the rain and snow off it.

4. Buy a tarp

tarp cover for bike

A bicycle tarp can create a roof over the top of your bike to shield it from the sun and rain.

You can find a waterproof tarp on the market. Many people have successfully used a heavy-duty tarp to build a shelter over the top of their bikes. They are cheap, and you can purchase them from the local hardware store for less than $20. Make sure it can stand strong winds, so it doesn’t tear easily.

If you choose to use a tarp to cover your bike, make sure the cover is durable enough to withstand the tear and strong wind that could blow it away. The type of cover you use varies with the storage.

For example, use a more durable cover to protect your bike from corrosion more efficiently when storing the bike outside for a longer period. The cover provides excellent protection against harsh weather elements such as rain, snow, and strong winds.

However, avoid placing the tarp directly on the bike since it can trap moisture inside the tent and lead to corrosion. Wrapping the bike with the tarp creates a pocket of moisture that can ruin your bicycle.

Also, consider buying an outdoor bike rack for your bike that will act as a kickstand.

Preparing Your Bike for Outside Storing

Preparing Your Bike for Outside Storing

There are several things to consider when storing your bike outside and want to keep it in the best shape possible.

These elements can help you maintain the bicycle and avoid hefty costs.

  • Inflate the tires: When storing the bike lying on its wheels, consider inflating the tires to the maximum. It helps prevent the bike’s weight from pressing down into the rubber below the rim. Properly inflated tires protect your bike’s rims from the hard ground. Purchase a portable air pump and check the tires at least once a week.
  • Inspect the frame: Wipe down the bike, allowing you to inspect the frame for structural integrity and soundness. Since water can aggravate rust in many parts of the bike, focus on drying it correctly before storing it.
  • Monitor your seals: Consider getting new seals for your bike when they are getting older than five years. It can prevent moisture from ruining the b frame and components from the Inside out.
  • Grease the cables: Before storing your bike outside, lubricate the braking and shifting cables to reduce the buildup of oxidation that can affect its functioning.
  • Clean and lubricate a chain: If you are storing your bike outside, remove all dirt and grime from the chain and keep it lubricated to protect it from moisture. Chains are usually the first to rust because of the material.
  • Remove rust: Inspect your bicycle at least once every two weeks and remove any signs of rust. Use lubricant to protect your bike from rust and keep it dry all the time. For example, try your bike with a towel to help prevent rust.

Conclusion

Regardless of your space or budget, there are several ways you can protect your bike from the outside.

Some of these outdoor bike storage ideas work better than others depending on your needs. We have explained every method and what to expect when using them. They can protect against dust and moisture that can affect your bike’s functioning.

A bicycle shed is a more secure outside storage solution for someone without a garage. However, bicycle thefts are rising, so consider securing your bike while storing it outside.

Buy a good quality bike lock to keep your bike safe. The most important thing is to know that your bike is secure. Even if you keep it in a back garden away from your prying eyes, you can still lock onto something solid, immobile, and secure.

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Last Updated on July 11, 2023 by Danijel Cakalic

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