Bike storage on apartment balcony!!

bcun1969

Hi guys, need some help and advice here please...I keep my road bike which was expensive on my balcony (3rd floor) under a bike cover but I would like something a bit more protective against the winter weather/elements rain/frost etc for my bike! Balcony is not that big so am looking for something preferably good strong plastic like what bins are made from that's approx 5.5 ft long by 2ft wide as any bigger and it would take up too much space on my balcony and only be in my way so any advice or ideas where I could get like a bike locker/storage kind of thing and any idea of prices greatly appreciated!! Cheers!

Cee-Jay-Cee

This >>> Argos outdoor storage unit but it's expensive!

listermint

smaller version of this might be better

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorbike-Bike-Folding-Cover-Shed-Outdoor-Tent-Garage-For-Superbike-Motorcycle-/120942716372


like this, and put a stand in the centre to centre the back wheel

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproof-Motor-Bike-Folding-Cover-Storage-Shed-Shelter-Outdoor-Tent-Garage-New-/121126677954?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item1c33b66dc2

nilhg

http://www.bikeshel.com/

Nanazolie

A friend used a tarpaulin originally sold as a garden furniture protector. She said it's heavy enough. Mine, bought at the bike store, is useless, it flies away with the wind, despite being tied at the bottom. Since I cannot cycle at the moment for health reasons, I am planning to wrap the bike tightly in food wrap. I found 100m rolls that should do the job

the.red.baron

bcun1969 wrote: »

Hi guys, need some help and advice here please...I keep my road bike which was expensive on my balcony (3rd floor) under a bike cover but I would like something a bit more protective against the winter weather/elements rain/frost etc for my bike! Balcony is not that big so am looking for something preferably good strong plastic like what bins are made from that's approx 5.5 ft long by 2ft wide as any bigger and it would take up too much space on my balcony and only be in my way so any advice or ideas where I could get like a bike locker/storage kind of thing and any idea of prices greatly appreciated!! Cheers!

Just stick with a bike cover, if the one you have is flimsy get a motorbike one. Oxford stormex or the like, very heavy duty

bcun1969

the.red.baron wrote: »

Just stick with a bike cover, if the one you have is flimsy get a motorbike one. Oxford stormex or the like, very heavy duty

Thanks the Red Baron I might just have to do that actually,the bike cover I have is an Oxford cover and pretty decent already but just thought something else might protect the bike a bit better!!

cdaly_

Nanazolie wrote: »

A friend used a tarpaulin originally sold as a garden furniture protector. She said it's heavy enough. Mine, bought at the bike store, is useless, it flies away with the wind, despite being tied at the bottom. Since I cannot cycle at the moment for health reasons, I am planning to wrap the bike tightly in food wrap. I found 100m rolls that should do the job

I would be wary of the food wrap option. Chances of getting it entirely waterproof are slim and you'll end up with mildewed bartape and corrosion elsewhere as water inevitably gets in. The bike would be better off either covered against rain but with air circulation or hermetically sealed in a heavy bag with a silica gel de-hydrator kit.

eeeee

Also I don't know what your frame is made of but condensation will build up inside the film which = rusty death for steel. At least put a bed sheet or something in-between the film and bike, or just get a motorbike one. I have used a motorbike one and it was fine, got a bit battered taking it on and off everyday but if just left on fine. If you're not using the bike it might still be worth putting a sheet under the cover or leaving an air hole as _Cdaly says.

Vikings

Also think about locking it to the balcony itself. I've seen a few expensive bikes stolen from 3rd, 4th & 5th storey balconies in the last few years. The mind boggles how the scum manage to climb the balconies but I've witnessed it with my own two eyes. At the very least make sure your insurance will cover the bike on the balcony.

bcun1969

Vikings wrote: »

Also think about locking it to the balcony itself. I've seen a few expensive bikes stolen from 3rd, 4th & 5th storey balconies in the last few years. The mind boggles how the scum manage to climb the balconies but I've witnessed it with my own two eyes. At the very least make sure your insurance will cover the bike on the balcony.

Yea thanks,I will most probably just have to keep it covered with the Oxford cover that I have already over it and as regards locking it to balcony I already do that too coz I know scumbags will still try to steal it no matter how high up your balcony is it would seem but thanks for the advice anyway!!

bcun1969

Vikings wrote: »

Also think about locking it to the balcony itself. I've seen a few expensive bikes stolen from 3rd, 4th & 5th storey balconies in the last few years. The mind boggles how the scum manage to climb the balconies but I've witnessed it with my own two eyes. At the very least make sure your insurance will cover the bike on the balcony.

Yea thanks,I will most probably just have to keep it covered with the Oxford cover that I have already over it and as regards locking it to balcony I already do that too coz I know scumbags will still try to steal it no matter how high up your balcony is it would seem but thanks for the advice anyway!!

bcun1969

Vikings wrote: »

Also think about locking it to the balcony itself. I've seen a few expensive bikes stolen from 3rd, 4th & 5th storey balconies in the last few years. The mind boggles how the scum manage to climb the balconies but I've witnessed it with my own two eyes. At the very least make sure your insurance will cover the bike on the balcony.

Yea thanks,I will most probably just have to keep it covered with the Oxford cover that I have already over it and as regards locking it to balcony I already do that too coz I know scumbags will still try to steal it no matter how high up your balcony is it would seem but thanks for the advice anyway!!

The Ging and I

Perhaps there is somewhere in the apartment you can get a hook in the ceiling and hang the bike from its front wheel ?
You would be surprised how space efficient this is.