Are you wondering how to store a bicycle in your apartment? In this article, we present the advantages and disadvantages of popular solutions. Check it out!
Storing a bicycle at home, where we have a lot of free space at our disposal, is much easier than in a smaller apartment. The place where we put the bicycle should not only protect the equipment from theft but also protect the components from moisture and extreme temperatures. Below we present the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular solutions.
Storing the bicycle on the balcony - is it a good solution?
One of the most popular sights in Polish housing estates are bicycles on the balcony. At first glance, this solution is ingenious in its simplicity. It allows you to avoid placing the vehicle in the room, while at the same time protecting against theft. Of course, only when we live on one of the higher floors or the balcony is barred.
However, keep in mind that even the best bicycle stand on the balcony will not protect the drivetrain from moisture causing corrosion. While in the summer season most days and nights are dry, allowing safe storage of the vehicle, in autumn, winter and spring there is a lot of water in the air. Of course, the more rainy, the more of it. It can negatively affect the frame and equipment. You can only remove rust from a bicycle if the clusters are small. A few months outside, however, can cause the components to be permanently damaged.
In summary:
- Can I keep my bicycle on the balcony in winter? Yes, but we do not recommend doing this out of season, e.g. throughout the winter.
- How to store a bicycle on the balcony? In summer, it is enough to make sure that it does not rain on it. However, in winter, keeping a bicycle outside should be a last resort. If we have no other choice, it is worth using a special bicycle cover and generously grease the drivetrain.
Storing the bicycle in the apartment
A bicycle at home can be an aesthetic element of the equipment, not an item that clutters the space. For this purpose, you should find a place for it. Good organization requires the use of thoughtful solutions that increase the functionality of the room. In the case of small rooms, vertical bicycle hangers work perfectly. Another interesting option is designer models, which will make the bicycle an ornament in the central point of the bedroom or living room.
To make the bicycle look great, it is worth not only deciding on a stylish hook but also arranging the interior. One of the biggest problems can be the risk of dirtying the wall. Therefore, choose one that will be resistant to frequent wiping. Classic waterproof farm of good quality, moisture-resistant wall tiles, spectacular lamellas or plexi. There are really many solutions. However, this solution has drawbacks. On rainy days you have to wait until the tires dry, then wash the bicycle, dry it, and only then mount it.
One of the biggest threats, apart from dirtying the wall, is the risk of the hanger breaking off. Choose a solid product of a reputable brand with properly selected capacity. Also, remember to match the type of dowels to the type of wall. Otherwise, the construction may be unstable. As a result, there is a risk not only of scratching the bicycle, but also of damaging the equipment.
The bicycle should be placed in a place where it will not obstruct communication.
Washing the bicycle - step by step guide
Or maybe keep bicycles on the stairwell?
One of the more controversial places where you can leave a bicycle is the stairwell. The occupation of shared space is often the cause of neighborly quarrels. For this reason, before you decide on this option, it will be in good taste to talk to other tenants of the same cage. It is worth respecting the clear opposition of others. Once you get approval, remember two important rules:
1. Safety.
The bicycle should be parked in such a way that it does not take up space in a way that makes communication difficult, which is related to safety and current fire regulations.
2. Protection against theft.
Even though the bicycle will be almost at the doorstep, you cannot forget about proper bicycle theft protection. Attach it to the railing or handrail.
To secure a bicycle in the stairwell, a good quality bicycle cable is enough. The noise that will be created during an attempted sawing should echo and alert the residents of the building. Then you are sure that you will have time to react. Choose a solid model that is difficult to break with an ordinary pruner.
Bicycle in the basement - the perfect option for many
For many people, the most comfortable option is to hide the bicycle in the basement or tenant cell. This is our exclusive space, about whose purpose we can decide independently. Depending on your preferences, you can decide to hang the bicycle on a hook or place it against the wall. If the room is equipped with solid, anti-burglary doors with a good quality lock, this will usually be sufficient protection. In a situation where the vehicle is valuable or the entrance security is weak, it is worth investing in additional protection. A cable, chain for fastening or u-lock is a reasonable choice.
Important!
If you end your season with the arrival of cold days, remember to winterize your bicycle. This will extend the life of the components.
Storing bicycles in the garage
One of the basic rules of caring for a bicycle is to store it in a warm and dry room. An interesting alternative to the basement (especially damp) is the garage. If you use an autonomous space - both an integral part of the residential building and a freestanding one, e.g. a tin garage, it is good if you invest in a solid anchor attached to the floor or wall.
It will allow you to lock your bicycle using a chain or cable and will significantly affect safety. If you value modern technologies, opt for a lock with an alarm. The loud sound that will echo around the area can effectively discourage an amateur of someone else's property from managing your property.
The situation is slightly different when you are only the owner of a place in a common garage hall. Nevertheless, there is also a way for this. You must obtain the permission of the building administrator to install the hook. In many cases, this is impossible, especially when warranty contracts are still in force. If the place you bought is near a column, you can try to attach your two wheels in this place. However, measure its diameter in advance to choose the right chain. Models over 170 cm long can be found in the offer of many brands, including Abus, Kryptonite or Gerda.
Where to keep a bicycle in a block of flats?
You must remember about solid bicycle theft protection if you want to store a bicycle in common areas. Pram rooms and bicycle rooms are spaces that many people have access to. To be sure that the vehicle will be safe, opt for hard-to-break u-locks with a cable or thick chains. Their cutting will cause lovers of someone else's property no small problems, and any attempt at interference will require the use of loud tools, which may arouse the vigilance of neighbors.