How to Store Bikes in a Garage: 6 Expert Tips
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In warm or cold weather, a garage is an ideal place for storing bikes. It’s generally dry, dark, and can be a safer option than leaving your bike in the backyard, which are all beneficial when it comes to protecting a bike from the elements and theft.
There are plenty of different ways that you can store your bike in a garage. It just depends on what type of space you have available, how many bikes you need to store, and the kind of protection they need. Here are some great tips on how you can store your bike in the garage this summer.
The 6 Tips on How to Store Bikes in a Garage
1. Organize Your Space
The first step to storing bikes in a garage is to organize the space. Make sure that you have enough room for your bikes, as well as enough space to get them in and out safely. First, measure the space to figure out the dimensions. Next, try to clear out any unnecessary items that could be taking up valuable space.
This could include lawnmowers, gardening supplies, or other items that you might not use in the same season as you store your bikes. With your space organized, you’ll be able to find a suitable place to store each bike. This could be a specific spot on a wall, a shelf, or even the ground. Once you have your space figured out, it will be easier to decide the best way to store your bike in the garage.
| Cost: | Free |
| For All Bike Types: | Yes |
2. Use Hooks and Straps
If you don’t have much space, then the best way to store your bike in a garage is to use hooks and straps. You can use a sturdy hook mounted to the wall to hang your bike from the frame. You can also use a hook to hang the bike from the handlebar.
While this isn’t ideal for all bikes, it’s a decent way to store a bike that doesn’t get used very often – not to mention it’s great for smaller garages or ones with little extra space. You can use straps to secure the wheels to the frame, or you can use a bike stand to prop up the bike.
| Cost: | $30 or less |
| For All Bike Types: | Yes |
3. Try a Bike Rack
A bike rack is another great option for storing bikes in a garage. It’ll keep your bike from laying on the ground, which helps protect it from dust and damage. There are a variety of different types of bike racks, so you’ll want to choose the one that best fits your needs and the type of space you have available.
There are bike racks that hold one bike, as well as racks that hold multiple bikes. You can also find bike racks that are designed to fit on a wall or in a corner. Bike racks are generally easy to install.
| Cost: | $30-$50+ |
| For All Bike Types: | Yes |
4. Use Protective Storage Containers
If you have the room, the best way to store your bike in a garage is to use a protective storage container. There are plenty of different types of storage containers available, including ones made for bikes. These containers will keep dust and other elements out of your bike, protecting it from damage. They will also keep it safe from kids and pets.
These containers are generally large enough to hold a couple of bikes, so they’re a good option if you have multiple bikes to store. They come in many different sizes, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your bikes and your garage space.
| Cost: | $25-$75+ |
| For All Bike Types: | Yes |
5. Go Vertical
If you have the room and a bike stand, the best way to store your bike in a garage is vertically. This will give you plenty of room to store multiple bikes in the same amount of space as one bike that’s horizontally. A vertical bike stand is easy to use and will hold your bike up off the ground.
This will protect it from dust and other damage, keeping it in good shape until you’re ready to ride it again. There are a few different types of bike stands available, including ones that hold the front wheel off the ground. This is a great option if you have a bike with disc brakes, as the pads can get dusty if you’re storing it on the ground.
| Cost: | $50-$100+ |
| For All Bike Types: | Yes |
6. Add a Dehumidifier
One of the biggest benefits of storing your bike in a garage is the controlled humidity level. This is ideal for many types of bikes, especially those made with carbon fiber parts. This can also extend the life of your bike, making it last longer. If you live in a region that gets cold in the winter or is especially humid, you can still control the humidity in your garage even more with a dehumidifier. Many dehumidifiers are designed to be mounted and can be hung up in the garage.
These dehumidifiers will suck up moisture from the air and control the humidity level in the space. It’s important to control the humidity level in the garage because high humidity can cause mold and rust to grow on your bike. This can damage the bike and make the seat rot.
| Cost: | $79-$250 |
| For All Bike Types: | Yes |
The 6 Tips to Prevent Bike Theft
Biking is a healthy, eco-friendly way to get around town. However, it also leaves your bike vulnerable to theft. According to the National Bike Registry and FBI data, 61% of all bike thefts occur in home garages or residential properties. Bikes that are locked tend to be less likely to be stolen than ones that are unlocked or poorly secured. Let’s look at six tips to prevent bike theft.
1. Always Lock Your Bike Up
The most important thing you can do to prevent bicycle theft is to always lock your bike – and with a good lock. You might think that using a cheap cable lock that cost you a few dollars would be good enough, but it’s not. Thieves can cut through those kinds of cables like they’re nothing. You should also lock up your bike indoors whenever possible. It’s a lot harder for thieves to break into a building than it is to break into the outdoors. If you live in a high crime area (or one known for bike theft) and have no choice but to leave your bicycle outside, try to find a location where there are lots of people around.
2. Use a U-Lock
As mentioned above, U-locks are one of the most effective ways to lock both your frame and your wheel to a stationary object. Make sure that the U-lock you choose is at least 16 mm in thickness and that it has a resettable combination. Combination locks are usually cheaper and more secure than key locks, so they’re a great choice for those on a budget.
If you live in a higher-crime area, it may be a good idea to get two U-locks, one for each wheel. This way, if one lock is broken, the other one will still hold your bike in place. Be sure to always use a U-lock on both wheels, even if your bicycle has a built-in lock. It won’t prevent your bike from being stolen, but it will slow down the process and make it less appealing to thieves since it will take longer to break the lock.
3. Park It in High-Traffic Areas
One of the best things that you can do is to park your bike where it’s always visible to the public. Bikes that are parked on empty streets or in front of homes with high bushes are more susceptible to theft due to their location.
Always use a solid lock on the bike and ensure that it’s locked up to a rack that’s not broken or damaged or any other item that may come loose. Many businesses have bike racks in front of their locations that work as a great place to store your bike while you quickly run in and out – and on top of that, they often have cameras as well.
4. Register Your Bike
If your city has a bike registry, it’s important that you register your bike. Not only will this help you recover your bike if it’s ever stolen, but it can also help the police track down other bikes that were stolen. Many bike registries will also let you know if there’s a recall on your bike or if there are any problems with it that might cause injury to the rider.
You can also register your bike with the National Bike Registry. This is a free service that allows you to record the serial number of your bike so that if it’s ever stolen you can report it and have the bike blocked from being sold in other parts of the country. You can also register your helmet and other accessories with the National Bike Registry if you would like.
5. Try GPS Tracking
If you’re particularly worried about your bicycle being stolen because it’s of high value, you might want to consider using a GPS tracking device on it. These trackers are small enough to fit in between the frame of the bicycle and the tire, where they won’t be easily seen. There are a number of tracking devices that can be used on a bicycle, such as the Samsung S Bike or the SpyBike 2.
These can be used either with a smartphone app or with a computer. You can set up the device with your computer, then install it on your bike. It’s a good idea to test it out a few times before you ride in case something malfunctions. If you’re going to leave it unattended for an extended period, lock it up securely also.
6. Don’t Solely Rely on Manufacturer Protection
One of the most common ways that bike manufacturers try to protect their customers is by offering a theft protection plan. You may be able to get a theft protection plan by purchasing your bike online through the manufacturer’s website or by purchasing the bike from a physical store that offers the protection plan. The theft protection plan is something like an extended warranty, but it will cover stolen bicycles. Unfortunately, you can’t solely rely on a manufacturer’s theft protection plan to protect you.
These plans usually only cover you up to a certain amount or they will only pay out if your bike is stolen while you’re visiting another part of the country. You can’t be 100% certain that if your bike is stolen you will be able to collect from the theft protection plan. Instead, you should always use your own best judgment when it comes to preventing bike theft – or purchase your own insurance for your bike.
Conclusion
Keeping your bike in the garage when it’s not in use it’s a great way to keep it safe and protected from the natural elements. However, it also helps to take extra precautions when placing it in the garage to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged during its stay. This includes possibly placing it inside its own storage container or hanging it up on the wall to keep it free from pests, water leaks, and dust.
And don’t forget to keep your bike safe if you don’t keep it parked in your garage. This means locking it up whenever you’re out on the town and parking it in areas that are high-traffic and visible to the public, particularly those with cameras around.
Featured Image Credit: ezphoto, Shutterstock
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