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I'm moving in to a new rented property next month which unfortunately doesn't seem to have anywhere to safely store my pride and joy. Keeping it inside is out of the question sadly and the landlord isn't too keen on me drilling anchors etc into the patio in the garden.
It's only a cheap Vitus but I'd quite like to keep it safe from local scumbags and the weather.
Anyone have any ingenious methods of garden bike security that'd fit the bill here? I can only afford around £150 for this which from a night of googling looks like it'll get me a poorly constructed small shed type thing.
I’d be inclined to buy a decent bike bag and keep it inside...
I really wouldn't go down the shed route, my bikes were previously kept in a flimsy shed. I had rubbish sleep, every noise I heard I was up and checking everything was ok. Even in the shed mine were secured to the floor and multiple locks interlocking bikes together - it became a nightmare to get bikes out!
I don't think you'll get anything secure with your budget tbh. I would be getting the bike bag inside as recommended above. Or if increasing the budget was an option, getting a small Asgard (new is £400 and looking at ebay, for example....
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Asgard-Addition-All-Metal-Bike-Store-Green-1-8-x-0-9m/264475001305?hash=item3d93f041d9:g:VwsAAOSw581diHQe
No drilling, pop a mat down to catch crap. Off floor storage
https://www.aldi.co.uk/bikemate-floor-to-ceiling-bike-stand/p/020578298050900
second hand shed from facebook/freecycle/gumtree and some insurance
Bike bag in the house would be my preferred option but failing that then id do the following
Large builders bucket, fill with concrete mix and as it sets place one of these in the concrete
Once fully set remove the bucket and you have a nice heavy weight with a security anchor, will be a real pain to try and steal the bike with it attached, for even more security make another one!
Shed and a shed shackle is pretty secure.
https://securityforbikes.com/shed-shackle.php
Although, with a 18v batter angle grinder, there is nothing they can't cut in under a minute.
Bikes are more difficult than pets when it comes to rented accommodation. Approaches I've taken:
1) just don't move in, look for a more accommodating landlord.
2) negotiate an appropriate deposit against damage caused by bringing the bike inside. Why should the landlord care if you leave the place as you found it? Then pursue stands/bike bags/floor coverings as above.
3) I once shared space in a self storage container half an hour's walk from where I was living. Kept the bikes there, sometimes brought one home overnight if I had an early morning the next day.
How would you lock the bike to an anchor (in a concrete bucket)? What would you use? Thinking of doing this... cheers
How would you lock the bike to an anchor (in a concrete bucket)? What would you use? Thinking of doing this… cheers
Old D-lock set in concrete and loop a big chain through the bike frames and through the D-lock in concrete bucket thing. Obs be aware that the chain can just be cut by a grinder...
You really need to lock the bike as many times as possible so that if they cut through the frame and wheels there's not much left to sell.
Thanks for the responses and suggestions guys.
Keeping it inside (even in a bag!) is out of the question, only a small place and the Mrs just won't budge (trust me I've tried).
I think the only solution is the concrete bucket anchor, with a cover over the bike to protect it from the weather. Any idea how heavy a bucket of concrete is and how many KG of that ready mixed stuff I'd need? I really have no idea with this sort of thing!
This also got me wondering if I could take the bucket idea one step further and make a mould to have the anchor double up as a bike stand. Then I can just lock the bike into the heavy stand and cover it up. Any thought's on how I could make that work?
None of this is ideal but something's got to be better than nothing right?
Just look for somewhere else, place sounds like a pain in the arse, only real way is an Asgard shed.....around £500!
Tough call but id be looking at a different flat.
Buckets only gonna be 30kg
You could try 4 buckets n 4 chains but it's still shit.
Too late for that chaps, and the place is ideal in every other way. Can't really justify a complete change of plans for the sake of a bike that's worth about £700 and I can't afford an Asgard one at this time.
Will have to go with the buckets, multiple locks and get saving. Wish me luck.
Get a plastic bin store at the very least to keep the bike in, covers are utter crap and you will end up with a knackered bike in the end. You need to keep it out of the elements.
If you don't need instant access surely a bag behind the sofa or under the bed wouldn't get in the way?
the Mrs just won’t budge
I feel like there's another solution here that you're not exploring
I feel like there’s another solution here that you’re not exploring
If he doesn't want to spend 500 on a shed, I doubt he'll have the cash for a new patio
I always went for a "don't ask, don't tell" policy on bikes in rental places. You're paying what, 4-8 weeks' damage deposit? That should cover a bit of touch up paint for scuffs on the wall, or a grease spot on the carpet if you're not able to keep it spotless or can't repair/lean up damage yourself. Bit different if there are tight stairs to negotiate and tyre marks etc in common areas would be inevitable.
pets and smoking are different, there are allergies, hygiene, lasting odours which can't easily be fixed.
Edit: Missed this. Ignore that!^
Keeping it inside (even in a bag!) is out of the question, only a small place and the Mrs just won’t budge (trust me I’ve tried).
I have been looking for a secure outside storage option too. Are ASgard sheds the best option? THe shed I have been looking at is about £1100 which is a lot, but if its a solid option then so be it.
The smaller bike bunkers are a lot cheaper but I need to fit in 4 bikes plus If I have a shed then I suppose other things can go it too.
Is there anything else I should be looking at?
UPDATE! The Mrs has budged, provided I clean the bike after every ride and keep it out of sight etc etc...
So I'm now in the market for a bike bag! Doesn't need to be super protective as it'll only ever be carried up and down the stairs, but needs to be big enough that I don't have to completely assemble and disassemble a bike before and after every ride. And not a £400 Evoc bag that costs as much as an Asgard shed.
Bike is a medium Vitus Sentier with 27.5 2.6 wheels/tyres, 800mm bars. Any suggestions?