Metal Bike Sheds - are they worth it?

Mal · Brolly Dolly Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Karma :

I'm due to move to a new house in a few weeks, but there's no garage available for the 'Cat, so I was looking at those metal bike sheds like this one. They do seem quite expensive compared to a normal wooden shed, but a lot more secure. The new house is rented so building something permanent is not an option. Has anybody had one of these and got any thoughts and recommendations?

Mal

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Got to be safer than a wooden shed but the weak spot will always be the lock so if that's no good then the shed will be useless. Also it might not give you an insurance discount as it's not made from brick.

No chance of bringing the bike into the house?

mr.z · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Karma :

You could get a metal shed? that would work too, the bike store thingys look great but are preeeerty expensive for what they are.. if you have the space a normal metal shed would do the trick, and probably get one big enough for two bikes Thumbs Up

:edit: they do specify brick built garrage for insureance, i keep mine in one but say its outside unlocked cause its no cheaper for mine..
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bandit kev · Nova Slayer Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Karma :

juat a thought have you looked in the argos book they do metal sheds and could be cheaper
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Mal · Brolly Dolly Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Karma :

Got a quote for the insurance with the motorcycle shed at the new address, no change in premium Very Happy

The only thing for me is would I sleep easier with a purpose built shed like these rather than a value option from Argos or B&Q?

Any problems with condensation etc with metal sheds and if so any hints to get round it?

Mal

Jack_Cheese · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Karma :

The trimetals sheds are very good, there's some at the flats my mum manages, and they're fairly sturdy. But as said above, if the lock is shit then they're not worth it. Personally, i'd put a ground anchor in there too, and make sure the shed has a concrete base just to make sure.

Jack
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GearboxGeezer · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2005 Karma :

Jack_Cheese · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Karma :

Those little joke pen thigies where you pick some poor unsuspecting soul to take the lid off, only for there to be a loud bang would work pretty well. A thief opens the door then "BANG!". I reckon they would sprint a mile thinking someone was tying to shoot them Laughing

Jack
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mr.z · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Karma :

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

i would have thought a huge ground anchor set in concrete would be better for security, but the shed will keep it cosy

maybe have the best of both, big huge ground anchor with a wooden shed to keep the bike safe from the elements
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Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

To be perfectly honest, the one's in the link don't look to be worth the extra cash over a normal shed. If you going to do the job properly then https://www.secure-a-bike.co.uk is a far better option, more expensive though.

For £600 I'd prefer a £200 wooden shed, which doesn't attract much attention, looks nicer, with £400 spend on ground anchors, chains and alarms.

Anyone with a crow-bar and 2 brain cells could break into a metal shed just as easily a wooden one.

fast_tzr · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jul 2005 Karma :

Problem with those though is there isnt any room to work on the bike.

king kong · Nearly there... Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Karma :

I've always wondered how difficult it is to manuver the bike into a bikeshed, pulling/pushing a bike backwards?

I need to open my backgate to get my new bike in, and I chain it to a lawn roller.

mattish · Spanner Monkey Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Karma :

Fazerkev · Scooby Slapper Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Karma :

I found a "bikesafe 250" on ebay. They retail at about 600-700 and up. I'm much happier with it in there than my previous garage. Purpose bult and with armoured Sterling Padlocks. The only thing is, they take aaages (like 5 hours) to put together. 2 or 3 people doing up hundreds of bolts takes longer than you think and it only really works on very level ground.
And the other thing is, there's no room to do any work on the bike.
Not sure what I'm going to do when I need to take both wheels off for tyre changes.. hmm

on that note. Never taken wheels out, and was wondering what the best way is to prop it up?
Centrestand, back out, bricks under swingarm and jack under engine block and then front out?
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