Storing a bike outside

I am disinclined to assume that keeping it in the setup that you've described is any worse than the average garden shed; for damp, anyway. On the other hand, security is a concern. A ground anchor is a pretty obvious choice, and could work well. Unfortunately thieves are debatably more likely to steal that which they can see, but if you get yourself a dirty great shackle or chain (or both), they will hopefully think twice. But you could cover it. It won't make it any less conspicuous I don't suppose.

For reference I keep mine in a bike tent at the moment because I (though not for much longer) live in a block and had trouble with the company that owns it over bike storage (even in the reasonable places I used). In the end they allowed me to keep them in the laundry enclosure, so I bought a bike tent to keep them in. It comes with a fence anchor and a velcro panel that facilitates locking; I use that to anchor the bikes to the fence with a cable and U locks. This also keeps the tent from blowing over in howling gales! Granted my favourite bike is a 30 year old slightly tatty vintage Falcon with 27" wheels, so whilst it has enormous sentimental value to me (having been my dad's), it's not exactly hot property on the street! I couldn't therefore recommend this arrangement particularly highly for anything flashy.

personally,i,d drill and fit a metal ring on a plate to the wall then chain the bike up.Most thieves are opportunists so make it dificult and they will hopefully move on.Also put a lock through each wheel to the frame so any scum bag would at least have to carry it away.

I was 'forced' to store baby outside too!

We have a three sided lean to for the beaters but it does lead to rust over winter. For some reason, the open side allows condensation to form on the metal parts (mainly late autumn and early spring) so the inside of bolt heads, chainring bolts, cable ferrules etc. start to corrode.

I've put up a bike shed and it's works a lot better. The closed sides stops the condensation forming.

I've also heard bad things about close fitting bike covers (not the bike tents) if used outside. If you put the cover over the bike if it's still wet (rain, spray, condensation etc.) there is very little room for airflow to help with evaporation - so it'll stay wet longer and rust faster than in more open but sheltered situation.

So it seems a bit of air getting in a closed space helps clear any humidity, but too open and if it's humid outside, then that gets in (I don't mean hot-humid, I mean dewy/raining etc).

So you might want to close off your lean-to with a wooden or canvas door. Also, make sure the air from the tumble drier is chimneyed away from the closed space - otherwise that'll put condensation on everything. Also, a slatted wooden floor will help air get around too and help stop damp creeping up.

Stupot101 wrote:

I was going to get a wall anchor and a heavy chain. Presumably the ground anchors are more secure though? But harder to fit?

I don't think there would be room for a half height shed or bike box. This would be ideal though.

seen this viewtopic.php?f=40027&t=12692768&p=16073186&hilit=wall#p16073186

or

viewtopic.php?f=40027&t=12885817&p=17943834&hilit=wall#p17943834

seriously if it is worth a bit make sure it can not be seen and is not obvious where it is.

a bike sized box is obvious.

get a cycle bag and keep it under the bed.

Stupot101 wrote:

Actually, it'll fit in the cupboard under the stairs with the front wheel off. Not sure why I didn't think of this before. No issues in taking it on and off often?

One problem solved, now I just need to find homes for all the accumulated crap that was in there!

Thanks for the advice y'all. My warm, dry and safe Triban 3 also says thanks.

No and best option.

And outside.