Looking after your bikes takes a lot of maintenance and it’s not just the upkeep you have to worry about. Storing your bikes safely is essential if you want to ensure they remain damage-free and secure. If you don’t have anywhere in your home to stand it up, you might be resorting to leaning it up against a wall. Not only can your bike easily slip, but it can become damaged or stolen only for you to realise when it’s too late. An effective way to keep your bike secure is to use Sheffield Cycle Stands. These allow you to prop your bike up and lock it firmly in place. If you’re wanting to construct some cycle stands, keep reading and find out just how simple it can be.
Measure First
The first thing you need to consider is the size of the space compared to the cycle stands. You don’t want to choose an area and realise that the stands take up too much room or you can’t get your bikes in. Make sure you choose a space that allows you to easily stand your bike and won’t force you to squeeze through a tiny gap just to get through. If you’re installing more than one, you also want to double-check the space you leave between them. You don’t want to fit them and then not be able to fit more than one bike in otherwise the second one becomes redundant.
Tools
Before you start, grab all the tools that you’ll need. The stands will probably come with some of the essential equipment like screws, but you’ll most likely need a drill or screwdriver at the very least. Make sure you’re able to fit them into the ground that you’ve chosen with the tools that you have to hand. Don’t begin the project on concrete if you don’t have a drill powerful enough to create the holes needed for the screws.
Amount Of Stands
You’ll want to think about how many stands you need. Just because you live alone doesn’t mean you only need one. Do any of your regular visitors ride their bikes over and could they benefit from having a stand too? Typically installing two or more is the best way to go if you have the room. You never know when you’ll need that extra stand.
Type Of Stand
Typically bike stands are fixed to the ground, but you can get some that are fitted to the wall as well. These can work well if you’re short on space as you only need a small area big enough for your bike. They can potentially be easier to install as well as the wall may be made of brick, but the floor could be concrete, so if you don’t have the tools for the latter, wall stands could be a good option for you.
Choose A Secure Place
You also need to ensure that the area you choose for your cycle stands is secure. Bike theft is a common crime, so you don’t want to put your bike in plain view where it could be easily stolen. Try installing the stands in your back garden as opposed to the front and try to keep them out of sight. This will hopefully reduce the risk of your bike being stolen. An expert tip is to choose a decent lock too so that no thief will be able to grab it and run.
Protected From The Weather
You also want to keep your bike protected from the elements. Too much rain could cause damage in the long term, so try to choose a space that’s at least partially covered. You might also want to look at installing them inside a shed for maximum protection. Not only will this keep them away from any bike thieves, but it will also keep your bike dry and protected from all kinds of weather. It’ll save you from drying your seat off when you’re in a rush too.
Out Of Harm’s Way
Another important tip is to make sure you fit the cycle stands somewhere they won’t become a trip hazard. These stands, although easily visible, if you’re not paying attention, can be great at tripping you up. Fit them in an area where you’ll be able to access them easily, but they won’t become a danger late at night when it’s dark.
Sturdy Placement
When constructing your cycle stands, a top tip is to choose a sturdy area to fit them. A wobbly wooden fence probably isn’t one of the best places to do so as it won’t provide any actual support and the stand won’t be able to keep your bikes in position. Similarly, don’t fit them into the soft grass. The mud won’t allow you to screw them in securely and the stands will start to fall over after a short time. It’s best to install them into the hard ground so that you can fix them there and know they won’t be going anywhere.
Cycle stands are a brilliant way to store your bikes and they’re super handy for visitors to use too. You just want to make sure that you construct them correctly so that any bike can be propped up against them without any problems. These innovative storage solutions are easy enough to be installed without the help of professionals. But, if you’re ever unsure how to fit yours, contact your local bicycle store and they’ll be able to provide you with expert advice.
