by Lars Hundley
Sometimes, you need a bike shed. It unfortunately isn’t always an option keep your bikes safely locked away inside the house or the garage. Perhaps your situation is like mine, where you own too many bikes to keep them all inside. Or maybe you’re storing a basic commuter bike or kids’ bikes or an old beater bike that you ride around the neighborhood that you don’t want to leave in the weather to rust, but also don’t have room for inside. Whatever your reasons for needing one, a bike shed often makes a good solution to keep bikes out of the weather.
We’ve rounded up this selection of bike storage shed options in a variety of sizes, price ranges and materials that should provide you something that will work for your specific bike situation.
In updating this roundup, we discovered that some of the sheds we had in the earlier version are not currently available from the sources we had listed previously.
Did we miss a shed that is one of your favorites, or did you end up selecting something else? Did you like or hate anything about one of these sheds? Please leave a comment and tell us what you use so we can consider adding it to the list. We also cover indoor bike storage solutions here.
YardStash IV Vinyl Bike Storage Tent
Let’s start with the cheapest and probably the ugliest option if you just want a basic solution to store a bike outside and are not worried about theft. The YardStash IV is a quick and dirty solution that can be easily set up in your backyard to store up to two bikes out of the weather. The vinyl tarpaulin material material is easy to assemble and disassemble like a tent, but still provides your bikes with UV and weather protection.
At 74 inches wide and 32 inches deep, it is a compact storing solution. It takes approximatively 10 minutes to set it up on its basic metal frame. To prevent condensation inside, it comes with a front mesh door to allow air flow. The waterproof vinyl material is a better than nothing kind of solution for bike storage in the rain. The design of the Yardstash roof is also intended to be able to shed snow.
Hot
Vinyl tarpaulin is a quick and easy way to keep a bike out of the weather
Fast setup
Large front zipper for easy access
Compact to store when not in use
Not
Fabric design looks like a cheap tent
Provides no real security — just weather protection
Bosmere Trimetals A303 Bicycle Storage Unit
Available from Home Depot and Wynsome Gardener:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosmere-6-ft-x-3-ft-Anthracite-Grey-Heavy-Duty-Steel-Bicycle-Storage-Locker-A303/301734070
https://thewynsumgardener.com/shop/ols/products/trimetals-bike-storage-shed
Bosmere offers one of the safest and most durable designs for bike storage and can hold up to three adult bikes. Trimetals uses a special PVC-coated galvanized steel for the panels of the unit. With the spring-assisted opening, it is similar to solutions such as Protect-a-Cycle when it comes to the ultimate functionality, but with impressive durability. The unit is even fire-resistant. Furthermore, the product is guaranteed against corrosion for 15 years, making it a durable choice for the dedicated cyclist. Most importantly, it has a distinct value when it comes to protecting expensive bikes. The unit can also be bolted down from the inside for increased security. With two padlock positions, one at each side of the unit, you can keep your bikes locked and safe inside.
It does need 2 people for assembly and during installation, because the panels are heavy and need to be screwed into position. But the storage shed is not complicated to assemble, and it comes with step-by-step instructions.
Hot
Accommodates up to three bikes
Two padlock positions
Spring-assisted opening
Sturdy metal construction
15-year guarantee against corrosion
Not
2-person assembly
Bosmere WS1881H Rowlinson Wallstore Lockable Bicycle Storage Unit
With a height of 5ft 4in and a width of 6ft, this wooden storage shed can protect up to two bikes. If you’re looking for something that looks like a typical garden shed for your back yard, this might be a good option.
The two front doors open completely to give you access to the bikes. The design allows it to be placed next to a fence or a wall to maximize space around your home. In terms of security, it keeps bikes fairly safe, with lockable front doors. While a padlock is not included in the pack, you probably have one sitting around the house.
The assembly of the shed is straightforward. One person can assemble this shed, but the manufacturer recommends having a second person help you install the half inch cladding. You’ll need basic tools such as a hammer, a power drill, and drill bits to put it together.
Hot
Looks like a traditional wooden garden shed
Lockable front doors
10-year rot free warranty
Not
2-person assembly
Lifetime 3 ft. x 6 ft. Horizontal Dual-Wall High-Density Polyethylene Shed
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/lifetime-horizontal-storage-shed-75-cu-ft-60170-1355653
The shed works for bike storage and can also be used for garbage bins or grills, etc. The lid can be locked for better security. The interesting feature of this shed is the open lid design, which allows you full access to the bikes without having to bend over to crawl in. Since the shed is made from plastic panels, it will need a flat surface for proper assembly and panel alignment. It can be installed on level ground, wooden pallets or cemented surfaces. Has a reinforce floor. Weather-resistant steel hinged, lockable doors with an external latching mechanism and an assisting pneumatic lid. Panels are UV treated.
Hot
UV-resistant materials
Easy panel installation
Lockable lid design
Also works with 96-gallon garbage containers
Not
Not the sturdiest design
DuraMax 6 x 6 Metal Bicycle Lean-To Bike Shed Kit
With grooved steel walls, the shed is among the most durable options in its class, and also has the most room, with space to store up to four adult bikes. At the same time, the bikes can be fully secured with a locking mechanism on the front doors. Made from a thicker metal, the shed is quite durable and sturdy. The 8-year warranty against manufacturing defects is substantial.
The absolute best part of this shed, in our opinion, is that it includes 4 adjustable bike tracks that make it easy to keep bikes in place inside the shed without leaning them on walls or against each other where they might fall down or scratch each other. We’d like to see this type of system in the other sheds.
Hot
6ft x 6ft design
Made with 4 adjustable bike tracks
Designed with reinforced groove walls
8-year product warranty
Not
Heavy to move
Keter Manor Large 6 x 8 ft. Garden Storage Shed
As one of its larger sheds, Keter’s design is recommended for up to three adult bikes. Its walk-in design recommends the shed for tools and accessories. Made from plastic panels with ventilation, it ensures the bikes are protected from the mold. With 131.8 cu. ft of internal storage capacity, the shed is often used for home tools. Both the bikes and the tools can be locked with a classic padlock for extra safety. Furthermore, it doesn’t require any maintenance, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives made from wood or metal.
Installation is quite simple as well. As long as the ground is perfectly flat, the shed which is built on a metal frame is quick to install. However, since it comes in a light grey color, it might require light cleaning from time to time.
Hot
291 cu. ft. storage
Walk-in design
Built-in window
Made with weather-resistant resin
Not
Available in grey only
Madrax Madlocker
You’ve seen the home options, and there are some good ones to choose from. If you want to go completely pro and you have the money to spend, consider the commercial Madrax Madlocker. It’s really designed for cities, school campuses or businesses that want to provide secure bike storage. But who says you can’t install one at home? They start at around $2,000 and go up from there, depending on your options.
Madlockers are available in a wide variety of sizes and hold up to 2 bikes. They can also be stacked. There are options including a Madlocker 1 or 2 bike, a pie shaped locker, a vertical locker, and narrow locker. Pictured above is the two-bike model. You can see the divider and the way the back door opens on the right side.
These sturdy lockers are 12-16 gauge galvanized steel that is then powder coated for even more resistance to the weather. The company offers an assortment of 16 different colors to choose from. They use stainless steel locking handles to prevent rust and galvanized frames. The lockers take approximately 45 minutes each to assemble. The company says that person can do it, although an extra set of hands is super helpful. They are partially USA sourced but not 100% made in USA. If color is important to you, then it’s your lucky day, because these lockers come in 16 colors.
https://www.madrax.com/shop-by-products/bike-lockers
Hot
Durable all-metal design
Available in various sizes for almost any set up
Commercial-grade durability
Not
Commercial quality means commercial grade pricing
Dero Single Bike Locker
Dero is also a high end commercial bike locker manufacturer, if you’re looking for something designed for a long life and serious daily usage. The Dero Single Bike Locker is built for long-term outdoor bike storage. It offers protected storage for one bicycle at only 32” wide, so its narrow footprint is handy when your space is limited. You get to choose from multiple locking options, a door closer, and gear hook. You can also pick from a selection of powder coat colors. Installation is simple, with leveling feet for uneven concrete. Plus the locker ships flat to save a bit on shipping. The price? If you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. Contact the company for a price quote. Other bike storage locker sizes and models are also available from Dero.
Hot
Built to last, with commercial-grade construction
Choose your color and lock options.
Not
Priced for commercial usage and not necessarily for your typical homeowner.
https://www.dero.com/product/dero-single-locker/
How to Choose the Best Bicycle Storage Shed for You
Not all bicycle storage sheds are created equal. It is why you want to ensure that you have the right solution for you and your budget. In many cases, you might also think of future bikes you might own, so that characteristics such as the size of the shed become even more important.
Size
As you can see from these options bike sheds come in a variety of sizes. The compact solutions are suitable for one or maybe two bikes. If you have multiple bikes, a larger shed is your only real option. That means you need to spend more, and you need more room for it, but you can also use it as a storage solution for other stuff you might want to store outside with the bikes, whether it is spare wheels, a pump or other accessories.
Materials
We’ve covered sheds made of wood, metal, plastic, and flexible vinyl. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses. Plastic sheds won’t rust, but are not as secure. Wooden sheds might need yearly treatment to keep the materials from rotting. Vinyl is lightweight and flexible, but not secure at all. Metal sheds are the most durable and secure, but harder to assemble and heavier and often more expensive.
Price
You can go cheap with a tent-like vinyl shed, or you can potentially spend over two grand on a completely tricked out commercial solution. It really depends on your budget and your requirements.
Do you own a different bike shed you like better? Do you own one of these? Leave a comment and help others pick out the best bicycle shed.
Like a lot or readers I had a bike removed from my ownership by theft! In Boston, in 1985, in a ‘locked’ shed in the backyard. The thief simply crowbarred the hasp off the shed and walked/rode away with our 2 good bikes. None of these products have an apparent solution for this problem. Now I have a garage, but if I was using a shed I’d want locking loops on the inside of the shed as well, that are integral to the walls so can’t easily be levered off.
When the sheds come with air conditioning, I’ll consider it. Chains, sprockets and other components made of carbon steel do not store will in the high humidity of the southern U.S. To my wife’s chagrin, I store my bikes inside the house.
Think twice about storing your bike in any outside, closed, storage shed in colder climates too, not just the humid southern US. I overhauled a friend’s bike which had spent many years in a shed in Canada’s freeze / thaw weather. The bottom bracket shell showed signs like it had been completely full of water! No wonder she complained of stiff pedaling. The only explanation I could offer was: every morning, the storage shed’s interior got nice and warm and humid from the sun beating on it. That humidity condensed inside the frame tubes which were still cold. Only a drop or two every day … but those little drops apparently added up. The totally enclosed shed (no vents) actually made things worse by trapping humidity.
I ride a recumbent, so, ya there’s that…Dining rooms are so overrated. 🙂