Storing 12 Miles Per Hour

What do you do with your bikes if you live in a small place lacking sufficient storage space?

A bike takes up space, sometimes too much space, especially when you have plural, so finding a satisfactory way to keep it or them safe without filling too much living space is a good thing. I use two bikes regularly and keep them in a not-too-large (12 x 9) room along with two sets of panniers and, well— like most “serious riders”— other cycling accessories. The room also houses other stuff that comes and goes, so two bikes standing side-by-side makes the room much smaller.

After spending the usual excessive time contemplating how to resolve my bike storage problem I’d concluded that I needed something to attach to wall studs rather than a freestanding device since none of the freestanding type offered the flexibility I felt I needed. I couldn’t be sure from measurements and pictures that the arms used to hold the bikes would move freely enough to accommodate two large frame bikes, one of which is a “29er.” Issues were raised about all economical models and only devices costing in excess of $100 seemed to carry consistently good reviews. Even then, it was questionable whether both bikes would fit well or at all.

I visited my local Home Depot, which I do so with less reluctance now that Matt Kinseth drives the #20 Home Depot car. (Nothing against Joey Logano, but he was a weak replacement for Tony Stewart and after Fontana, neither #14 nor #22 did much to help themselves) The hired help at Home Depot was slightly better than useless in offering suggestions for how I could hang my bikes, but one did suggest I look in “that aisle” which was “storage solutions.” I did and found EverbiltHeavy Duty Storage Hangers (Home Depot SKU 470777) costing about $6. I bought two.

A series of fits and starts commenced when I arrived home. First, I had to find wall studs which has never been among my best home improvement skills. A borrowed “stud finder” seemed to help, though I still drilled several bottomless holes using a very thin bit before striking wood. With a suitable stud finally located and measurements taken, checked, retaken and rechecked, I attached the first hanger. The lift-over height allowing me to hang the High Sierra high enough to put the Safari below while avoiding the ceiling was 78 inches. Instead of the screws included with the hangers I used a couple of Torx head construction screws of greater length. I tried to not feel too pleased with the result, but the result looked like it would work.

Lifting the High Sierra to the ceiling was well within my physical ability, so hanging it on the newly installed hanger was easy enough AND it did not immediately crash to the floor. It hangs with the pedal well away from the wall and otherwise poses no threat to damage the damage the wall.

With the Schwinn in place it was immediately obvious that the Safari could be hung beneath the High Sierra, but there was no reason to do so. I’d already regained the Schwinn’s space, approximately six feet by two feet, and the heavier Safari rested neatly against the wall with the High Sierra suspended above. What will I do with the second hanger? I still have a Giant Boulder hindering access to the washer and dryer. Perhaps the second hanger will get it out of the way, too.

While looking for the link to the hangers at Home Depot I found a description of an interesting bicycle project on Mountain Bike Review where the author made a bench repair stand for $6.50 using the same hanger.

One of the things I did to minimize nicks, scrapers and grease related to keeping my bikes inside was to use a leftover bike shipping carton on the floor and wall. It’s not a styling success, but very successful in protecting vulnerable surfaces. I can replace and lubricate chains and clean accumulated gunk from gunk accumulating places without worrying about greasy accidents. It’s pleasing to be able to solve problems.

Keeping It Safe

Maybe I have had a false sense of security, but until recently I haven’t invested much time in researching the best ways to keep my bike safe when it’s parked and out of my sight. Where I was formerly employed I locked my bike to a “No Parking” sign in full view of someone in an adjoining office. A vinyl coated cable and brass marine lock seemed all that was needed and I thought little of the possibility of someone taking the bike. When I made the move to a bicycle lifestyle and started riding the Schwinn fulltime I purchased a pair of Nashbar Euro Compact Panniers. They are difficult to hang and to remove making theft a little less likely, so I never gave much thought to their safety, either. When I began riding the Safari my attitude began to change.

I accept the truth of the assertion that a determined thief can overcome any system used to secure a bike. Making the task as hard and time consuming as possible is one way to minimize the chances of losing your bike. By any standards my current approach falls short. For each bike I create obstacles, but not sufficiently difficult to overcome under anything but idea conditions for me.

My aged Schwinn is unlikely to be a first choice for a thief. It is looks its age because of the myriad of nicks it has acquired and fading of its logo appliqués. Unless the potential thief is bike-savvy and looking for an ancient hardtail or understands bike accessories its tires and fenders will mean little. Only the FrankenBrooks saddle might seem to have tangible value, but it is modestly protected by a thin cable and combination lock. My sense is that for trips to my busy, nearby grocery store the bright yellow vinyl encased cable and brass lock is sufficient. No longer do I carry panniers, having replaced with my Burley Travoy, so it just a matter of securing the bike and shopping.

Before I set off on my tour I invested a modest sum and purchased a Kryptonite chain and integral lock. I probably had little to worry about in the campgrounds where I stopped, but I felt more comfortable with the chain that I would have with my vintage vinyl covered cable. Since I removed all the panniers and handlebar bag each night and kept them in the tent with me security of those items was a non-problem, too. While the Kryptonite is heavy, weight was (and is) a non-factor compared to loss of the Safari. My current security solutions are make-shift while meeting requirements I think are important, but I think something more focused is necessary.

I once knew a burglar who asserted with a pretty good credentials (for a thief) that time of exposure was critical if he wanted to steal something. he calculated exposure by  considering accessibility. If something was difficult to take because of security measures or problems in getting to it the item was less likely to be taken, lacking a value worth a higher risk. With that in mind, I have read innumerable reviews of locks and chains and cables and cuffs and whatever-else-passes-for-bicycle-security. There is general agreement that a dedicated thief can take anything, given enough time and that is just about the only single point of agreement.

Venerable vinyl covered cable

In the very near future I will replace my vinyl covered cable with another chain from a name-brand manufacturer. I’m opting for chains over U-Locks because of the difficulty U-Locks create in mounting them when not in use and their lack of flexibility in encircling many readily available securing points. Chains require use of heavy duty bolt cutters or powered grinding wheels which would be less likely in the hands of someone engaging in thefts of opportunity. I am willing to take that much chance in security circumstances common to my lifestyle.

  

I can employ secondary security on the Safari’s Ortlieb panniers and handlebar bag when necessary. Among my secondary measures is a BikeClub which I used for my front panniers before buying the Travoy. It resides in one of the Front Rollers for that single purpose. A Knog Party Frank takes care of Back Roller security. Admittedly, neither the Party Frank nor the thin cables attached to the Ortlieb Front and Back Rollers are going to thwart a determined thief carrying cutters. The idea is to limit exposure, so I seldom carry panniers except for touring. Ortlieb provides a locking mechanism for their handlebar bag which is enough to discourage theft of opportunity.

Party Frank and Pannier Security Cables

Kryptonite in Repose

With a chain for the Schwinn and the vinyl covered cable as a secondary measure I expect it to be as safe as it needs here. In a major city with dedicated bike thieves I know something more would be needed., but even the most secure locks may not be enough. An acquaintance, while in Brooklyn, had his bike stolen by having the frame cut. “Fuhgedaboudit”. Someone wants it badly enough, they’ll take it.