Backyard or driveway parking??

[BOSS750]

Pretty interesting points made here but I have to get some advice on this. I don't have a garage on my house and I really don't want to put my bike in the back yard for my yard becomes a real mess (muddy) when it rains. I would prefer to lock the wheels and cover it and leave it in my driveway. I live in a ok neighborhood but like everyone says if a thief wants it he'll get it. My question is should I drag it through mud in my yard everyday and just clean it off or leave it in the front of the house "covered of course and locked"? I just bought it so I only have one cable lock so far plan on getting the disc lock everyone is talking about. Any advice will do

[robertc729]

Originally Posted by BOSS600

Pretty interesting points made here but I have to get some advice on this. I don't have a garage on my house and I really don't want to put my bike in the back yard for my yard becomes a real mess (muddy) when it rains. I would prefer to lock the wheels and cover it and leave it in my driveway. I live in a ok neighborhood but like everyone says if a thief wants it he'll get it. My question is should I drag it through mud in my yard everyday and just clean it off or leave it in the front of the house "covered of course and locked"? I just bought it so I only have one cable lock so far plan on getting the disc lock everyone is talking about. Any advice will do

If you have the funds available and space also, you could always get a small storage shed to house your bike and install a lock on it. Works pretty good for me.

[texrider]

Any form of a roof over it would be beneficial, like a carport or patio awning. A good fitting cover helps a lot, if it's all you've got!

[BOSS750]

I have a cover on it now and a cable lock (Kryptonite) through the chain and back wheel. should I have it somewhere else on the bike? I also plan on getting at least one more as well.

[POE-BOY SAMICH]

If you have no better choice than the backyard, consider putting some paving stones on the path in/out of the yard as well as around the parking area. Might be a good middle ground if a shed is too much $$.

Paving stones done right would be as good as a concrete slab or asphalt, without the expense. Cheaper than a shed, too (but not as nice...no roof).

You can always add a roof to your paving-stone patio later.

[BOSS750]

Sounds like a good idea I'll look into that.

thx

[Louis]

This is my current setup. 5x8 utility shed and since my drive way is on gravel I put patio stone underneath for stability. Was stored there all winter long too!

[BOSS750]

this is what I had in mind for the driveway. Let me know if anyone has it or have heard of it.

http://www.thebikebarn.net/standardmodel.html

[IMG][/IMG]

[blackie1491]

Mine is in a carport. I use a cover with with 2 cable locks thru the cover and wheels. A disc lock and a alarm.

Get the cover at Wal-mart, good prices for them.

[BOSS750]

Originally Posted by robertc729

If you have the funds available and space also, you could always get a small storage shed to house your bike and install a lock on it. Works pretty good for me.

what size is your shed and where do you have it front or back of the home?

[robertc729]

It is a 6X8, it's right beside the house in front of the gate to get into the backyard with enough room left to get out the lawnmower, kids bikes, etc.

[Louis]

Boss, my solution cost me about $100 US, not $300+ like the bike barn.

[robertc729]

Originally Posted by Louis

Boss, my solution cost me about $100 US, not $300+ like the bike barn.

Louis, you just ruined my sales pitch. j/k

[inspiron]

If you want to leave your bike in front of the house, and don't feel like laying a new patio, I would consider sinking a steel pole in a cement anchor in front of the house, then chain the bike to the pole. Just locking the wheels won't prevent a couple of guys from coming along and lifting the bike into the bed of a pickup. Once they've got it in their posession, they can spend as much time as necessary to freeze or burn open the locks. If the bike is anchored to something, they can't easily take it with them...

The key to theft prevention is to make it as unattractive as possible. A thief wants to get in and out as fast as possible. Two guys lifting a bike into a pickup will take less than a minute. Having to cut a chain will take much longer, which will increase the risk of being seen/caught.

[Louis]

Sorry robert!

[BOSS750]

thanks for the info guys, hey Louis where did you purchase your setup and what is the name of it?

[Louis]

I bought mine at an Home Depot equivalent. It's just called a utility shelter. It's just smaller version of a temporary car garage used in the winter around here.

[92Notch]

I keep mine covered in the driveway next to my Stang ... i keep the porch light on. ... no disc lock, nothing else. ... but my bike looks heavy, and may not be as appealing of a target for theft.