Designs / photos for 'bike-ports'?

[SeaBike]

I had a bike stolen from a back-yard a while back. I have no garage, so I am putting in a bike staple (another thread...) and am going to build some kind of awning or bike port over it. I have a passage about 6 feet wide down the side of the house with a gate at one end. I've collected a few ideas for designs, but would love to see any that others might have!
Thanks!

[djasonpenney]

I would try to design an awning that, while effective, is undesirable to thieves.

To this end, I would opt for fairly low-end plastic (like the visqueen you put under your house) and a modest wooden framing. The framing should be substantial enough to handle a bit of wind, so I'd probably go with 2"x4" and metal L-brackets.

Extra points if you want to stain or paint the wood before assembly in order to improve its appearance and life span.

Speaking as an ex-motorcyclist, you want to make sure that there is plenty of air ventilation underneath the awning so that everything can dry. With a motorcycle you can rely on the engine heat to do a bit of the drying, so it's even more important with a bike.

Based on the description you've given, I'd probably set up a lean-to like affair open at one end, against the house on another, and about a foot from the ground on the other three sides.

The "doorway" would be another piece of plastic that you could tuck, fold, or otherwise secure.

Let me know what you decide.

[artizin]

The dimensions of the space would be a nice thing to add here, I would like to submit an idea... but what size length, width, and how high? and do you have a budget? That would dictate what kinds of materials. But I would try to use recycled materials where ever you could. let us know I'm curious.

[SeaBike]

Originally Posted by artizin

The dimensions of the space would be a nice thing to add here, I would like to submit an idea... but what size length, width, and how high? and do you have a budget? That would dictate what kinds of materials. But I would try to use recycled materials where ever you could. let us know I'm curious.

Thanks for the enthusiasm - the space is bounded on one side by the house, and on the other by a six foot brick wall on the property line of the neighbour. The wall is six feet from the house, producing a six foot wide passage along the side of the house.

There is a wooden gate at one end that divides the street side from the back yard, and a space approx 8 foot long of 'corridor' that is uninterrupted by windows on the house.

This means the space that I want to use is approx 8 x 6. On the house side there is no real height limit, but the side that faces the neighbours house must not shed water over the wall.

I, too, would like to use recycled material, and think I can lay my hands on some corrugated roofing material, and some odds and ends of timber from old construction projects.

[wsbob]

SeaBike, for best ideas submitted, it might be worthwhile to also note the style of your house or the garden. That might improve your chances of coming up with something that's complimentary to its appearance as well as meeting the function you have in mind.

Neighbor has a six foot brick wall? That's usually a feature of a nicer garden, residence, etc. Shame to throw up something that wouldn't try to take advantage of that somehow.

[SeaBike]

Originally Posted by wsbob

SeaBike, for best ideas submitted, it might be worthwhile to also note the style of your house or the garden. That might improve your chances of coming up with something that's complimentary to its appearance as well as meeting the function you have in mind.

Neighbor has a six foot brick wall? That's usually a feature of a nicer garden, residence, etc. Shame to throw up something that wouldn't try to take advantage of that somehow.

Thanks! The house is a 1911 bungalow with painted cedar shingle siding. I'll post a photo of the part in question tomorrow. Around the gate is trellis made of treated wood, I was thinking of trying to match it to the gate in some way. The brick wall isn't too bad, but it's not a nice red brick, it's a cement block type of thing.
OK here it is - there is an ugly shed right there now that I hate - that's going to move...

[SeaBike]

OK, so, I'm done!
I'll post an 'after' photo, but I'm pretty pleased. I would say though that I got the staple from RackAttack in the end (cheapest) and regret it. Terrible service, tremendous wait, eventually delivered the wrong color, but hey, it works.
Got it in by drilling the concrete with an impact drill (highly recommended) and mushroom bolts. Rock solid and no need to cut concrete and pour more.
Thanks for the advice, any one interested can post questions or PM me to set up a time to come over and see it!

[wyeast]

Congrats on the new home for your ride. Just tell me to shurrup if I start spouting engineering at you. I know I'm the kind of guy who gives contractors heartburn by yammering about snow drift.

Sorry Rack Attack jerked around your order.

[SeaBike]

OK, here it is - almost doe - just some cleanup needed!
The roof is corrugated sheet metal salvaged from another job - any engineering advice you have is welcome! Thanks!

[lefty175]

Looks great, if I may make a suggestion: I'd throw some form of locking mechanism on at least your front wheel if not your saddle as well. It doesn't look like this is terribly visible from the street, but a theif might think of taking one piece or the other.