Storing bikes in the attic?

[Neil]

Most of my bikes are stored in my loft. I boarded it out a couple of years ago and put in a larger access hatch and ladder.
I just need to remove the front wheel and seatpost to get the bikes in or out, so I can have a 'stored' bike ready to ride in less than 10 minutes.
My loft isn't very large at all, but I think there are about 12 full bikes, a few frames and wheels up there at the moment, along with all the usual xmas decorations/camping stuff/cowboy hats etc...

I've lined the rafters with insulating foam panels, and the temperature fluctuation would be much less than in a shed for example, if I ever get round to building one that is.

Of course the problem with using your loft for storage is that you will inevitably have room for more bikes.
I only had 5 pre loft. Now I'm approaching 20 I think. I've completely lost track of spare parts...

Cowboy hats ????? You honestly think you can leave it at that?come on tell us more

Reassuring to know it wasn't just me boggling at that!

 

[john]

I keep bikes in the loft. Can normally wiggle them through the regular access hatch with only wheels removed.

The main issue I had was insulation and amount of Xmas decorations / cowboy hats (we all have some) preventing airflow. This along with a poorly sealed loft hatch meant I had quite a lot of condensation during colder periods. Easily remidied though, and once done so nice 'n dry.

 

[jango]

Thanks Chaps!

Fortunately I made the hatch nice and large when I replaced the ceilings many years ago....forward planning, a rare occurance for me

So, I picked a nice lightweight bike as the guinea pig, a '91 'dale SM1000, whipped out the front wheel and seatpost and up she goes.....fits between the joists a treat and sits nice and stable on the fork dropouts, reckon I can get another 9 or 10 up there if I clear out some of the other tat

Looks like a job for the weekend!.....mind you, reckon I'd struggle to get a tandem up there

 

[NAILTRAIL96]

I think cowboy hats was covered by "camping stuff".

 

[drystonepaul]

Thanks Chaps!

I also have some of those that go with the cowboy hat...

 

[Neil]

Thanks Chaps!

I also have some of those that go with the cowboy hat...

"The hell you do..."

 

[jango]

I think I need a bigger attic.... :roll:

 

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

Can just picture you guys now....wearing your chaps and cowboy hat thinking your mountain bikes are bucking broncos

I have a basketball court sized attic and have been tempted to set up a ice display up there but the below zero winters and 100 degree F sunny summer days have kept me from doing it. Have thought of running in a hvac vent to minimize the temp swing but to date have stuck with hanging them in the basement which is darker and stays near 65F most of the year. Cooler is certainly better for the rubber. Big temp swings during the winter can cause frames to condense everyday it's sunny in an unheated attic.

 

[sylus]

Can I ask..

The wheels/tyres, do you take them off once on the loft or leave them on? I ask because when I often see caravans rested up for the season and many take the tyres off to stop the weight causing tyre collapse and degredation

Some opinions and possibly some pictures of how you loft store would be appreciated?

 

[mikee]

the mice might eat your flites and tyres

watch the temp fluctuations effects on elastomers
a pair of mine melted recently