Zippered bicycle bag

[SoCalSteve]

Hi all,

In my purge-downsize-retire-move to a smaller place, turns out that the bikes will end up on the balcony. And, to add to that, it will be close to the beach.

So, I am looking for a very high end bicycle bag that I can zipper shut and keep out the elements. Something that is durable and won't get eaten up by the elements.

In my search, I found a local company : http://www.bikebags.com/index.html

Any thoughts on this company or others? Not looking to save a buck. I don't mind spending $$$ if the product is going to do the job for a long period of time.

As always, thank you all in advance!

Steve

[AngryScientist]

Steve pal, this does not sound good to me. High end bikes living outside, exposed to prying eyes, and salt air. yikes?

can you do a nice shed outside or something like that?

buy a cheap van and park it on the street?

how about some type of secure bike storage locker?

http://www.premierlimited.co.uk/images/bykebin_sandstone_open_door.jpg

[Louis]

Steve's new place on the beach:

https://smartandstriking.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/slide_217153_815716_free.jpg

[SoCalSteve]

Steve pal, this does not sound good to me. High end bikes living outside, exposed to prying eyes, and salt air. yikes?

can you do a nice shed outside or something like that?

buy a cheap van and park it on the street?

how about some type of secure bike storage locker?

http://www.premierlimited.co.uk/images/bykebin_sandstone_open_door.jpg

7th floor balcony. You would have to be SpiderMan to steal them. Looking into a storage locker in building, but the cost per month will probably be prohibitive.

So, a zippered heavy duty bike bag looks like the best option. I just want to buy something that will work.

[SoCalSteve]

Steve's new place on the beach:

https://smartandstriking.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/slide_217153_815716_free.jpg

Not that, this: http://www.toplacondos.com/Azzurra

[Tony T]

Here's a 3 year old review of bike bags and boxes:
http://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/article/best-bike-boxes-and-bike-bags-33421/

[SoCalSteve]

Here's a 3 year old review of bike bags and boxes:
http://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/article/best-bike-boxes-and-bike-bags-33421/

Thanks! Those are all travel cases.

[AngryScientist]

the bike bag!

http://arthurcaygillcycles.co.uk/img/general/bike-bag-home-2.jpg

[Louis]

Steve,

Are you 100% sure that you won't be able to put the bikes inside?

There are some very cool, even elegant, racks of all types available. I'd downsize to just one or two bikes and put them inside before putting anything outside on a balcony. Especially if we're talking close to the beach.

IMO MTBs and other similar stuff can look out clunky and out of place inside, but a nice road bike on a nice rack is an asset to any room's decor. :)

[AngryScientist]

also jandd makes one out of curdora, which is good stuff. check that one out.

http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FBSC

[Louis]

Not quite what I had in mind, but this is striking:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/f6/8e/d4/f68ed4385aa97959950549701436c510.jpg

[Louis]

More:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/42/9d/71/429d714fd7f6b28e7bbc920aaaf4271b.jpg

[Louis]

If you have high ceilings! (I doubt you will, in that sort of place.)

http://p-fst1.pixstatic.com/52547a6f697ab0618e00f0d5._w.450_h.505_s.fit_.jpg

[Louis]

Modern look:

http://jonnymetbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Shelfie-Bike-Wall-Mount.jpg

[SoCalSteve]

Steve,

Are you 100% sure that you won't be able to put the bikes inside?

There are some very cool, even elegant, racks of all types available. I'd downsize to just one or two bikes and put them inside before putting anything outside on a balcony. Especially if we're talking close to the beach.

IMO MTBs and other similar stuff can look out clunky and out of place inside, but a nice road bike on a nice rack is an asset to any room's decor. :)

We are moving to 1088 sq ft. 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Not really.

I own 4 bikes, one all carbon, one carbon and Ti, one all Ti and one painted steel. If they are in zippered bike bags made of canvas, I can't imagine what could happen. Also, given there is a balcony with a sliding glass door that will probably be open often, I think the bikes in a bag will fair better than just in the house with balcony doors open.

Remember, I live in Los Angeles. No snow, never below 60*, hardly ever rains.

Please tell me what could happen given my situation.

Thanks!

[Louis]

Maybe they should have used a lighter rear wheel and saddle:

http://e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2015/03/3043095-inline-i-3-this-furniture-doubles-as-bike-storage-copy.jpg

[Louis]

Please tell me what could happen given my situation.

Agreed, as long as they're out of the direct sun and rain (not much of a problem for you) I suppose salt-fog would be the only issue for the components. And as you say, covered outside may be better than open inside if the sliding glass door is open much of the time.

I guess the bottom line is that I think a nicely presented bike looks better than a lumpy bag. But if you really don't have the room, I guess that won't work.

Good luck.

(I currently live in a house and have enough room for n + 50 bikes, but often find myself wanting the simplicity of apartment life.)

[SoCalSteve]

Agreed, as long as they're out of the direct sun and rain (not much of a problem for you) I suppose salt-fog would be the only issue for the components. And as you say, covered outside may be better than open inside if the sliding glass door is open much of the time.

I guess the bottom line is that I think a nicely presented bike looks better than a lumpy bag. But if you really don't have the room, I guess that won't work.

Good luck.

(I currently live in a house and have enough room for n + 50 bikes, but often find myself wanting the simplicity of apartment life.)

After 35 years of getting up before dawn and coming home after dark ( the movie biz is certainly not glamorous ) the idea of not having a mortgage, property taxes, maintenance, etc is very appealing.

Just waking up when I want, having a bit of breakfast, getting on my bike and riding along the beach, coming home for lunch and then going to the rooftop jacuzzi with a view of the marina sure sounds appealing.

The bikes can live outdoors...:beer:

[weisan]

>>buy a cheap van and park it on the street?

It's funny that angry pal should suggest this because I did just that back in the times when we moved the whole family of 7 into a small apartment to go to grad school. I paid $325 for an old Dodge Caravan and parked it somewhere on campus where it's shaded and relatively visible. We were given locker cage to put overflow stuff down at the basement but it's nice to have that extra space in the van to store a couple of mtb bikes and equipment. It's a temporary solution and I did that for three years, I don't recommend it as a longer-term solution though.

Well, Steve pal, if the link you have posted is really where you gonna move into...I think you can fit a couple of bikes in that bathroom.

http://www.toplacondos.com/condo/admin/image1.php?id=11480

I know we have several threads started in the past from folks who run into the same problems with limited space, maybe you can check them out.

[AngryScientist]

It's funny that angry pal should suggest this because I did just that

:beer::beer:

[JAllen]

the bike bag!

http://arthurcaygillcycles.co.uk/img/general/bike-bag-home-2.jpg

see now, I was confused if that was a bike bag, but then I saw the writing stating "The Bike Bag" :p

yeah I think that or something similar would do the trick. Hopefully it won't come down to downsizing the fleet...

[weisan]

BTW, I was in a similar situation before. Parents used to own a condo by the beach, had to park all the bikes along the corridor, the one we want to protect i.e. my Italian steel road bike, we put a tarp over it and wrapped at the bottom to seal it up as much as possible. Over time, the salty air gets to the components despite constant efforts to maintain. It doesn't help that it rained a lot in that area so occasional rain spray and high humidity all contributed to less than ideal conditions...but beggars can't be choosers, that was the best we can do short of storing them in a climate controlled storage place which is cost prohibitive.

[SoCalSteve]

>>buy a cheap van and park it on the street?

It's funny that angry pal should suggest this because I did just that back in the times when we moved the whole family of 7 into a small apartment to go to grad school. I paid $325 for an old Dodge Caravan and parked it somewhere on campus where it's shaded and relatively visible. We were given locker cage to put overflow stuff down at the basement but it's nice to have that extra space in the van to store a couple of mtb bikes and equipment. It's a temporary solution and I did that for three years, I don't recommend it as a longer-term solution though.

Well, Steve pal, if the link you have posted is really where you gonna move into...I think you can fit a couple of bikes in that bathroom.

http://www.toplacondos.com/condo/admin/image1.php?id=11480

I know we have several threads started in the past from folks who run into the same problems with limited space, maybe you can check them out.

The bathroom in that picture is probably from a 2500 sq ft penthouse suite. Believe me, the bathroom in our 1088 sq ft unit is 1/2 that size.

[hokoman]

Steve -
Condo or apt? Most ccrs prohibit storage on balconies. Depending on the apt. they may have the same restrictions.

[pcxmbfj]

I have a heavy duty storage bag made for bikes that uses a vac to remove air.

Called "Bike Vault" made by 4 Roses Company retailed for $69.99.

Never used.

[SoCalSteve]

Steve -
Condo or apt? Most ccrs prohibit storage on balconies. Depending on the apt. they may have the same restrictions.

Yes, condo. Yes, rules against storage on balconies. Just so happens this unit sits in a part of the building where part of the balcony is completely shielded.

Hopefully we can get away with it. If not, bike rack inside.

[oldpotatoe]

Yes, condo. Yes, rules against storage on balconies. Just so happens this unit sits in a part of the building where part of the balcony is completely shielded.

Hopefully we can get away with it. If not, bike rack inside.

Doh!!

[SoCalSteve]

Doh!!

Old Spud, that is exactly the look I was hoping for!

[shovelhd]

Yes, condo. Yes, rules against storage on balconies. Just so happens this unit sits in a part of the building where part of the balcony is completely shielded.

Hopefully we can get away with it. If not, bike rack inside.

Don't underestimate the desire of your neighbors to rat you out, especially when the building offers an alternative. Condo associations can be toxic.

[rodcad]

Marina del Rey? How about buying a yacht?

[SoCalSteve]

Don't underestimate the desire of your neighbors to rat you out, especially when the building offers an alternative. Condo associations can be toxic.

I totally get this! And will be wary. If they do " rat me out " I have a plan B.

Thanks!

[weisan]

I have a plan B.


You know Steve, I don't think it's such a bad idea...

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/35/16/87/3516873b5a3979c41b99573b23388524.jpg

http://www.rvinglivingthedream.com/images/Luxuryrv.jpg

[SoCalSteve]

You know Steve, I don't think it's such a bad idea...

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/35/16/87/3516873b5a3979c41b99573b23388524.jpg

http://www.rvinglivingthedream.com/images/Luxuryrv.jpg

Or I could just put the bikes on a bike rack in the alcove....:cool:

[rugbysecondrow]

After 35 years of getting up before dawn and coming home after dark ( the movie biz is certainly not glamorous ) the idea of not having a mortgage, property taxes, maintenance, etc is very appealing.



Just waking up when I want, having a bit of breakfast, getting on my bike and riding along the beach, coming home for lunch and then going to the rooftop jacuzzi with a view of the marina sure sounds appealing.



The bikes can live outdoors...:beer:


Congrats, sounds great.



Cheers!


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[oldpotatoe]

Old Spud, that is exactly the look I was hoping for!

This is an interesting thread to me for reasons other than where to store your bikes. I think most imagine the 'movie biz' to be quite keen, cuz we see the finished product, I guess. So you deciding to chuck(most of?) it all, get a new knee, new digs, new 'life'. It is interesting to me, cuz I kinda did the same thing in 1992/3, then again 2 years ago.

I'm assuming you have a means of support, not trying to be nosey but wife(?), no kids..I think, except for the new knee part, a lot of us envy you..except you don't have a place to store your bikes.

I love my 2 grown up, 'dependent independent' sons and cherish my 4 and 2 year old grand daughters BUT..kinda nice only having 2(or 1) people to worry about.

Drift over...

[SoCalSteve]

This is an interesting thread to me for reasons other than where to store your bikes. I think most imagine the 'movie biz' to be quite keen, cuz we see the finished product, I guess. So you deciding to chuck(most of?) it all, get a new knee, new digs, new 'life'. It is interesting to me, cuz I kinda did the same thing in 1992/3, then again 2 years ago.

I'm assuming you have a means of support, not trying to be nosey but wife(?), no kids..I think, except for the new knee part, a lot of us envy you..except you don't have a place to store your bikes.

I love my 2 grown up, 'dependent independent' sons and cherish my 4 and 2 year old grand daughters BUT..kinda nice only having 2(or 1) people to worry about.

Drift over...

The movie biz is not at all how it appears on screen. But this is a thread all unto itself.

I purchased my home in a great location, at the right time and for a good price. It's has doubled in value and then some. Gotta love LA real estate! The proceeds from the sale of the house will get invested in tax free CA muni bonds and bond funds. I will be able to live off this until my Teamster pension kicks in at 62, as well as Social Security. As well as lifetime Cadillac health insurance. I am 57 now.

Until then, I will get medical insurance through my wife's employer. She is a lawyer and works for a firm that takes care of their employees well.

I have no children ( that I know of ).

This was prompted by a couple of health issues. One being the knee and very bad
nerve damage in my back ( sciatica ). It was truly a wake up call when I found out a work buddy of mine died soon after retirement. This is not unusual in my business for people to die before retirement or soon after.

I weighed working ( in pain ) for the next 5 years and keeping my house, etc. against downsizing, getting rid of most of my material things and moving to a place where I can do my best to stay healthy and live a long life ( hopefully as pain free as possible ).

The building we chose has a lap pool, 2 x jacuzzis, a huge gym ( both outdoor and indoor ) and access to a 20 mile bike path along the beach. I hope to take advantage of all of these things in my quest to be and stay healthy.

So, if I have to put a few of my bikes in zippered bags on a balcony, I think that is a small price to pay for what I am getting in return.

[Louis]

Congratulations, Steve, it sounds like things are working out well for you.

Best of health, and enjoy your various activities. :)

[SoCalSteve]

Congratulations, Steve, it sounds like things are working out well for you.

Best of health, and enjoy your various activities. :)

Thank you so much for the well wishes! It must be the right decision because it's what my body is telling me to do. I think as athletes we are more tied into listening to our bodies.

[gemship]

bike in a bag is no problem just make sure the zippers don't get stuck. I would think that bag given what you describe for LA weather would work just fine.

I wear scuba booties in saltwater to go clamming as my hip boots in the warmer weather are heavy and hot. So anyways the saltwater and sand/mud is a pretty harsh environment but I found just a good rinse in freshwater and a little cooking oil on the zippers really lubed them up well and easy. This is say an extreme you will never encounter although when it comes to being near the ocean I don't underestimate it's corrosive powers. Just be fastidious with cleaning and lubing/ loving your wheels and you'll be OK:)

[zmudshark]

Talk to a sail maker/ upholstery guy and design a custom to fit your needs?

Two bikes in each bag, wheels on?

[bking]

heres a thought if you can't find just what you want. build the frame you want from pvc, very easy, very light to move around. then go to a boat/bimini top maker and have him make exactly what you want. I've had several made for boats, and i have had several other trailers, pieces of equipment--not just boats, taken to the same guy and he makes really nice stuff exactly how I want it. I'm sure in LA area you can easily find someone who does very good work. you can customize colors so it fits well on your patio.
in fact, i have a boat made by Howard Boats up in Santa Clarita and could get a name or two for you if you'd like.

[Tony T]

Does your condo have assigned storage units for owners?

[needmobikes]

what about a generic tent; place the bikes inside and you can lock them all within

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[SoCalSteve]

Does your condo have assigned storage units for owners?

Nope, they have some for rent, but they are very expensive.

We did inquire about this, thank!

[SoCalSteve]

what about a generic tent; place the bikes inside and you can lock them all within

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Don't need them to be protected from theft, just the elements. It's a 7th floor stand alone balcony. Unless you believe in Spider-Man, theft is not an issue.

[needmobikes]

Don't need them to be protected from theft, just the elements. It's a 7th floor stand alone balcony. Unless you believe in Spider-Man, theft is not an issue.
Hahaha, true. I guess I am paranoid about bike thieves. Google "bike storage ideas" Its difficult to give suggestions without the dimensions of your available balcony space and those of potential storage units

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