Store both your Cycles safely with the NEW Twin Bike Locker from Asgard.

Cycling is great fun, whether you are a serious mountain biker, commute to work on your hybrid, or simply enjoy riding at weekend.  It’s even better when you have a partner or friends to go cycling with.  But if you are already struggling with storage space with your own bike, either cramped in the hallway, outside in the garden or stacked in the garage, what do you do when if you need to store 2 or more bikes safely and securely?

Bring out the competitive side with your cycling buddy.

The New Asgard Twin Bike Locker

Storing up to 2 bicycles doesn’t have to take up a lot of space with the Asgard Twin Bike Locker.  Designed as a space saving storage unit, our 2 bike store is ideal for areas where space is restricted but bike security is important.  With our weather-proof steel panel construction and large single door access the Twin Bike Locker is suitable for both adult and children’s bikes.  This all-metal bike locker is fitted with a unique ultra tough 3-point locking system.

The NEW Twin Bike Locker from Asgard - Big enough for 2 bikes!

Multi-bike storage system – Some of the features

You don’t have to worry about your bikes cluttering your garage any more because now you can store your bikes securely in the Twin Bike Locker with complete peace of mind.  Unlike other bike stores the Twin Bike Locker is accessed from the end so the width of the unit is kept to a minimum – ideal for use down the side of a house or flat. 

The design ensures your bikes are always ready when you are – simply wheel in and out of the convenient door access.  This also means that your bike frame is kept in good condition – as storing your bikes upright prevent scratching and damage to the frame.

No more stacking bikes up or hanging them from the ceiling – Store your bicycle in the Twin Bike Locker – with easy access, and simply wheel them in and out whenever you need them so they are ready whenever you are.

Like it?

Find out more about our NEW Twin Bike Locker at www.asgardsss.co.uk and let us know what you think about our new double bike storage solution!

The Asgard Access Bike Store does it again! Top Review by Descent World Magazine.

At Asgard, we are very proud of our stylish and highly secure bike storage unit range, including one of our best sellers – the Access Bike Storage Unit. With many satisfied customers already recommending the all-metal, outdoor bike storage unit, the Access has also been receiving great reviews from the cycling experts at Bike Radar and Cycling World.

Descent World, the downhill biking magazine is the latest publication to put the Access Bike Unit to test for its design and bike security.  Reviewing the Asgard Access Bike Store as part of their security series, they looked at the construction of the unit, practicality and usability and the level of security it offers and posted their verdict:

“All in all we have nothing but praise for the unit. Easy to use and something we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending for keeping your pride and joy inside.” Descent World Magazine, August 2010



Read the full article here and let us know what your experiences with bike security – we’d love to hear from you!

Cycling theft and the City

An unfortunate trend in recent years has been noted by Preston Police Crime Prevention Dept - as the number of people that take to cycling in the city increases, the number of cycles with the potential to be stolen has also increased.

We know that when people have their cycles stolen, about two thirds cycle less frequently and a quarter of them stop cycling altogether. So from the crime reduction, health and sustainable transport points of view, reducing cycle theft is important.       

Join the Cycle to Work Scheme for a cheaper commute.

But in busy cities such as London, Manchester and York, cycling your way around the city is not only cheap, eco-friendly, healthy but also very convenient so giving up cycling isnt the solution.
Instead, we advise you to ensure you always protect your bike by taking a number of safety measures, such as using an approved, good quality lock for your bike and never leave it unlocked in a public place, even for a few minutes.

Be Cycle Security Savvy

1)       Always secure your bike, even if you are just leaving it for a minute.   2)       Invest in reputable, approved security devices such as a bike chain or D-Lock – such as Sold Secure and Thatcham approved locks. 3)       Consider using a second lock or cable so that your saddle and both wheels are secured if leaving your cycle on the street for more than a few hours. 4)       Permanently marking your bike will discourage theft and help your chances of getting it back if stolen. Marking/tagging can be carried out at most cycle shops and by the police. 5)       Store your bike in a secure storage unit, such as the Asgard Twin Bike Locker when parking you cycle overnight, or when not in use for longer periods of time.  Out of sight from thieves means that’s it is less likely to be stolen.

 City Cycle Storage Units
The Twin Bike Locker from Asgard is been especially designed to store up to 2 bikes in a compact area, securely in a discreet manner. Fitted with a tough 3-point locking system, this 2 bike store is ideal for areas where space is restricted but bike security is important.

Cutting Cycle theft with the Asgard Twin Bike Locker

Unlike other bike stores the Twin Bike Locker is accessed from the end so the width of the unit is kept to a minimum – ideal for use down the side of a house or flat.

Make cycle theft fears a thing of the past
With a choice of 3 colours in Dark Green, Brown and Ivory – not only is it the most smartest choice for city commuters – its also the stylish too.  Check our website www.asgardsss.co.uk for more information and to order your cycle storage unit today.

The Asgard Addition Bike store gets another great review from What Mountain Bike Magazine!

Our best-selling bicycle storage unit, the Asgard Addition has been one of the most talked about bike storage unit since it was launched at the beginning of last year, and since then its been getting recognition and is applauded for its unique design by the cycling media.

With rave reviews from BikeRadar and Cycling Plus Magazine, the latest review has come from What Mountain Bike Magazine, who confirmed that the Asgard Addition storage unit was ‘the best secure bike store we’ve ever come across’, and gave it a whopping 4.5 out of 5 stars rating!
Read the full article below from the July edition of What Mountain Bike Magazine.

What are you waiting for? For more information, visit our website www.asgardsss.co.uk and place your order today!

Under Lock and Key – How to keep thieves out and your bikes safe

All motorbike and cyclists owners agree bike security is a constant worry, regardless of the neighbourhood they live in.

The latest record-breaking figures by Sold Secure (the test house of choice for Security products) have found that around 50,000 motorcycles are stolen in the UK every year. Many of these are broken down for spares and less than a quarter is ever recovered. And most shockingly, a very high percentage of those stolen are actually taken from outside their owners’ homes!

QUESTION:  Why does your bike have several security devices when parked on a busy main road, but when you park it at home, it’s often left unsecured?
So..What security steps do you need to take? Asgard recommends the TOP 3 tried and tested ways for those who want to keep their bikes safe.

1)      Secure Metal Motorbike or Cycle Storage
If you are lucky enough to have a large house with ample space for all your biking gear as well as your bicycle or motorbike, storing it indoors is often a safe option.  However, if you prefer an outdoor shed providing easy access, convenience, and plenty of space, a metal garden storage unit would be a better option for your motorbike or cycle.

Lock up your bikes in a secure metal bike shed

 

The Asgard Access Cycle shed is a stylish and compact unit and is an exceptionally secure and versatile storage space, providing peace of mind for all your bike security and storage needs.  Built from thick, heavy gauge, galvanized (weather proof) steel panels with a strong integral metal floor, a large easy lift up lid and reinforced double door front access, this bike store is an ideal secure home for your valuable road and mountain bikes.

2)      Sold Secure Bike locks/ Ground Anchors
On many occasions, for maximum security, a simple lock is not enough. Unless your bike, motorbike is fastened down to a solid base, it may be possible to steal it, still attached to the lock!  The solution to this is a Ground Anchor.  When installed in your garage, it provides the ideal device for securing your vehicles and other valuable outdoor equipment.

Look out for the ‘Sold Secure’ Approved logo on your locks.

 

Ok, so your bike is safe overnight, what about when you’re out and about, either commuting to work or riding it around town? What options do you have for portable and secure bike locks?

3)      Secure bike locks
For practical and portable security, there are a range of low cost bike locks available.  One of the best-selling anti-theft devices is the Asgard heavy-duty Cable Lock, which is tried, tested and guaranteed to provide quality and durability, and will stop the best thief from getting away with your bike!

Portable security for your bikes

For more wacky ideas on keeping your bike safe, including painting it yellow, covering it in duct-tape and attaching a wicker basket read the article on the following link : http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2009/jun/17/bike-thefts-security



For more information on bike security, or to browse through the Asgard bike security range, visit our website http://www.asgardsss.co.uk/

Building a shed base for our new Addition Bike Storage Unit – On a budget (Part2)

Now we have decided on where to put my shed, I can continue with the base.

Stage 3: Digging out. 
Ok I’m happy with where my base will go – next I need to dig the area out with a spade.  
I have dug a square of just over 2.1 m x 1 m at around 450mm deep.  The ground is soft and the roots where no problem.   

Roughly mark out area and dig out.

Stage 4: Putting my frame into place.  

This bit requires a little patience and skill as itt is vital these batons are all level.  Starting at the Left hand side I simply knock this side down until it is level (using a spirit level to check).  Next, I put the Right Hand side in place checking it is level with the LH side using the spirit level again.  Finally the front and back batons are in place and the whole frame is levelled all round.   

TOP TIP: As this unit will be in a corner, I have put a slight slope to from the back of the base to the front.  This will allow any excessive rain to run forwards rather than getting trapped behind the unit against the wall. 

Stage 5:  The foundation.

Using old brickwork saves money

 

 As you can see by the image above I have used old bricks left over from a recent house extension.  This waste becomes my hardcore for pouring concrete over (hardcore is around £40 – £60 per ton). 

Note: I have placed the bigger bricks at the front of the base, this will help me to get the front edge nice and level (ensuring the doors open freely)  I have also used a nice big brick in the middle to help take any weight.   I can use this method on the bike store unit as I know there won’t be too much weight placed in it.  If I had chosen one of the bigger units such as the Gladiator a better/deeper base would be needed.   I also know this bike unit will not be bolted down or a ground anchor used, so I’m not worried about anybody drilling into the base.  The purpose of this cheap DIY base is only to keep the unit level and off the lawn.

Time to spend some money:  My 1^st cost is a £1.00 bag of shingle from the garden centre.  I scatter this between the larger bricks – I find it just helps to bind everything together when I pour the cement in later. 

Stage 6:  Time for some real work! Mixing the concrete.
 Now I need to mix my concrete and ballast to form the flat base.  Because we have used nice big bricks in the base preparation we need less than half of what we would have needed doing this the “correct” way.  

A mini mixer will make life easier.

I have cheated and used a mini mixer (to save my back!).  Such a small amount of concrete would be easy to mix by hand – but using a mixer really does reduce the amount of effort. 

To mix the base I used:
6 bags of Ballast £1.20 each
1 bag of cement. – £3.65.   

Stage 7:  Cement/Ballast.
When mixed simply pour over the base, between the batons.  I have made my mixture a little on the sloppy side – this helps it flow into the gaps around the large bricks and bind with the shingle.  I push the mixture into the gaps with my trowel. 

Stage 8:  Get it level.     



This bit is nice and easy. 

Assuming your edge batons were nice and level simple tap and drag another piece of the pallet along the side batons until the base is level with the top of the batons.  Easy!  

 

Stage 9: Almost Finished. 

Allow the base to dry for around 24 hours. Note:  I know this unit will not be bolted to the ground, so I took no notice of the position of the large bricks.  If you are bolting down – I would suggest you put the large bricks in the corners of the base or make the base to the recommended min depth as per the main Asgard website.  Giving you plenty of hard material  to drill into. 

Stage 10: Tidy Up.

I knock away the batons to reveal a nice clean edge to the concrete.  You can now make it look a bit nicer.  We have chosen to fill up to the base with soil then scatter decorative bark around the base to prevent weeds growing (and reduce on going maintenance work), and reseed the area immediatly around the unit to repair the lawn.  

Equipment used: Mini mixer (optional – but recommended) – Spirit level -  Spade – Small trowel – Tape measure  Materials used:  1 wooden pallet – Ballast (6 bags) – Cement  (1 bag) – Pea shingle  (1 bag) – Water (for cement)   
Total construction time 1 hour – dry time 24hrs
Total cost: £12.85 – Optional mini mixer £20 weekend hire
Once I build the unit I will post a picture of the finished base with the bike shed in situ.  This will be in Part 3

Asgard Secure Steel Storage take no responsibility for the content of this blog.  This information is intended as  a guide only.  It is the responsibility of the reader to check all the facts before undertaking any works.   If in doubt you must contact a registered and qualified builder for information.

For information about our full range of bike storage sheds and cycle storage units see our main website www.asgardsss.co.uk and click on bike storage.  

Building a shed base for our new Addition Bike Storage Unit – On a budget (Part1)

In these tough economic times we are all looking to save money where we can.  So, we asked a local DIY enthusiast (and ex-builder) to talk us through how to put a simple base down for an Addition Bike Storage Unit.  However, to make things a little harder we set him a budget. 
 

The task was simple:  Build a shed base in my garden suitable for an Addition bike storage unit for less that £50.   We thought that this couldn’t be done... how wrong we were.
 

Addition Bike Shed - store your hybrid bicycle in here!



The Addition bike store is the original bike storage solution from Asgard which has been described by Bike Radar Magazine as “The best bike storage they we have seen” .  Designed to house up to 3 bikes, the Addition  unit is built from tough galvanised (weatherproof steel) and features a heavy duty 3 point locking system.

The Addtion secure bike storage unit is quite a heavy unit for it’s size - Heavy enough to be a deterrent to thieves but not so heavy you require an industrial grade base to sit it on.

Stage 1: Where to put it? 
The Addition bike store measures 1800mm x 800mm – So I will be looking for a space around 2 meters x 1 meter for the actual unit, then a further 2 meters in front of the unit to allow easy access..  An area has been allocated already – this is not an ideal area, there are a number of tree roots and lumps of rock in the way.   The area is also close to over hanging trees which may need cutting back. 

Decide where to put your Asgard bike store

Asgard recommend you leave a couple of meters between your unit and any walls, this stops and thieves from using a wall as leverage to try and move the units.  Leaving space around the unit will also help to keep condensation down as air flows through the hidden vents in the roof.  As this unit is tight against the wall there is no change is can be used as a lever. 

Stage 2: Mark out the area.   
'Measure twice cut once' has always been my moto.  So, I have marked out roughly where the shed base will be using wooden batons.  As you can see, we may just get away with not cutting back the trees in this case.

Batons mark the spot

TOP TIP:  Making a cheaper frame.
Delivery palettes come in lots of standard sizes, I have found one that happens to be 2.1m x 1m.  There are hundreds of these things all over the place and normally free (if you ask nicely).  So I asked a local  store if I could have one and simply knocked the palette apart with a hammer.
I now have a ready made, perfect size frame – no cutting  and most importantly no trip to B&Q on a bank holiday weekend!

 More in part 2 – Coming soon.