Behind the bike sheds
IF YOU didn’t buy a bicycle during the first lockdown you may be reconsidering your options – perhaps an electric bike for some extra zoom? Brits have been slow to join the revolution but prices are falling and electric bikes ideal for commuting or shopping are worth considering.
Among them is E-Trends Fly, a foldable bike that is fun to use on the flat and will boost you up small hills (nothing too adventurous).At £699.99 it’s cheaper than most (e-trends.co.uk).
Whatever type you have you’ll need secure storage butWorcestershire-based Forest Garden advises against a standard shed so you don’t have to wrestle your bike through a narrow door.
“A dedicated bike store with a wide front opening, like our Shiplap Pent or Shiplap Apex large outdoor stores, allows all your cycling gear to be well organised and easily accessible – and your bikes will be dry, so rust free, and secure,” says marketing manager Jenny Davis.
Garden stores are often put up against fences and Jenny suggests painting both the same colour to make the store unobtrusive.Try black: “It’s stylish but subtle,” she says.
Even if you don’t want to store bikes you may have equipment or tools that should be out of the rain and there are several options.
Sentry box-style sheds take up little space, waterproof cushion boxes are a genius way to save space indoors and if all else fails a bog-standard shed is your garden clutter-proof friend.
ROOM TO MOVE: Forest Garden’s Shiplap Apex Large Outdoor Store is £259.99, or £384.99 including assembly (0333 321 3142; forest garden.co.uk)
Rubbermaid deck box, £190 (homebase.co.uk)