Since I saw a post requesting info on a good cover I thought I would post my experience with Cycleshelter.

I purchased the Trike model to store both my bikes since I no longer have a garage. The shelter has only been up since Oct 2008 and is already falling apart. The design of the tent was not thought out very well. The support ribs fit into pockets at the pivot point of the tent with nothing protecting them from the ground. The constant vibration from wind has caused them to wear a hole in the pockets so they no longer keep the tent tight. Also a lot the ties that hold the ribs up inside the tent have broken. I guess that happened when the temps dropped. I have emailed Cycleshelter and the only response is that I have to wait to hear from the owner when he returns. That was two weeks ago.

Update:

I finally received a replacement shelter from Cycle Shelter. They did improve the design of the shelter. So I will see how it holds up.

 

It's so goofy looking too...

 

I have the CycleShell. This isn't me, but rather just a video on youtube. You can see how easy it is to use.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hp6WF_ur_c

 

Don't get me wrong its a cool idea, just kinda goofy looking...

 

I also can recommend the CycleShell. I used one for several years before I got the trailer I use as my "garage". You are correct, it's an odd concept. But in the case of the CycleShell it works well.

 

I never liked those fiberglass poles on any of my camping tents and I sure wouldn't want them around my bike. They always flex in the wind and can't carry much of a load. Living in Canada my shelter needs to withstand a little bit of snow load. (I can't stand there all day clearing it off) I went with a bikebarn. It has a similar design but more sturdy construction materials. IMHO

http://www.thebikebarn.net

 

I had a CycleShelter -- it lasted about a year. That's all I was looking for, so I'm not too upset about it. It handled a snow load fine, but with almost daily use it definitely wore out.

 

What about the "Bike Barn?" I don't have any of these things, just thought I would mention it here as it has not been mentioned yet.

 

So, is that an apartment complex or condos? I ask because I was able to convince my condo board to grant me an exemption from the parking rules, thus allowing me to use an enclosed trailer as a garage. There is a lot to be said for the peace of mind involved in knowing your bike is safely locked behind walls (not vinyl). I'd use the degradation of your current cover as validation that you should be allowed to use a trailer to store your bike.

 

Its like taking you bike camping