Ideally we’d all have a garage, shed or similar housing to keep our bike(s). But if you’re short of space, bikeParka offers a ready-made and cycle-specific solution.
Casting your bike outside and into the cold, rain and, in the pictures above, snow may not seem the wisest decision but bikeParka’s packed with features which help protect your pride and joy from the elements. And if, like me, there’s only room for a bike or two inside, it ensures your commuting bike or cyclo-cross machine isn’t left to fend for itself.
The bikeParka comes in a stuff sack which means its easy to store, to take touring, or to chuck in the car if you’re taking a bike on holiday and aren’t sure of storage space. The cover itself is 195cm in length and 120cm in height, big enough to see it fit over most bikes, although I had to turn the front wheel to get it over my ‘cross bike without a wrestling match. A toggle provides means of adjustment to ensure a snug fit.
The cover itself is manufactured from a Polyester Ripstop 68D 210T material, with a Polyurethane (PU) coating to provide additional weatherproofing against rain and wind, while reinforced seams provide additional protection from water trying to seap through and onto the bike beneath. It also offers UV protection up to factor 50, although our winter test has provided little opportunity to verify that claim. An elasticated bottom ensures a tight fit at the base of the wheels.
Two models are available and in a range of colour. The STSH bikeParka costs £29.95 and is designed for home use. Or if you plan on taking the cover beyond the safety of your home, the URBN version we tested is a tenner more and comes with a Velcro lock-through panel on either side (see the photo below), so you can lock the bike through the cover. All that makes for a handy piece of kit which solves a problem for anyone short of space.
