Cycle garage – repair your bike in the garden in your asgard bike garage!

The Asgard cycle maintenance store gets the thumbs up!

A little while back Asgard had a customer contact them about how they had used one of our biggest sheds as a bike maintenance shed.  Asgard are not ones to ignore a customer!  So they have asked this customer to keep them updated as to how he got on using it through the “summer” …

“Hi Tracey

As promised he is my update on your shed/my bike shop! It’s a bit long, but you asked me to be honest.

Putting down a base.

As you know as I really pleased with the original delivery, the unit was on time… even though I had forgotten to get my base down in time.  So your delivery lads carefully stacked the unit in my garden for me.

My base was down a week later – at a cost of £100 + VAT.  I used a local concrete firm who came along and simply poured a few cubic meters of concrete into a hole I had dug.  The process took about 20 mins, no mixing concrete by hand for me! That’s my top tip for anyone thinking of buying one of these big Asgard units and needs a base putting down.  Mixing concrete for a base 2.2 x 2.2 x 100mm deep is a lot of heavy mixing work.  I worked out the cost for this would be £70 in materials and mixer hire, it just made no sense to do the work myself.

Construction

I won’t lie to you, when you lay out all the bits and look at the number of screws, this looks like one intimidating piece of kit.  The saving grace is the instruction sheet, looks a bit like an engineering manual, but is actually really clear and easy to use.  The stickers on each panel identifying what they are is a touch of genius,  as at first glance all of the panels looked the same to me.

Building this metal unit is heavy work, this being one of your biggest sheds I can see why you recommend 2 people carry out this task.  The sides are easy enough to pick up and manoeuvre, though it is near impossible to hold two sides at once and screw then into the base. Believe me I tried.  The front fascia’s are light and easy to manoeuvre, when you get onto the doors though you are in to a different world.  They were heavy things.  Due to the raised base lip you need to lift the door about 10mm off the base to get the hinges to line up with the fixing holes.  10mm is not much, but takes a fair bit of effort to hold a door steady !

I didn’t bother bolting down the unit, I know this would give me increased security, but lets face it, this shed is immensely heavy.   No one will move this.  Besides I have a ground anchor, which will bolt down through the base to act as a secure point.

Finally the roof.  I thought the doors were awkward!  The roof and top cap really needs to built on the ground and then lifted onto the shed.  We tried to build the roof ON the shed.  No chance. The roof is integral to keeping the shed perfectly square, so lowering it, squaring it up and screwing together all at once is impossible.  Two aborted attempts led  to the conclusion that we should build it on the lawn then lower into position.  That worked a treat.  A tip here would be watch the fingers! When the roof suddenly drops into place on the shed it drops an inch down onto the walls….quickly.  Any fingers in the way will be squashed.

Ground anchor installation.

Not that easy.  I had to cut a square out of the wooden floor a good 6 “ bigger than the Anchor (to allow room for the chain)  THEN screw through the base of the unit –  a real pain to do and probably not worth the effort.

That’s the build complete.  Now in use.

Cracking unit in use.  A third tip here.  I forgot to run a line of silicone down the joins as per your instructions (missed that bit to be honest).  So, the 1st windy/rain day I had a leak through the roof (under the capping joint)  Not a huge leak but enough to annoy me.  I ran the silicone all around the unit retrospectively; luckily you supply clear silicone, so you can hardly see it.  From that moment on the unit was water tight.

I ordered your full shed pack, shelves, hooks and flooring.

The flooring – I thought this was too much money when I bought it, for what I thought was chipboard.  Then I tried to lift it.  What is it?  Its heavier that the rest of the unit put together.  Really good quality stuff.  Watch the fingers when dropping into place though!

Shelves – Well worth having – great for oils and tools.  If you are smart, you put a shelf low down and use it as a maintenance platform.

Hooks – really handy.  I ordered 10, seems a lot, but once you have a couple of back packs, a helmet and a few waterproof items up there, they soon fill up.

Another tip for your customers here.  Get to Wilkos and buy some plastic storage boxes (£6.00 each) divide your riding gear into winter and summer boxes and stack them.

As a maintenance shed

Really handy.  I do have a garage, but like most peoples its full of prams and tools, here in my “man zone” there is only bike gear.  I have a bike maintenance stand which I stand just outside the shed door.  Perfect I can keep out of the wind whilst I am prepping my bike.   I don’t bring the bike in as the oil would ruin the floor.

The shed gets a little warm in direct sunlight, so I don’t stay in there too long on nice days, on a cold day it’s a great shelter from the wind and rain.

In terms of security, I really have no worries at all.  This is a really solid unit, I can’t imagine anyone getting in without a metal saw.

Conclusion.  Great shed – but get a mate to help and for your own sanity buy an electric screwdriver.

I hope that is enough.  Feel free to use this review in any way you see fit”.

See the full range of Asgard cycle garages here.

Which county is the worst for rural crime in the UK?

In recent years rural crime was becoming a big problem for farmers. Things are slowly getting better as the rural crime rate is now at a 5 year low and rural crime across the UK fell by 19% in 2012, which is due to the reduced number of tractor and quad bike thefts. However this type of crime still costs in the millions. New figures released have shown that the cost of rural crime in Yorkshire is the highest in the UK, according to insurance company NFU Mutual, which insurers over 70% of farmers and figures show that losses to rural crime in Yorkshire in 2012 cost an estimated £3.4m.

NFU Mutual spokesperson, Tim Price, said that the decline in the number of rural thefts was down to better security features on tractors and anti-crime initiatives.

Mr Price said, “The difficulty policing the countryside is the sheer size of it……so it does call for a different approach to security compared to urban areas.”

There are a number of ways that you can try and keep farming equipment and tools protected from rural theft, simply by using common sense and locking away as much of your equipment as you can. If you are concerned about rural theft and want to keep your equipment safe and protected, an Asgard storage unit is just the thing you need.

XXL Metal Storage units from Asgard

The Asgard range of XL metal sheds is the ideal place to store expensive farming equipment as they offer ample amounts of space and are fitted with a number of tough security features included a 5 point locking system and pick resistant lock, designed to help keep thieves out!

How to keep your bike safe when on holiday

Purchasing a bike is a big investment but one is stolen every minute.

When you’re at home you ensure your bike is secure and safe, but what do you do when you go on holiday?

Protect your bike from theft

Ways to minimise bike theft

1.Bike locks

Bike locks are only successful in deterring theft if you make sure they are attached to both your frame and wheel. Most thieves say the best way to avoid your bike being stolen is if you use two locks going through each wheel. We would also recommend though using 2 different types of lock so if they work out how to break the first one they have to work out the second one as well. This means stealing your bike is more time consuming.

2. Put it somewhere very visible

If your bike is locked up in a busy area people are far less likely to be able to steal your bike and if they do they are certainly less likely to get away with it!

3. Bike Alarm

Asgard bike alarms give your bike extra security. Once activated, if someone attempts to move your bike or tamper with the lock, the siren automatically sounds, putting off potential thieves.

Asgard Bike garage at the Stanes

If you want the best bike security on your next cycling holiday The Stanes self-catering guest house has the Asgard Gladiator secure storage unit. This is the only mountain biking friendly property in the area with an Asgard bike security shed! So you will have plenty of room for your bikes and other cycling accessories allowing you to enjoy your holiday whilst knowing your bike is safe.

A metal storage shed – a ‘must-have’ for Allotment Growers

Do you have an allotment?

Over a quarter of a million people in the UK currently hold an allotment plot.  Allotment gardening has always been a popular option for those of you who don’t mind getting their hands dirty in soil and spend time nurturing flowers and vegetable plants, but may not always have the space in their garden.  Apart from providing low cost food, they also provide valuable recreational opportunities involving healthy activity and social contacts.

How does your garden grow?

Taking on an allotment plot is not all hard work; it can have many advantages, providing fresh home grown vegetables, fruit and flowers for you and your family, free from artificial additives and at a fraction of that you would have expected to pay in a supermarket or greengrocer.

There is also the social side, meeting new friends with similar interests and enabling you to enjoy a healthy outdoor life with gentle exercise and a place to relax and unwind.

Did you know: The first legislative reforms date back to the Enclosures Act of 1845. Today, the Council has a statutory requirement to provide allotments for the public.

Is your allotment secure?

As many allotments are independently or council owned, they will often have different levels of security.  Many allotment sites suffer from vandalism and theft, from minor incidents such as disappearing Fruit and Veg, ranging to major incidents where sheds located on one site have been broken into and vandalism, smashing of glass in greenhouses, breaking tools, dumping rubbish and damaging frames.

Keep your tools under lock and key 

Always try and keep all your gardening tools locked up and out of sight in allotment huts and sheds.  Not only do they provide shelter from the rain for expensive tools, gardening equipment and clothing, they provide much needed security for your allotment.

Secure Storage units for your allotments

If you need a secure storage unit installed in your allotment, you can choose from a range of metal storage sheds from Asgard in various sizes according to your needs.  The Asgard Addition is a popular choice for many gardens and allotments due to its compact size and multi-purpose storage space.  Built from our tough, galvanised (weather proof) steel with an integral metal floor and convenient large double door access this unit features an excellent 3-point locking system.

Asgard Addition storage unit – Great for allotment storage!

Smart and stylish, the Asgard Addition metal shed unit is available in a choice of 3 colours – dark green, ivory and brown enabling you to match the unit to your environment, and ensure your allotment is looking neat and tidy.

Top Tip: We recommend that you check the area available to install your shed before installation, and confirm with the allotment regulations before installation.

Want to grow your own?

Whether you are budding vegetable grower or a seasoned gardener, visit the Allotment diaries website for more ideas on making the most of your allotment.  For a ‘Plot Holders’ Guide’ from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) click here.

To view our full range of outdoor storage units and unit sizes, visit our website http://www.asgardsss.co.uk for further details.  We also offer free delivery and an installation service is also available for added convenience.

Time for a Barbeque Party?

Are you planning a BBQ party?  With the Football and Wimbledon season in full swing, are you making the most of the lovely summer weather in the garden?

Everyone is rolling out their grills and dusting off the patio furniture. Summertime is meant for backyard gatherings with great food and drink with family and friends.  Whether its steak, chicken, ribs or veggies, barbecuing is a fun and easy way to make a delicious fun meal and keep your friends and family coming back for more!

Summer garden BBQ party – you’re invited!

Safety check – Before you plan your party and invite everyone round, make sure you are fully prepared.  If you are using Gas for your Barbeque, you will need to check that the gas bottles will be stored safely and secured to prevent any accidents.

The best way to store gas bottles is in a robust metal storage unit, such as the Asgas 38 gas bottle storage unit.  Built from weatherproof steel, the Asgard gas bottle storage range is available in 3 different designs to suit the three most popular gas bottle sizes.

Asgard Gas Bottle Storage – Handy for BBQ’s

All of our gas bottle storage units have been designed in conjunction with Calor gas and are the only units on the market to be selected as Calor Choice products.

Security check – Without realising it, the costs of BBQ equipment do add up; with a BBQ grill, gas bottles, patio heating, garden furniture and lighting equipment, we recommend that they are kept locked away when they are not being used.  The best way to store them would be in a secure outdoor storage unit, such as the Asgard Classic metal storage unit, which will ensure they are kept safe and dry until the next BBQ party.

Store all your expensive garden equipment and BBQ safe and secure in the Asgard Classic outdoor storage unit.

The Asgard Classic Garden Storage unit provides high security outdoor storage of expensive garden equipment and furniture.  Built with a thick, heavy galvanised steel panel construction and large double door access, the Classic metal shed is an ideal store for all your high value garden equipment.  Fitted with a strong 5-point locking system with Loss Prevention Certification Board approval (to level 1), you can be assured this storage unit offers excellent garden equipment storage security.

If your planning a BBQ party and need some recipe ideas and help with setting up the BBQ grill visit the website from Calor Gas BBQ website here.

Don’t forget to get yourself the coolest new BBQ gadgets this summer at http://bit.ly/BBQmust-haves – Your BBQ party wont be complete without it!

For a full range of secure metal storage units for your garden visit our website now http://www.asgardsss.co.uk.

What is the best high security bike storage?

The Annexe is Asgard’s toughest bike shed,

Fitted with a range of strong high security features to keep your bikes protected from theft. Take a look at its key features here.

1. Door security bolts

This bike shed features tough door bolts as an added security measure.

2. Galvanised steel

All Asgard metal bike sheds are all made from galvanised (weatherproof) steel, for tough storage.

3. Reinforced panels

The Annexe secure bike storage unit boasts reinforced doors, panels and hinges for the best bike security.

4. Hooks available

Heavy duty hooks are available to purchase, these are ideal for hanging helmets and cycling accessories. These hooks are easy to fit as Asgard sheds are already pre-drilled to accept them.

5. Rain guard

Bad weather is no match for the Annexe bike shed, as it is fitted with an integral rain guard designed to keep the bad weather out!

6. Shelving available

Heavy duty, galvanised steel shelves are available to purchase. Keep all of your cycling gear stored with your bikes.

7. Full metal base

Asgard bike sheds are fitted with a full integral metal base for security, this metal base can be bolted to concrete for extra tough storage.

8. LPCB Approved

The Annexe high security bike shed, has been approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board  to level 1, which may help to reduce insurance premiums.

9. Pick resistant lock

Fitted with a euro cylinder pick resistant locking mechanism, for the best bike security.

10. Tough locking system

The Annexe has a tough 5 point locking system, designed to keep thieves out!

Take a look at the full range of Bike Sheds from Asgard.

Are Asgard Metal Sheds the best?

Asgard Metal Storage Unit Key Features

Take a look at the key features of Asgard sheds to find out if these metal storage units suit and meet your storage needs.

1. Galvanised steel

All of the units from Asgard are made from strong weatherproof steel panels.

2. Low Maintenance

Unlike wooden sheds, metal sheds require very little maintenance.

3. 10 Year warranty

Asgard sheds come with a 10 year warranty as standard.

4. No exposed screws

There are no exposed screws inside Asgard units, so there are no sharp or dangerous edges.

5. Easy assembly

All of Asgard sheds come with simple step by step instructions for easy assembly. An installation service is also available.

6. Pick resistant lock

Pick resistant locks are fitted to most of our metal storage units to provide the best possible security.

7. Unique shed ventilation

A unique shed ventilation system is in every Asgard metal shed. This ventilation system helps to minimise condensation.

8. Accessories

Asgard units are pre drilled for our shelving and hook packs. These accessories are available to purchase and add more storage options to your shed.

9. Integral metal floor

 Metal sheds from Asgard are the ONLY metal sheds with an integral metal floor. This floor adds even more security to the unit.

10. Tough locking system

These metal sheds feature tough locking systems to help keep stored items safe from theft.

See the full range of metal sheds from Asgard on the Asgard website.

Cold weather wreaking havoc on UK Garden Centres

The spell of bad weather during March, made March 2013 the coldest in the last 50 years. With so much snow and frosty weather everyone has been affected from farmers to the everyday gardener.  The bad weather has also had an effect on UK Garden Centres, with sales down by as much as 50%.

This is the time of year where people are usually getting their gardens prepared, buying plants, seeds, tools and everything else they need to make their garden bloom.

The recent bad weather has kept people indoors.

Because of the harsh winter weather leaking into spring, the price of flowers which should already be in full bloom, such as daffodils have increased by up to 50%. April is the most important month of the year in the garden centre calendar as spring is supposed to be in full swing and this is the time when people really start to spend money of things for their gardens, however if the bleak weather continues into April, vital sales will be lost. In the UK, 1 in 3 people are gardeners and spend around £5bn a year on their gardens.

Asgard garden sheds can take on the snow!

If you have been put off from going in the garden because of the bad weather, there are still plenty of things that you can do, especially since the snow seems to be behind us. If you haven’t already, start planning what you want to add to your garden, buy seeds and tools so that you have them to hand whenever the weather brightens up. If you’ve discovered that your garden shed didn’t hold up during the harsh weather, make sure you get a new one to store all of your gardening equipment in. Asgard has a range of strong metal garden sheds that are tough enough to see you through many winters like the one we have just had! Made from strong weatherproof steel, these sheds are designed to provide the best protection from the elements. See the full range of metal garden sheds on the Asgard Website.

Data provided by the Guardian.

The Ride Journal Review Asgard Bike Storage

The Asgard Access 4 bike storage shed has been in the press again! Read the full review by The Ride Journal.

There comes a point in many cyclists lives where even they realise that they are pushing it with the amount of bikes they have in the house. A very tolerant wife had let my collection grow but even I knew that things were getting cosy indoors. And a load of redecorating prompted a search for somewhere outside to store some of them. Living in London it was always going to be a balance of cost, size in the already small back garden and security offered. As ever the internet gave lots of options but Asgard seemed to offer the best balance between the three. All that was left was to narrow it down to what model/ size. The 4 bike Access seemed the right one and was delivered.
In an ideal world I would have been able to wait until the warmer weather, whenever that arrived, but it was too slow in coming so I commenced on a freezing cold Sunday morning, brushing snow and ice off of the concrete base and continuing the build in very light snow.

Concrete base for Asgard sheds

My first recommendation is not to attempt anything in weather like this. The concrete base had been poured as per the instruction sheet and it was nice to know that the base would be the right size and more importantly level.

Access Bike Shed base

Drilling the holes to attach the base is hard work. A good drill bit is vital, as is some patience, all the hard work that you put in here is making it harder to remove by anyone else. This is the start of the security. Warmed up from the drilling it was time to begin the build.
The panels are well labelled and easy to navigate, via the instructions. Most of the job can be done by one person, its only when the heavy door needs adding that you need to enlist some assistance.

Step by Step building an Asgard bike shed

If you are used to certain Scandinavian flat pack builds the way things go together here will be a very different experience. You know when things are right, they tighten together nicely and there’s a satisfaction in knowing that the connections are tight.

Asgard bike sheds come with easy to follow instructions

Linked with this is the fact that the screws tap out the threads that they are being screwed into. This gives a super-tight connection which is good to have, but at some angles can make screwing in initially a bit tough. I found that with some of the hard to reach screws is was easier to run a screw in, to open up the thread a little, and then screw the two parts together. This meant that it was a little easier in the end.

Large double door access

Apart from drilling through the concrete the hardest part is getting the hinges on the roof lined up with the holes at the back of the shelter.

Easy Access Bike Shed Roof

The instructions are a little vague but a bit of logic lets you see the correct order before trying to line the holes up and push the bolts through. This is the point at which any misalignment will be apparent. Even with a specifically poured base we were out and it took some pushing, coercing and a little bit of swearing to get the first hinge attached. As is often the case the first is the most difficult and the subsequent hinges got a little easier, or we got better at coercing.

2 bikes still leaves plenty of space

With this out of the way it was a breeze to get the rest of the shelter built. Possibly due to the base being level we didn’t need to do any work to get the locking hinges lined up at the end.

How long did it take? I wasn’t really timing it as I wanted it to be correct rather than quick, but suffice to say I’ve climbed and descended Mt Ventoux quicker. My advice is not to rush it as something this sturdy should be in place for a very very long time, so why rush getting it built?

There’s still space with 3 bikes

Four bikes fit comfortably inside. If you have lots of very wide-barred mountain bikes you may have trouble with the width but with a selection of drop and flat barred bikes it was no problem. And there is room around the ends for a track pump and bike stand. I’m now thinking that some of the optional extra shelves might be useful for things like tools and oil.

The Asgard Access ideal for 4 bikes

With the shelter the main thing is security, I live in London after all. Having built it, felt the weight/ rigidity and quality of materials I am very happy. Short of using explosives I can’t see anyway that someone is getting to my bikes. Now all I need is my fingers to defrost enough to ride one of the bikes.

See the Asgard Access 4 Bike Storage Unit and the full range of Asgard Bike Storage.

Men and their sheds

A recent survey carried out by Cuprinol has found some interesting statistics on men and their sheds. A man’s shed has always been associated with an ‘escape’ or ‘haven’, a special place that men can have all to themselves.

This survey has revealed that:

• 65% of Britons own a garden shed and out of those surveyed it was found that 21% of men flee to their shed to avoid family arguments.
• 12% of men also admitted to preferring time spent in the shed compared to time with their families.
• 49% of those surveyed said they would be lost without their sheds
• 6% said that they would like to be buried inside their garden shed

This survey shows just how much we Brits love our garden sheds.

If you are looking for a new ‘haven’ or ‘escape’, take a look at the Asgard range of metal garden sheds. With a wide range to suit all needs, you are bound to find the perfect shed retreat for you.

Information taken from The Telegraph