We’ve all got a dream garage or workshop in mind, where tools and components come easily to hand and 4mm hex keys grow on trees.
Okay, I admit that last part drifts into the realms of fantasy – there’s definitely a 4mm thief at large – but having a well-organised workshop makes maintaining bikes simpler, and removes the mental barrier to fixing your bike.
My colleagues would be the first to point out my unique spatial organisation skills, utilising every inch of my desk to store anything I might deem useful at a later date.
It’s the same case for my workshop at home, with offcuts, components and tools scattered across my bench and in various boxes.
I’m beginning to think I just don’t have the tools to be organised – but these bargainous shelves from BiGDUG look as though they could put me on the right track. And who knows, I might even invest in a label maker.
Garage Workstation
This Garage Workstation from BiGDUG is the dream setup for many home mechanics, consisting of a workbench, drawers, cupboards, and a wall-mounted perforated tool hook panel.
With the overhead lockers and tool hook panel, it should be easy to keep track of all your tools and spares.
This "Mega Deal" has been reduced from £489.99 to £440, and could see you with a workstation that rivals your local bike shop.
Each cupboard includes height-adjustable shelves and lockable doors for secure storage.
BiGDUG says the unit stands on 50mm height-adjustable feet, making it ideal even for uneven surfaces.
The worktop should stand up to some abuse, made from 30mm thick FSC-approved Solid Hevea wood, and the drawers should open smoothly thanks to ball-bearing runners.
I'd probably opt for the 4 drawer and 1 door option, although there are larger units available if you need more space.
This is the end-goal garage setup for me, but at the reduced £440 price tag, it's not out of reach.
Heavy-duty shelving
Part of the problem is that, except for a pegboard and a snide toolbox, there’s nowhere in my garage to store larger items or tools.
BiGDUG’s Garage Heavy Duty shelving looks perfect for keeping my spare components and heavier tools, with its steel frame and 600kg load capacity likely to be unfazed by whatever I have to throw at it.
It also comes in a blue colourway that would match a certain brand of tools I’ve come to collect.
The shelf comes in 900mm to 2,400mm widths and there’s also the option of 450mm to 600mm depths, with the deeper shelf looking more appealing for my setup.
BiGDUG says the unit is easy to erect, and the company sells storage bins that sit neatly inside the shelving for better organisation.
These come as larger boxes, as well as smaller bins that enable you to see into them before opening them.
When I eventually get around to clearing my workshop out, it’s highly likely that shelves such as these will be going in – if only to elevate the countless boxes from the floor to a more prestigious position, within easier reach.
