double decker bike shed.

[Beebo]

We have been told to clear everything out of our bike shed at the weekend so the workmen can install a new double decker rack, thereby increasing the capacity from 16 to 32 bike racks.
I've no idea what type of racks they'll be fitting, but I'm seeking advice from the gathered masses,
Is it best to park the bike up top or down below?
What are the pros and cons of each?

 

[HLaB]

I could be wrong but I think the top would be more effort but I would be tempted to make the effort than have crap falling from a bike above onto mine if below.

 

[Beebo]

I could be wrong but I think the top would be more effort but I would be tempted to make the effort than have crap falling from a bike above onto mine if below.

That's what I though too, but wondered if the CC crew had any first hand experience.
Another thing that I thought was, what if someone has blocked the bottom rack so you cant get your bike down?

 

[Blurb]

Seems quite straightforward -
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1bgcJMIV8Q

And they look offset on some of the uploaded vids, so may avoid most of the carp falling on the lower level.
No personal experience, sorry.

 

[Paul99]

If they are anything like the racks outside Cambridge station then get your bike on top.

The racks slide out and down, and then back up again with little effort. I have seen bikes on the lower tier get some poor treatment (particularly if they are not well parked) from both their neighbours and careless (thoughtless) top tier parkers.

The bottom tier are also subject to people trying to lock their bikes where a space has already been taken, leaving you with problems retrieving your own bike.

Some pics...

http://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/104/article13.html

 

[MichaelO]

Ive used these ones at Redhill station before - very easy to use, but definitely use the top rack!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Ive used these ones at Redhill station before - very easy to use, but definitely use the top rack!

They are being installed all over the Southern network. Regrettably locally they are proving too easy for scrotes to dismantle and make off with someone else's pride and joy. But very easy to use.

We thought of speccing them for work but went with lockers in the end.