Bike Storage, News

New and Improved Dero Decker Two-tiered Bike Parking System

Dero is proud to introduce the new and improved Dero Decker. This innovative, two-tiered bike parking system is now easier to install, smoother to operate, and more affordable than ever. Same great space-saving efficiency, but with additional features making this popular product a must for any bike room or bike shelter where space is at a premium.
U-lock compatibleThe new Dero Decker remains fully u-lock compatible.
Fat Bike Tray for the Dero Decker, so people with bikes with larger tires can park on these lower trays.
The new Dero Fat Bike Tray is compatible with the Dero Decker system.
Dero Decker. The top trays are 40 pounds lighter and include set screws so installers can easily set the downward resting position of the upper trays to accommodate different floor clearances. Installation requires 60% less drilling into the floor than the previous iteration, and installers no longer need to measure the position of the lower trays, since they now come with a bolting foot plate guide. This modular system comes in sections of four bikes (two up and two down) and can be either single or double-sided. In addition, the new track design means top trolleys no longer need to be greased or maintained.
Easier to set up, smoother to use and more affordable.
Bike Storage, Tips

Campus Bike Parking: An Introductory Course

A+ Bike Parking

First and foremost, quality bike parking on any campus means more than just something to lock to (that would barely qualify as a passing grade). Good bike racks and bicycle storage should be u-lock compatible, protect students’ bikes from the elements, and be numerous enough to meet demand. Everyone hates searching for a spot to park when you’re already late for class!

Bike shelters are a great example of quality bicycle storage that protects students’ bikes from bad weather. In the above photo, a student at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN checks out a bike from the campus bike share program. The Kolo Shelter is a perfect solution for fitting two-tiered systems, like the Dero Decker, to double up on bike parking capacity.

indoor bike room A bike room at Portland State University.

It should be no surprise that bike rooms receive an “A” grade in our book. Fully enclosed, secure parking, like in Portland State University’s Bike Garage, includes both two-tier and floor-mounted parking options, which accommodates many different types of bikes. Many bike rooms are furnished with public bike repair amenities, such as the Fixit repair stand and Air Kit bike pumps.

Keep Students Rolling

public bike repair stand The Dero Fixit public bike repair stand.

Bike repair stands don’t only belong in bike rooms. They’re perfect for busy bike paths, in or outside student residence halls, and in central public spaces on campus. The Dero Fixit provides all the necessary tools so students can perform basic bike maintenance. Add either an Air Kit 2 or Air Kit 3, and students have the ability to repair flats or top off the air in their tires.

Public bicycle repair stands are also great educational opportunities. Many campuses teach fix-a-flat or tune-up classes at the stands, so students can learn how to use all of the tools available to them. Here are a few videos that colleges and universities made to highlight their campus bike repair:

University of Iowa, UT Arlington, Tufts University, Penn State, University of Oregon.

Encourage Active Transportation

College campuses have high numbers of active people in a concentrated area. Dero ZAP is our automated commuter tracking program and is used to incentivize and gather data on students’ commutes at campuses across the country.

At the University of Minnesota, Dero ZAP has been used to track both faculty and students’ commutes since 2012. Steve Sanders, Alternative Transportation Manager at the U, says that “Since the program’s inception in 2012 we’ve seen increased bicycle mode share and a deepened cycling culture. We’ve also been extremely pleased by how many women are actively participating – over 40% of participants are women.”

For more information on Dero ZAP, watch our “How it works” video.

Cultivate Campus Identity

bike rack on college campus St. Olaf Collage chose to highlight their logo in this custom laser-cut Bike Bike Rack.

As more colleges and universities invest more resources into their biking infrastructure, custom racks are a great way for schools to stand out and add a personalized touch to their bike parking. At Dero, we’ve had years of experience making custom projects a reality. All we need is your school’s logo or mascot.

bike friendly campus logo

Feel confident you’ve mastered Campus Bike Parking 101? Time to take your biking game to the next level: consider applying for Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) status through the League of American Bicyclists. Dero has been a Gold certified Bike Friendly Business for over 4 years (you can read our story here), and we hope you “ace” your BFU application!

Bike Storage, News

Vertical Bike Rack Comparison

Vertical bike racks can park double the capacity of standard racks, making them perfect for projects with limited space. With an abundance of vertical racks on the market, how do you choose the best one? At Dero HQ, we tested three different models based on three criteria: Avoiding handlebar, pedal, and accessory conflicts; overall security; and bicycle compatibility.

The Dero Ultra Space Saver line-up, which includes square-tubed and single hanger versions, is designed to excel at all three of the above criteria. How did it compare to the competition? Watch the video below to see how each vertical bike rack stacked up.

Public Bike Repair

Notes From a Bike Parking Nerd: Public Bike Repair

Fixits

Public bike repair goes with quality bicycle parking like a smile while riding your favorite two-wheeled steed. Riders never know when they’ll need to make a minor adjustment, whether it’s tightening brakes, pumping up tires, or adjusting seatpost height. Bike repair amenities like our Fixit and Tool Kits are at home in nearly any setting–secured bike rooms, city parks and trails, covered bike shelters, college campuses, and private businesses. Both the Fixit and Tool Kits include all the necessary tools to perform basic repairs and maintenance, and they’re securely attached using aircraft grade stainless steel cables and tamper-resistant fasteners. Also check out our crowdsourced map with locations of nearly 900 public Fixit stations around the world.

Differences between Air Kit 2 & Air Kit 3

We offer two heavy-duty air pump models to accompany your public bike repair. The Air Kit 2 and Air Kit 3 were both designed from the ground up by Dero engineers, are constructed from quality steel tubing, and require minimal upkeep to maintain (more on this later in the post). The primary differences between the two models are: Air Kit 2:
  • -Both Fixit-mounted and freestanding options
  • -Smaller footprint
  • -No pressure gauge

Air Kit 3:

  • -Freestanding mount only
  • -Larger footprint
  • -Includes waterproof, anti-fog pressure gauge
Step 3b

Pump maintenance 101

Our Air Kit pumps both feature lots of moving parts. And like the components on your bicycle, worn out or abused parts occasionally need to be replaced to keep them functioning optimally. The most common maintenance you will perform on your Air Kit is replacing the hose and/or pump head. Fortunately for you, we have detailed video and print instructions that walk you through this process for replacing the pump head and hose on an Air Kit 2. Additionally, nearly all of the replacement parts for our Air Kits (and Fixit stands) can be easily ordered on our website. Pump-stop1

Pump Stops

Pump Stops are the most unassuming product in our bike repair lineup.Not everyone has a kickstand, so we designed it to accompany our Air Kit pumps. A Pump Stop holds your bicycle upright so you can easily fill your tires with air, without risking it falling over in the process. If you need any further assistance with planning or maintaining your public bike repair amenities, please feel free to reach out to our customer service department by calling (888) 337-6729.
News, Streetscapes

Introducing the Biker Bar™ and Saddle Buddy™

The Biker Bar™ gives bicyclists a convenient place to rest while waiting at an intersection. The Saddle Buddy™ offers a spot for bicyclists to hang their bikes at trailheads or rest areas.

Biker Saddle The Biker Bar is a leaning rail designed to give bicyclists a place to rest a hand and foot to balance while waiting at an intersection, never needing to dismount. People on bikes will no longer have to reach for the curb or a sign post to support them at traffic lights. The Biker Bar also acts as a push-off point, assisting riders in getting an efficient start from a full stop. This helps keep traffic moving efficiently and safely through the intersection. The Biker Bar also gives bicyclists a designated area to wait in a queue and out of the crosswalk, so pedestrians have a clear path. The Biker Bar is modular, so depending on the location, it can be extended to accommodate more bicyclists. It is easy to install and includes tamper-proof hardware. The Saddle Buddy is a perfect amenity for mountain bike trailheads and park rest areas. Its simple design allows bikers to hang bikes from the front of the saddle, keeping them upright. While taking a break or gearing up for the ride ahead, bicyclists no longer need to find a nearby tree to lean their bike on or a patch of grass to lay their bike down. The Saddle Buddy is not designed as a lockable bike rack, but rather a convenient spot for riders who won’t be leaving bikes unattended. Available in galvanized steel to hold up to the elements.