The trouble with kids and cycles is that once the thrill of riding about at high speed on a cycle for several hours is over, no one want to cart their cycles back to the safety and security of the shed. Then of course there are summer showers such as a very light and fluffy (extremely heavy and thundery) one we had today, which can contribute to the metal parts of the bike rusting over time. So what can you do for a quick solution?

To cope with situations like this we bought an Argos Bike and Cycle Cover, we picked it from the range of products we saw, as it was the cheapest one at just £5.99. It wasn't listed here, but I felt that it was very handy for a cheaper ranged cycle /bike protector, so suggested it as a DooYoo product. I am pleased to now be able to share my thoughts.

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What we liked about the cover was the fact that it has a see through look to it, so that the kids could easily spot whose cycle was parked where under the cover. This settles the problem of one child trashing the others cycle when trying to get theirs out from under the cover to some extent. You can park not one but 2 cycles under there, with enough room to cover them both to a reasonable level.

The cover has a handy elasticated piece at the front and rear of the cover to allow for a better fit than just a loose flat piece of pvc covering. The material is made from a water resistant pvc and if you position it well it won't collect too many pools of water when rained on heavily.

We find the cover to be very handy as sometimes a light summer shower can blow over quickly and you can easily pop out in time to cover the cycles up when they are grouped closely together. The elastic bits are enhanced further by the inclusion of velcro fasteners which provide a more secure fit to the cover.

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The cover is also marketed towards being a motorbike or scooter cover and it says that the cover should be enough to protect a motorbike or scooter of up to 500cc. Whilst we can get 2 cycles under the cover, I imagine you will only be able to fit one motorbike underneath it.

The size over the cover is approximately 35 - 98 cms high, 185cms long and 56-74cms deep, so allows for a variety of sizes of cycle to be covered. The quality of the material is fine for regular careful use. Although the thickness of the pvc material used, is not as good as the more expensive covers, it still does a reasonably good job.

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One thing I do need to mention is that the cover could become ripped or torn if taken off the cycle or motorbike too roughly. As it can catch on parts of the cycles at times. So care should be taken when removing the cover.

We don't leave the cycles out over winter so the cover has not been tested in very severe conditions. It has however been out in some rather heavy rain and managed to keep the cycles dry and protected.

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In terms of rating the product I feel it ought to get a 4 star rating. It offers very good value for money if used carefully. It will protect up to 2 cycles or 1 motorcycle and is reasonably priced. Ours has lasted well so far.

If you are looking to get something to use during summer down pours then this product will suit. If however you want a cover to use in harsher weather conditions, I would say your best bet will be a heavier more expensive cover.