Liz, good info about getting around Vancouver can be found here:
http://www.translink.bc.ca/

I'll chat with DH, who is much less directionally challenged than I, and knows Vancouver quite well, for more tips to get you to John Henry the bicycle man in North Van.

To me, if you're working on keeping the hotel costs low, staying in Richmond does make sense, however, if you want the downtown Vancouver experience, the Granville Island Hotel, and all of wonderful Granville Island, are so fabulous! Totally worth it! And they have always been very good about storing our bikes in their locked manager's office behind the front desk.

Have fun!!

Hugs & butterflies,
~T~