Having a bike means you need a place or a way to store it.
If you have a garage or enough space, it won’t be a challenging problem. But if you are working with limited space, then we have the right guide for you.
You can use racks or pulleys to keep your bike hanging, and in the process, save a lot of space on the ground.
In today’s article, we’ll tell you how to hang your bike on a wall correctly and what other options you have to store your bike at home.
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Hanging Bikes, How Much Space Can You Save?
The amount of space you’ll save will depend on the size of your bike.
If you have a standard bicycle, then you’ll be saving a considerable amount of space by hanging it. However, if you own a BMX or other small models, then the amount of space saved will be less as the bike requires less storage space.
Here’s what you have to keep in mind before hanging your bike from a wall.
Space You’ll Be Working With
The solution you’ll use to store your bike will depend on the amount of space you have to work with. If you have storage, a garage, or an empty room, then there’s not much to do.
However, if you have limited space, then a vertical rack placed on a wall might be the best solution.
Using a rack will also depend on how high your ceiling is and how much space you have to hang the bike. If you can and have space, then the taller vertical rack is the best option.
Tip: Take into consideration the space you’ll need to walk freely around the bike once it hangs from the wall.
Weight of the Bike
If you have an electric bike that weighs more than a standard, you should avoid hanging your bike from the wall. The weight can bring the rack down and damage the floor and wall, as well as your bike.
Note: If you are a tenant, then remember to ask for permission before making any property changes.
Safety
Never store a bike in hallways or near exit doors as it can be dangerous. Always hang the bike in places that won’t interfere with emergency exits.
Another thing to consider is the presence of kids and pets that could get hurt by playing with the hanging bicycle.
The Wall and the Floor
One important detail to examine is how resistant the wall is. If your wall is not made of sturdy materials, you can’t install the racks.
So, be sure that the wall will hold the weight before making any adjustments. Keep in mind that you should also make sure that the floor won’t get damaged during the process.
The Size of the Wheel
Before buying a rack or any other equipment to store your bike, you should make sure that it will fit the bike’s wheels. Some frames use measurements, so try using the dimensions of your wheels.
Another thing to consider is that if your bike has carbon fairings, you should avoid hanging your bike from the wheels. Instead, use an alternative type of hanger that does not put weight on the carbon fairings.
What’s the Best Type of Bike Storage Rack For You?
Bike hangers depend on the size of your wheels and the weight of your bike.
If your bike is small, it requires less resistance and a less powerful rack. On the other hand, if your bike is heavy with big wheels, then you’ll need more power from the frame.
If you don’t know which type of rack you need, here is a list of each kind and what it does.
Kickstands
This is an excellent option for using inside a garage. Kickstands are easy to install and can withstand the weight of most standard recreational bikes. Depending on the model and material, they can also work for mountain bikes.
Floor Stands
This is perfect if you cannot install a rack on your wall. It is the kind of bike rack that you see in schools and on the streets. It goes over the floors, and all you need to do is secure your bike on it. However, it is not recommended if your floor is delicate.
Freestanding Racks
This is the ideal option for places where you can’t hang a bike from a wall, particularly if your home is rented. This type of rack usually comes with the possibility of holding more than one bike at a time, so you’ll get a bonus if you choose to use it.
Gravity Stands
This type of rack does not need installation. All you need to do is place it over a surface, and it will stabilize itself, thanks to the bike’s weight.
Wall Mounts
This is the go-to if you have a wall to spare and no space on the floor. Wall mounts come in different sizes and with additional features, but the standard model will give you the strength to hold a mountain bike with no problems.
When it comes to wall mounts, you can use a regular hook, a hook and a tray, hinges, and even horizontal wall mounts. The one you choose will depend on the type of bike you own and the wheels’ size.
It is challenging to hang a mountain bike with this type of mount, but it is possible to get a rack with moving arms. The arms will help you move the mountain bike to the right angle for safe hanging.
Ceiling Mounts
This is an excellent option for garages and gear rooms, and it is convenient if you have more than one bike. These racks are easy to install and don’t take much space, as they use the area near the ceiling.
The most challenging aspect of this type of bike storage is lifting the bike to the ceiling. It is even more challenging if the bike is heavier than a standard mountain bike.
It can also be complicated if you have a high ceiling. If this is the case, you will need to use a ladder every time you want to access the mounts.
If you use it for daily storage, then keep the bike hanging close enough to the floor for you to unmount it easily. If you use it to store your bike for more than a couple of days, then you can keep the bicycle as close to the ceiling as possible.
Hoist Bike Storage
If you are looking for an alternative to ceiling mounts, then this is the option for you. It is perfect for high ceilings and for hanging more than one bike at a time. A hoist will raise your bike from the floor, and therefore, help you save space.
Hoists are a pulley system that lifts the bike and lets it hang. Using the pulleys will make the process a lot easier than with standard racks. Most hoist bike storages can accommodate up to 12 feet (3.6m).
What Do You Need To Hang a Bike?
First of all, you need a sturdy surface that can withstand the process of installing hangers.
Once you have the surface, you’ll need the proper hangers for your wheels’ size and your bike’s weight.
Here’s a list of what you need:
- A hanger rack or other equipment
- A resistant surface to install the hanger
- Enough space to place the bike without making it hard to move around
- A couple of screwdrivers, including an electric model
How Hard Is It To Hang a Bike?
The process of installing the hangers can take 10-30 minutes, depending on the space and your experience with the tools.
However, there’s more to hanging than just installing the racks. For example, if you install the racks in a place that is difficult to access, then hanging the bike will also be problematic.
Avoid second floors or higher floors unless you have an elevator to make the process easier.
Hanging a bike can be slightly more manageable if your bike is lighter. Depending on the weight, the process can take from 2-15 minutes. Some bikes are more challenging to hang than others, especially if they are heavy and have bigger wheels.
Conclusion
There are many ways to store a bike and save space in the process.
You could use a rack mounted on the wall or a pulley system to keep the bicycle hanging from the ceiling. Although, you should make sure both your wall and ceiling can withstand the weight of your bike.
Hanging a bike from a wall or ceiling mount can be challenging, especially if your bike is bigger and heavier than a standard recreational bicycle. The size of the wheels will also determine the type of rack you’ll need.
But if you already know the weight, size, and wheels you use, finding the right frames will merely be an inconvenience.
Overall, hanging your bike will ensure you save space and will keep your bike secure inside your home.
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Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Danijel Cakalic
