Owning a bike has its fair share of advantages, but it can be difficult to imagine owning one when you live in a small apartment.
Bikes take up a lot of room, so storing them in such a limited space can make it look cluttered and messy. And when you have one item taking up so much space, navigating around it can be challenging.
Does this mean you should give up your bike or not even buy one at all? Of course not.
You simply need to think outside the box and explore creative options for how to store bicycles in the apartment.
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Things to Consider When Storing a Bike in an Apartment
With just a few changes in your home organization, you can make space for your bike and the equipment you need to keep it in its prime.
But before you explore your storage options, you should take note of the following details:
Bike Weight
A regular road bike can weigh anywhere between 22 to 29 pounds, more if it’s an expensive mountain bike. If you want to mount it somewhere unobtrusive, you need specialized tools and racks.
Remember to store your bike so its weight doesn’t damage the wheels. Make sure that the hooks and other tools you use will secure your bike’s entire weight.
If the attachments come loose, the force exerted if the bike falls will damage your floor along with your bike.
Apartment Space
As they say, the devil is in the details. Many people think they can store their bikes in their apartments but don’t even consider the limited space available.
You must store your bike in an area where you won’t have to navigate around it and where it will not be exposed to the elements. These considerations will ensure a long life for your bike and little to no hassle as you move around your apartment.
Creative Ways to Store Bike in Apartment
If you’ve been stumped about how to store bicycle in apartment, here are five simple ideas and hacks that should work like a charm:
1. Hanging It on the Wall
This is the most popular option for many bikers with limited storage space. A bike wall mount is relatively easy to install, and the bike does not take up any storage or floor space.
All you need are durable hooks or screws that can support the entire weight of your bike. And, if you’re feeling creative, you can also make bike storage part of your interior decor.
Put up paintings around the bike to create a focal point, or DIY your way through it by constructing a bike holder out of some drop handlebars and an old tire. This setup will save space and take your interior decor to the next level.
2. Hanging It Behind a Door
Storing a bike in plain sight can make it stick out like a sore thumb, which does not spell well for your aesthetic sensibilities. To that end, you may want to consider storing your bike in an unobtrusive area, like the back of a door.
Installation is just as easy as mounting it on the wall, and the bike racks or hangers don’t take up crucial floor space, which is a win-win. Either install a bike rack that unfolds from the wall, similar to a murphy bed, or drill metal hooks to hang it up.
3. Leaving It on the Balcony
If you cannot spare wall or door space, consider storing your bicycle outdoors, on your balcony or porch. These areas may have just enough space to store a bike and keep it out of the way.
Talk to your landlord first to ensure using the outdoor space is permitted. If you opt to store your bike outdoors, you must mitigate a significant risk of damage or theft.
Take measures to protect your investment with a waterproof cover, sturdy locks, or even an alarm system.
4. Using a Bike Stand
A bike stand is a fantastic storage option for your bike. It is inexpensive, simple to use, and provides top-grade stability while minimizing the risk of damage.
Choose a bike stand that can easily hold bikes of any size or weight. You can opt to get one custom-made so that you can add storage space for helmets and other cycling gear.
If on the other hand, you prefer a more budget-friendly solution, you can easily make your own DIY bike stand. Eiter way, this will significantly reduce bike-related clutter in your apartment.
Try to select a bike stand design that will complement or even elevate your interior decor, not detract from it.
5. Parking It Behind Furniture
If you have some floor space available, consider parking your bike in your closet or behind a large piece of furniture such as a bookshelf or couch.
If you can tuck it in next to something bigger instead of hanging it high up, it will be much more convenient to roll your bike out of the apartment and go for a ride. This storage option does not require tools, and you don’t need to drill holes in the wall.
You will have to give up some floor space for the cause, but as it provides stability at no additional cost, it’s a great option to explore. If you can manage this with only a bit of rearranging, there won’t be anything to worry about.
Conclusion
Just because you live in an apartment does not mean you have to say goodbye to your treasured two-wheeler.
You just have to know how to store bicycle in apartment the right way. Experiment with these options and settle on the one that works best for you.
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Last Updated on July 13, 2023 by Danijel Cakalic
