If you’ve spent a shed load on a bike, chances are you’ll be paying close attention to how and where you store it. They’re prime targets for thieves looking for a quick payday. With the security concerns around location-tracking apps like Strava, safely storing yours away at home has become even more important.
Whether you need to find a home for your gravel bike or somewhere to store a family of two-wheelers, consider these ideas.
Wall-mounted racks
If you’re living in a house or flat with limited floor space, mounting your bike securely on a wall may be an excellent option. Not only does this free up space for something else, it can be a quirky, functional décor piece as well.
The design can be as extravagant or basic as you like. A simple, wooden DIY construction could allow your bike to rest balanced on one or two bits of wood or metal. Otherwise, a shop-bought wall rack could be an easier addition if you’re not the handy type.
Keep in mind that you’ll probably need to drill into the wall, and permission if it’s not a property you own.
Ceiling-mounted pulley systems
A property or garage with high ceilings may be the perfect space for a pulley system. With these, you can hoist your bike up to the ceiling when not in use, freeing valuable room beneath.
Well-designed pulley systems should have a secure locking mechanism to prevent drops. They should also help you lift the weight without needing excessive strength. If you or your family don’t need regular access to your bikes, this could be perfect.
Free-standing racks
This is a simpler and more adaptable option if you’re renting or don’t want to risk drilling into walls and ceilings. Free-standing bike racks come in different shapes and sizes – some designed to keep them horizontal and others to store them vertically against walls for space saving.
If you’ll likely need to move your storage solution around, these give you the freedom to do that. It’ll make the process of moving easier, too!
Under-stairs storage
The space beneath stairs is an often-overlooked storage area. If you have one and it’s big enough to fit your bike, why not create a dedicated nook for it? You could use hooks or small racks to hold it upright, or just stand it against the wall.
This option keeps the bike accessible for regular use but out of the way so you don’t have to sacrifice space elsewhere. Additional shelves and hooks could give you somewhere to keep accessories such as helmets, tools and apparel nearby.
