How to Store your Beloved Bike: Tips and Tricks

It is important to know how to store your bicycle. Here are some considerations when thinking about bicycle storage for your needs.

Types of Bicycles

When planning your bicycle storage, consider what type of bicycles you will be storing:

• Road bicycles are lightweight bicycles with skinny, low-tread tires. They are designed for fast travel on paved roads. If you commute, you will want a storage option that allows for quick retrieval and parking.
• Mountain bicycles are heavy-duty bicycles with wide treaded wheels. They provide plenty of shock absorption suitable for riding unpaved trails. These bikes can get quite muddy, so outdoor storage may be preferable.
• Electric bicycles are outfitted with a battery-powered motor, making cycling accessible for all. Whether storing indoors or outside, make sure you protect the motor of this type of bicycle from rain and wind.
• Folding bicycles are a compact, commuter-friendly option that’s portable and easy to store. You may be able to get by with a simple rack or even a shelf to store this type of bicycle.
• Recumbent bicycles are low to the ground and offer a unique silhouette to consider for your storage solution. They’re a great candidate for an outdoor bicycle shed or tent.

Do you have multiple types of bicycles to store? Will you get a new type of bicycle in the future? Plan ahead to save on installation costs.

Bicycle Storage Consideration

There are a number of important factors to consider when planning your storage solution.

The size of your bicycles determines which storage options will minimize the space they take up. Consider both the frame and the size of your wheels. Depending on the space you have available, you may want to store your bicycle with the side flat against the wall, or vertically with wheels perpendicular to the wall.

The type of bicycle you own can also guide your decision. Do you own a road bike that you use to commute every day? Or do you own a mountain bike that you take out for weekend rides twice a month? Some storage options are more accessible than others.

Check the weight of your bicycles and make sure whatever option you select can provide the support it needs. Lightweight road bikes can be mounted on most hooks and walls. If you own a heavy mountain bike, you might want to consider a floor rack or a hoist with a high weight limit.

Will strangers have access to your bicycle storage area? If so, you will want to research security options to prevent theft. Chains and locks go a long way to protect your bicycle, but make sure you secure your wheels, frame, handlebars, and seat. Keep your bicycle covered for extra security through obscurity.

Wall and floor protection is another factor. This is an important consideration for tenants and homeowners alike. Tires can leave unsightly marks, and it only takes one wrong move to knock a hole in the drywall with a heavy bike. If your bicycle storage will have high traffic, try to install it in an area that can support it.

• Will you store your bicycle indoors or outside? Both offer pros and cons:
• Indoor storage keeps your bicycle better secured against the elements and from theft.
• However, indoor storage can also increase the risk of damaging floors and walls. It is also inconvenient if you live on the second floor or higher of a building.
• Outdoor storage ensures more room to keep your bicycle and less worry about the mess when engaging in repair and maintenance.
• But outdoor storage also requires that you take steps to cover your bicycle and invest in a security solution.

Whether you live in a home or an apartment will determine what kind of storage you have at your disposal. You might prefer outdoor storage, but you simply may not have the option. This is where creative indoor solutions really shine.

Bicycle storage is something you can do yourself. It can be a fun weekend project that lets you exercise your creativity and craftsmanship. It’s a great way to free up space and help organize your bicycle repair workspace at the same time.

For expediency’s sake, you may want to hire a professional. A professional installer can ensure security and quality in a fraction of the time it takes to install by yourself.

Best Way to Store your Bicycle at Home or your Apartment

There are a multitude of indoor storage solutions at your disposal. The best indoor storage is the one that promotes ease of use while ensuring minimal space usage.

Try a wall-mounted storage hook. This lets you display your bike in the hallway or in a room while minimizing its space profile. You can also use a storage hook in the garage to keep your bicycle out of the way of your car.

A bicycle storage wall provides room to stack multiple bikes in the same area. This is a great solution for households with multiple riders, or for the avid collector.

If you have a room with high ceilings or a garage, you can store your bicycle high on the wall with a hoist and pulley system. This is an intriguing space-saving solution that makes it easy to retrieve your bicycle when you need it.

For the best space-saving option, outdoor storage solutions are the way to go. A parking rack offers a classic organizational system with a chic urban feel. Standing wall racks let you stack multiple bikes vertically.

A covered balcony combines the space-saving convenience of outdoor storage with the protection and security of indoor options. You can even use your balcony as a repair and maintenance area with the addition of shelving and tool racks.

For maximum security outdoors, look into installing a bike storage shed. Not only will this prevent theft, but it will also protect your valuable bikes from rain and wind damage. Wood options are relatively lightweight and durable. Metal options provide superior impact resistance for high-wind situations.

If you’re looking for a minimalist solution, try these low-fuss options:

• A simple kickstand attachment keeps your bicycle standing upright.
• A gravity rack leans against the wall and uses the force of gravity to secure your bicycle.
• A floor rack organizes one or multiple bicycles in a standing position.

Looking to add that extra-special touch to your decor? Get creative by using your bicycle rack as a statement piece.

• An upright storage solution can work as a room divider to section a larger space. Use in a large living room to form multiple areas for dining and socializing. It makes an incredible conversational piece for friends and family.
• Take advantage of high ceilings and turn your bicycle into a crowd-wowing display item with wall brackets mounted high on the wall. This is an excellent option for collectors with rare rides to show off.
• Display your bike above your bed or dresser for a charming addition to your bedroom decor. Enthusiasts will love the opportunity to showcase a vintage bicycle, or to keep a treasured possession close by.

Your bicycle can remain relatively clean indoors, but dust can build up on moving parts and hinder smooth operation. A textile cover is a fantastically simple solution to extend the maintenance of your bike indoors. Outdoor solutions include waterproof tents and sheds sized for your bicycle.

Core Bicycle Repair/Maintenance Items

Some storage solutions provide extra space for repair and maintenance essentials. This maximizes convenience and makes repair accessible. Be sure to include these items in your storage repair kit.

• A floor pump with a pressure gauge lets you swiftly inflate your tires with just the right amount of air.
• Hex wrenches in different sizes let you remove and adjust bike components in a jiffy.
• A selection of brushes and rags work to remove grime and oil that build up with daily use.

Bonus: For the passionate competitor

Want to boost your accomplishments in a unique way? Put your race bibs, medals, and trophies on display for all to see.

• A standard hook rack lets you hang medallions with ease.
• A specialized bib and medal display option consists of a panel to showcase your race bibs along with a series of staggered hooks for hanging medals.
• Make your own medal rack from everyday items. You can use a tie rack, an ornament tree, or construct your own with hooks screwed into a wooden dowel.
• A hook rack with a display shelf on top provides a handy home for your treasured award, while medals dangle below from the row of hooks.
• A standing shelf gives you plenty of space for all your trophies, while bibs can be displayed in easel-back photo frames as a charming complement.

Bicycle storage doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many options available to suit everyone. Whether you’re a casual rider, a daily commuter, or a weekend warrior, your bicycle will benefit from a dedicated storage solution. Prolong the life of your bicycle and protect your treasured possession with a storage solution customized to your lifestyle.

Originally posted in Porch.com