Quicklist: Bike Storage
- Shed
- Rack
- Hook
- Hoists
- Shelf
- Storage Stand
- Tent
- Hitch
- Cover
- Freestanding
- Overhead
- Wall-Mounted
- Single
- Multiple
- Locking
- Folding
- One-Size-Fits-All
- Metal
- Wood
When it comes to storage and cycling, there’s storing items such as backpacks and saddlebags while you bike and there’s also the need to store your bike at home when you’re not using it.
Fortunate homeowners have a shed or a garage to store their two-wheeler in, but for those who don’t have the extra space, leaving the bike outdoors is out of the question.
A recent study reported that most bicycle thefts happened outdoors and these crimes have only a slim chance of ever being recovered — making room for a bike inside one’s home is not only practical but also a smart move.
Types of Bike Storage
Shed
Source: Wayfair
This is a great choice if you have multiple bikes and want to make sure that they are as safe as possible. These sheds are rather large so they are best suited for families who have enough outdoor space for them.
They are a lot more expensive than other options but the extra security and out-of-the-way storage that you will enjoy with a shed are worth the extra cost for a lot of people. They come in smaller sizes for two bikes, up to ones that will easily hold 10 bikes without having to cram them in.
Since they can be locked shut with a padlock, you don’t have to worry about your bikes accidentally disappearing from your yard.
Another major perk of using a shed to store your bike is that if you buy one large enough, you will be able to easily store other outdoor items in there as well.
This is great because you can easily store your bike helmets, baskets, and tire pumps with your bike instead of having to dig through the garage each time that you want to go for a ride. If you ever decide that bike riding isn’t for you, this shed can be repurposed and used to store outdoor equipment or toys for the kids.
Rack
Source: Wayfair
Mounting your bike on the wall is a great way to get it up and out of the way. Most of these racks will attach permanently to your wall so you don’t have to worry about how you are going to store your bike.
They generally hold multiple bikes but if you have a large family who enjoys riding, then you will need to invest a number of racks to ensure that you have enough space for all of the bikes to be stored.
There are freestanding racks available too and these will generally hold more bikes than ones that are attached to the wall. The problem with this is that they tend to take up more room but they are incredibly easy to use.
Racks can either hold the bike flat up against the wall, in which case you only have to worry about the handlebars sticking out into the garage and taking up extra space, or they can work by holding the wheels against the wall with the seat sticking out.
These are fairly easy to put your bike on and get it back down but tend to take up much more room in the garage and can make it difficult to pull in a car if you have limited space.
Hook
Source: Hayneedle
Instead of having to try to hang the bike by the frame, you can easily install a hook in your garage and use it to hang your bicycle by the wheel. This is a great option if you are in need of fast storage for your bike and don’t have a lot of room.
While it can be tempting to buy any hook to use for your bike, you want to make sure that you only buy ones that are specifically made to handle the weight of bicycles. One problem with using a hook is that the bike will stick out into the room so put the hook in the corner if possible to minimize how much space it takes up.
A hook can usually be used either by screwing it into the ceiling and hanging the bike straight up and down or attaching the hook to the wall and allowing the bike to hang flat against the wall.
Either way, the weight of the bike should be taken into consideration so that you don’t ever have to worry about the bike falling or pulling out the hook as this can result in considerable damage.
Hoists
Source: Houzz
A hoist is a great way to get the bike off of the floor and the wall, and store it on the ceiling. This is ideal if you have a very full garage and know that you do not have enough room to store your bike.
They are ideal if you have high ceilings and can even be used in loft apartments where there will still be enough space for people to walk underneath the bike. While they are a little more difficult to install than other choices, they make it incredibly easy to move your bicycle up and out of the way when you are done riding.
There are options that will store your bike horizontally along the ceiling but these are a lot more expensive and not everyone will need the additional space under the bike that these create.
You can easily buy a hoist that is made for just one bike or get one that can hold all of the bikes that your family has. In addition, some hoists come with a motor so that you don’t have to perform the manual labor of actually raising and lowering the bikes each time you want to go for a ride.
This is ideal if you are going to be storing a number of bikes or if you are not strong enough to move the hoist by yourself as the bikes tend to be quite heavy even with the pulley system removing some of the weight.
Shelf
Source: Etsy
Perfect for people who can only store their bikes in their home or want to turn a bicycle into a piece of art, a shelf allows you to neatly hang your bike on the wall in your living room. They come in a number of sizes, colors, and designs to match your current décor.
While some bike shelves also have room for books and items such as your keys or wallet, if you want a really streamlined appearance, then you will want to opt for a shelf that only has enough room to store your bike as it will be smaller and less obtrusive.
The problem with using a shelf is that your handlebars will stick out into the room but if this is the only way that you can store a bike, then that’s a trade-off you will have to make.
Look for a shelf that has a drawer or space for your keys as you are going to be much less likely to forget them when you go for a ride if they are stored right by your bike.
Storage Stand
Source: Wayfair
Ideal for people who need to store a lot of bikes all at once, storage stands look almost identical to the bike racks that are in so many cities and public places. You are able to simply wheel your bike straight into the rack and then it will lean in position until you are ready to ride again.
While these are a great option if you need storage for more than one bike, they do tend to take up a fair amount of space. It can be frustrating for people who don’t have enough floor space on their porches or in their garages to use a storage stand as you do need a lot of room for it.
Tent
Source: Hayneedle
If you are going to be spending time outside and know that you will want to protect your bike from the elements, then you will want to invest in a bicycle tent.
This is not a permanent storage solution as it will not keep people from stealing your bike but is a great way to keep the rain off of your bike if you are hiking or camping.
It consists of a pop-up frame and a heavy waterproof fabric that stretches over it to protect everything inside. While you can use this for a short period of time at your home, it really isn’t a great long-term solution.
Hitch
Source: Hayneedle
If you want to travel with your bike on road trips, then you will need a hitch that can hold your bike safely while you are on the road. One of the perks of using a great hitch is that when the road trip is over, it can be removed and still used as bicycle storage.
While not as permanent a solution as some of the other storage options available, heavy hitches are strong and sturdy enough to hold a bike or two even when not attached to the back of your vehicle.
This means that the hitch does double duty as it can work to help you take your bike on a trip but also keep it out of harm’s way in your garage when you are home and can save you from having to invest in another storage option for your garage.
Cover
Source: Hayneedle
This is one of the least expensive ways to protect and store your bike and is a great way to keep the rain and snow off of your bicycle when it is outside and not in use.
The problem with using a cover is that it is not going to keep your bike protected from thieves, but will keep it in great condition. While you can use covers outside, they are also a great choice for inside your garage as they will protect your bike from sawdust or overspray if you are an avid DIY-er.
Mounting
Freestanding
Source: Home Depot
Freestanding storage allows you to move your storage wherever you need it without the hassle of trying to get the storage off of the wall or ceiling. This is ideal if you know that you are going to be needing the space in your garage from time to time and can’t commit to having it used for bicycle storage all of the time.
This is also a great option if you do not want to attach your storage to the wall or ceiling or feel like you would not be able to do so without a lot of hassle. It’s easy for most anyone to use freestanding storage without any problems.
Overhead
Source: Houzz
Being able to store your bike up and out of the way is a great way to save space and ensure that you have easy access to your bike without it being in the way all of the time.
No matter if you use your overhead storage in the garage, in your home, or on your porch, you are likely to love that you don’t have to constantly step around your bike.
Not only does this keep your bike out of your way but also keeps it safe as nobody will knock it over or slam their car door into your bike when getting out of the vehicle.
Wall-Mounted
Source: Etsy
Wall-mounted storage is a great option if you don’t have enough room for freestanding storage for your bike and don’t want to have to deal with trying to store it on the ceiling.
While wall-mounted storage in the garage is very practical, if you opt for this storage in your home, then it’s a great way to show off your bike. Instead of just being a mode of transportation, you can quickly turn your bicycle into a piece of art when you mount it.
If you want the focus to be on the aesthetic beauty of your bike, then consider mounting it over a fireplace or dresser as it will become a focal point of the room. While you can still get it down to ride, this will keep it out of the way so that you don’t run into the handlebars.
Features
Single
Source: Home Depot
There’s no reason to have storage for multiple bikes if you only have one as this will just take up room and make your space look more cluttered than it is.
While some people like having the option of being able to store more bicycles in case friends come over or they invest in another bike, getting storage that is just for one bicycle will cut down on the amount of space that is used for the storage and will keep your space neat and open.
Multiple
Source: Wayfair
Ideal for families, people who have visitors on bikes all of the time, or those who like to have more than one bike option, storage for multiple bikes may be the best option for you.
The downside of this type of storage is that it is going to take up a lot more room in your garage or home but you won’t have to worry about the bikes tipping over or becoming damaged when you have a proper place for them when they are not in use.
If you do have a large family then you will want to make sure that the storage you choose has enough space for everyone’s bikes so that you don’t have to devote more room to another type of storage.
Locking
Source: Home Depot
Instead of relying on the goodwill of strangers or the small bike lock and chain that you have to deter them, when you invest in a high-quality locking storage option, then you won’t ever need to worry about the safety of your bike.
While this is important for any bike, it’s especially important if you have a very expensive or custom bike as you don’t want to go through the hassle and frustration of losing it and trying to file a police report to get it back.
Folding
Source: Home Depot
Enjoy extra room with a bike rack that can fold up against the wall when it is not in use. This can free up a lot of space in your garage or your home and allow you to reclaim that area when you need it.
If you need a bike rack for visitors or family members who like to come and ride but don’t leave their bikes at your home, then this is a great option for you.
It’s also a wonderful choice if you ride your bike to work and your spouse needs to be able to use the space in the garage while you are gone without worrying about the bike rack getting in the way.
Folding racks are a great option for inside the home as well as they are a lot slimmer and more streamlined than other storage choices, which means that your bike will stay out of the way and not take up a lot of space when not in use.
If you are going to use your rack inside, then you will want to look for one made of wood as it will be a lot more attractive and will fit better with your décor than one that is made of metal and plastic.
One-Size-Fits-All
Source: Home Depot
Instead of worrying about how you are going to store a specific bike, when you buy a storage solution that will fit all sizes, then there is never any concern over if it will fit. This is great if you like to change up your routine, swap out bikes regularly, or have a lot of visitors who will need to be able to store their bikes.
Instead of having to have multiple options for your guests, when you opt for a one-size-fits-all storage solution, you can rest easy that it won’t be a hassle for people to store their bikes when they are at your home.
Material
Metal
Source: Wayfair
When utility and durability are more important to you than the aesthetics of your bicycle rack, then you will want to choose one that is made of metal as it is going to be very strong and able to withstand a lot of abuse without being damaged or dinged.
Metal storage can be used in all kinds of elements without you worrying about it being ruined. If you are going to be displaying your bike in your home, then metal can look out of place unless you have an industrial aesthetic in your home, in which case it may fit right in with the rest of your décor.
Wood
Source: Houzz
Wooden bike storage is going to look beautiful and is the best option if you want to store your bicycle inside your home and turn it into a piece of art.
These bike storage options are generally hand-crafted, which means that they will be unique and different from any other piece that you can buy and will look beautiful in any home.
Make sure that when you choose wooden storage, it is high-quality as you want to make sure that it has all of the strength and durability that metal does so that you are not putting your bike at risk of falling or tipping over when you opt for wood over metal.
Best Bike Storage Solution for Apartments
If you live in a condo, townhome, apartment, or just a small space without a garage, then vertical bike storage is a great option. Hanging the bike vertically from the front wheel allows you to fit it into the wall space behind a door or in a corner.
Look for a bike rack that unfolds from the wall (think of it like an old-school ironing board). Once the rack is installed, all you need to do is tip it back on its rear wheel and roll it forward. Once the front wheel sits in the rack, you can securely attach it.
If you can’t do vertical bike storage, then a horizontal wall hanger can also be helpful. The key in a small space is to keep your bike either tucked away or higher up so that it’s not taking up a ton of floor space. If you choose to hang it on the wall, try a hanger that won’t stick out too far from the wall so that you’re not constantly bumping into it.
Of course, you can also rely on chaining your bike in front of your place, but you definitely run the risk of it being stolen at some point if you decide to go this route.
Best Bike Storage Solution for Large Families
If you have a big family and everyone enjoys riding their bicycle, then storage can easily become a daunting challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of great and versatile bike storage options for large families available, especially if you have a shed or a garage.
A floor bike stand rack works well, as long as everyone puts their bike back when they’re done. You can easily place each bike in a row against the wall of your garage while leaving plenty of room for tools, gardening stuff, and other items (you know, like your car).
Ultimately, ceiling bike racks provide you with the best way to keep everyone’s bike out of the way and free up your garage or shed floor space. This is also a good choice if you live in a cold climate where the family can only ride their bikes during the warmer months of the year.
Ceiling storage keeps the bikes secure while also keeping them out of your way so you can use the garage for other purposes.
Best Bike Storage Solution for E-Bikes
There’s no doubt that E-bikes are growing in popularity, but storing these specially-made bikes can be a bit more challenging than it is for traditional bikes due to their much heavier weight.
When it comes to storing these bikes, you’ll need to choose something that’s particularly rugged, durable, and heavy-duty enough to handle the weight, especially if it’s a ceiling rack. Some freestanding bike storage can work, but only if it’s specially designed for E-bikes and can be anchored to the ground or to the wall.
Look for products that are listed specifically for use with E-bikes to protect your investment. If you choose something too lightweight and too flimsy, the entire thing could topple over.
The same idea applies if you’re looking for E-bike racks for your vehicle. Always check with the manufacturer to confirm that the rack or storage option will work for your E-bike before you purchase something.
Best Bike Storage Solution for Garage
If your home has a garage, then storing your bikes is much easier than if you live in a small space or if you simply don’t have one. When it comes to bike storage in a garage, the method and product you choose largely depend on a few different factors.
First, if you only need to store one or two bikes, then a floor rack should be just fine. However, if you need to store several bikes at once, then it’s best to go with something vertical that hangs on the wall or try a ceiling rack that holds onto the bikes overhead.
People with smaller garages may not be able to mount them to the wall, but storing them on the ceiling will give you the extra square footage you need. A freestanding bike rack is also awesome, especially because you can easily move it around as you need to, depending on what you’re doing.
Look into a variety of options to determine which one will work for you. Ultimately, it really comes down to two main things: how big your garage is, and how many bikes you need to store.
If mounting a rack on the wall or ceiling, make sure that you follow the installation instructions carefully and that the rack is extremely secure before you add your bikes to it.
Top Brands of Bike Storage Racks
Proslat
Source: Proslat
You can find all kinds of bike storage solutions at Proslat. From hoists to bike hooks to racks with room for eight bikes, they offer plenty of ways to keep your bike safe.
Proslat designs most of its storage solutions for garages. With that said, you can use their storage racks inside your home as well. They offer a nice range of options at several price points.
TidyGarage
Source: TidyGarage
Located in Windsor, Ontario, TidyGarage has provided storage solutions since 1988. This brand uses durable materials like steel to make storage racks that will last.
Another benefit of buying from TidyGarage is that their products are sustainable. They make all their storage racks in North America. You can depend on this brand for high-quality bike storage.
DeltaCycle
Source: DeltaCycle
At DeltaCycle, you can find lots of bike accessories. Along with bike saddles and safety lights, they offer sturdy bike racks. Since they have a variety of storage options, it should be easy to find the right solution for you.
Their single bike wall mount is an inexpensive option that’s great for small spaces. They also have versatile solutions, like a rolling bike stand.
Ibera
Launched by a bicycle parts manufacturer, Ibera is passionate about cycling. Since 2004, they’ve sold award-winning bike accessories. They have some solid options for storage, like hanging stands and bike hooks.
While you can use Ibera’s storage racks at home, they make portable products, too.
Feedback Sports
Source: Feedback Sports
At Feedback Sports, you can find elegant solutions for bike storage. This company makes products from all kinds of cyclists, from professionals to hobbyists.
“We feel like every cyclist needs bicycle storage in their home,” says Jeff Nitta, president of Feedback Sports. “There’s no one perfect solution, so we have a variety of things that we feel will suit anyone’s needs.”
Not only do they make high-quality products, but they offer great customer service. They offer free-standing storage, wall mounts, and more!
Elfa
This brand has created home storage solutions since 1948. Today, Elfa is owned by The Container Store. They’re the largest storage products chain in the world.
People love Elfa because they make storage that’s easy to use. They offer bike hooks that you can hang anywhere. If you need bike storage for a small space, Elfa is the brand for you.
SteadyRack
Source: SteadyRack
When it comes to bike storage, SteadyRack is the top of the line. This brand is popular thanks to its vertical bike racks. They offer a range of designs, and they all work very well.
“SteadyRack keeps a bike’s tires off of the wall,” says Rob Sutton from Bike198. “That way, you don’t get any big black marks on the wall like you do with some other hanging designs.”
If you have a bike with large tires, you’ll love their Fat Rack. SteadyRack even makes a rack for eBikes. They offer options you can’t find anywhere else.
BirdRock
Source: BirdRock
Since 2008, BirdRock has offered products for home storage. This Texas brand makes sturdy stand racks for bikes. These stands can hold your bikes and your accessories.
BirdRock makes their racks from durable steel. You can assemble these racks in no time! They’re a nice option for bikes of any size.
Impresa
Source: Impresa
While Impresa doesn’t offer many products, what they do make is well designed. They have affordable hooks that make it easy to hang bikes anywhere.
Since Impresa’s products are so inexpensive, you can buy more than one hook. If you want to be able to store bikes in several rooms in your home, you’ll want to pick up their products.
Koova
Source: Koova
At Koova, you’ll find bike storage solutions that are innovative and effective. They have great options for the garage and inside the home. Every bike rack is made from high-quality steel.
If you have a lot of bikes to store, you’ll love their six-bike racks. They also offer some flexible options, like a bike rack with a storage shelf.
Where to Buy Bike Storage Racks for Home
The Container Store
Founded in 1978, The Container Store specializes in storage solutions. They have a huge selection of home storage products, including indoor bike racks.
“People think of The Container Store as saving space, getting you organized,” says Kip Tindell, The Container Store CEO. “But what I think we’re really doing is giving our customers the gift of organization.”
The Container Store owns Elfa, a brand that’s famous for its bike storage. They carry products from other popular brands too, like Gladiator. It’s a great place to find bike racks at any price point.
Amazon
You can find bike racks from many brands at Amazon. Some options include SteadyRack, Dirza and StoreYourBoard. From ceiling mounts to wall mounts, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Along with a big selection, Amazon has fast shipping and a wide range of prices. Buying bike storage here means you’ll be able to compare lots of options.
SteadyRack
David Steadman, the founder of SteadyRack, created his business to solve a problem. His family members couldn’t find a way to store their bikes. That’s why he created an easy way to hang bikes on the walls.
What’s great about the SteadyRack system is that it protects bikes and walls. You can use their wall mount storage in the garage or inside the home. It’s a great way to store a bike when you don’t have extra space.
REI
Ever since 1938, REI has been making products for people that love the outdoors. They sell items for all kinds of outdoor activities, from hiking to skiing to cycling.
REI has tons of storage options for bikes. They carry brands like Delta Cycle, Feedback Sports and Hiplock. From storage hooks to ceiling hoists, they offer it all!
Pottery Barn
People love Pottery Barn for their furniture and home decor. While they have lots of items for the home, they have bike racks too. They offer hanging racks, standing racks and more.
Pottery Barn is a very good solution if you need to store several bikes. They offer racks that can hold up to eight bikes. Best of all, everything they make is stylish and sturdy.
Lowe’s
For more than 100 years, Lowe’s has sold home improvement supplies and other items. They have wall mounts, hanging racks, bike stands and more. From SteadyRack to Gladiator, they have products from lots of big brands.
Since Lowe’s has dozens of options, it should be easy for you to find a rack that’s right for you. You can even use filter tools to narrow down your choices.
StoreYourBoard
Like the name suggests, StoreYourBoard started out as surfboard storage. Since the brand launched in 2009, they’ve expanded their product line. They now offer storage for every type of outdoor gear.
“Making straps or racks isn’t as sexy as designing new surfboards or skis,” says Josh Gordon, the founder of StoreYourBoard. “But if we spread awareness of the need for home storage, there’s a lot of business to be had.”
At StoreYourBoard, you’ll find lots of storage options for your bike. Swivel mount racks, hooks, and stands are a few of the brand’s many options. They even have heavy-duty racks for bikes over 100 pounds.
Backcountry
In 1996, Backcountry launched as an online business. While the company started out selling a small selection of outdoor gear, they now offer a big range of goods. You can find bike mounts racks from many brands here, like Delta Cycle.
Along with having a great selection of products, Backcountry has solid customer service. They offer free returns on all products. If you’re not satisfied with the bike storage you choose, you can switch it out for something else.
Wayfair
Based in Boston, Wayfair offers furniture, home goods, and more. If you’re looking for a retailer with a big selection of bike racks, you’ll love the choices here. Filters make it easy to find the best choices.
Wayfair carries brands like Delta and ClosetMaid. They also make their own bike racks. Whether you need to hang one bike or four, you’ll find something that works for you.
Etsy
If you want a unique way to store your bike, you’ll find lots of unusual options at Etsy. It’s a great place to shop for handcrafted wall mounts and racks.
You can find hardwood bike racks at Etsy. They also have bike mounts made from bamboo. Since most of their options are handmade, you can find one-of-a-kind products here.
