How Do I Store My Bikes With Limited Space?

If you live in a home or apartment with limited space, it can be tricky to find a place to keep your bike safe. Whether it be by hanging a bike from garage ceiling, using its kickstand, or using a rack, we’ll ensure that you’ll pick the most effective choice for you.

Ways to Store Your Bikes in Limited Spaces

1, Lock it securely outside. If you are really keen on saving space inside your apartment, perhaps the best bike storage way is to park it securely outside.

Just make sure that you use a sturdy bike lock and have it set up so that your bike will not be exposed to the elements.

2, Mount it to your wall. Wall-mounted bicycles bring out a certain retro vibe to it, especially if you use wood. Wall racks can also double as shelves for your helmet.

3, Hoist in on your ceiling. Arguably the most space space-saving on this list, this system allows you to use a pulley to hang your bicycle from the ceiling.

This is especially useful if you do not want to drill holes in your walls or if your walls are made of less sturdy materials.

4, Hang it by a hook. The simplest option in this list allows you to hang your bicycles upside down by the wheel with a hook, and no, this method does not damage your rims. You just have to make sure that the hooks you’ll use are vinyl-coated so that it does not damage your rims’ paint.

5, Put it on a freestanding pole. If you are looking for a way to hang up to two bikes without drilling holes in your walls or ceiling, this might be your way.

This option utilizes a screwless metal pole that could support your bikes vertically or horizontally.

6, Put it on a floor-to-ceiling storage pole. A modification of the freestanding pole, the floor-to-ceiling storage pole, utilizes a single spring-loaded metal pole that could handle weights of up to two bikes.

If you have money to spare and want a screwless setup, then this option might be for you.

7, Park it on the floor. Perhaps the most logical option when storing your bike, this option is not limited to having your bike lean on its bike stand.

This option utilizes a metal rack capable of storing multiple bikes without that angled lean, making this especially useful for those looking to store three on more bikes.

8, Consider a folding bike. Of course, this is an option only if you have not bought a bike yet, or are looking at purchasing a new one.

Folding bikes are the ultimate space-saving option among their full-sized cousins hence solving your space problem before it even happens.

Things to consider when storing your bike

1, Choose an area with low humidity. Humid environments are nightmares when it comes to anything metal.

Even if your bike is well-oiled, the high levels of humidity may pose problems to other hidden or internal mechanisms that may be unreachable in regular cleaning sessions.

2, Keep your bike away from extreme temperatures. Scorching and freezing temperatures may warp the metal and degrade rubber or plastic parts much quicker than their intended lifespan.

If it is inevitable to have your bike in such areas, have it protected with a waterproof and UV-proof cover.

3, Check your screws and mounts, racks, or hooks. It is also important to maintain the storage systems you have for your bikes to avoid preventable accidents.

You should change the materials when they develop signs of wear and tear.

4, Inspect your bicycle’s frame. After checking your storage system, check if your bicycle’s frame is suitable for tensive storage options like hanging.

Wear and tear may also develop with your bike’s frame over time with use or exposure to the elements.

5, Clean your drivetrain, lubricate your cables, and wash your water bottles and camelbacks. It is important to perform regular preventive maintenance with the more complicated parts of your bicycle, such as your drivetrain and cables, as they are the most susceptible to failure while in use.

After every ride, it is also important to remove and rewash your water bottles and camelbacks to ensure that no nasty bacteria will build up and make you sick on the road.

Conclusion

Bicycles and any other means of transportation that we rely on must be kept well-maintained and well-cared to ensure our safety and others’.

Part of maintaining a bicycle is finding a place to store it when not in use.

Ultimately, where you store your bike and the system you will use lies in both practicality and security where you store your bike and the system.

Make sure that you’ll choose the option that best suits your living situation, ease of access, and overall safety.