Best Bike Storage Solution & Ideas

How many of you have had a conversation like this?

Honey, can I have a new bike?

-NO!

Why not?

-Because they’re all over the place and take up too much room!

Oh, but what if I find a way to store them neatly?

– If you can do that, then be my guest.

I know I’ve had it a few times!

So if you’re finally ready to keep your promise, organize your bikes and gear, and put them away, check out the best bike storage ideas that’ll help you do just that!

#1: Wall-Mount Hooks

Wall-mount hooks are one of the most popular types of bike storage solutions. As you can guess from their name, these are hooks that are mounted on the wall, that you use to hang your bike(s) on.

Vertical wall mount hook

They come in different shapes and sizes and use different mechanisms to keep your bike neatly stored. Some are basically just inconspicuous metal hooks that grab the front or rear wheel, whereas others are more prominent and usually hold the bike by the top tube.

Depending on the position of the bike when stored, we can distinguish between two types of wall-mount hooks.

• Vertical Hooks — This type holds the bike upright in a vertical position, with wheels resting against the wall. Most often, a hook is used to grab the from or the rear wheel, while the other wheel just leans against the wall.
• Horizontal Hooks — If you want to store your bike vertically, this is one of the best options. A simple platform is mounted on the wall and holds the bike by the top tube or the saddle. The design can vary from a simple plank or hook to a more intricate system that includes some storage area.

Horizontal wall mount hooks

Good for Whom?

This type of storage is incredibly versatile and allows you to set up bike storage anywhere. You can hang your bikes in your living-room as art or place them in the garage, out of your way.

It may not be a great solution for renters, as many landlords do not allow tenants to drill holes in the walls. However, folks with their own houses and apartments can get away with just a few holes that can be masked easily if the hooks are ever taken off.

I’d also say wall-mount hooks are a better solution for road and city cyclists, just because you probably don’t want to hang a muddy bike on the wall, unless you clean your bike after each and every ride.

#2: Freestanding Racks

Freestanding bike racks are very popular among cyclists for a variety of reasons. They’re easy to install, do not require putting holes in the walls, and can hold multiple bikes.

As their name implies, freestanding racks have a wide and secure platform that stands on the ground and does not require any screws in the walls. Therefore, if you are renting a house or an apartment, this is a fantastic solution. 

Freestanding racks usually store bikes horizontally, hanging by the top tube. Depending on how tall your ceiling is and what model you get, you can store two or even three bikes this way.

Vertical freestanding racks exist as well, but they are not as common as horizontal models.

These racks often come with additional hooks that can be used to hang helmets, gloves, shoes, clothes, and anything else that comes to your mind.

#3: Floor-to-Ceiling Column Racks

Floor-to-ceiling column racks are another excellent indoor storage solution. This is a non-invasive method that basically consists of a pole (column) that stands upright by applying pressure between the floor and the ceiling.

In many regards, this is a very similar solution to freestanding racks. Column racks do not require any hardware on your walls and can be placed anywhere in your home. They’re perfect for apartment dwellers and those with rented homes.

Again, depending on the height of your ceiling, you could hang two or three bikes this way.

One of the downsides of this storage solution is that it requires a hard ceiling in order to mount. If your ceiling is made of gypsum or some other fragile material, you’re likely to damage it if you try to install a column rack.

The positive side is that anyone can install one in a few quick moves. The construction is also usually not too heavy and can be taken apart for easier transport.

#4: Indoor Ceiling Pulley Mechanism

Indoor pulley mechanisms are the most interesting bike storage solution. These systems consist of hooks or a platform that you attach your bike to and then lift it up to the ceiling with a pulley mechanism. This way, your bikes do not take any floor or wall room.

Vertical bike hoist storage solution

There are two types of ceiling pulley mechanisms, depending on the position of the bikes:

• Horizontal — The bikes are lifted up horizontally, so they take much less room. This system is perfect for those with low ceilings.
• Vertical — This type lifts the bikes in a vertical position, with wheels facing up or down (depending on your preference). It takes more room and requires high ceilings.

Horizontal bike hoist mechanism

More often than not, ceiling pulley mechanisms are designed to store just one bike, especially when it comes to horizontal models. However, there are also those that can lift several bikes, usually in a vertical position.

This bike storage idea is ideal for apartments and tight spaces. If you want to free up additional space in your apartment, just strap your bike to the ceiling and forget about it until the next ride.

Ceiling hoists also look pretty cool, so if you want to add some “wow factor” to your living space, definitely choose this option.

#5: Indoor Bike Storage Furniture

If you want a solution that looks good, stores your bike securely, and seamlessly integrates with the rest of your home, indoor bike storage furniture is the way to go.

This is probably the prettiest and the most aesthetically pleasing solution you can choose. Apart from storing your bike(s), bike furniture often also features plenty of room for additional items and even racks for your cycling clothing.

When it comes to bike storage furniture, only your imagination is the limit. You can integrate a bike stand into a cabinet, a bookshelf, a sofa, a bed, etc.

My personal favorite is open bike storage closets with hooks that hold your bike and additional hooks, shelves, cabinets, and drawers for all of your gear, tools, and spares.

If you don’t find a model you like for sale and you have some craftsmanship skills, you can easily build one yourself. You can also sketch a model you like and ask a local carpenter to build one for you.

#6: Floor Racks

If you want a simple and basic bike storage solution, you can’t go wrong with floor racks. They’re most suitable for garages and outdoor spaces and may hold multiple bikes. Therefore, if you have a large bike collection and plenty of floor room, it’s the cheapest and the quickest solution you can choose.

The biggest benefit of floor racks is that they are incredibly easy to install and use. You just place them wherever you want and place your front or rear wheel between the rails. That’s it.

If your intention is to save floor space, then floor racks are not ideal. However, if you want to have your favorite bikes at hand’s reach, you’ll love the simplicity of design.

They’re often used by large families who have multiple bikes, some of which they ride more or less often. The ones you ride less often can be hung on the wall or the ceiling, whereas those that get the most use can stay on the floor.

Floor racks can be made from metal, plastic, or wood. If you like DIY projects and you’re handy, you can easily make one with a good idea and just a few basic tools.

#7: Leaning Bike Stands

Leaning bike stands are pretty much the same as freestanding racks we talked about earlier. However, instead of having a wide platform that rests on the floor, you lean them against the wall. 

One of the benefits of this storage solution is that the construction is very simple and lightweight, so it’s easy to move around or transport from one place to another.

These bike stands can usually store two bikes that rest on their top tubes. Therefore, this storage solution is only good for bikes with step-over frames, unless you want to buy an additional adapter.

#8: Outdoor Bike Storage Sheds

If you have a big and secure yard and you want to keep your bike outside, a bike shed is the best solution, in my opinion. These sheds are usually constructed from heavy-duty metal, with sturdy doors and locks that keep your bikes safe from thieves or the elements.

They are an excellent choice because, apart from having room for one or more bikes (usually more) they also offer plenty of room to store other cycling equipment such as helmets, shoes, spare wheels, a bike pump, or even some gardening tools.

Of course, a skilled thief could find a way to break into one. However, they can’t do it without making a lot of noise. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep the bike shed close to your house, so you can hear if anything sketchy is going on.

#9: Outdoor Bike Storage Tents

Outdoor bike storage tents are very similar to bike storage sheds. The difference is that they are made from soft fabric instead of metal. Apart from the fabric that protects the bikes from the elements, they also have a free-standing structure that makes it easy to store bikes and access them.

Depending on the model, these tents can take one or more bikes, with some leftover space you can use to store your gear and spares. The materials used are usually polyester and vinyl, so the bikes inside are completely protected from rain or snow. 

Bike storage tents are a very good solution for cyclists who do not have enough room to store their bikes inside, have no garage, and limited space in their yard.

Before opting for this storage solution, consider how safe your neighborhood is. If there are known cases of bike thefts, I’d recommend keeping the bike inside or in a bike shed.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding

To make sure you get the best possible bike storage solution for your living conditions, answer these four quick questions.

Do you prefer keeping the bike inside or outside?

If you live in a house and you have a yard, you might want to consider keeping your bikes outside. Especially so if you have a lot of bikes and not enough free storage space inside. In that case, bike sheds and tents are unmatched.

Indoor storage is much safer, but outdoor storage is more practical. Before you take your bike inside, you’ll probably want to give it a thorough rub down, which is something that’s recommended, but that many people don’t do.

Do you want to drill holes in your walls?

Do you have your own house/apartment or do you live as a tenant? If you are not allowed to drill holes in the walls or you just don’t want to do it, then a freestanding rack or a leaning rack is the best solution. Bike storage columns and bike storage furniture are great options to look into as well.

If drilling the wall is no issue, wall or ceiling mounts are a much better solution as they free up a lot more space.

How much room do you have?

Next, take out your measuring tape and figure out how much room you can allocate to bike storage. Some storage solution are intended to save as much room as possible, whereas others are liberal with it.

If you want to free up as much floor room as possible, ceiling hoists are the way to go. However, if you prefer easy access and you have plenty of floor area, then you can’t go wrong with a floor rack.

Do you plan to hide the bike or showcase it?

Last but not least, how in love are you with your bike? If you want to showcase it to everyone and turn it into an art piece, then bike storage furniture is the best solution. You can integrate it into your home with a cabinet, a closet, or even a sofa, and make it both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

On the other hand, if you prefer storing your bike away from sight when not riding it, then consider ceiling storage or bike sheds and bike tents.

What’s your favorite bike storage solution? How do you store your bikes in your home? Do you have any better bike storage recommendations than these? Let us know in the comments below! 

About The Author

Jeff Balton

Jeff’s been riding and racing road and mountain bikes for most of his life. It all started when he was seven years old and received his first mountain bike. It was a Japanese Nishiki with 21 speeds. Jeff studied printing engineering in university, which still comes in handy for him. He likes to write about bicycle-related stuff, help organize events for the community, and he dreams that one day there will be more free time for everyone. You can often find Jeff riding with his kids. At the moment, they’re either in the child bike seat, or he’s running next (read: far behind) their balance bikes