Biking can be a great way of staying in shape and getting from one place to another. While a basic bike can be had for a relatively small amount of money, a good quality bicycle will not be cheap. Specialized bikes such as mountain bikes or racing bikes can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Simply leaving a bike propped up on a kickstand for prolonged periods of time is not the best way to care for or store your bikes. Let’s look at a few methods of bike storage to protect your investment and keep your vehicle in good riding condition.
One of the best ways to store bikes is protected from the weather, and if you have a garage, that can be the best way to go. There are several options for bike storage.
Screw-in Bicycle Hooks
Using bicycle hooks is one of the most popular methods of storing bikes in the garage. These screw-in rubber-coated hooks can efficiently hold a bicycle on the wall or the ceiling. The best part is that they are durable and affordable.
Wall-Mounted Bicycle Racks
This slat bicycle rack is also handy for storing an expensive bike. You can install this rack on the wall. A good-quality rack is strong enough to hold two bikes. Most of these come with a shelf for storing helmets and other accessories. When you don’t require them, you can easily store them away.
Freestanding Bike Racks
This popular bike rack is a recent addition. This tall stand featuring hooks uses gravity and holds the bike(s) off the floor. Freestanding bike racks are a great option if you can't or don't want to attach anything to your garage walls. Some bike stands can hold a bike firmly upright to keep it out of the way. Children and seniors prefer these options because they are simple and can hold two or more bikes.
Bike Hoist Systems
Installing this option works well if your garage has a high ceiling. The ceiling-mounted pulleys have hooks for attaching to the seat and handlebars. You can then hoist the bike to the ceiling. The convenient storage system allows bikers to store heavy bikes securely. Thanks to a safe and efficient locking mechanism, you get complete protection against accidental release.
Storage for Biking Accessories
Bicycles aren’t the only things that you need to store when you’re riding often. Keeping helmets, headlights, reflective clothing and maintenance items nearby is also important. Having a garage cabinet or small garage storage closet near where you are storing your bike can be helpful for organizing your equipment.
One way of organizing both bikes and equipment is with a slat wall or garage grid system. These systems are either grids of steel or wooden walls with slats in which you can attach hooks, shelves and bins. They offer a wide variety of attachments to accommodate all of your garage storage needs.