Having lived in apartments for the majority of my life, I know first-hand that feeling of frustration as you struggle to find a suitable space for your bike. You want your bike easily accessible but hate colliding over it or leaving it in an awkward place as well as blocking passage. Be mindful that bikes can easily drop water, dirt and oil onto the floor, and the handlebar and pedals can scuff along the wall.
As you often ask yourself “where do you keep your bike?” Well, this article aims to deliver some bike storage ideas to ensure you have an accessible bike without difficulty. Finding storage for your bike can be a challenge, however, We’ve assembled the top 4 best bike storage ideas beneficial to hanging a bike in an apartment
Four Things To Consider
Size and weight of your bike
The weight of your bike is important when determining where and how to store your bike in an apartment. Bikes vary in weight so it is not ideal to hang a heavy bike (More than 25 lbs) on the wall unless you’re using a quality rack.
What’s more, If the bike is too heavy it can be awkward to lift and you stand a chance of hurting yourself. Not to mention it will not hold the bike securely and may cause damage to your bicycle and the wall.
Secondly, The type of bike you have can determine whether this is suitable or not. For example, a Folding bike is easier to store compared to a mountain bike because mountain bikes are heavier and bigger in size.
Apartment space
Is there enough space? Depending on the size and layout of your apartment will determine if it is acceptable to proceed. For example, if your apartment is too narrow it might not be suitable to accommodate your bike as it runs the risk of scraping your wall leaving a permanent mark.
Although having your bike inside is the best form of security, if your bike is not stored properly this can cause frequent collisions with someone knocking it off or running into your bike occasionally. Over time, this may lead to damage to the bike.
Consider the amount of space available to you. Transforming unused areas of your apartment into bike storage space is another great way to optimize your living space. If there is enough space to accommodate and avoid interfering with other items, conveniently may prevent any further incidents from occurring. Rearranging and organizing your apartment will help maximize the space available.
For more information on maximizing space in apartments, Click here
Rental Restrictions
Some bike storage ideas involve drilling holes and putting up frames. In general, this isn’t prohibited for renters.
For apartment owners, you might have to check whether you’re allowed to store your bike. As some HOAs won’t allow bikes to be stored on a balcony, check your bylaws if unsure. Nevertheless, there is some alternative suitable for renters which might be helpful which permits hanging a bike without drilling it
Frequency
Based on how often you cycle, you can determine how swiftly and effortlessly you wish to access your bike. A long-term storage solution makes little sense if you are a keen cyclist, not to mention how inconvenient it is when not within reach.
Where to store bike in a apartment
On the balcony
If your apartment has a balcony or porch, this is typically the perfect place to store your bike because it is equally safe and out of the way. A usual-size balcony has enough space to accommodate multiple bikes and other equipment.
Before you keep your bike on the balcony, be aware that it does not violate your leisure or building rules.
Security isn’t a big priority if your apartment is a few floors from ground level. However, please examine whether your balcony is potentially within reach for Bulgars to access it. In rare cases, Thieves may use a ladder or simply climb up nevertheless, this depends on how high up you live. For security reasons, it would be recommended to buy a bike locker.
On the flip side, storing your bike on a balcony comes up against weather conditions where it faces UV, rain, snow etc. Bikes can cause damage and corrode more quickly if they’re in direct moisture, humid, or wet conditions which may lead the bike chain to rust.
If you are leaving your bicycle out all day or overnight, A bike cover might be the solution to solve this. Toptrek Bike cover is made out of durable, thick and anti- tear which can effectively protect your bike against all kinds of bad weather conditions. No more worrying that your bike is drenched in the rain or gets dirty. At the very minimum, ensure they’re waterproof and have sufficient protection against most climates
Hang on the wall
Make use of any wall space as this storage solution is far more convenient. Vertical stand supports the bike vertically which takes up minimal floor space, which is ideal for narrow spaces.
A vertical stand supports the bike’s front wheel, hanging a bike up by its wheel is no problem at all, as front wheels are designed to uphold weight and are fully supported by the rack reducing any strain or potential damage.
If you choose to hang your bike from the wall or ceiling, make sure you’re using a suitable hanger and rack to accommodate your bike. Avoid using this option if the hanger cannot hold the bike securely as it can damage the bike in the process. This option involves your bike on the wall, that being the case this means it involves drilling holes into the wall
With Pro Bike Tool Wall Hanger, simply hook only the front wheel and hang your bike in a vertical position.
Alternately, The Steadyrack Bike Rack might be suited for heavier bikes (Bikes weighing 20kg or more including E-bike and mountain bikes) or bikes with big rims.
Looking to store your bike horizontally? using Charles Daily Wall Mount, this can be done using a wall hanger. You can install a metal hook. This involves drilling a hole in the wall. Although it solution required drilling holes, it is relatively quick and easy to install and only requires simple tools. This is not recommended for heavy bikes
As the bike is hanging on the wall, Bicycle tire scuff on the wall is likely to occur. Thereby make sure you’re aware while doing so.
Is it ok to hang your bike by the wheel? Yes, the wheel is designed to withstand loads greater than the bike wheel.
On the ceiling
So whether you’re out of floor space or wall space, If your apartment ceiling is high enough, Using the RAD CYCLE you can simply install a hoist lift. This system will help lower the bike mount by bringing it within reach, ensuring it is more accessible and freeing up floor space
It should be pointed out that if the bike is not placed properly, then it may result in the bike falling from the ceiling, facing possible damage to the bike, please always check the bike is fully secured so please be cautious and consider a professional to do the installation
Is it safe to hang a bike from the ceiling
In short, yes. As long as it’s screwed properly into a firm wall making it’s easier to install onto the ceiling. Ceiling storage can range from a simple overhead hook that hangs the bikes by its tires to a more complex bicycle storage hoist.
Bike Stand
The Michelangelo Delta cycle is the quickest and easier way to assemble and mount your bike. This flood stand lets you store your bike immediately in a handstand position, which is easy to adjust and assemble and reduces the bike’s footprint. If you have no space on the walls, it lets you store your bike without drilling a hole into the wall or ceiling, which is suitable for renters
This design offers comfort, space and stability and is strong enough to support a bike vertically. The support arms that hold up the bikes are moveable and freely adjustable. This is the perfect option for storing an additional bike strong enough to the weight of the bikes.
Final Thoughts
Although hanging a bike in an apartment is a challenge, you shouldn’t be discouraged from keeping it secure and safe. There are many ways you can store your bike; you just need to be more creative and continue to try and see what works for you.