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Want to keep your bike safe and out of the way?

Selecting your bicycle storage units will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make as a cyclist. Poor selection can result in:

• A damaged frame
• A stolen bike
• A frustrating mess in your garage

Here’s the problem:

Few people ever consider bike storage until they need it. Once you need it, it is usually too late. Proper storage keeps your investment safe, saves space and has your ride ready when you are.

In this guide you will be walked through how to choose a suitable bike storage solution for your home, budget, and bike.

Let’s jump in!

What you’ll discover:

• Why Bike Storage Actually Matters
• The Main Types Of Bicycle Storage Units
• How To Pick The Right One For You
• Mistakes To Avoid

Why Bike Storage Actually Matters

Bicycle storage sheds offer many advantages that most cyclists don’t realize until after its too late. Here are some reasons why you should purchase one.

Protection From Theft

Theft is the biggest reason to take bike storage seriously.

Why? Because the statistics are legitimately terrifying. New research revealed that there are 2.4 million bicycles stolen per year in the U.S. valued at $1.4 Billion. Even more scary, 59% of those thefts occur in residential areas. Which means your home is where your bike is most likely to go missing.

A solid storage unit acts as your first line of defence. Whether it’s a locked shed, an in-home rack, or a dedicated Indoor Bike storage units facility, the right bicycle storage unit keeps your ride out of sight and away from opportunistic thieves. Most bike thieves go for the easiest target. If your bike is properly stored, they’ll move on to the next one.

Saves You Space

Bikes are heavy and cumbersome. They occupy floor space, dent walls and fall over when you need them most.

Wall hooks, ceiling hoists and freestanding racks free up space and tidy up your garage. Bike storage organises the clutter.

Think about it:

One ceiling hoist lifts your bike off the ground and clears an entire parking space. Amazing if you live in a small area.

Keeps Your Bike In Top Condition

This is the benefit nobody talks about.

Parking your bike on the floor or outside in the elements will slowly degrade it beyond repair. Wheels warp. Frames rust. Components corrode. Oh and did we mention… bikes go downhill in value very quickly. New mountain bikes lose up to 45% of their value after year one. Poor storage accelerates the process.

Correct storage will lift your bike off the floor and keep it dry and knock-free.

The Main Types Of Bicycle Storage Units

OK, now onto types of bike storage units. There are pros to each type, choose what works best for you.

Wall-Mounted Racks

Wall mounted racks are popular for good reason. They’re inexpensive, simple to install, and elevate your bike off the ground without taking up a lot of space.

You’ll typically see two main styles:

• Horizontal mounts – the bike hangs flat against the wall
• Vertical mounts – the bike hangs by the front wheel

Horizontal racks look cleaner. Vertical racks are perfect for tight hallways or narrow garages.

Ceiling Hoists

Ceiling hoists employ pulleys to hoist your bike aloft. Wonderful option if you have tall ceilings but little floor or wall room.

The downside? They take a little longer to install and you don’t want to use them with heavy duty e-bikes unless the hoist can handle that weight.

Freestanding Racks

Freestanding bicycle storage racks are ideal for renters or those who do not wish to drill holes in their walls. These racks can be relocated at will, hold more than one bicycle per rack and can be moved with you when you move. The downside to freestanding racks is that they consume floor space.

Outdoor Sheds & Lockers

Don’t have room in your house? A bike shed or outdoor locker is the next best place. Just be sure it’s equipped with a heavy-duty lock, made of weather resistant materials, and is well ventilated.

Self-Storage Units

Collectors, multi-bike families, or anyone who owns one high-dollar ride will find a self-storage unit is the best bet. Climate controlled, with round-the-clock security and more space than your garage, it’s ideal for that pricey bike you only ride part of the year.

How To Pick The Right One For You

There are four things you need to consider when choosing a bike storage rack. Follow these steps and you’ll be sure to find the perfect one.

Available Space

First, measure the space you have available to store your bike. Be realistic with how much space you have.

Small wall space? Think vertical. Tall ceiling? Consider hoists. Limited or no wall space? Go with a freestanding rack.

Number Of Bikes

One bicycle has different requirements than a family of four that each own a bike.

Multi bike racks, double wall mounts, and bulky freestanding models are available for a reason. Purchase according to how many bikes you currently own.

Your Bike Type

E-bikes, road bikes, and mountain bikes all have different weights and frame shapes.

Electric bikes weigh 50+ pounds. You can’t hang that on some cheap hook in the wall. Make sure any bike storage rack you buy has an appropriate weight rating.

Security Level Needed

How much is your bike worth? Where do you live? Have bikes been stolen nearby?

If you reside in a high crime city, a rack just won’t do. You need locked storage that cannot be defeated.

Mistakes To Avoid

Before you buy any bicycle storage units, watch out for these common mistakes.

Buying the cheapest rack you can find: Cheap racks will bend, snap and ruin your bike. Spend a few more bucks and invest in something that won’t fall apart.

Overlooking the weight capacity: Ensure that the rack is rated to support the weight of your bike. This is particularly important when dealing with e-bikes.

Skipping security features: A rack with no lock is just a display stand.

Final Thoughts

There you have it. Armed with all of the above you should be able to choose the correct bicycle storage solution for your needs. Proper storage will protect your investment, save you space and keep your bike ride-ready.

To quickly recap:

• Measure your space first
• Pick the right type for your situation
• Check the weight rating
• Always factor in security

Bikes cost more and more money. Theft is also increasing. One of the best purchases you can make as a cyclist are proper storage options. Choose wisely and your bike will serve you well.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com