| Are you looking for bike storage solutions and | | | | off the floor and allows you to use wall space for |
| perplexed over the many different choices available | | | | storage. Generally these will hold as many as 2 bikes. |
| today? It is true there are many varying types of | | | | Some versions have variations that will hold bike |
| storage methods for bicycles. It can be confusing | | | | helmets or even fold up when not in use. |
| trying to pick which will work best. Here is a simple | | | | Bike Hoists (also called Bike Lifts) - This can be a great |
| guide that will help sort through all the different types | | | | choice if you have available ceiling space and have |
| of bike storage solutions and know how to pick the | | | | trouble lifting a bike. The bike hoist is mounted to the |
| one that will be best for your individual needs. | | | | ceiling with relative ease. You attach your bike to |
| First you have to look at the choices you have | | | | pulleys and hooks and they pull the cord to lift the bike |
| available for storage. Will your bike be stored outside? | | | | in place. These types of storage hoists provide a |
| Will you be bringing your bike in the house when not in | | | | secure solution making it difficult for the bike to be |
| use? Do you have a garage or basement where you | | | | stolen. They also help to free up the floor space of a |
| can keep your bike? How about the available space | | | | crowded garage or room. |
| for storage in these areas-do you have plenty of | | | | Freestanding Bike Racks (Also called Gravity Bike |
| room or is it cramped? | | | | Racks) - Here is one of the most popular of all bike |
| Other considerations will include answering the | | | | storage solutions. These are quite functional and stylish |
| following questions. Will you use your bike less if it is | | | | and can be used in a garage as well as apartment or |
| stored in a place that is hard to access? (The easier it | | | | small room. They stand on the ground, usually up |
| is to get your bike in and out of its designated storage | | | | against a wall. Some versions have methods for |
| area, the more likely you will use it.) Do you have any | | | | securing to a wall for added support-but most are |
| physical or health limitations that prohibit you from lifting | | | | designed to stand on their own quite well as they hold |
| your bike? How many bikes will you need to store? | | | | 1-4 bikes. |
| How important will it be to protect your bike from the | | | | Floor to Ceiling Bike Racks - This type of bike rack is |
| elements? | | | | similar to the freestanding version in that it takes up |
| Once you have answered these questions you are | | | | floor space-only it extends and fits securely from floor |
| ready for the bike storage solutions available today. | | | | to ceiling with spring tension in between. It can hold |
| Wall Hooks & Hangers - These are easy to | | | | from 1-4 bikes depending on the version you choose. |
| assemble, inexpensive and generally work well for | | | | Bike Parking Rack - This type of bike rack is generally |
| hanging a single bike on a wall. The downside is they | | | | used for outdoor situations. They are sturdy and quite |
| don't support much weight and are not very secure. | | | | heavy. In most cases they can accommodate several |
| Best use is in a garage, shed or outdoor area. | | | | bikes. Because of their weight bikes can be locked to |
| Floor Bike Stands - This works well for bikes that do | | | | these in a way that secures the bike quite well. The |
| not have kick stands. They are portable, generally | | | | downside is the bike is exposed to the outdoor |
| inexpensive and easy to use. They can be taken | | | | elements. |
| where ever you go and used outside or inside. They | | | | Now that you know the most popular bike storage |
| are limited in providing much security for the bike. They | | | | solutions you can start looking for the right one to fit |
| also will require enough floor space for storage that is | | | | your needs. Just be sure you get something that is |
| the foot print of the bike. | | | | easy to use and allows you quick access of your bike |
| Wall-Mount Racks - This is a much more secure and | | | | so "getting your bike down" does not become a chore |
| permanent solution vs. wall hooks. It gets the bike up | | | | and excuse that will keep you from riding often. |