Keep Bikes Secured and Out of the Way with a Garage Bike Rack.
Family biking on a country lane.
Are you a fan of bike riding? Is your family the type that goes out for weekend rides or do your kids like to play on their bikes with friends? Whether you have one or two bikes, or a whole garage full, you need to make sure that there’s somewhere to store them. Even when you were a kid, you know leaning it against the garage wasn’t the best choice and it’s no better now.
Instead, choose a modern bike storage solution for your garage, which could come in the form of a bike rack.
In this article, we will explore all that you need to do to get your garage prepared for bike storage. You’ll also find tips on the best options for how to store the bikes.
Every single garage is different. That means it’s up to you to choose the most efficient solutions for your storage needs.
The goal is to help keep bikes safe and secure. Fortunately, there are tons of options available today. Before you get to the “how”, though, take time to make a plan.
#1: It All Starts with a Good Plan
You need a plan, first and foremost. There are several different factors that will be involved here, but be sure to focus on:
- How many bikes you’re storing
- The space available
- How to use the space best
When you answer these questions, you’ll be able to get a clearer vision of the types of bike racks that will work for you. You’ll probably also come up with other ideas for upgrades and organization along the way.
#2: Time to Clean and Organize
Once a plan has been made, it’s time to start cleaning out the garage and getting organized. Get rid of anything that you don’t need or use regularly. Give away what you can, throw out trash, and recycle things that require it. Cleaning makes sure that you’ve got the maximum space for your bikes in the garage.
#3: Get Storage Going Right
When you don’t need items regularly, they should be up out of the way. Store items on shelves or racks to get things off the garage floor so that you have room for vehicles, bike storage, and anything else that needs to be on the floor of the garage.
#4: Consider the Options and Ideas for Bike Storage
Once you have cleaned up and come up with a plan, you’ll be able to start considering the different storage ideas. You can easily see how much space you have to work with and you’ll find plenty of different options to fit that space, no matter what you need. Here are some of the most common options available today:
● Ceiling racks (watch for garage door clearance here)
● Hanging racks
● Bike wall storage racks (vertical or horizontal)
● Floor storage racks
● Bike lift racks to keep bikes off the ground
The Bike Lift
Bicycle lift racks are designed to keep bikes off the ground completely. You can find several styles that will hold one or multiple bikes. There are even horizontal racks with freestanding designs, such as the one pictured below from TwoWheelingTots.com.
Delta Cycle freestanding bike rack in a home office, holding two bikes
Bicycle Wall Storage
There are also several options for wall storage with your bikes. Clips and hooks are popular choices and they’re easy to add to just about any garage wall. You can find horizontal and vertical options, again, and you’ll also find a range of sizes to choose from. You can store mountain bikes, kids’bikes, road bikes, and so much more. For those who want a more minimal appearance, these are the ideal choice.
Pictured below is the CLUG, a simple clip that makes bike storage easy. It’s available in many different models.
CLUG, the World's Smallest Bike Rack.
Hanging Racks
If you think it’s better for your garage, you can choose hanging bike racks. There are several different hanging storage solutions available, too, and several companies that design these racks. You can find floor-to-ceiling tension racks that are great for simple storage, or hoist systems that keep the bikes off the floor but make getting them there a breeze. You can even use a simple style like the Rubbermaid hanging rack pictured in the image below.
Rubbermaid hanging bike rack for the garage.
Floor Bicycle Racks
When you can’t drill into the ceiling or wall of your garage, or you just don’t want to hard install your rack, you can find freestanding floor bike racks that can be moved around and come in all shapes and sizes. They’re also available in several styles and designs. To learn more about them, check out the designs available from RackMaven.com.
Floor bike rack will fit easily in the garage. This one is the Racor PBS-2R Tow-Bike Floor Bike Stand
Ceiling Racks
Woman loading bike onto saris cycle glide ceiling bike rack ( TwoWheelingTots.com )
If you opt for ceiling racks, you’ll need to pay attention to their placement, as well as the amount of space that is available so the door can open properly.
The big benefit here is that you can free up floor space by using ceiling storage. However, think about things like whether you want the kids to be able to access the bikes without your assistance. The installation process is also a bit more difficult for ceiling racks.
There are a lot of options, as you can see. Think about the space in your garage and how it will best serve you.
Also, keep in mind how many bikes you have, as well as whether you’ll need to add more in the future. You want to make sure that you have storage for all the bikes in your family or home.
If you do decide to purchase a model that has room for extra bikes, you’ll appreciate it in the future. Friends that visit will have places to store their bikes, as will your kids’friends. If you do decide to get more bikes, you won’t have to upgrade your storage later.
Another important tip: keep the garage locked at all times. You should even consider locking the bikes into the rack, even when they’re securely in the garage. This will deter theft even if someone manages to get inside.
You can easily keep bikes organized when you have the right system for bike storage.
What Else Needs Some Attention in Your Garage?
The right garage bike storage can make a big difference. However, there’s a lot more to keeping a garage in good shape. Check your door to make sure that it’s providing protection from the elements and potential thieves. Have you considered installing a pedestrian door? That could save a lot of overhead door use when it comes to getting bikes out of the garage when you need them.
What about your garage door opener? Newer models of electric openers have photo-cell safety beams, a safety feature that has been around since the 1990s. Doors that are older will not have that feature, which can be a safety risk. The two units are installed about four inches from the floor and will transmit a beam between themselves. When the beam is interrupted, it will cause the door to reverse and go upward, ensuring that nothing or no one is crushed in the door.
Perhaps you’re storing things in a shed or small garage. What kind of door does the building have? It might be time to consider a sectional garage door for a practical way to access your bikes, or another type of door that will get the job done.
Whatever you decide, take the time to find a garage door that works for you. Check out the beautiful model pictured below, complete with pedestrian door for easy access.
Do you like contemporary looks? This garage door is a Moderno 2 Beads, 9' x 8', Black, window layout: Left-side Harmony
Your garage door needs to be properly insulated so that it is ready for all kinds of weather. Make sure that you check the R-value of insulation, which is the thermal resistance measurement used to determine how good the insulation is. The larger the R number is, the better your insulation will be. Along with weatherstripping, this can help prevent condensation.
You’ll also love the look of a new garage door. Especially if yours has seen better days, you should consider upgrading while you’re doing so much work on the space already.
When it comes to choosing a new garage door, take your time. Choose a door that not only looks great, but that also has the look that you want. Consider the style in the image below if you want something timeless and elegant.
You love timeless beauty? These garage doors are Shaker-Flat XL design, 9'x8', Ice White Colour, 8 lite Orion windows
Is a New Garage Door in Order?
If you’re ready to get working on a new garage door, just contact the local garage dealer near you to discuss your options. The experts will ensure that you get the best door for both your budget and your style. Your satisfaction is always our guarantee.
Gagnon Overhead Door Ltd. makes it easy with email quotations. And if you’re not sure about style, check out the 3 styles that are common so that you can get the best door for your home, no matter what that means.
Contact us by phone at 1-506-804-2636.
We’re ready to start on your new garage door project as soon as you call.
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