Each year, the best bicycle racks become more impressive in design and function. Whether you are looking for a carrier to accompany your car, SUV, or truck, the variety of racks has never been better.
Before you may choose a type of car bike rack, it is important to consider how much use you will put it through, the type of vehicle you have, the number of bikes in your car, and how much money you want to spend as well.
While a bike ride might be an excellent way to get from point A to point B, at times it’s necessary to transport your bicycle on a car-mounted bike rack.
There are 4 primary types for your vehicle:
- Trunk mount,
- Roof-Mount
- Hitch mount,
- Spare tire mount.
And then you get bike racks for storage in your garage:
- Vertical Bike Storage on the Wall
- Ceiling Bike Storage
- Floor Bike Racks
- Horizontal Bike Storage on the Wall
- Indoor Bike Racks – Freestanding
In this article, we will provide a breakdown of what to consider before making a purchase and a buying guide for some of the best bike racks.
Table of Contents
Types of Bike (Bicycle) Racks for Cars
The Trunk mount bike Rack:
Just as there are different types of bicycles for dirt trails, urban riding, and road racing, there is a similar variety within the vehicle-mounted racks you can buy to get your bike from your own home to where you intend to ride it.
A trunk-mounted bike rack rests on the trunk or back of your vehicle, held in place by straps that connect to the trunk, hatch, or bumper.
If you need a simple, yet versatile solution to carrying your bike, check out these trunk mounted bike racks.
A trunk-mounted rack is a good choice if:
- You don’t have a hitch or tow bars on your vehicle (and you don’t want to install them)
- You have standard bike types
- You don’t use a bike rack very often
- You want the most economical option for transporting your bikes
When you Consider a Trunk Mounted bike rack you must always think about
- Can a trunk-mounted bike rack fit on my vehicle and do they make it for my model?
- How many bicycles do I want to transport?
- What kind of bikes and the different sizes of bikes?
- What features do I want in this bike rack?
Always look at the Bike Compatibility when you look at the Trunk Mounted rack.
Typically, trunk-mounted racks are designed to fit almost any vehicle, whether you drive a tiny hatchback or a full-size SUV.
Trunk mounted racks work with most types of bikes. To make sure that a rack will be ok and work with your bikes, look at the following:
Number of Bikes that you are going to carry.
Bike racks are available with maximum capacities from 1 to 3 bikes
Frames of the Bike
Standard Bike frames (triangle) which have a big frame and horizontal crossbar, work best for Trunk-mounted bike racks. The rack’s arms will easily fit in the frame as well as the horizontal crossbar will ensure that the bike rides level. Remember that your bicycles should ride as level as you possibly can, plus they should have adequate ground clearance in order that they won’t contact the earth as long as you’re transporting them.
Alternative Frame Bikes that don’t possess standard frames – step-through frames, women’s bikes, children’s bikes, bikes with small frames – might not fit well on the trunk-mounted bike rack. But you can usually carry these kinds of bikes in case you remember the following:
Arm Spacing
Arm spacing varies among different brands and models of bike racks. If your bike includes a small frame, consider racks that have narrow arm spacing so that the arms fit. (But understand that wider arms will give you a far more stable ride for larger bikes.)
BUT there is a solution!
Adapter Bars
If you can’t mount your bike on the trunk-attached bike rack because its frame is too small or it lacks a horizontal crossbar, you might still be able to take your bike by using an adapter bar. An adapter bar clamps onto the seat post and head tube of one’s bike and offers support that rests on the bicycle rack’s arms. Most adapter bars adjust in length to allow them to fit a range of bike sizes. To ensure that a specific adapter bar is useful for you, measure between the seat post and head pipe of the bike and check the dimensions from the adapter bar.
Vehicle Compatibility
Trunk-mounted bike racks focus on many different kinds of vehicles. Actually, most racks adjust to allow them to adjust to fit different vehicles.
Trunk-mounted bike racks fit most cars, vans, and SUVs.
Vehicles with Spoilers
Don’t let a spoiler spoil your fun. A vehicle spoiler will get in the way of a bike rack, resulting in the rack’s mounting straps pushing against it, which may cause damage. However, many racks are designed to be mounted on vehicles that have spoilers. These racks are usually made to clear the spoiler on the taller vehicle – just like a van or SUV – or even to obvious the spoiler on the sedan.
Notes
- Trunks and rear hatches must remain closed while a trunk-mounted bike rack is installed.
- A rack can interfere with the operation of a rear windshield wiper.
- If your vehicle has an automatic rear windshield wiper, you should not install a trunk-mounted bike rack.
- To avoid damage to your vehicle, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Be careful not to overtighten the mounting straps and not to overload the rack.
- Make sure that the mounting surface of your motor vehicle is clean to prevent scratching the finish.
Roof-Mount Bike Rack: The Best Choice For Your Car
Roof Mount Bike racks are a good way to organize your bikes, but they have limited space. Looking for ways to carry bikes on your vehicle, however, not sure the easiest method to do it?
Roof-mounted bike racks are one of several options that are usually available to you. We’ll assist you to decide whether a roof-mounted bike rack is for you personally and, in that case, which rack will best fit the bill.
Roof-Mount Bike Rack: The Best Choice For Your Car
How to choose a bike rack when you have to squeeze a bike into your car If you’ve never had to do it before, consider yourself lucky. And if you’ve had to do it before, then you know how frustrating it can be and probably invested in some sort of bike rack so it’ll never happen again.
But consider buying a rack that is mounted on the roof. There are many rational arguments in favor of this option. Read on for our points and recommendations.
How To choose a Roof-mounted bike rack.
Although trunk-mounted bike racks block rear access, those that already have crossbars on their vehicle may benefit from installing a rack. And for those who must do without crossbars, it’s an economical idea to buy one.
A roof-mounted bike rack is a good choice if:
- You want to be able to open your vehicle’s rear door, trunk, or hatch while packed with bikes
- Your vehicle has crossbars (or you are willing to install them)
- Racks made by Seasucker use vacuum cups to attach securely to your vehicle
- You don’t have a hitch on your vehicle (and you don’t want to install one)
- You are willing to lift bikes up perch on your vehicle’s roof
- You want to leave your rack on your vehicle
How to Choose a Bike Carrier That Fits Your Vehicle
Most bikes are designed to mount on the crossbars of a bike rack, so make sure the rack will fit your vehicle by viewing its shape and gauge (distance between two points like front and back) when you’re buying one. This is primarily achieved with bikes that have magnetic convenience or vacuum cups, but racks offered by Seasucker make it easier and require no crossbars to attach.
Crossbar Shapes
The following crossbar pictures illustrate the most common shapes of roof rack crossbars.
Crossbar Spread
This dimension is measured between the centerlines of the 2 crossbars.
Vacuum Cups
Roof racks by Seasucker attach by means of vacuum cups. These racks can be mounted on metal, glass, or fiberglass surfaces. They eliminate the need for crossbars, and they can be mounted or removed quickly.
Bike Rack Fit on Crossbars
Some roof-mounted bike racks have clamps that can attach to nearly any shape of crossbars or sliding plates that allow the rack to fit nearly any type of spacing on a crossbar. This flexibility is what sets it apart from the competition. Rack simplicity over bar freedom is not easy to find these days and most bike racks don’t offer the level of customization that this product provides. However, no matter which bike rack you investigate, you should carefully read its description to determine whether it will fit your roof-rack system.
Shop for roof-mounted bike racks based on crossbar type
- Square crossbars
- Round crossbars
- Factory crossbars
- Aero crossbars
- Elliptical
A guide on choosing the best bike carrier
Some racks mount the bike on the frame, some set the bike on forks, and third types can accommodate a wider range of bikes such as torque rigs and tandems.
Racks for Standard Bikes
Roof mount racks fit most standard bike types: road bikes, mountain bikes, bikes with step-through frames, children’s bikes, bikes with fiber frames, and bikes with suspension
Rack Types
Fork mount
The Skewer Strap fits your bike’s fork to eliminate sway. For bicycle forks with composite frames, the Skewer Strap is a recommended accessory as it securely fixes the front wheel, and leaves the back wheel free to house the crossbar. The rack needs to be mounted on a compatible upper triangle that can sustain bike disc brakes and be compatible with both types of bikes.
Wheel Mount
Arms keep your bike on its wheels – no need to remove the wheels. This arm keeps contact with the disc brakes; so it is best used for mountain bikes or bicycles with composite frames.
Frame Mount
The arm holds your bike in place by its frame. Carries most types of bikes including those with disc brakes. Not recommended for bikes with composite frames
Ra for Specialty Bikeses
Fatbikcks
Designed to carry a fat bike on your vehicle’s roof. Large wheel stops and extra-long wheel straps accommodate fat bike tires.
Tandem
Designed to carry a recumbent or tandem bike on your vehicle’s roof. Extra-long tray accommodates long bike frames. Fork mount style with pivoting headset allows easy 1-person loading and unloading. Requires removal of bike’s front tire
Find a Fork-Mount Rack That Fits Your Bike
Most fork-mounted bike racks are designed to fit 1 of 2 front axle designs. The front fork of some bikes is slotted, as well as the axle and wheel drop out when loosened. The other kind of fork is not slotted as well as the axle should be taken off the side. Will be the second kind of front fork is known as a thru-axle.
Each of the two 2 fork types takes a different bike rack mount. Racks for the slotted type of fork possess a skewer that the fork can slide onto. Racks that are designed for a thru-axle possess a tube that the bicycle axle must ride in or perhaps a clamp that encloses the axle.
Many racks can fit a variety of front axles. And adapters are available to allow many racks to match even more bike types. With so many choices available, you can find a fork-mount rack for almost any bike.
How many bikes can you carry on a roof rack?
These factors limit the number of bikes it is possible to carry
- The maximum weight capacity of one’s vehicle’s roof
- The maximum weight capacity of one’s crossbars
- The width of your vehicle’s crossbars
The maximum weight capacity of your vehicle’s roof, more than any other factors, will affect the maximum number of bikes you can carry. Be sure to include the weight of one’s bikes, bike racks, and crossbar system when calculating the full total weight you want to keep on your vehicle’s roof.
Some SUVs along with other large vehicles might be able to carry up to 6 bicycles, but smaller cars could be restricted to 2.
The number of bikes you can carry is limited by the width of one’s crossbars.
How much weight can the rack hold?
A rack can hold up to 600 pounds of weight.
A rack should be able to hold the weight of an average bike, which is between 30 and 60 pounds. Check your vehicle’s weight capacity. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should have a listing of maximum allowable weights on it. If you do not have one, you should call your dealership to find out what weight capacity is allowed. Calculate the weight of one’s loaded bike. One can estimate the weight of one’s loaded bike by multiplying its front wheel diameter by 26 inches or multiply the effective length of one’s loaded bike by 30 to 60 pounds.
What are the Different Kinds of Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks?
How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
Hitch bike racks are the most popular style of a bike hitch rack. They can fit in securely to a receiver mounted to the rear of the vehicle. This type of hitch bike rack keeps the bikes away from the car and away from other bikes. There are many different styles of hitch car and SUV racks that can accommodate 2, 3,4, or 5 bikes.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Hitch Bike Rack
A hitch-mounted bike rack is a type of bike rack that slides into the receiver of a trailer hitch on a car or truck. This kind of rack has some advantages over roof- and trunk-mounted bike racks:
- Available in a big number of styles
- Make it easy to load and unload bikes
- More aerodynamic than roof-mounted racks
- Eliminate overhead clearance difficulties with the garage door in comparison to roof-mounted racks
- Available with greater capacity than most trunk-mounted bike racks
- More secure than trunk-mounted racks
- Work with more vehicle models than trunk-mounted racks
What to Look for in a Hitch Bike Rack
Compatibility Make sure that the Hitch bike rack you’re considering works together with your car’s hitch receiver size before you buy-you don’t desire to {end up with|end up getting} an r{a|the}ck that won’t fit your vehicle (and find out your day you’re wanting to leave for the day on the highway.
There are plenty of guides available on manufacturer sites, but if you’re unsure, it’s always better to email or calls them. On that note, if having access to your trunk is vital for your travel, make certain the rack will clear it.
Some styles don’t let you enter the trunk while the bikes are loaded: instead, look for models with racks that swing away from the automobile or tilt down.
What are the Different Kinds of Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks?
Hitch-mounted bike racks fall into one of two major groups – hanging and platform racks. Platform racks are generally easier to use and the bikes is resting on a platform while hanging racks typically hang on the frame of the bike and offer a better cost value.
Here are two main types of hitch-mounted bike racks.
Platform Bike Racks
Platform Bike Racks support the bike by the wheels and the support is with wheel and frame clamps. Adjustable wheel holders allow platform bike racks to fit a wide range of bikes regardless of size, frame, suspension, or wheel size.
- Hold 1-4 bikes
- Platform racks have the benefit of not touching the bike frame at all; they only touch the tires. ( No risk of the damaged bike frame.)
- Trays can be adjusted to allow for more space between bikes, minimizing bike-to-bike contact.
- Much easier to load and unload than hanging bike racks because relatively low to the ground.
- Can accommodate a variety of bikes, overall size, suspension style, or wheel size. including women’s step-through, e-bikes and kids’ bikes, but may require an adapter for some
- Provide a stable platform to eliminate sway
- Generally more expensive than hanging-style racks.
Frame-style clamps hook over your bike’s crossbar, holding the bike set up by the frame. Wheel-design clamps hold bikes in place by their wheels, eliminating any connection with frames. It is a great option if you want to protect your bike’s finish and maintain its warranty, which may be invalidated through the use of any rack that grasps the bike’s frame. This kind of rack is also a good choice for bikes with suspension because it generally does not push down on the framework.
This combination of versatility and easy install makes the platform-style racks very popular among serious cyclists.
Hanging Bike Racks
The second is hanging-style racks, which support most bikes by their frames, so the bike hangs from its top tube.
- Works best on standard frame bikes.
- Hold 2-6 bikes
- Typically make frame contact (except for a few wheel-mount racks)
- Bikes with alternative frames may not hang level on hanging rack and may require an adapter bar for alternative-framed bikes (such as women’s step-through bikes, full-suspension mountain bikes.)
- It may be too wide or bulky to hold kids’ bikes
- Alternative frames you may secure the front tires to the frame with a bungee cord or a strap.
- Cost less than platform racks
- Weigh less than platform-style racks
- Hanging racks are easier to mount and unmount.
Hanging racks, meanwhile, support bikes by the frames, letting the bikes hang down. The advantage here’s that many of these racks can hold up to five bikes without added hardware. The main disadvantage is that connection with the frame can result in abrasion and, in some cases, damage. It is a huge consideration when carrying a bike with a carbon fiber frame.
What’s the best bike rack for specific bike types
- Road and mountain bikes: Standard-frame bikes work well with all types of hitch-mounted racks. However, platform racks are easier to load, and many avoid making frame contact.
- Bikes with step-through frames: Platform racks will hold step-through bikes, and e-bikes bikes without an adapter. Most hanging-style racks, however, do require an adapter.
- Children’s bikes: Some children’s bikes require an adapter, but many can fit on hanging racks with closely spaced dual arms or single arms with small cradles. There are also platform-style racks designed to accommodate smaller bikes.
- Carbon-fiber frames: To avoid scratching carbon-fiber frames, the best choice is a platform-style rack that avoids any frame contact.
- Bikes with suspension: Platform racks with wheel clamps won’t compress your bike’s suspension.
What Kinds of Racks are Available for Specialty Bikes?
The world is full of nontraditional bikes and cyclists. So less to say, it follows that we need hitch bike racks to support these special bikes! These racks may offer features like higher weight capacities or alternative spacing to be able to hold electric bicycles, recumbent bikes, fat bikes, and much more.
Bike Racks for Electric Bikes These beefy racks are designed to handle the extra weight of electric bikes. To provide the needed extra strength, critical joints are welded, and heavy-duty materials are employed in their construction.
Bike Racks for Heavy Bikes Sometimes you just need a bit more muscle in your bike rack. These racks deliver that added weight capacity to essentially get your} wheels to the trail safely.
Bike Racks for Fat Bikes The cradles on these platform bike racks are designed to support the wider tires found on fat bicycles.
Bike Racks for Recumbent Bikes The wheel hoops on these racks can be spaced further apart to fit the smaller wheels and longer wheelbases of recumbents.
Which Bike Rack Will Fit My Vehicle?
The Hitch Receiver
Before you buy a hitch-mounted bike rack, you’ll need to know if it’ll fit the hitch on your vehicle.
Your bike rack should be compatible with both your hitch receiver size and its own weight class. For instance, a 2″ Class III hitch receiver can handle a 2″ Class III bicycle rack (or smaller).
However, a 1-1/4″ Class I hitch receiver can’t hold anything bigger than this. Most bike racks are made to fit either 2″ or 1-1/4″ hitch receivers, and their weight capacities usually include Class I, Class II, and Class III. Check your hitch receiver ends up being the cause of its size and class, and be sure to use a bicycle rack compatible with these specifications. Unless you know the course of your hitch, you need to be able to find out it in line with the hitch’s maximum capacity. Verify your hitch for a sticker or stamp indicating the bodyweight capability.
Class, I Hitches: Around 2k lb capacity, 1-1/4″ receiver size
Class II Hitches: Around 3,500 lbs, 1-1/4″ receiver size
Class III Hitches: Around 8,000 lbs, 2″ hitch receiver size
No hitch? No problem. Many mechanically inclined individuals install their own hitches with just a couple of basic hand tools. We even have videos to walk you through it!
Vehicle Clearance & Compatibility
If you need to clear a spare tire or extended back bumper, there’s an easy way to check which bike rack will work best for the vehicle without running into any obstacles. Check out our tips for measuring these circumstances. Also, note that many bike racks feature swing-away or tilt-away options that enable you to open your rear cargo area even with your bikes loaded.
You can add a hitch extender to your hitch to give you more clearance, but remember that an extension will reduce the weight capacity of one’s hitch by half, so this should be a last re therefore rt if you can’t find another option with enough clearance.
The ground clearance ends up being may also be an issue if you drive a car that sits low to the ground when you generate over dips in the street or into driveways. If your automobile has lower decrease ground clearance, consider a bike rack with a built-in rise in the shank, as shown in the rack pictured below. This increase can help to avoid the bike rack from dragging the surface on the floor.
Bike Capacity (Number of Bikes)
Typical hitch-mounted bike racks are available to transport 1 – 6 bikes. Racks for specialty bikes, like trikes and recumbents, may only have the ability to carry one or two 2 bicycles. Never overload your bike rack, your hitch, or your vehicle’s capacity.
Of course, it’s better to buy once than twice, so if you’re thinking about investing in a bike rack but also growing your family, you might look into an expandable bicycle rack it is possible to adjust to add another bike in the coming years. Price Hitch bicycle racks come in a number of price points, and as usual, where to be is somewhere in the center.
The most sophisticated models cost a lot; the cheapest aren’t usually the most well-designed.
Also, consider how much you’re using it and make an effort to visualize the cost on a per-use basis: if you’re somebody who goes on a road or trail ride after work a few nights a week, it may be worthwhile to invest in a better-built rack with some more features.
What Special Features are Available on Different Bike Racks?
Many bike racks have additional features for convenience and security. Here are a few to keep an eye out for:
Swing-Away Bike Racks
- The rack swings away from your vehicle to provide unlimited access to your trunk or rear hatch, despite having your bikes loaded.
- The “tilt” and “swing-away” features refer to how the rack adjusts to allow access to your automobile.
- Tilting angles the rack to allow you in order to open a hatchback or drop down a tailgate.
- This makes it possible to lean in and grab a backpack or let your dog hop out.
Tilt-Away Bike Racks
These racks fold up against your vehicle when not in use, keeping your automobile profile relatively small.
Fold-Up Bike Racks
The rack tilts down and away from your vehicle, allowing you access to your trunk or hatch. Some tilt-away racks allow you to keep your bikes loaded, although others need you to remove them first.
Bike Racks with Integrated Locks
Many bike racks offer integrated locks to secure your bikes to your rack and/or your rack to your hitch. For the best security, choose a rack that includes these locks, or purchase a cable lock and hitch lock separately.
A few Questions that someone going to ask before buying a Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks
Do Bike Racks Damage Your Vehicle?
However, no matter what precautions a company could make when designing a rack, there’s always the problem of user error.
Opening your hatchback while the rack is on and upright can drive the hatch right into the rack. This can cause denting and scratching to the rack or the automobile.
What Is the Easiest Bike Rack to utilize?
Overall, we’ve found that brands like Thule, Yakima, and 1UP have a tendency to include little tweaks like lever-adjustable tilting and integrated locks.
Details like these go a long way to make it easier to use.
Can I get in trouble if my rack obscures my license plate?
(Police could use an obscured plate as a pretext stop to check on for other illegal behavior.) Bike racks are not the only possible plate-obscuring culprit: A license plate could possibly be obscured by a trailer hitch, a trailer, a wheelchair-carrier, or perhaps a hitch-mount luggage rack.
It’s possible to buy license plate extenders and light boards; one could also place a color photocopy of the plate in the rear window.
One cyclist says overworked cops don’t see a person with a $500 rack and $1,000 bike as a likely bad guy.
Choosing and installing a Hitch Bike Rack.
Once you’ve installed the hitch bike rack, you just have to secure your bike; making a quick excursion to the mountains too easy to turn down. Start this process by measuring the size of the hitch on your own car (the width of the receiver opening).
There are four different sizes, so yours will either be 1 ¼”, 2”, 2 ½”, or 3”.
The two most common hitch sizes are 1 ¼” and 2”.
Spare Tire Bike Rack
How to Choose a Spare Tire Bike Rack
This guide is going to help you get your Spare tire Bike rack for your car.
Benefits of a Spare Tire Bike Rack for a car.
- This Car bike rack does not require a hitch.
- It makes it possible to tow while carrying bikes
- Easy to install on your spare tire.
To help you choose a spare tire bike rack car that is compatible with your car and bicycles it is important to consider four simple points:
- Vehicle Compatibility with Bike Rack
- Bike Compatibility with bike rack
- Bike rack Vehicle Accessibility while the car spare tire bike rack is on
- User Compatibility with the bike rack
Vehicle Compatibility
You need to ask a few questions before you can consider a spare tire bike rack
Do you have a spare tire?
Spare tire bike racks mount directly to the spare tire on the rear of the vehicle.
Does your spare tire have a cover?
You will need to remove the spare tire cover to use a spare tire bike rack (both hard and soft covers)
Something to remember is that removing the cover may not be necessary when using the strap-on style of bike rack.
How deep is your spare tire?
Deep spare tires may not be compatible with bolt-on spare tire bike racks but you can look at the strap-on style bike rack.
*** Spare tire must be no wider than 10″ across the tread ***
Measure center of hub straight out to the farthest edge of the rubber. If this is more than 5″, your spare tire is not compatible with most bolt-on spare tire racks
Each Spare tire rack offers an option for cars with offset spare tires that ensures your bicycle is centered behind your vehicle.
This Spare tire bike rack is not recommended for use behind trailers or pop-up campers.
Vehicle Accessibility
Access varies depending on the type of rear door Swing-out doors – Bikes can remain on the spare tire (not recommended if the weight of rack and bikes exceeds door-hinge weight capacity) Hatchback – Bike should be taken off the bike rack.
Bike Compatibility
Spare tire bike racks come in two styles. Dual-arm model and single-arm model.
Think about the stability before you consider what style of bike rack would be the best with your bike frames and transportation requirements.
Dual-Arm Models
Two Cradles hold spare tire bike frame stable and providing even support. It works the best with standard frames of the mountain and street bikes.
Bike rack can be compatible with alternative frame bikes like women`s and children`s bikes if there is adequate ground clearance or make use of an adapter bar.
The only negative is the capacity is up to 2bikes.
Single-Arm Models
Single-arm spare tire Bike frame held the bike with a single, rotatable cradle. The Rotate cradles keep the wheels of the bike level to the ground.
There is a hand knob at the top plate to secure the bike to the frame to the bike rack. This rack can simultaneously accommodate most styles of standard and alternative frame bikes and sizes. A big positive point is that you can load your bike simply and fast. Capacity is up to 3 bikes on this frame.
User Compatibility
Installation
Bolt-On
Extremely sturdy/heavy duty
The wheel is removed and the base plate is mounted on the spare tire mount
Bike rack attaches to bike-rack base plate through spare tire
The base plate can stay in place when the rack is detached.
Might not be compatible with deep spare tires.
Strap on
Extremely simple and fast to install
Simply clamps to tire and secures with straps that wrap around the bottom of the tire
Conveniently accommodate most wheel sizes
Convenience Makes it possible for towing while bike rack is in use
Locking Some bolt-on racks are secured to the automobile with lock and key
Single-arm models provide a locking mechanism to secure the bicycles to the rack
Bike racks ideas for storage at Home
The storage of bikes at home is sometimes a big challenge and space is sometimes to the minimal.
The garage is often shared by vehicles, bicycles, toys, tools, storage boxes, and more, which is why it’s very easy for this garage to become overcrowded, cluttered, and disorganized. Not only do unorganized and items in your garage make it difficult to find things when you need them, but they can also be a hazard.
Indoor bicycle racks can be even more difficult!
Depending on the number of bicycles you need to store, how easy it is to access them, and how much space you have for bike storage, you need a custom bike storage idea that works for your unique circumstances.
There isn’t one bicycle storage solution that works for everyone. For garage or indoors, vertical or horizontal, we’ll help you find the best idea to organize and store your bikes!
You get :
- Vertical bike storage solutions.
- Horizontal Bike storage solutions.
- Ceiling bike rack storage
- Garage Bicycle Racks for the Floor
Vertical Bicycle racks:
You get vertical bike racks against the wall and freestanding bike racks where there is no wall to mount it against.
Vertical Bike Storage on the Wall
This is best if there is limited space in the garage and work for most types, and more than one bike.
On-wall vertical bike storage allows you to store the most bicycles while taking up the least amount of space. Bikes are hunging vertically, so you need to have enough floor-to-ceiling space for the length of the bikes.
But you also need to have enough space to stick off of the wall and into whatever room you’re storing them in.
If you have a small 2-car garage and are trying to park both your cars inside, this style of wall-mounted bike rack isn’t for you. It’s probably also not your best bet for indoor bike storage either unless you don’t mind bumping into those bikes sticking from the wall!
PROS:
- Store the most bikes in the least amount of space
- Very common bike storage style, so many different options available
- Generally, fit any wheel size – from balance bikes to adult bikes fat-tire bikes
- They free up garage floor space and are ideal if you don’t have a high garage ceiling.
- They are often the cheapest option for a bike rack.
- They are often quite small so look the best and don’t take up much room if you are short on space.
- Some bike racks fold away so they are not a nuisance when not in use.
CONS:
- Difficult (if not impossible) for kids to hold and un-hang their bikes independently.
- They need to be firmly secured to your garage wall making them more difficult to set up.
- If you decide to move them to another location at a later date, you can be left with holes to fill.
- With horizontal racks, you need adequate wall space to accommodate all your bikes.
- With vertical racks, the bikes will intrude into the garage space unless they are hung within an unobtrusive corner.
- As they hang from the wall, they can be annoying unless they fold away.
- If you hang your bikes so they float about your car’s hood, you may have to move the automobile to get the bikes down.
Vertical Bike Storage freestanding
For me, free-standing vertical storage for the bike is ideal because it saves on your precious floor space and keeps your room organized. This is best if you have no wall to mount it on or you want to store it in a small apartment.
Horizontal Bike storage solutions.
Horizontal Bike racks mounted against the wall
This bike storage is the best for home storage, small garages, or high-priced bicycles.
On-wall horizontal bicycle racks secure a bike flat against a wall, taking up significant wall space, but very little space in the actual room. Because it takes up so much wall space, it’s not advisable for more than two bikes to be stored this way in the same room.
Pros:
- Can fit in most rooms in your house – great for an apartment.
- Generally easier to lift up and down than vertical storage
- Great for “displaying” bikes
- Some options can fit the smallest bikes – even balance bikes
Cons:
- Take up a ton of wall space
- Generally can’t store too many bikes this way
- Most only fit larger kids’ bikes.
- Can be difficult for kids to raise and lower bikes on their own
- Bikes with wider handlebars are more a problem.
Horizontal Bike racks freestanding
- EASY INDOOR BICYCLE STORAGE Deluxe Bike Stand Holds [4] Men’s or Women’s Bikes Up to 45 Lbs. Perfect for Storing Mountain, Road, Commuting, BMX, Racing, Touring, Cruiser, Hybrid & Other Bicycle Styles
- NO SUPPORTING STRUCTURES NEEDED Freestanding Unit Lets You Vertically Suspend Bikes in Garage Indoor Area for Space-Saving. Move From Room to Room As Needed
Pros:
- Vertical bike storage takes up minimal floor space.
- They are efficient, holding 2 bikes in a small area.
- They are not mounted to a wall, but rather lean on one so are easily repositioned or taken with you if you move.
- They are easy to assemble.
Cons:
- The top bike has to be lifted quite high making it unsuitable for children to use.
Ceiling hanging bike rack storage
The ceiling hanging bike rack is the best For The tightest spaces – bikes don’t take up any wall or floor space!
If you have a small garage, no wall space, and no floor space, you better look up and use the ceiling! Ceiling hanging bike storage racks store bikes up and out of the way so that they only use ceiling space above your head. Most of these systems are for single bikes, but the Saris system holds up to six bikes!
Pros:
- This system doesn`t take up any wall or floor space
- Easy to access, lift and lower
- Some models fit any wheel size.
Cons:
- Out of sight, out of mind! Then you don`t use it so much.
- Kids can’t access bikes by themselves
- Ceiling installation is more difficult and needs extra support.
- Bike hoists are better for only large kids’ and adult bikes
Garage ceiling bike hoist storage
Ceiling mounted the bike hoist work like window blinds – you pull the rope to lift the bike and release the rope to lower it.
Pros:
- These use no garage floor space and do not interfere with walking around your automobile by keeping the walls clear too.
- There is no have to lift the bikes onto wall hooks or bike poles and stands.
- They are surprisingly affordable for such a convenient system.
- They are ideal if you are lacking floor or wall storage space.
- They are a safe storage option as they cannot be bumped into.
- You can raise your bike to the right height to perform maintenance tasks easier.
- They add an extra level of security from thieves.
- They use easy-to-operate pulley systems to raise and lower your bike and take about 2-3 minutes in each direction
Cons:
- They attach to the garage ceiling, therefore the ceiling joists have to be strong enough to aid the load.
- You need to have experience of DIY work to install them.
- Due to their inherent safety risks, you should only buy good quality products with locking mechanisms that cannot lose control if you are lifting or lowering your bike.
- You need a tall garage ceiling to be able to utilize such a system. The height should be sufficient for the height of one’s car, your bike, and any clearance necessary for the hoist.
- Most options only hold one bike
- They have their own safety problems or even installed correctly or if the utmost load is exceeded.
Bike Storage Racks for the Floor
Floor garage bike racks are commonly used for the bikes that obtain the most use and need the easiest access. They’re often part of a more substantial system of garage bike storage where some bicycles are usually stored up and away to save lots of space, leaving just enough room for a couple of bikes on the bottom.
Bike racks for the floor are the best for organizing, saving space, larger garages, easy access.
While most home bike storage systems try to save floor space, bike parking racks use it right up! Floor bike racks are generally used for the bikes that get the majority of users and need the easiest access. They’re often sections of a larger system of garage bike storage where some bicycles are stored up and away to save room, leaving sufficient room for a couple of bikes on the ground.
Pros:
The best access for bicycles that get used often
Easy for kids to utilize
Can be used in the garage or within playrooms to store balance bikes
Cons:
Many don’t fit kids’ bikes under 20″
Take up precious floor space
Some are not disc brake compatible
Hope this buyer guide will assist you to get the best bike rack for your car and home. Every person must look at their needs and circumstances to get the best bike rack. With time I will update this guide as new technology and development will change the bike rack industry.