Best bike storage solutions: hooks, racks and sheds
We've rounded up the best options to help you find the perfect way to keep your bikes neat and tidy when home.
When space is at a premium, finding room for your bike when you're not riding can be a challenge. If you are fortunate enough to have storage space outside your home, you'll still want to ensure it's secure once you tuck it into bed at night.
If you're a multi-cyclist-home or your n+1 bike collection is getting out of hand, the storage can be even trickier, and then there are your best wheels to stow away, bike cleaning kits, and all the other components that come with a cycling hobby.
Thankfully there's a wide range of solutions on the market that will work in anything from a space-limited home to a dedicated bike shed, garage, or other bike storage space.
The heavy-duty metal sheds are insurance-approved and available in a range of sizes to suit anything from one to eight bikes making them a great option for anyone with outdoor space, but no garage.
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Our expert review:
The Clug is a clever storage device that can be installed pretty much anywhere — because the rear tyre is still touching the ground there is no need to find a stud. Once on the wall, the plastic clip simply hugs the front wheel so your bike can hang like an ornate piece of wall art.
The roadie version suits tyres of 23 to 28mm, but there are wider versions for those riding gravel bikes, hybrids and mountain bikes, and these retail at just £14.99 / $24.99.
CW's digital editor Michelle Arthurs-Brennan had one (well, four) on test a few years back, to great success - however, it's worth noting that you do need to keep an eye on your tyre pressure — particularly in the case of race bikes that may collect dust over the winter and risk falling out as they lose air.
You can read our long-term review of the Hornit Clug for more details.
This freestanding storage system uses a large base to support itself and can carry two bikes up to 72kg / 159lbs meaning it can take even the heaviest eBike in your stable. This neat stand can also fold up should you need to move it in the car or on public transport.
Topeak also makes the Dual Touch stand that pushes up against the floor and the ceiling, allowing it to have a smaller footprint. It can snug up closer to the wall, provided you're not storing a mountain bike with 800mm wide handlebars.
Perfect for the garage, this unit is simple to install and even easier to use. The claimed weight limit that it can handle is up to 20kg / 44lbs so it can handle almost anything bar some of the heavier eBikes.
Make sure that the hooks are securely attached to your bike though, especially the saddle. You may need to replace the cord too, as it can start to fray quickly.
Up until recently, most at-home anchors designed to lock your bike securely to were quite unattractive — mainly designed for use in garages and out of sight. Hiplok aimed to end that, with the Airlok. Constructed from hardened steel and covered with a plastic shield, these insurance approved locks are designed to adorn your walls, turning your bike into a work of art.
A locking bolt secures the frame, whilst a rubberized lining protects it from scratches, and a range of top tubes can be accommodated, including mountain bikes.
Hiplok say that if you want to double check your bike will fit use a rectangle with the dimensions of 150mm wide x 60mm length and try and fit it under the top tube at the junction of the downtube, within the front triangle of your bike. If this fits, then your bike should be compatible. Hiplok also say that the max width of the frame tube that can be accommodated is 60mm width, so you can measure it in advance too.
The Steadyrack allows you to mount your bikes vertically on the wall, with only the front tyre coming into contact with the rack — meaning there is no risk of damaging those fancy carbon wheels or scratching your frame. But the real genius of these wall-mounted wheel trays is they pivot almost 180-degrees, meaning bikes can be folded out of the way, thus saving space especially if you have several bikes.
The install process is a little more involved than other racks, requiring at least four holes to be drilled into your walls (six if you use the optional wheel guide on the bottom), so they probably aren't the best option for renters.
If you own your home, or just have a really cool landlord that doesn't mind if you drill a few holes in the walls, a bike storage hook is probably the cheapest and simplest way to store bikes.
Essentially a rubber-coated hook, bikes can be hung vertically on the wall by the front or rear wheel, and the hooks can be staggered in height to allow them to be snuggled up close to one another without knocking handlebars. That said, they do come into contact with the wheel and can damage hoops that use laminated carbon fairings.
Our expert review:
Asgard manufacturers insurance approved bike storage sheds out of heavy-duty metal. Sheds are available in a range of sizes- to suit anything from one to eight bikes — with extra 'police approval' certification on larger versions.
You do need a flat platform in your yard large enough to place one, but if you've got the space they're a great idea. If you're installing it yourself, expect to need to spend time on preparation and assembly though.
Read more: Asgard shed review, which covers how we prepared, assembled and used the shed.
Do you want to keep your bike inside or outside?
If rolling dirty bikes through the house is frowned upon, you may want to go for an outdoor solution. As garage break-ins are not uncommon, some sort of secure shed may be the ideal solution to your problem. There are a few insurance approved secure outdoor sheds on the market like those from Asgard, but they don't come cheap. Some of their models are also police approved, and can come with handy shelves to store riding gear and spares.
Do you want to put screws in your walls?
If you're opting for indoor storage, you need to decide if you're willing to drill holes in the wall. If you're comfortable using power tools, simple bike hooks or something like a Steadyrack will allow you to make good use of your wall space. If not, a freestanding pole-type rack that runs from floor to ceiling might be the ticket. Alternatively, there are some clever looking pieces of furniture which can act as stands as well, but these are anything but compact.
Do you want to make a statement of your bike?
Some options allow you to hang your bike on the wall, or display it in the centre of the room atop a purpose-designed piece of furniture. Of course, this needs to be approved by other members of your household and generally requires you to pay adequate attention to your bike cleaning routine.
Do you want to have the bike locked up in position?
If security is a major concern, you can opt for a storage option that's lockable - whilst traditional ground or wall anchors are not the most attractive options to display, there are some more inviting options like Hiplok's Airlok.
Wall mount bike storage
One of the most common types of indoor bike storage, the simple wall mount usually consists of hooks that are screwed into the wall. They are either attached to a stud, masonry or a sheet of 3/8in ply across the wall — which is bolted to studs.
Wall mounts do come in a variety of shapes though with more elegant options also doubling up as shelves and attractive pieces of wall furniture.
However, tread cautiously if you're renting, and make sure you run this past your landlord so you don't risk losing your security deposit because you wanted to store your bike more fashionably.
Bike storage-specific furniture
If your landlord or member of your household puts the kibosh on drilling, then you'll need something a bit less permanent. More and more people are finding the answer in bike storage-specific furniture.
This wide-ranging term is based around standalone shelving units that have bike slots or hanging spots built-in. These not only store bikes but can store your helmet riding shoes and kit or books, DVDs and other personal amenities.
Freestanding bike storage stands
If you own more than one bike or you live in a house of cyclists, then buying bike storage-specific furniture may be a tad expensive and not very space-efficient. In this realm, there is everything from freestanding racks that don't touch the walls, to poles that create tension between the floor and ceiling.
Pulley and winch systems
If you're poor on floor space but rich with vertical space, a pulley system may be the best choice for you. Directly attached to the ceiling or the wall high up, these allow you to store your bike above your head. Reminiscent of dockyard workers and sailors, you attach your bike to the harness or hook and hoist your bike up towards the ceiling.
These usually come with a secondary attachment to ensure your bike doesn't then swing with any breeze or slight touch. This keeps your floor free without the danger of a free moving bike hanging above your head.
Bike Storage Sheds
If you just want somewhere to store the bike that's not in the house then a small bike shed is a great investment. Usually costing a bit more than the other solutions, these are tidy isolated units that can sit at the end of the garden and shield your bike from the elements effectively without being an eyesore or in the way.
If you're still stuck for space, then maybe check out our guide to the best folding bikes.
