Written By: Jonathan
Fact Checked By: Caroline Dezendorf
Reviewed By: Matt Tanner
If you wanted to keep the bicycle on the small apartment, then you wanted to know the tricks and tools to make that happen smoothly, otherwise it will lead to damaging the walls or floors.
And there are the simple and smart ways are available so that you can store the bicycle that save space and keep it safe.
So, you simply need to learn that How to Store A Bicycle In An Apartment and ideas that work well in small homes, these are the very well working ideas which is used by many people who live in apartments just like you.
You can store a bicycles on walls, corners, ceilings, behind furniture in an apartment and wherever you find empty or underutilized area.
Assessing Your Space
Before anything else, you’ll need to take a good look at the space you already have in your apartment, as every apartment is different:
Some are very small, while others have more open space where your bicycle can fit without blocking the way or making your home feeling disorganized.
The real reason is to use the space in the best way possible.
Measuring Available Space
Just think of the places your bicycle can go, and measure them one by one.
Just use a measuring tape or a ruler that can help in that case, you actually don’t need any fancy tools to do this job.
If I give you an example about this: Like if you are thinking of hanging your bicycle on the wall then you have to see how wide the wall is and how far the bicycle will protrude from it.
Typically adult bikes are about 68 to 70 inches which is about 5.5 feet long and 24 to 28 inches high from the group to the top of the handlebars.
Yes, it will definitely help you to know if your space is big enough or you want a separate place to store your bicycle in the apartment.
Keep in mind that you always need to leave a few inches of extra space so that you can move around easily without colliding with the bicycle.
Identifying Unused or Underutilized Areas
Now, you need to take a look at the spaces in your apartment that are not being used or you feel are underutilized.
When you look around with this information in mind you will be surprised at how many people like this there are.
Walls
Check the walls: especially behind doors or above furniture, as these are places that are often empty and perfect for wall hooks or racks.
Corners
If you don’t have much furniture, corners can also be put to good use if a bike stand or vertical rack can be placed there that can fit without taking up much space.
Ceilings
Also, don’t forget to look up, yes your ceiling can also be very useful in terms of storing bicycles, if you have high ceilings then you can use a pulley system for hooks so that you can hang your bicycle above head level.
Yes, some people literally hang their bike above the couch, bed or desk, so just make sure it’s secure, that’s all.
Behind Furniture
In fact, you can make use of the space behind furniture, for example: a bike can be placed upright or diagonally behind a sofa or in the area under a counter.
And if you add a little creativity you can really find a smart place to store your bicycle even in a small apartment.
How To Store A Bicycle In An Apartment: Smart Space-Saving Ideas
So, these are really useful solutions for storing bicycle in apartment so I have given the complete list so that you don’t have to worry about searching it here and there.
1. Vertical Storage Solutions
Yes, you can store the bicycle in vertical position as it is one of the best ways to save space in small apartments because instead of keeping your bicycle occupying the floor space, you can store it upright against a wall or pillar.
In this way, you will be able to easily access the cycle whenever you need it and it will not bother you either.
Wall-Mounted Hooks and Racks
So, you can have wall mounted hooks and racks and these mounting accessories are very popular among bicycle lovers.
As these are really simple devices that actually stick to your wall and hold your bicycle either by the front wheel or you can attach them to the frame.
Not only that, some hooks are merely a piece of metal shaped to hold a wheel and others come with a complete rack that actually collectively supports the entire bicycle.
These mounting accessories are a really great option for small apartments because they keep the bike off the floor and you can place them high or low on the wall depending on your needs.
Additionally, foldable bike mounts are also available, which means you can fold them when you don’t want to use them, as they lie flat on the wall.
Floor-to-Ceiling Pole Racks
So, this is another great option for wall-mount as floor to ceiling pole racks virtually extend from the floor to the ceiling using the pressure or tension method, you don’t even have to worry about drilling holes in the wall.
Usually they come with two arms or hooks that hold one or two bikes vertically, depending on their specifications.
Additionally, some racks also allow the bikes to be stacked one above the other or side by side, saving a lot of space.
Tenants love these types of racks because they don’t damage walls or ceilings, and you can easily move them if you change apartments in the future.
You can place them comfortably in corners, next to furniture or near the entrance, but you must ensure before purchasing that the ceiling height should match the size of the pole.
Also, most adjustable poles fit ceilings that are 7 to 10 feet high, so you’ll need to pay careful attention to this detail.
2. Horizontal Storage Options
If you want to keep your bicycle close to the ground and don’t want to lift your bicycle too high then horizontal storage is a great option for you.
In this method the bicycle is placed flat against a wall with its frame resting on arms or brackets.
Yes, it looks neat and stylish and it also saves space if you place it at the right place.
Wall Cradles or Shelf-Mounted Racks
- Wall Cradles: If you want a sturdy bracket or arm that extends out from the wall and virtually holds your bicycle by its frame then wall cradles are the ideal choice for you. As its padded sides can easily prevent scratches as well, you do not have to worry about scratches and the protection of your bicycle’s paint is also ensured. This way, it hangs sideways and virtually flat against the wall, making it look like it’s been perched there, but with more protection and higher up off the ground.
- Shelf-Mounted Racks: This is an updated or I would say cleverer version of this idea because it puts the bike on the wall and you can also make a small shelf as well. Additionally, some shelf-mounted racks come with storage features so you can keep your helmet, gloves, or keys on top of it. Not only that, it seems to blend into your living space and doesn’t look odd like any other piece of furniture or wall art.
So, this was all about wall cradles or shelf mounted racks and both types are perfect for keeping your bicycle away from pedestrians and can look very neat if installed at the right height.
Folding or Collapsible Wall Mounts
These wall mounts are an even more space-saving option, as it comes with wall brackets that can be folded flat on the wall whenever you’re not using them.
Additionally, this type of accessory is very useful if you occasionally take your bicycle out or want your apartment to not look messy when you have guests over.
These hold the bicycle against the top tube which is the straight bar in the frame, and are very easy to use as well, as you just have to open the arms and place your bicycle on it and fold them back when you have taken the bike down as per your convenience.
Note: These types of folding mounts are a great choice for renters or people who need flexibility in their apartment layout.
3. Ceiling Storage Methods
If you have very narrow wall space and a small floor space, the ceiling may be a better spot to store your bicycle.
And this method virtually gets your bike completely out of the way, giving you more room to move around without any obstruction.
With the help of these accessories, you can easily store the bicycle in an apartment with high ceilings or an open layout.
Moreover, it comes with two main types of accessories that can easily hold the bicycle using a pulley system or a ceiling hook.
Pulley Systems
This type of pulley system is also known as a bike hoist, as it is a simple device that helps you lift your bicycle to the ceiling using ropes and hooks.
It has two hooks: one for the front wheel and the other for the rear wheel of the bicycle, and also comes with a rope that passes through a pulley.
When you pull the rope to lift the bicycle up, the system gets locked, keeping the bicycle standing without occupying any space.
Your ceiling should be at least 8 feet high to use the pulley system, as this will allow you to raise and lower your bicycle without much effort.
This method is ideal for cyclists who don’t use it every day, as it really takes a short time to raise and lower the pulley system.
Ceiling Hooks for Long-Term Storage
This is a simple and inexpensive option, as ceiling hooks are made of sturdy metal hooks that are screwed into the ceiling or ceiling joists, and with this accessory you can hang your bike from one or both wheels, depending on the style of the hook.
In this method you will need to leave your bike up to your hands, so choose this method wisely if you are really willing to do this work.
To utilize the space left after placing the bicycle you have to place it above the door, bed or washing machine, so that you can use the space which would be empty anyway.
4. Compact and Foldable Bikes
Compact and foldable bicycles also help you if you have a small apartment since you don’t have to devote a lot of space to store it.
These bicycles are designed to fold into a small size, which is why they are easier to store than any regular bike.
Plus, you can easily carry the bike around with the space-saving foldable bike.
Benefits of Investing in a Foldable Bike
Foldable bikes have a lot of advantages and solve a lot of space issues such as:
- Occupies less space: Foldable bicycles literally shrink down to about one-third of their full size, which is why they fit into spaces where regular bikes cannot easily fit.
- No need for racks or hooks: Literally you can fold them and place them wherever you want, that is why you don’t need to install any wall mounts, ceiling hooks or bike stands to place them in the apartment.
- Easy to transport: These bicycles are much lighter than most traditional bicycles, with many models weighing between 20 and 30 pounds.
Yes, foldable bikes are more expensive than regular bikes, but they save a lot of space and they come with convenience and portability that makes it worth the cost for people who live in tight spaces or apartments.
Conclusion
I know there might have been some challenges in the beginning before you knew anything about these types of tools and methods, but all it takes is the right method to solve them.
Yes, there are several smart options available that really help you save space and keep your home always neat and tidy as well as keep your bike safe.
For a quick reminder, if you want to keep your bicycle aligned horizontally in the wall, you can go with a wall cradle or a folding mount, this keeps the look of your apartment clean and really organized.
Plus, there’s a roof storage option available too which is perfect for those times when you want to get your bike completely out of the way.
Now, the easiest option is a foldable bike as it gives you the freedom to place it anywhere.
Obviously, no one solution is right for everyone, as it really depends on the layout of your apartment and where you want to place them. So just look around and think about which method best suits your life and enjoy your bike without leaving the valuable space in your apartment.
If you still have questions about How To Store A Bicycle In An Apartment, just comment below and I will respond as quickly as possible.
FAQ’s
Q1. Do I need to drill into the wall to hang my bike?
Not always, as some racks and pole stand use pressure between the floor and ceiling which is why you don’t have to drill in this method, but there are wall hook or cradles are available that needs drill into a wall to support the bike weight safely.
Q2. Can I store my bike on the ceiling if I rent?
Yes why not, but just ask your landlord first, as the pulley systems and ceiling hooks may requires drilling into ceiling so if they allows then that’s ok, or you can consider floor-to-ceiling pole racks or foldable bikes as renter-friendly options in apartment.
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Jonathan, the passionate owner of Bicycle Time, brings a lifelong love for bikes and automotive craftsmanship, that reflects into every corner of the shop. With deep passion in both cycling and automotive accessories, Jonathan is more than just an expert.