Bike Storage Rack

Cell4soul

E*POWAH Master
Jul 11, 2022
518
1,325
Mesa, AZ
I had a request on another thread to post photos of my bike storage rack. The rack was very simple. Here is a basic material list:

- Unistrut (2 pieces)
- 1” x 6” pine planks (equal quantity to the number of bikes)
- Lag Bolts (1.25“ length is good)
- Unistrut hardware (nut inserts and bolts)
- front bike wheel mounts

Lag bolt the unistrut to the wall using lags. Find studs. Bolt the 1 x 6 to the Unistrut nut inserts and bolts. Lag bolt the front wheel mount to the 1 x 6.

Here are some photos:

F83A8FC4-1A2C-4152-AABB-DD0A20053085.jpeg 54DF7DED-81E1-405B-A62A-E15C65F2054C.jpeg 4233F8CA-6EE7-4EDF-86A1-8B8B9F365639.jpeg EF993D2F-0C4D-4975-B5F4-A4F39292CFB2.jpeg 5FFBCE92-CD1A-42E0-B914-5F87E3736994.jpeg
 
Last edited:

Arminius

E*POWAH Master
Subscriber
Jul 26, 2022
604
1,034
Rhein-Ruhr Delta, Germany
I had a request on another thread to post photos of my bike storage rack. The rack was very simple. Here is a basic material list:

- Unistrut (2 pieces)
- 1” x 6” pine planks (equal quantity to the number of bikes)
- Lag Bolts (1.25“ length is good)
- Unistrut hardware (nut inserts and bolts)
- front bike wheel mounts

Lag bolt the unistrut to the wall using lags. Find studs. Bolt the 1 x 6 to the Unistrut nut inserts and bolts. Lag bolt the front wheel mount to the 1 x 6.

Here are some photos:

View attachment 102591 View attachment 102592 View attachment 102593 View attachment 102594 View attachment 102595
Cool! Thanks for sharing. 👍 I am allowed to push my bike through the living room to the large terrace in 3rd floor to do maintenance and cleaning. Sometimes. ☺️
 

MOTO13

Active member
Sep 16, 2020
335
381
Elkhorn, Wi
Nice system. I have heard that it is not good to store a bike inverted for any length of time. Not good for the suspension seals (can can cause leaks etc.)....anyone have an opinion on this? I'd like to store mine similarly, just don't want problems.
 

Cell4soul

E*POWAH Master
Jul 11, 2022
518
1,325
Mesa, AZ
Nice system. I have heard that it is not good to store a bike inverted for any length of time. Not good for the suspension seals (can can cause leaks etc.)....anyone have an opinion on this? I'd like to store mine similarly, just don't want problems.
So far I’ve had no issues with storing the bikes this way. I’ll post back up if something comes up.
 

Binhill1

🍊 Tango Man 🍊
Mar 7, 2019
3,265
5,055
Scotland
I snuck mine in once when she was away for the night . Jumped everytime I heard a car going past the house , never again.
 

Stihldog

Handheld Power Tool
Subscriber
Jun 10, 2020
3,578
5,059
Coquitlam, BC
It’s tragic when you enter your bike store room and find your precious bike laying on the floor. Something failed and someone’s to blame. (Probably you).

I’m not a structural engineer but I have some knowledge in the construction industry (tree falling was my career) and acquired a number of related certifications over the years. The branches of skills required for any trade can be endless. I’ll try not to wander out of my lane.

I tell my wife that I’m only a “Fastener” with a little bit of knowledge. There’s only a billion + fasteners available but how they are used is important. Nails, screws, bolts , adhesives etc (the list is huge). Every factor or possibility needs to be considered, otherwise the results can be tragic.

Consider the wall or ceiling that you’re mounting to. Wooden wall studs, sheet rock, concrete, brick, cinder blocks, plywood, OSB etc. They all require different types of fasteners or fastening methods. Choose the correct one, otherwise the result can be tragic.

I’m mostly faced with wall studs or a concrete wall. Easy right? Not always. Locating the centre of a wooden stud or ceiling joist through sheet rock is important. A stud finder is helpful …but not always accurate. Once the general location of a stud is found, a series of small holes nailed on either side of the stud can determine the correct centre. Mark that spot with a pencil. Now you can transfer hole location vertically. Check those also. Most stud walls are spaced consistently on a horizontal plane. 16” or 24” is typical …but not always. (8”, 10”, 19 5/16”, 32” can happen).just depends on the structure.

Concrete holes must be drilled accurately. A hammer drill and properly sized concrete bits are required. The type of fastener is very important. Sometimes I’ve added a special type of epoxy to help secure the metal fastener into the concrete hole.


IMG_7426.jpeg

IMG_7424.jpeg

IMG_7423.jpeg

There’s usually instructions and a number of caveats for each type of bike hanger. The caveats may seem insignificant but they are written in to CYA, and theirs.

I won’t use some types of bike hangers for different reasons. Weight of bike, hanging method, mounting options.

So I use the Steady Rack. It pivots the bike, supports the weight nicely, keeps the rear wheel off the floor, folds up and out of the way, looks nice. 👍🏻
 

RacerX

Member
Nov 19, 2023
30
30
Austin Texas
Well I have to say that is a dream come true bike storage and nice bike selection. Great item hanging on the chair. Go Sooners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just had my last 2 kids graduate from there. 3 kids total and all went to OU..
 

Prairie Dog

Active member
Subscriber
Mar 25, 2021
65
335
Alberta, Canada
Most homeowners in my hood have their cars parked out on their driveways and in most cases it’s simply due to the fact that they have too much stuff scattered around on their garage floors. I was facing the same dilemma over a decade ago so I installed slatwall on three sides of the interior of our garage along with some much-needed storage space. And it isn’t just limited to bikes though there are times that I wish that it was.

P4112105.JPG

IMG_20200923_1126058.jpg
 

Binhill1

🍊 Tango Man 🍊
Mar 7, 2019
3,265
5,055
Scotland
It’s tragic when you enter your bike store room and find your precious bike laying on the floor. Something failed and someone’s to blame. (Probably you).

I’m not a structural engineer but I have some knowledge in the construction industry (tree falling was my career) and acquired a number of related certifications over the years. The branches of skills required for any trade can be endless. I’ll try not to wander out of my lane.

I tell my wife that I’m only a “Fastener” with a little bit of knowledge. There’s only a billion + fasteners available but how they are used is important. Nails, screws, bolts , adhesives etc (the list is huge). Every factor or possibility needs to be considered, otherwise the results can be tragic.

Consider the wall or ceiling that you’re mounting to. Wooden wall studs, sheet rock, concrete, brick, cinder blocks, plywood, OSB etc. They all require different types of fasteners or fastening methods. Choose the correct one, otherwise the result can be tragic.

I’m mostly faced with wall studs or a concrete wall. Easy right? Not always. Locating the centre of a wooden stud or ceiling joist through sheet rock is important. A stud finder is helpful …but not always accurate. Once the general location of a stud is found, a series of small holes nailed on either side of the stud can determine the correct centre. Mark that spot with a pencil. Now you can transfer hole location vertically. Check those also. Most stud walls are spaced consistently on a horizontal plane. 16” or 24” is typical …but not always. (8”, 10”, 19 5/16”, 32” can happen).just depends on the structure.

Concrete holes must be drilled accurately. A hammer drill and properly sized concrete bits are required. The type of fastener is very important. Sometimes I’ve added a special type of epoxy to help secure the metal fastener into the concrete hole.


View attachment 134251

View attachment 134252

View attachment 134253

There’s usually instructions and a number of caveats for each type of bike hanger. The caveats may seem insignificant but they are written in to CYA, and theirs.

I won’t use some types of bike hangers for different reasons. Weight of bike, hanging method, mounting options.

So I use the Steady Rack. It pivots the bike, supports the weight nicely, keeps the rear wheel off the floor, folds up and out of the way, looks nice. 👍🏻
Well heavier load bigger nails was what I always went by. Very tidy looking work shop you have there i have to say .Tree falling well I was a tree feller for a few winters when offshore work was thin but your trees were probably bigger. I am not allowed to do much DIY at home saying that I fitted a new lavie seat three days ago and it's still OK. I was a Fisherman for many years you find most of them are useless about the house .
 

Stihldog

Handheld Power Tool
Subscriber
Jun 10, 2020
3,578
5,059
Coquitlam, BC
Most homeowners in my hood have their cars parked out on their driveways and in most cases it’s simply due to the fact that they have too much stuff scattered around on their garage floors. I was facing the same dilemma over a decade ago so I installed slatwall on three sides of the interior of our garage along with some much-needed storage space. And it isn’t just limited to bikes though there are times that I wish that it was.

View attachment 134261
View attachment 134262
Nice setup! I always like looking at other garages/bikeshops. Gives me a few ideas.

Here’s my Cave. It was basically a concrete hole at the back of the garage. Then I got busy. Or I tried. Had a stroke before I got things really going. Spent 6 months in the hospital (don’t remember much of that). When I returned home all the cabinets were delivered. My left side was seriously compromised. Basically installed everything here with one good hand and leg. It was good physiotherapy.

The concrete walls were all strapped with 1x3 fir before everything was installed.

IMG_7431.jpeg

Slat wall and bike racks.
IMG_7432.jpeg


Wall of shame and some storage.
IMG_7433.jpeg

Shop compressor and dry room.
IMG_7427.jpeg
I spend a bit of time here so it’s a bit dirty …but it’s tidy.👍🏻
 

Prairie Dog

Active member
Subscriber
Mar 25, 2021
65
335
Alberta, Canada
Nice setup! I always like looking at other garages/bikeshops. Gives me a few ideas.

Here’s my Cave. It was basically a concrete hole at the back of the garage. Then I got busy. Or I tried. Had a stroke before I got things really going. Spent 6 months in the hospital (don’t remember much of that). When I returned home all the cabinets were delivered. My left side was seriously compromised. Basically installed everything here with one good hand and leg. It was good physiotherapy.

The concrete walls were all strapped with 1x3 fir before everything was installed.

View attachment 134266
Slat wall and bike racks.
View attachment 134267

Wall of shame and some storage.
View attachment 134268

Shop compressor and dry room.
View attachment 134269
I spend a bit of time here so it’s a bit dirty …but it’s tidy.👍🏻
Sweet looking space. Far less cluttered and much tidier than mine. One thing that I am missing is a shop stool but there’s not another inch of room to spare for even for that.

PXL_20240211_203337043.jpg
 

Maxi

Member
Oct 5, 2021
27
47
Cumbria
Old thread, new question.

I'm about to build a bike shed as they are taking up too much space in the garage (6 off). I have a reasonable design in mind but need to find hanging brackets (like below) that will take up to a 2.8 tyre. Normal ones struggle at 2.4 or higher. Any thoughts / suggestions welcome.

s-l960.jpg
 

VWsurfbum

🤴King of Bling🌠
Jan 11, 2021
1,536
2,256
England
Old thread, new question.

I'm about to build a bike shed as they are taking up too much space in the garage (6 off). I have a reasonable design in mind but need to find hanging brackets (like below) that will take up to a 2.8 tyre. Normal ones struggle at 2.4 or higher. Any thoughts / suggestions welcome.

View attachment 136146
I use these, on one set of tyres I just opened up the hook ( a small amount) in the vice and a leaver bar.
 

mike425

Member
Jan 9, 2020
61
41
Sheffield
Old thread, new question.

I'm about to build a bike shed as they are taking up too much space in the garage (6 off). I have a reasonable design in mind but need to find hanging brackets (like below) that will take up to a 2.8 tyre. Normal ones struggle at 2.4 or higher. Any thoughts / suggestions welcome.

View attachment 136146
I have a mix of these and the steady racks. The steady racks are way more expensive but worth it imo. The ones above really dont allow you to move the bike out of the way if you ahve multiples hung up
 

Cell4soul

E*POWAH Master
Jul 11, 2022
518
1,325
Mesa, AZ
Mine barely fits a 2.5. Like was already said, you can probably bend one to fit. Here is the rack I built. The MTB’s have the weight on the rear tire. The gravel bikes are hanging. With the gravel bikes hanging, it staggers the handle bars for a tighter fit. I like to keep my main bike on the floor; it gives me more motivation to ride and..…I love looking at it. 😂 There is a spot to hang it too.

2F3D1D1A-37C5-41FC-8C75-EEBB9DAE1DBF.jpeg
 

Binhill1

🍊 Tango Man 🍊
Mar 7, 2019
3,265
5,055
Scotland
Mine barely fits a 2.5. Like was already said, you can probably bend one to fit. Here is the rack I built. The MTB’s have the weight on the rear tire. The gravel bikes are hanging. With the gravel bikes hanging, it staggers the handle bars for a tighter fit. I like to keep my main bike on the floor; it gives me more motivation to ride and..…I love looking at it. 😂 There is a spot to hang it too.

View attachment 136148
Nice and clean and plenty room i like that
 

steve_sordy

Wedding Crasher
Nov 5, 2018
9,017
9,458
Lincolnshire, UK
Old thread, new question.

I'm about to build a bike shed as they are taking up too much space in the garage (6 off). ....

Any thoughts / suggestions welcome.
Spend a big percentage of your cost on security; sheds are just too easy to break into.
A hard-wired, very loud alarm as a minimum. Look on the stolen bike section to see easily wi-fi alarms are defeated.
 

Maxi

Member
Oct 5, 2021
27
47
Cumbria
Spend a big percentage of your cost on security; sheds are just too easy to break into.
A hard-wired, very loud alarm as a minimum. Look on the stolen bike section to see easily wi-fi alarms are defeated.
Thanks for your advice.

We're lucky as we live in a rural setting but basic security will be;
  • heavy duty door bolt with 'blind' screws on bolt & hinges
  • U brackets in concrete fitted with anti-tamper anchor fitted horizontally to concrete base & vertically to side of garage wall
  • 'best' / most resistant braided cable or chain with decent padlocks (rear wheels / frame to horizontal bolts, front wheels / frame to vertical bolts)
Appreciate no shed is 100% secure but with these & having 2 dogs in the house ~5m from where the shed will be will (hopefully) suffice. I will potentially look at motion sensors for an alarm and already have CCTV covering the front of the garage - easy addition to cover the side as well.
 

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