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As more of us take up cycling as a hobby or planet-saving commute to work, the question of where to store the bikes rises. Instead of leaving it in the hallway to fall over, or the garden to rust, garage storage seems the way forward.
Storing your bike in the garage provides some security, and safety from the elements but storing them can be tricky!
A bike rack allows you to keep your bike or bikes in one place, ready and waiting for the next cycle! There are so many to choose from and can be a daunting task!
This article will help you, with five of the best options for any size garage, along with a buyers guide and FAQ section to help you navigate the world of garage bike racks and help you find the best garage bike rack for yourself!
Whether it’s a hanging rack, wall-mounted, or a handy little stand you are after, sit back and let someone else do the work for you.
In a hurry?
Check out our top pick below to get your bikes stored and your garage organized in one go!
- Additional overhead storage
- Safe to use
- Avoids water damage on bikes
- Compact use
- Folds away for discretion
- Safe and easy to use
- Stores up to 6 bikes, great for families
- Holds up to 300lb in weight
- Adjustable storage
1. FLEXIMOUNTS 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack
Fleximounts offers you the chance to store your bikes with added extra storage!
By storing the bikes above ground the risk of water damage is minimized.
You also get the additional storage space above, the whole rack can hold up to 600lb in weight so you know it can comfortably hold your bikes weight and your Christmas decorations too!
The rack uses hooks to hold the bike in place keeping them secure while the ceiling hanging allows for increased floor space. The installation process is explained clearly in the instructions, although some customers did find it a little tricky and time-consuming.
At the higher end of the price range and with free shipping, Fleximounts storage offers you a great deal of a bike rack and storage solution combined.
The adjustable height makes it suitable for a wide range of garages, with customers enjoying the fact it could be customized for those with a smaller space.
It’s made from steel and powder coated so you can rest easy knowing its strong and secure storage for your bikes.
- Additional overhead storage
- Safe to use
- Avoids water damage on bikes
- Hold up to 600lbs in weight
- Made from alloy steel
- Some customers found the bike rack a little tricky to install
2. Steadyrack Bike Rack
Steadyrack bike rack offers a compact alternative to storing your bike, great if you are short on space!
When not in use it folds away discreetly using a 180-degree turn making it a versatile storage piece. The compactness allows you to maximize any minimal space you may have.
The rack provides secure storage and is great for those with limited space! Reviews suggested that it needs to be installed on a stud wall to ensure maximum security so bear that in mind when considering where to place the compact little rack!
The rack comes in four different fits; classic, fender, mountain, and fat so whilst being described as a universal fit, you can find the perfect fit for your bike!
The rack sits in the middle of the price range and comes with free shipping and with no heavy lifting when setting up its great for those who want an easy solution to their bike storage needs!
- Compact use
- Folds away for discretion
- Safe and easy to use
- Secure storage
- Universal fit
- Installation needs to be on a stud wall
3. Monkey Bars Bike Storage Rack 2.0
Monkey bars offer a storage solution ideal for families or bike hoarders alike! Safely store up to 6 bikes and 300 lb in weight there’s no fear of your bikes breaking free in the night!
The rack is made of industrial-grade steel so you know that your bikes are in safe and strong hands! The hooks are coated to avoid damage to the bikes and have been proved to be long-lasting, a great investment for those regular cyclists!
Monkey Bar even offers a lifetime warranty on the rack so you can rest easy knowing you are covered. The adjustable storage makes it great for a range of bike sizes, making it easy for all of the family to grab their bikes and go!
Customers particularly liked how easy the rack was to install and how easily the bikes can be removed, just by wheeling them out.
Whilst it is a little bulkier than some others on the market, those with the extra space and extra bikes will certainly find it useful! It also comes in a range of sizes offering space for 1,3,4 or 6 bikes so there is a size to accommodate all!
It’s a decently priced rack, especially for the storage of so many bikes in one convenient location providing you have space.
- Stores up to 6 bikes, great for families
- Holds up to 300lb in weight
- Adjustable storage
- Easy to install
- Bikes can be removed easily
- Can take a little while to install
4. Bike Wall Mount – Horizontal Indoor Storage Rack
The bike wall mount is a great solution for those looking for a convenient hold for their single bike. Although it is worth noting that it’s not suitable for all bikes like some other options.
The racks rubber handles ensure a scuff free storage of your bike, leaving it safe and secure for you.
The small rack is great for those working on limited space whilst also providing a secure feel. The mount also holds up to 48.5lbs making it a great choice for most bikes.
The customer service in particular stands out, as they offer around the clock support and are happy to provide a refund or replacement product.
The mount is at the lower price point and comes with free shipping, a great buy for those working with a smaller budget, and a single bike to store.
- Space-saving and convenient
- Safe and secure
- Holds up to 48.5lbs
- Scuff free rubber handles
- Excellent customer service
- Not suitable for wide handlebars, long wheelbases, or fat bikes
5. Feedback Sports RAKK Bicycle Storage Stand
A budget-friendly option, Feedback’s stand allows an alternative to a mounted bike rack. The storage stand allows you to roll the bike in and park it securely.
The stand folds up neatly when not in use meaning it’s a great space saver for anyone with a small space.
The stand is made from steel so you know it’s strong and going to last! The stand holds up to 50lb in weight making it a great purchase for most bikes and super easy to use.
It is especially great for those who don’t want to or can’t make any changes to the walls or ceilings as there are no holes to be made!
It is coated in durable powder steel reassuring you that your bike will be held and kept secure. The powder steel also provides a long-term clean look, great for any bike viewings!
The stand also has a modular design where the included bracket can be added to allowing you to park more bikes. Great for those with a little space and wishing to avoid hanging brackets.
The stand does come in a larger size for those with thicker wheels (larger than 2.3”) so be sure to check the diameters before purchasing!
- A good alternative to a bulky rack
- Folds compactly when not in use
- Durable steel
- Holds 50lb max weight
- Larger sizes available for larger bikes
- Need to upsize for larger bikes
Best Garage Bike Racks – Buyers guide
A garage bike rack can be a difficult purchase to make, with a few factors to consider.
The buyers guide below walks you through those steps making the purchase that much smoother!
What to Go For?
Storing bikes is tricky, they are usually bulky and sometimes have a life of their own!
A rack can help keep them neat and in one place. There are lots of options and finding the right one doesn’t have to be difficult.
A hanging bike rack can be fixed to the ceiling and allows the floor space to remain free to use.
A rack-mounted to the wall can range in size but from our selection, you can see there are some discreet and compact ones, especially for single bikes.
A standing rack allows the bike to be wheeled into place, it’s easy to use but does leave your bike on the floor running the risk of water damage on times. A stand is useful for those who cannot make holes in their walls, as it will still keep your bike secure and in place when it is not in use.
It’s important to consider the space, you want to be able to easily get your bike in and out of the garage and its rack!
Will it Hold?
Making sure that the rack you have selected will hold the weight of your bike/s is crucial to avoid any garage-related disasters!
Weighing the bike or checking its weight in the manual is a great place to start to ensure you get the rack that’s right for you! Also, it’s worth making sure that the rack can be fixed to your walls.
Most racks will say what wall is best but as a general rule drywalls are the best to avoid, instead opt for a plasterboard wall that you know can hold attachments safely and securely.
It is always worth thoroughly reading the instructions to make sure you can attach the rack to the best wall!
Tip! Some customers found attaching wood to the wall first helped attach the rack and make it feel more secure and stable
Suitability
When selecting your garage bike rack you will need to make sure it is the best fit for you and your needs. To get the best-fit measure the desired space and consider whether a mounted rack is the best option or a wheel in one.
For those with lots of bikes to store a larger hanging rack with lots of space may be a better fit than several single bike racks.
Especially for those also storing children’s bikes, a rack that is easy to use will be better to allow younger cyclists to mount and dismount their bikes themselves (and saves you some precious time!)
Material
Making sure that the bike will be safe in the rack is important, but so is keeping it damage-free.
A steel rack is strong and will hold your bike in place (be sure to check the weight limits and diameters!)
It’s also worth keeping an eye for those described as ‘scuff-free’ usually coated in rubber, which will feel softer than a cold metal and provide the peace of mind that your bike won’t get damaged before you use it again.
Alongside steel, some racks are made of recycled plastics, which are better for the environment. It’s worth double-checking that the material is strong, sturdy, and most importantly designed to take the weight load of the bike/s you want to store.
Do Looks Matter?
Once you’ve assessed your needs, your space, got your bike weight locked down, the final thing to consider is does the appearance of the bike rack matter?
Are you looking for a rack that’s stylish, sleek, and will match with your garage’s other items? Or are you less concerned about its appearance and more about its practicality?
While some racks are compact and easy on the eye, make sure to consider the weight limit and of course the practicality of it.
For many of us cycling enthusiasts, our bikes are our babies, and it is worth making sure it is stored securely, safely, and let’s face it, with a little style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure of a few things?
Check out the FAQ section to have your questions answered and help make that purchase!
Should I store my bike in a garage?
A secure garage is a great place to store a bike, especially if you have more than one. Make sure that the garage is secure and that it is watertight! Whilst hanging racks will save the bike from a flood, a leak could wreak havoc on your bikes.
Be sure to check the locks or install an alarm as well if you want the added security. A garage is an easy place to store the bikes if you have space, and certainly, a discrete bike rack on the wall will free up some floor space whilst keeping your bike safe from the elements or a thief.
What is the best way to do this?
The best way to store your bike depends on the space you are working with! Be sure to give the above buyers guide a read and assess your garage to get the right rack for you and your needs.
A ceiling hanging rack or wall-mounted rack will free up some floor space and protect the bike from any water damage, just be sure to check that you can make any holes on your wall/ceilings if you don’t own the property.
A floor stand is the safest option if you aren’t able to attach anything to your walls but could put your bike at risk to water damages. If you have multiple bikes to store check out bike stands that can be extended/attached to keep all your bikes in one place!
Can my bike get damaged hanging by its wheel?
Generally, no. If you are using a hook based rack (where the bike is hung by its wheel) the hook should cradle the wheel and not cause damage to it.
There is some speculation that the hook can cause excess pressure to the wheel rim but most experts dismiss this.
Any changes to your bike wheel should be picked up during regular tire pressure checks. The risk is of course limited further by a rack that does not put any pressure on the wheel like the bike wall mount (no4 on our list!)
How do I attach a bike hook to my garage?
All racks should come with detailed instructions to attach the chosen rack to the garage wall or ceiling depending on the selected rack.
A lot of racks use hooks, especially ceiling racks where the hook will cradle the bike wheel and hold it in place. It’s recommended using a sturdy wall such as a stud, or your ceiling to ensure it can take the weight of the bike.
