Living Car Free - Bike Storage Help Please

Our one bedroom apartment is pretty small and our storage room is small and oddly shaped too. I cleaned it out this week and just fitting kittys litter box and my bike in there is cramped so goodness knows what I'm going to do when we get and need to store hubbys bike too.

I've been looking at all kinds of racks, freestanding and so on but not sure what is the best or will at least work for now. I'd rather not, if possible, put large holes in our ceiling for storing that way (landlord would most likely not be amused)

I was looking at these too at M.E.C. and wanted opinions or other solutions.

Gravity Bike Storage Rack (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442507577&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692829&bmUID=1247170053275)

Swagman Bike Hanger (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442620856&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692829&bmUID=1247173948150)

Thanks in advance

I use something similar to that. Purchased it from Home Depot but it only holds one bike. It just hangs the bike from the top bar. I stacked two of them so that mine and the soon to be wife's bike hang one above the other. She can get her's down easy, but mine is a little stretch to put up and down. All kinds of hurt when my calfs cramp after a really long ride as I am hanging it.

Oh two things. Mine does require it to be mounted to a stud in the wall, and both your links go to the same item.

I use something similar to that. Purchased it from Home Depot but it only holds one bike. It just hangs the bike from the top bar. I stacked two of them so that mine and the soon to be wife's bike hang one above the other. She can get her's down easy, but mine is a little stretch to put up and down. All kinds of hurt when my calfs cramp after a really long ride as I am hanging it.

Oh two things. Mine does require it to be mounted to a stud in the wall, and both your links go to the same item.


Thanks:) fixed that link..

I didn't think to check home depot so thanks for that also:)

I'm in a small apartment too. In my place, a rack that hangs the bikes vertically from the front wheel makes the best use of space. The bikes fit in a space four feet square, about 1.3 meters square.

http://www.brucew.com/gallery/albums/bikes/100_2955.sized.jpg

That rack is now discontinued, but you can create the same sort of thing either with $5 hooks from the hardware store, or for about $15 each, Delta makes a nice hook that comes with a plastic thing to keep the rear wheel from leaving marks on the wall.

I'm in a small apartment too. In my place, a rack that hangs the bikes vertically from the front wheel makes the best use of space. The bikes fit in a space four feet square, about 1.3 meters square.

http://www.brucew.com/gallery/albums/bikes/100_2955.sized.jpg

That rack is now discontinued, but you can create the same sort of thing either with $5 hooks from the hardware store, or for about $15 each, Delta makes a nice hook that comes with a plastic thing to keep the rear wheel from leaving marks on the wall.


that is a great idea!! I wish our storage room was a bit bigger to store like that:)

BTW love your signature. I'm starting school hopefully in the Fall to get my 2 year library tech diploma

BUA Aluminum Floor-to-Ceiling Bike Rack?
$138 www.bikerackshops.com

I love all these racks, I need help with storing my two bikes and if my mom gets one, a third! Tiny 2 bdrm place here. I can squeeze my hybrid in the laundry/storage room but my Miyata is in the hallway to the living room.

BUA Aluminum Floor-to-Ceiling Bike Rack?
$138 www.bikerackshops.com


That could work if the one from MEC which is similar doesn't work well. I think I can get that shipped up here to Canada too:)

Thanks!

I notice TSL's bikes are locked up at home. The cops say that statistically more bikes are ripped off from home than on the street but I almost never lock up at home. Maybe I should. I've had 3 bikes stolen, 2 from the street, one was locked on the front porch. If breaking and entering is a problem you might want to get a hanging rack that you can lock your bikes on.

I notice TSL's bikes are locked up at home. The cops say that statistically more bikes are ripped off from home than on the street but I almost never lock up at home. Maybe I should. I've had 3 bikes stolen, 2 from the street, one was locked on the front porch. If breaking and entering is a problem you might want to get a hanging rack that you can lock your bikes on.

Luckily I'm in a secured bldg so I'm not too worried about B&E's just space:) However we have renters insurance that covers the abovementioned too

Thanks:)

I notice TSL's bikes are locked up at home.

Yes, well my third bike was stolen from my locked storage bin in the basement. Concrete block walls, solid (not hollow) wood door. They busted the door down to steal a $380 hybrid. It was the only storage bin entered. It has my apartment number on the door.

You do the math.

Did I mention that my current apt has a private entrance?


However we have renters insurance that covers the above mentioned too

Didn't do me a lick of good. $380 bike, $500 deductible.


Oh, here's a cool story. I was apartment shopping last week. Actual conversation with the building manager, walking from the apartment in question to the basement.:

Building Manager: You have an assigned parking spot, or for $50 a month, you can get a private garage.

TSL: Did I mention I've been car-free for over ten years? Is there a problem with me keeping my bikes in the apartment?

BM: No. Not at all.

TSL: Even in winter when they may track some slush in to the hallway?

BM: They don't track in more than what's on somebody's shoes, do they?

TSL: No, they don't. <thinking: Yes! I like this place!>

Arrive at basement, look at storage bin, laundry room and,

BM: Now if you don't want to carry your bike up two flights of stairs, you could lock them up in here, <Opens boiler room door revealing TWELVE bikes locked to the pipes.>

TSL: Where do I sign?

BM: Now if you don't want to carry your bike up two flights of stairs, you could lock them up in here, <Opens boiler room door revealing TWELVE bikes locked to the pipes.>

TSL: Where do I sign?

That's cool. Sounds like you'll be at home here. But will your bad luck with thieves follow you here? Or will you just use a couple of u-locks and hope for the best?

Or will you just use a couple of u-locks and hope for the best?Using a couple of U-locks and hoping for the best has worked well enough for the past 20 months. Why mess with success?

My reason for moving has nothing to do with bikes. It's dogs. More specifically, the landlord's change in the no dogs policy. It's now, "Move 'em in and make sure they bark all the time." It's like living in an f-ing kennel.

Yes, well my third bike was stolen from my locked storage bin in the basement. Concrete block walls, solid (not hollow) wood door. They busted the door down to steal a $380 hybrid. It was the only storage bin entered. It has my apartment number on the door.

You do the math.

Did I mention that my current apt has a private entrance?



Didn't do me a lick of good. $380 bike, $500 deductible.


Oh, here's a cool story. I was apartment shopping last week. Actual conversation with the building manager, walking from the apartment in question to the basement.:

Building Manager: You have an assigned parking spot, or for $50 a month, you can get a private garage.

TSL: Did I mention I've been car-free for over ten years? Is there a problem with me keeping my bikes in the apartment?

BM: No. Not at all.

TSL: Even in winter when they may track some slush in to the hallway?

BM: They don't track in more than what's on somebody's shoes, do they?

TSL: No, they don't. <thinking: Yes! I like this place!>

Arrive at basement, look at storage bin, laundry room and,

BM: Now if you don't want to carry your bike up two flights of stairs, you could lock them up in here, <Opens boiler room door revealing TWELVE bikes locked to the pipes.>

TSL: Where do I sign?

Ah yes! I forgot about the deductible, I better check and see what ours is.

Thanks for sharing:)

I have two of the Delta racks. Surprisingly stable and they're easy to adjust. I only have 2 bikes on each,but a friend of mine has four on his. He completely wrapped the arms and put two bikes all the way in against the stand and two more on the outer hooks.

I have two of the Delta racks. Surprisingly stable and they're easy to adjust. I only have 2 bikes on each,but a friend of mine has four on his. He completely wrapped the arms and put two bikes all the way in against the stand and two more on the outer hooks.

Thanks:) I think we're picking up one this weekend. Birthday Bike accessories shopping on Saturday:)

4-bike, freestanding storage (http://www.deltacycle.com/product.php?g=1066) <$150

(it's one of the ones I've considered for my garage / workshop area)

4-bike, freestanding storage (http://www.deltacycle.com/product.php?g=1066) <$150

(it's one of the ones I've considered for my garage / workshop area)

Oh that is nice:) I think we'll get the two bike one for now..until at least it looks like whether or we'll be getting other bikes in the future...Of course I've already planned out next place to have an extra bedroom or attatched storage so we can have a "bike room"

I also have a small apartment so I picked up some bike wall hangers from Menards for $6. They work great.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a120/Matthai5/Craigslist/DSCF3119.jpg

don't ask us, our's are in the living room. One along a wall and one behind the couch. the couch separates the eating area from the living room. It's not ideal but only a real pain if we have company then we roll into bedroom. I'm not sure a bike rack would even give me more room. I'd have to move art off of walls.

don't ask us, our's are in the living room. One along a wall and one behind the couch. the couch separates the eating area from the living room. It's not ideal but only a real pain if we have company then we roll into bedroom. I'm not sure a bike rack would even give me more room. I'd have to move art off of walls.

Yea mine was in the living room until I cleaned out our storage. i thought it would be larger but it isnt. we dont have art up in the living room though so I may put one of those Davinci two bike holders up against our longest wall and then put the bikes on them and the couch in front so its a bit like art too:) Will post pictures of what we finally decide to do.

The living room wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have this beast

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/60071358

That alone takes up one wall by itself...I'm thinking of selling it and getting two smaller ones instead to make the room a bit larger

.... we dont have art up in the living room though so I may put one of those Davinci two bike holders up against our longest wall and then put the bikes on them and the couch in front so its a bit like art too:) Will post pictures of what we finally decide to do.


A couple of bikes hanging up in the living room should be considered art. :)

A couple of bikes hanging up in the living room should be considered art. :)


True that:) I cant wait to get it set up and pictures taken

I'm in a small apartment too. In my place, a rack that hangs the bikes vertically from the front wheel makes the best use of space. The bikes fit in a space four feet square, about 1.3 meters square.

http://www.brucew.com/gallery/albums/bikes/100_2955.sized.jpg

That rack is now discontinued, but you can create the same sort of thing either with $5 hooks from the hardware store, or for about $15 each, Delta makes a nice hook that comes with a plastic thing to keep the rear wheel from leaving marks on the wall.

TSL, don't you own a white Portland? You've shown it on here many times...I am quite fond of that bicycle. Unless I am mistaken.

TSL, don't you own a white Portland? You've shown it on here many times...I am quite fond of that bicycle. Unless I am mistaken.

Nope. Mine is the original '06 model in burnt orange.

The '07s are also orange, but have a Shimano crankset instead of a Bontrager one.

The white ones are the '08s. They have improved rear brake cable routing and are the last of the 10-speeds with BB7 brakes.

The '09s are brown and have downgraded brakes and are 9-speed.

I'm wondering what's in store for '10.

BTW, just got back this afternoon from your side of the lake--other end though. My parents have a cottage in the Rideau Lakes region of Eastern Ontario.

I took both bikes. Yellow Bike was for asphalt days. The Portland was for dirt road days. I removed the full fenders and re-installed the factory ones, then put on the cyclocross tires. Equipped thus, the Portland is equally at home on the back woods dirt roads.

Despite the rain, I averaged 100km per day on pavement, and 50km per day on dirt. Much fun was had.

I took both bikes. Yellow Bike was for asphalt days. The Portland was for dirt road days. I removed the full fenders and re-installed the factory ones, then put on the cyclocross tires. Equipped thus, the Portland is equally at home on the back woods dirt roads.


One solution to the bike storage problem is to have a multi-purpose bike.

Besides the cyclocross, mountain bikes are an option. I put slicks on for road rides and city streets--comfortable for up to 50 miles, I've found, as long as you don't need to go fast.

Touring bikes are another multi-purpose bike. Besides their intended purpose, they're good for long commutes and are sturdy enough to handle some smooth off-road riding.

One solution to the bike storage problem is to have a multi-purpose bike.

I do. That's the Portland. If I could own only one bike, that would be the one.

Fortunately, I'm under no such limitation. :)

Why don`t you guys get folding bikes? 20" or smaller is not so good for deep snow, but apart from that can be great bikes if you get the right one.

multi purpose bike is out of the question here as our storage needs is because we each have our own bike. As it is I'm in the market for another bike ..lol to add an xtracycle too. I think our solution is a bigger apartment Haha

Why don`t you guys get folding bikes? 20" or smaller is not so good for deep snow, but apart from that can be great bikes if you get the right one.


Okay, I'll bite.


There are no LBSs in this part of the state (let alone locally) that sell folders. I will not buy a bike I cannot extensively test ride first.
Snow.
Yet another stock of spare parts to maintain.
I just plain like full-sized road bikes.


I know and have ridden with five people who own (or have owned) folders. The first four I know and ride with all the time.

One is a school bus driver who owns a Dahon folding MTB purchased to take on field trips to use while waiting for the kiddies. It weighs a ton and he has trouble folding it. Since he bought it, he's used it once for its intended purpose. Otherwise, it stays unfolded, and unridden.

Another is car-free and once owned a Hummer folding MTB. Other than to establish that it actually folded, in daily use, she never folded it.

A third is not car-free or car-lite. He had a BF built to the same dimensions as his full-sized bike. It measures the same, but fits differently for some odd reason. The handling is different too. He uses it only as a travel bike for work. Since he's not working, he no longer travels.

Now, on the other side of the coin...

Harvey Botzman, owner of Cyclotour Guide Books (http://cyclotour.com/), is a member of my club. He is car-lite, but not car-free. We've ridden together and, in the off season, run into each other in town fairly frequently. Harvey is a genuine folder fanatic. He recently sold off his last non-folder. Harvey has his BF rigged for fully-loaded touring. That BF has more miles on it than many cars. I don't know how often he folds it at home, but I suspect it doesn't get folded much when he tours. I know he commutes and runs light errands on his BF, but I don't know if he grocery shops with it. I've never asked.

I rode one day with a pilot who flies corporate jets. He described the job as a glorified taxi driver. He flew in that morning, and was due to fly out that evening. He is not car-free or car-lite. His BF travels with him on every flight. He's ridden it on every continent except Antarctica. I did not ask what he rides at home.

With these mixed results, coupled with no local availability, a limited budget, and how plain screaming happy I am with my regular bikes, I cannot justify a folder.