Help: Storage options for apartment living

[jordo_99]

My situation has gone from renting a house to renting an apartment and it's going to be a very tight fit. I'll be storing them in the spare bedroom.

Bikes will share the space with a full bed, large computer desk and the room is roughly 10' by 12' (maybe bigger) with a window, closet and desk each taking up a wall...I'll probably only have one walls to work with.

What kind of storage options have you guys used or would recommend?

Bikes are 15lbs and 19lbs respectively. Heavier one is steel and built like a rock, but the lighter one is entirely carbon so I'm hesitant on how to store it as I don't want to risk damaging it somehow.

Edit: I'm currently looking at these three "types" of systems:
Ceiling/Floor standing (http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Dual-Touch-Storage-Stand/dp/B000FIE4WC/)
Free Standing (http://www.amazon.com/Thule-BSTK2-Bike-Stacker/dp/B001PQVOOY/)
Wall Mounted (http://www.amazon.com/gearup-1-Bike-Horizontal-Mount-Black/dp/B000NORUNS/)

...I like the idea of having space for my shoes/helmet/etc built into the storage system but I'd have no problems modding/making something like that myself. I may even try to make my own bike rack as well.

[Likes2ridefar]

there are lots of two bike storage options that either lean against the wall or brace against the ceiling and floor.

this is what i use:

http://www.amazon.com/gearup-OakRak-Ceiling-Storage-Golden/dp/B000TM96MM/ref=sr_1_19?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1374603060&sr=1-19

[jordo_99]

there are lots of two bike storage options that either lean against the wall or brace against the ceiling and floor.

this is what i use:

http://www.amazon.com/gearup-OakRak-Ceiling-Storage-Golden/dp/B000TM96MM/ref=sr_1_19?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1374603060&sr=1-19

Yeah, this is actually the one I was leaning towards for the "ceiling/floor standing" type...I edited my post while you were responding.

My biggest concern is with that particular rack is if it would damage the carbon top tube.

I'm not against a wall mounted solution...I may lose a little out of my deposit to do it but they cost a lot less so it probably evens out. I'm mostly looking for opinions on what's best for a carbon frame.

[Likes2ridefar]

Yeah, this is actually the one I was leaning towards for the "ceiling/floor standing" type...I edited my post while you were responding.

My biggest concern is with that particular rack is if it would damage the carbon top tube.

I'm not against a wall mounted solution...just looking for opinions on what's best for a carbon frame.

no it doesnt. i've had a cervelo R5 on and off it for a year now with not a mark. the other bike is carbon as well...same story.

the black foam/rubber pads on either ends can leave streaks on the ceiling so be careful when installing if you end up with this particular one.

i've had very heavy bikes like a surly ogre on it, around 30lb's. it's solid when properly tightened. also highly adjustable to accommodate odd shaped frames. and there are things like baskets you can add to help with storage of helmets, etc.

[jordo_99]

Thanks a lot. I'd just noticed they also sell a freestanding version (amazon.com/gearup-OakRak-Freestand-Storage-Golden/dp/B000TMDGI2/).

Would you still recommend the one you have or for me to try this one out instead considering the differences are in the support system only?

...I'm guessing that I'd bundle either with basket for now and get a 3rd or 4rd bike mount down the road when I move back into a house.

[Likes2ridefar]

I guess I'd prefer it to be locked down. Eliminate any risk of it toppling down.

[bargainguy]

I got a wood floor/ceiling rack a decade ago. Here shown with two indy fabs in the bedroom of a small 1 BD apt. Wish I knew who made it - bought it used and there is no indication of a manufacturer. For all I know, it might be a one-off or a kit.

[jordo_99]

@bargainguy
That looks like someone took the ones we linked above and just made custom pieces for the bikes to mount onto. Well within my skillset to do something like that and I'd probably opt for it as I think it looks nicer. :banana:


@Likes2ridefar
Thanks, that's exactly what I exactly what I was worried about but have no experience with.


unless there's some new revelations in here when I get back from lunch I'll order the one you have and make some custom pieces to resemble bargainguy's setup.

[Louis]

A related thread is here (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=108683)

These guys have some nice options and a while back I ordered one from them: Rich Limited (http://www.richltd.com/products/bicycle-display?category%5B%5D=19&category%5B%5D=20)

[carpediemracing]

Would you consider hanging the bikes vertically? By the rear wheel?

The bike shops I've seen will store their bikes vertically to save room. No need to have it horizontal. From my bike shop days I do that too, for garage or basement stuff. You can either screw in a 2x4 into the wall and put some hooks on it (at an angle) or you can brace it somehow. If the walls are white you should be able to put some patch stuff to cover the holes when you remove the 2x4.

If you hang the second bike by the front wheel you can fit both bikes in a very compact area, but this opens the possibility of the wheel coming off or the bars turning. It's much easier if you hang by the back wheel.

[jordo_99]

Would you consider hanging the bikes vertically? By the rear wheel?

The bike shops I've seen will store their bikes vertically to save room. No need to have it horizontal. From my bike shop days I do that too, for garage or basement stuff. You can either screw in a 2x4 into the wall and put some hooks on it (at an angle) or you can brace it somehow. If the walls are white you should be able to put some patch stuff to cover the holes when you remove the 2x4.

If you hang the second bike by the front wheel you can fit both bikes in a very compact area, but this opens the possibility of the wheel coming off or the bars turning. It's much easier if you hang by the back wheel.

I've put some thought into getting two of these (www.amazon.com/Delta-Leonardo-Single-Bike-Rack-Colors/dp/B000ACAM06/http://) but the problem is that while they'll take up less space on the wall they'll stick out further. It would really just depend on how the room is set up and I can probably make those work well too.

My biggest concern is how the carbon rims will hold up with unnatural pressure points (pressure on the inside of the rim instead of outside)...it's probably not a problem but I baby my bikes whenever I can.

[FlashUNC]

I use a freestanding Performance rack similar to the Thule posted to hold 4 bikes at a time. No problems.

[zott28]

I'm lucky, living in San Francisco, I have 14' ceilings. I have four bikes hanging by hooks in my hall way. People either do not notice or think it looks super cool. I'm also 6'2" and anyone short than me can not get them up or down...which I think of as built in security...

[cnighbor1]

I hang on walls in bedroom close to ceiling so you can walk under sort of
even over the head of the bed hope no earth quakes happen while asleep
I find walls and nitches also to hang bikes
I have even taken one whole wall and hang vertical two rows One high one low with handlebars high for high rom and low for low rom than bikes can be placed closer together

[dustyrider]

I've put some thought into getting two of these (www.amazon.com/Delta-Leonardo-Single-Bike-Rack-Colors/dp/B000ACAM06/http://) but the problem is that while they'll take up less space on the wall they'll stick out further. It would really just depend on how the room is set up and I can probably make those work well too.

My biggest concern is how the carbon rims will hold up with unnatural pressure points (pressure on the inside of the rim instead of outside)...it's probably not a problem but I baby my bikes whenever I can.


I'd tend to think that any forces you're generating while on the bike would be far greater than any possible issues from prolonged hanging... I'm no expert though. I wonder if the maker of your wheels has ever considered your concern..?

I know I've hung bikes in this way for years, it can take up a little more space, depending on layout of Apt., than the horizontal options if you're only looking at two bikes, however there are often under utilized corners that a bike can be hung in by the rear wheel.

If you go this route, make sure to protect the lower wall from tire marks, maybe an old poster....

I like my bikes on the floor, ready to roll! I also don't have anyone to please other than myself, consequently my living room doesn't offer much in the way of comfort. That is of course, unless you fit on one the bikes and want to go for a ride!

[sjbraun]

It works well. You can save $50 by buying the version sold at Performance.
Except for paint and grahics, they are identical to the Thule version, made in the same factory, too.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1023853_-1___000000

[oldpotatoe]

I've put some thought into getting two of these (www.amazon.com/Delta-Leonardo-Single-Bike-Rack-Colors/dp/B000ACAM06/http://) but the problem is that while they'll take up less space on the wall they'll stick out further. It would really just depend on how the room is set up and I can probably make those work well too.

My biggest concern is how the carbon rims will hold up with unnatural pressure points (pressure on the inside of the rim instead of outside)...it's probably not a problem but I baby my bikes whenever I can.

If they are fairly conventional, with spokes pulling on the 'inside' of the rim, and not fairing type carbon wheels..then hanging them by the rim will hurt nothing.

[A.Danger]

Or get a Brompton folder and stick it under your desk

[mikemowbz]

More spare and utilitarian look, but this is similar to the one you're considering for floor-to-ceiling, and is what I use (well, for the hanging ones...not the others):

http://www.mec.ca/product/5012-400/swagman-hang-it-bike-hanger/?h=10+50002&f=10+50002+50017

May not be the look you're going for, but very adjustable, works well, and is fairly unobtrusive visually. Cheaper. Wouldn't be surprised if REI has the same item in the US (REI and MEC share supply chain)...

I also use wall-mounted single bike racks made of laminated wood. A platform on top for helmet, shoes, whatever, and angled cutouts in the sides for the top tube hold the bike just far enough from the wall for drops to clear...mine specifically are probably not a functional design for very OS tubes or weird modern carbon and AL frame shapes. Nice and simple, but I can't find a pic and don't have them mounted currently.