The Best Bike Racks
The humble bicycle is one of the world's favorite ways to get around. Whether you ride for work or pleasure, when you're out of the saddle your trusty steed will need a space to rest. Storing bikes at home can become cumbersome, resulting in scuffed walls and uncomfortable encounters squeezing past handlebars. If you're looking for a way to declutter a hallway or garage that's inundated with parked bikes, a rack could solve the problem once and for all. We've selected a few of our favorites, so all that you'll need is some free space on a sturdy wall, in the ceiling, or in a backyard, before your bike finds a safe new home.
What to Look For
Whether you’re a serious road racer or an occasional commuter cyclist, you’ll want to know that your bike is safe where you leave it. The first step to success is to measure your tires and frame to ensure they fit your rack of choice. We’ve highlighted many of the maximum load capacities of each rack, so owners of heavier bikes can keep an eye on the figures. And if you’re not a fan of heavy lifting, we’ve also included a few options that can store your bike without it ever leaving the ground. Our favorite overall is the dependable two-pack from Wallmaster. These simple hook racks are a great way to save space at home, and they can be easily attached to any sturdy wall. If you’re looking for basic outdoor storage for multiple bikes, check out the adjustable rack from SimpleHouseware. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Wallmaster Bike Rack 2-Pack
The simple storage solution
If you’re sick and tired of parked bicycles cluttering up your home, this two-pack of wall-mounted bike stands could be the solution. These compact racks might seem unsubstantial at a first glance, but they can securely hold weights of up to 50 pounds thanks to their heavy-duty alloy steel construction. Plus, your bike will fasten snugly to a single hook, so you won’t have to fumble around to get it in place.
Pros:
- The rubber coating on the hooks will grip your bike firmly in place and won’t scratch the wheel components during storage.
- This space-saving design is unobtrusive when not in use.
- The extra wide wall pad measures 3.8 inches, offering plenty of room for wider tires.
Cons:
- The 5-inch hook will suspend your bike slightly away from the wall, so this isn’t the most space-efficient solution for compact spaces.
Dirza Wall Mount Bike Hanger
The heavy lifter
While the lightest carbon-framed racers won’t require extreme sturdiness for a secure hold, larger mountain bikes and e-bikes can pose a problem to the average bike rack. This brawny solution from Dirza is a great choice for heavier bikes. The single hook design keeps things simple, and thanks to its rigid iron composition it can comfortably support hanging weights of up to 65 pounds. It’s easy to mount on any sturdy wall surface, making it a great option for hallways, porches, or garage walls.
Pros:
- Installation is easy with only four holes to drill. All other hardware comes included.
- The inclined fence surrounding the front tire will hold your bike in place even if it’s accidentally knocked.
- The traction pads will prevent the front wheel from slipping during storage.
Cons:
- This rack won’t fit tires that are wider than 2.6 inches.
Steadyrack Wall Mounted Bike Storage
Find the perfect angle
Suspending your bike on a wall rack can certainly save space, but it can still take up a lot of room. This nifty design from Steadyrack employs a 180-degree swinging mechanism so that you can rest your bike against the wall during storage. The decluttering design could free up a walkway or offer a little extra room for storage in your garage, helping you to squeeze every ounce of value out of the space you have available.
Pros:
- Without a hook on this rack, you don’t have to lift your bike from its back wheel to store it. It could save you some sweat if your bike is heavier than most.
- The design avoids any metal-to-metal contact with components on your bike, reducing the likelihood of damage during storage.
- There are specialized options available to accommodate bikes with fat tires or fenders.
Cons:
- The slim clearance between tire and frame on aero bikes or time trial bikes means they won’t fit on this rack.
SimpleHouseware 5 Bike Adjustable Storage Stand
Down to earth
Wall hanging racks are an excellent way to save space when storing bikes indoors, but if you’re looking for a floor-mounted solution you’ll find great value and lasting durability in this minimalist rack from SimpleHouseware. The flexible design can be adjusted to suit your needs by adding or removing bays for a total of up to five bikes. Thanks to the spacious 3.5-inch wheel holders, you won’t have any issue fitting the wide tires of electric or mountain bikes.
Pros:
- You won’t need a drill or other power tools to assemble this rack. Simply snap each piece in place and you’re good to go.
- The fine powder-coated steel frame is weather resistant, so it’s ideal for outdoor use.
- This frame could be bolted to the ground for additional security if used in a front yard.
Cons:
- The shape of this rack could interfere with derailleurs if the bikes are stored by the rear wheel.
RAD Cycle Products Bicycle Hoist 2-Pack
Up and away
If you can’t find either a wall or an empty floor space to store your bikes, looking upwards could provide the answer. This two-pack of bike hoists lets you store your steed securely out of sight and out of mind. Two rubber-coated hooks fasten safely and snugly beneath the handlebars and seat, and the robust pulley system can bear loads of up to 100 pounds to accommodate the heaviest bikes. Once up, you can be sure that your bike will stay put thanks to a double locking mechanism that holds the rope tightly in place.
Pros:
- This vertical storage isn’t just great for bikes. They have endless utility for garage use, such as hanging ladders, benches, storage nets, and more.
- The pulley system distributes the weight of your bike, making it easier to lift to ceiling height.
- The extra-long pull cord can serve ceilings up to twelve feet high.
Cons:
- Installing these components securely into the ceiling will require a little more patience than wall-mounted options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure that my bike will fit?
Keeping a few measurements in mind as you shop for a bike rack could save you from buying one that doesn’t fit. Firstly, be sure that the rack will fit your bike’s tires, fat tires and mountain bikes will require a larger rack than road bikes. If your bike doesn’t have much clearance between the front wheel and frame, it might struggle to sit securely on some wall-hanging options.
How can I prevent my bike from slipping off the rack once stored?
All of the racks we reviewed come with a bunch of safety features to ensure your bike will stay in place once hung, even if it encounters an occasional knock. If you want to be extra careful, you can also lock the front wheel to the rack once the bike is in place. Your rack must be secured to a sturdy wall, so be sure to check that all screws are installed correctly before hanging your pride and joy.
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