It’s great to have lots of bikes. At least one of each kind. But then there’s a big problem – you have to keep them neatly organized. Storage space is usually at a premium, so you need to put serious effort into staying organized.
Bonus points: staying organized makes it so your spouse doesn’t realize just how many bikes you have, which makes it easier to convince them to let you buy one more! 😉
Here are the best bike storage racks that will help keep your bikes neatly organized in your home, whether that be your garage, basement, or living room!
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How to Store Your Bikes
Storing your bikes at home has never been easier. Just like bike technology has rapidly advanced over the past 30 years, so has bike storage technology. No longer are you limited to simple hooks that hang bikes in the rafters. There are so many great options available, you’ll probably find something that feels like it was catered specifically to you.
You have various options when it comes to bike racks:
- Floor racks
- Wall-mounted racks
- Freestanding racks
- Ceiling hoists
Floor racks are great for convenience and maneuverability, but then your bikes take up a lot of floor space.
Wall-mounted racks are a great way to save space, and your bike can look like artwork up on the wall! But then you have to lift your bike up and down when you go for a ride.
Bridging the gap between the floor and wall racks, there are some freestanding racks that sit on the floor but allow you to stack your bikes on top of each other, saving floor space. Some of these can stand on their own, while others use a tension mechanism to brace against your floor and ceiling.
There are even some ceiling-mounted racks and hoists to really keep your bike out of the way!
The best one depends on your specific needs, for instance:
- the types of bikes you have
- the number of bikes you have
- available space in your house and/or garage
- how much installation work you’re willing to do
Suggested bike racks, sorted by category, are below!
Bike Storage: Floor Racks
Floor racks are great for simplicity and ease of use. They are generally a “what you see is what you get” sort of thing, with little to no assembly required. You could unbox one and be using it to store your bike in under five minutes.
When using a floor rack, your bikes are easily accessible – quick to grab, quick to put away post-ride. You can even take the rack with you when traveling, giving you stable bike storage in the race parking lot.
There are many options at various prices, but once you eliminate the copycats, there are just a few obvious choices.
Best Floor Rack: Feedback Sports Rakk
The Feedback Sports Rakk is the best floor rack for most cyclists. It fits basically any bike, and it works straight out of the box, no adjustments required.
The rack only touches the tire, so it can’t scratch your paint or anything like that. You just roll your bike into it, and the rollers grab onto your tire, whether it’s a wide knobby tire or skinny racing slick. Doesn’t matter if the wheel is 20″ or 29″.
This rack even folds flat for storage or easy transport.
Retailing for $52 each, they are not cheap, but I think they are well worth the money. (I own three of these!)
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and REI.com
[Note that the maximum tire width for the Rakk is 2.4″. But if you have a fat bike, have no fear – just buy the “Rakk XL” instead. It’s also available on Amazon.com.]Budget Pick: Shimano PRO Bike Stand
The Shimano PRO Bike Stand offers a simple, elegant design. This rack holds the bike by the rear axle, making for a great display stand that fades away behind the bike.
It’s not adjustable, but it comes in two sizes depending on if you have a 26″ bike or a 29″/700c bike. (The silver one is designed for 26″ wheels, the black model for 29″ wheels.) Tire width does not matter here, but you do have to watch out for clearance issues depending on your bike’s frame and if you have disc brakes.
Selling for about $30 each, these are relatively inexpensive, especially considering the Shimano brand.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and JensonUSA.com
Honorable mentions
Bike Storage: Wall-mounted Bike Racks
While perfectly acceptable to display your bike on the wall like fine art, the real use for these wall-mounted racks is to get your bikes off the floor and against the wall, so they take up less space.
These racks also decrease the chances someone bumps into your bike and knocks it over.
It’s a win-win-win.
There are two main categories of wall racks:
- those that stack your bikes horizontally, one over top of the other
- those that hang your bikes vertically so they can be lined up side-by-side
Most of these racks require drilling into your wall.
There are a few choices where drilling is not required – these racks lean against your wall, making use of the wall, your floor, and gravity, allowing you to stack bikes against the wall, without putting holes in the wall. (Although even these ones come with an emergency anchor point to attach the rack to the wall, to prevent it from being pushed over and injuring someone.)
The right rack for you depends on your storage space, if you don’t mind drilling into your walls, how many bikes you have, and what types of bikes you have.
Some of these racks are meant for your garage, others are elegant and appropriate for a living room. Some are adjustable for different frame styles, some are not. Weight limits vary, as well.
Here are the best options of each type:
Best Wall-mounted Rack: Steadyrack Classic Bike Rack
The Steadyrack Classic Bike Rack employs an absolutely genius design, making it very functional and so easy to use. (As well as being unobtrusive when not being used!)
It uses a small metal plate that attaches to the wall, and that piece has a metal tray attached to it. The tray is designed to hold your bike by the front wheel.
To put your bike in the rack, you just roll your front wheel up into the tray! It’s really simple, almost effortless. Then you can actually tilt the bike to the side so it lays nearly flat against the wall, saving lots of space!
(There’s also a little piece that mounts lower on your wall and keeps your rear wheel from slipping.)
The “Classic” is designed for road bikes, but they also offer a “Mountain Bike” version that fits tire widths 2.1–2.8″ and holds up to 77 lb. They even offer versions specific to e-bikes, fat tire bikes, and bikes with fenders installed. Each one retails for $99.99.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and RackAttack.com
Budget Pick: Feedback Sports Velo Hinge
The Velo Hinge is similar in concept to my top pick, but far less expensive. It uses the same concept of placing your bike on the wall, then using the ‘hinge’ to tilt your bike, letting it lie nearly flat against the wall.
There are some key differences, though. The biggest one is that this rack relies on a hook that wraps around your rim. Which means you have to lift your bike in the air and carefully place your wheel in the hook. If you’re relatively strong and/or you have a lightweight road bike, it’s not difficult. But if you have a heavier bike with wide, knobby tires, it takes much more effort to get it lined up.
One other drawback is the operation of the hinge. While it can be set up to hinge in either direction, once you mount it, it only goes to one side. If you want to change that, it requires removal and re-installation. (In reality, not a problem, it just requires proper planning.)
I actually have a row of these installed in my basement. What I really like is the minimal aesthetic. If the rack is holding a bike, you hardly notice the rack itself. Even if the rack is not in use, it’s barely noticeable – just a small black rectangle on the wall. (The hook will even fold up inside the hinge!)
Also, at just $32, you can get three of these for the price of one Steadyrack!
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and REI.com
Other Worthwhile Options
There are so many styles of wall-mount racks! And while I firmly believe the Steadyrack and Velo Hinge are the best solutions for most cyclists, they won’t make sense for everyone. So here are some other options worth a look.
Delta Leonardo
If you’re looking for simple and inexpensive, I suggest the Delta Leonardo. This is an upgrade on the classic bike hook. It’s a little fancier and more stylish, yet still reasonably priced. (At about $19 each, it’s the lowest-priced rack in this list.)
Functionally, it’s the same as a bare hook. It hooks the rim and holds the bike in place. It allows you to get your bikes vertical and line them up across the wall. You could have one bike mounted on each stud.
If you have a lot of bikes and a lot of space, this is an economical choice.
Buy online: Check current price at Amazon.com
Feedback Sports Velo Wall 2D Rack
If you only have 1-2 bikes and want them displayed on the wall, but not necessarily stacked on top of each other, the Velo Wall rack is a good choice. It’s sturdy, adjustable, and affordable. (Retail price is $50.)
Just to be clear, the “2D” does not refer to two bikes. It refers to the two dimensions of adjustment. So if you need to mount two bikes, order two racks!
The rack looks relatively simple with just two arms that cradle the top tube. But the adjustment is what makes this rack special. You are able to adjust the left and right arms independently, in two different ways. First, the vertical adjustment, so one arm can be higher than the other. This allows you to keep the bike level, even with a sloping top tube. Second, you can adjust the distance from the wall, in case you need the front wheel a bit further out due to a wide handlebar.
Because it is so adjustable, this rack is able to accommodate most bikes, though you may still have difficulty with certain full-suspension mountain bikes.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and REI.com
Delta Cycle Michelangelo
The “Michelangelo” is a 2-bike gravity stand from Delta. This rack has been around for ages and remains a very popular choice today. Maybe because it’s super easy to install, easy to use, and affordable!
All you have to do is lean the rack against the wall and you are in business! No permanent mounting or drilling required!
This rack holds two bikes, up to 40 lb each. It holds the bike by the top tube, and each arm placement can be adjusted, so it is quite versatile. (As with similar designs, you may still have difficulty with certain full-suspension mountain bikes.)
At a list price of $67.99, it’s an affordable way to stack two bikes.
Buy online: Check current price at Amazon.com
Dahanger
The “Dahanger” is a miniature storage shelf and bike hanger all in one. It hangs your bike and provides a shelf for your helmet and sunglasses. While it could be mounted to any wall, it is clearly designed to be placed in a highly-visible location like your living room.
To hold your bike, it takes a completely different route than any other indoor bike rack I’ve seen. It is shaped to hold your bike by the nose of the saddle. Just slip your saddle over the edge and let the bike balance. That’s all there is to it.
Definitely best for lightweight road bikes! (They specify it is designed for lighter bikes weighing up to 30lbs.)
Perhaps best of all, if your bike is not on it, it likely blends in well with your living room decor!
Is it worth the $169 price tag? You decide.
Buy online: Check current price at Dahanger.co
Honorable mentions
Bike Storage: Freestanding Bike Racks
These freestanding racks allow you to stack bikes in the air, like a wall rack, but they do not require wall space! They are quite useful for certain unique scenarios.
There are two styles of these racks. Some have a heavy base for support and are completely freestanding. Others are like columns that extend from floor to ceiling, sometimes called “tension rod” style racks.
Neither requires drilling, but they each have pros and cons.
The tension rod style is more sleek, but I can see why you might be hesitant to use that, especially with kids or pets around. It simply appears like you could dislodge them and then your bikes come crashing down. You also need a solid floor and solid ceiling, at the right height.
The completely freestanding ones would be next to impossible to topple over. And you can place them anywhere on solid ground. However, they have a larger footprint, so they don’t save that much space.
Best Freestanding Rack: Feedback Sports Velo Cache
The Velo Cache provides freestanding vertical storage for two bikes and gear.
As a completely freestanding rack, it is very sturdy and stable. It does not rely on spring-loaded tension, nor does it require drilling into the floor or ceiling. In fact, it does not even require a ceiling! It could even be used outdoors where there is no ceiling.
However, it’s not cheap. The rack lists for $260. And the footprint is a little bigger than you’d get with a tension rod style rack.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and REI.com
Budget Pick: Delta Four-Bike Freestanding Rack
For only $140, you could purchase this Delta freestanding rack which holds 4 bikes and gear. Compared to our top pick, this rack holds twice as many bikes, at half the price!
It is kinda cheap looking, like discount store patio furniture, but shouldn’t be too noticeable behind all the bikes. (You get what you pay for; can’t expect a piece of art for this price.)
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and DesignByDelta.com
Bike Storage: “Tension Rod” Floor-to-Ceiling Racks
Here are a few options for “tension rod” style stands. The more expensive ones are spring-loaded for automatic height adjustment, while there is one less-expensive option which uses a hand crank mechanism.
Best Tension Rack: Feedback Sports Velo Column
The Velo Column is a tension rod style rack using a spring-loaded compression design. It does not require drilling into the floor or ceiling.
This is a well-engineered product that should hold your bikes securely without damaging any part of your house. Just make sure you have a flat, level floor and ceiling.
Retail price is $220.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and REI.com
Also Good: Topeak Dual Touch Bike Stand
Another tension rod style rack from a trusted brand, also priced at $220. Just a slightly different design.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and Topeak.com
Budget Pick: SpareHand Q-Rak Freestanding Bike Rack
The only tension-style rack for under $100, SpareHand’s Q-Rak functions like a tension rod, and can be placed anywhere with a floor and ceiling. No wall space required.
It is not spring-loaded like the expensive ones. Instead, you adjust it via a ratcheting mechanism. This requires a little more effort on your part, and it does not look nearly as sleek, but you save lots of money.
I have not used the Q-Rak, but it has good reviews.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and Wayfair.com
Bike Storage: Ceiling Bike Hoists
Want to really get your bike up, up, out of the way? Then a bike hoist that lifts your bike up to the ceiling is what you need.
Bike hoists are ideal if you have tall ceilings to where you can store your bikes overhead and still walk around underneath them.
However, these tend to be more expensive and more difficult to install compared to wall racks.
Best Ceiling Bike Hoist: Floaterhoist
The Floaterhoist BA1 Horizontal Bike Hoist is one of a kind. It’s a ceiling mount bike rack with a hoist, so you can lift your bike off the floor using a pulley system.
The fancy feature here is that it actually turns your bike sideways so the bike is flat against the ceiling! So even without super tall ceilings, the bike is high enough you can walk underneath or even park your car underneath.
That capability is how it got the “best” rating here. That ability to get your bike so far out of the way, utilizing a space that probably had not been utilized for anything else.
It’s also the most expensive ($145) and trickiest to install, so it’s not for everyone!
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and Walmart.com
Budget Pick: RAD Hoist
The RAD Hoist is a very basic yet very useful pulley system. It mounts to your ceiling, has hooks for your bike, and uses the pulley system to hoist your bike up and lower it back down.
To use it, place one hook under the handlebar, next to the stem, and place the second hook under the back of the seat. Then lift and secure in place.
The hoist is only $30 and works with ceilings up to 12 ft tall.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and HomeDepot.com
Other Options
There are other ceiling-mounted bike racks that do not employ the pulley system but have other desirable features.
Saris Cycle Glide
The Saris Cycle Glide bike rack is a ceiling rack that holds 4 bikes.
Unlike the hoists, there is no pulley system to mess with. You have to lift the bike yourself. You pick up the bike and turn it upside down, then lift it up and hook its wheels into the rack.
But what you can do next is pretty cool! Once the bike is hooked, you can slide glide it along the rack.
The use case for this is being able to store bikes over top of other items on your floor, without moving those other items. So you walk into an open area of your garage and hook your bike into this roof rack. But then you slide the bike sideways, so it’s now positioned above your lawn mower. Pretty neat!
At $250, it’s pretty expensive if you’re only storing 1-2 bikes. But if you need to store 4 bikes overhead, it’s a good deal.
As with all Saris products, it sports excellent build quality.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and RackAttack.com
Gladiator Advanced Ceiling Mount Claw Bike Hook
If you need to get one bike overhead and don’t want to deal with a pulley system, here’s the solution for you. It’s a “push to activate” claw hook.
This is a very user-friendly bike hook that does the work for you. No more fussing, trying to hook the rim. Just take your wheel and insert it into the claw, hitting the button that closes the claw around your wheel.
If you mount one on your ceiling, you can hang your bike vertically by one wheel. But if you mount two of these claws, spaced the length of your bike’s wheelbase, you can hang your bike upside down. And you simply press it into place.
At $30 each, that would be $60 to do the fancy upside down mount. Not bad.
Buy online: Compare prices at Amazon.com and HomeDepot.com
Safety and Security Concerns
When considering storing something as financially – and emotionally – valuable as a bicycle, security is a big concern.
Doesn’t matter if you’re at home or away, bike theft is a real possibility. You’d be surprised how some people use fancy bike locks in public but then take zero safety precautions with their bike at home. Potentially making a home robbery an easier method to steal a bike than at a bike rack.
Fortunately, there are some precautionary measures you can take.
There are two aspects to consider:
- How to prevent theft
- How to remediate the situation if there is a theft
Preventing theft mainly deals with home security. In the aftermath of a theft, you would rely on an insurance policy.
I am not an expert on all the details, but I can provide some practical, helpful tips:
Home security tips
Keep your bikes indoors, out of sight. You don’t want random passersby being able to peer in a window and see your expensive bicycles.
Hide your home address on Strava. You don’t want someone able to track you down digitally.
Install motion-activated floodlights around your property. These may deter opportunistic thieves.
Install security cameras in and near your house. If someone is going to steal your bikes, at least get them on video!
Bicycle insurance tips
The good news is, it’s possible to insure your bikes through your homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy. You could very well have insurance coverage already!
But… the details vary depending on your insurance company. Definitely look into the specifics of your policy. In some cases, certain types of sports equipment (like bicycles and golf clubs) need to be declared on your policy if you want them covered.
What often happens is that an insurance policy will cover sporting equipment, but that category might max out at $2000 of coverage, even if the plan states $20,000 of personal property coverage. (There’s a similar situation with electronics like cameras and computers, too.) So if your $8000 bike is stolen, your insurance company may only reimburse you $1000-2000 for it.
If you find you do need extra coverage for your bike(s), be sure to compare the rate for adding that to your current plan versus taking out a bicycle insurance plan from a specialty company.
May your bike storage improvements spark joy!
Levi Bloom is an experienced endurance athlete who has been training and competing for over 17 years. A former Cat 1 road and mountain bike racer (professional class on the regional circuit), he is now a cycling coach (USA Cycling Level 3 Certified) and sports nutrition coach (Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified).
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