Bike Storage Rack
There are several factors that affect whether something is easy to store or not. The most obvious are size, weight, and the nature of whatever it is to be stored.
Another is how awkward the shape it is. This is where bicycles become a problem. They are quite heavy and large compared to things like garden tools, but they are also a very awkward shape. They are fine for cycling, of course, but when it comes to storing them, they can be more than a space guzzler; they can be a hazard.
Whether propped up against a garage wall or the wall of a storage shed, a bike is likely to be a nuisance at minimum. It will not be there long before someone in the family will scrape their leg on the pedal as they squeeze past. The bike, though, is expensive and an important part of the owner’s lifestyle. It does, therefore need to be looked after well and kept out of the rain, snow and ice as much as possible. Plus, out of the clutches of a passing thief, so security is an important consideration!
There have been a few developments in bike storage over the years that give you options in what to do with your own bike, or family bikes, when not in use. Bike storage racks come in several forms, so whether you are going to store it in the shed or garage, you should find an answer to your needs. The great thing is that even the most elaborate solutions are not too expensive, and the simplest.
Probably the most decisive answer is to have a bicycle hoist. That way, your bikes can be hoisted way out of harms way. While that may sound a drastic measure, they are simple to operate and well designed; after all, these hoists have been made with your bicycle storage problem in mind. Bikemania.biz has a good choice, from the cheap Gear Up Up-And-Away Deluxe Bike Hoist to the electric operated Garage Gator Large Motorized Electric Bicycle Hoist (Model GG220). Even the latter is a very affordable choice, so no worries about breaking the bank.
If the hoist is not for you, then there are plenty of alternative bike storage racks that can be fixed to the wall or are floor standing. They are available for one or more bicycles, though not all seem to save much space. The pole rack designs give you the chance to store one bike above another, and there are wall racks that do the same.
If you are going to be a special storage rack for your family bicycles, then it is wise to actually save space while you are doing so, otherwise you are just changing the nature of the problem. Consider all the options, and take care in choosing, while taking account of all the practical implications of your choice.