Buying guide for best bicycle wall mounts
A bicycle is an incredibly flexible manually powered vehicle that can be used for fun, exercise, commuting, or even travel. The downside is, when you’re not riding it, your big and bulky bike needs to be stored. One highly effective solution is to use a bicycle wall mount.
To determine the ideal bicycle wall mount for your needs, you first must evaluate your available space. You will need a unit that is strong enough to support your bicycle’s weight. A wall mount that can fold away when not in use is highly desirable. Additionally, you will want a model that features a vinyl coating to protect your bicycle from damage.
Orientation
Horizontal: A horizontal bicycle wall mount hangs your bicycle on the wall in the same position it would be in while you are riding. Many individuals prefer this method of storage because it supports your bike via the frame, so there is no risk of damage to the wheels. There are also models that attach to the pedal instead of the frame. Pedal-suspended wall mount units are unique because they are angled, which allows you to fit more bikes in a smaller space.
Vertical: Imagine you are riding your bicycle straight up the wall. That's what a vertical wall mount looks like. Some riders fret that this type of wall mount may damage their bike because it suspends the bike by its front or rear tire, but there is no evidence vertical mounting has any adverse effects. A vertical wall mount generally takes up less space than a horizontal unit and tends to work best in a corner where it is less likely to be bumped.
- A third option: There is a third option that is far less common. It’s a large metal frame placed high on your garage wall that holds your bike on its side like a shelf. It can be awkward to access and is far more expensive than most other bicycle wall mounts.
Features
Once you've determined the best way to hang your bicycle for your particular situation, there are a few other factors to consider.
Weight capacity: On average, bicycles can weigh from less than 20 pounds to more than 30 pounds. Be sure that the wall mount you’re considering is rated to support your bicycle's weight.
Tire size: Some vertical bicycle wall mounts may not be suitable for a big knobby tire. If you do a lot of off-road riding and your tires are larger than a typical street bike, be sure they will fit in your chosen wall mount unit.
Vinyl coating: Durable bicycle wall mounts are typically made of steel, which could easily scratch your bike if you are not careful. Many wall mounts have a vinyl coating to protect your bicycle’s finish.
Wall protection: Your bicycle is not the only item that needs protection. If you are hanging your bike vertically, you will want some sort of guard to prevent the second tire from resting directly on your wall.
Support points: Although single-point units may have a more streamlined design, the best horizontal wall mount units support your bicycle at two points across the top.
Fold away: Many bicycle wall mounts fold flat when not in use, so they take up less space.
Locking: If you need to hang your bicycle in a location that isn't completely secure, choose a wall mount unit with a security loop so you can lock your bike to the wall.
Accessory hooks: If you would like to hang your helmet, water bottle, backpack, or any other items you regularly use while riding, look for a wall mount unit that includes hangers for accessories as well as your bike.
Bicycle wall mount prices
Inexpensive: If you are looking for the most affordable solution to your bicycle storage needs, you can get a vertical bicycle wall mount for $10 to $20. In the same price range, you can also find horizontal wall-mount racks that support your bicycle by the frame’s top tube.
Midrange: If you have a heavier bike, you may want to consider a heavy-duty wall mount, which will cost between $20 and $30.
Expensive: If you'd prefer a custom-designed wall mount, something that may feature a shelf or is more of a piece of furniture than a rack, you will need to spend $40 to $100 or more.
Tips
If you are considering a bicycle wall mount, it probably means you are tight on storage space. Here are some storage tips to help you find the best place and method to hang your bicycle.
Mounting your bicycle to hang parallel with the wall may look the nicest, but it generally takes up the most space.
Hanging a bicycle vertically with the wheels perpendicular to the wall, especially in a corner, takes up the least amount of space.
An often-overlooked place to mount your bicycle is on the wall behind a larger piece of furniture, such as a couch.
The laundry room often makes an ideal location for a bicycle wall mount.
Suspending a bicycle from a high ceiling can help preserve a great deal of usable floor space, but for this, you will need a bicycle ceiling mount.
Consider alternative storage spaces such as a garage, a shed, a porch, or a balcony.
If you have a large enough closet (and few enough clothes), you could move your clothing to a wardrobe or chest of drawers and mount your bike on a closet wall.
Be careful about mounting your bicycle too close to curtains, valuable rugs, or furniture, as a bike’s chain grease may damage some items.
Other products we considered
In addition to our favorite products highlighted elsewhere in this article, there are many other worthy options. If you'd like to try something innovative, Venzo's Bicycle Wall Mount is worth checking out. The unique design holds your bicycle in place by the pedal at a 45º angle so you can mount three bikes in a space that would normally fit two.
If you have multiple bikes, StoreYourBoard's Omni Bike Storage Rack lets you hang up to five bikes side by side. This durable unit can support more than 200 pounds of bicycles and gear.
FAQ
Q. Is hanging my bicycle by the tires a bad idea?
A. Although some claim that hanging a bike by the tires puts too much stress on the rims, riders who store their bicycles in this manner typically report no problems. Because bicycle wheels are designed to withstand bumps in the road while bearing the full weight of a rider, it seems unlikely that this method of storage could harm your bicycle.
Q. I noticed my fork seals leak when I hang my bike. Does that mean hanging my bicycle is bad?
A. If you find oil spots under your car, it's not parking it in the driveway that’s causing those drips. You need to investigate where the leak is coming from and fix the problem. The same goes for your bicycle: if your seals are leaking, that is the problem, not your bike-storage method.
Q. Is cold weather bad for my bicycle?
A. On its own, the cold poses no mechanical threat to your bicycle other than reducing the battery life of your electronic devices. If you need to store your bicycle in a cold shed or garage, it's the humidity and the changes in temperature that can cause problems. If your storage area is damp, over time your bicycle will begin to corrode. Additionally, the repeated expansion and contraction caused by freezing and thawing may cause bike parts to loosen somewhat. The freeze-and-thaw cycle can also create cracks in your bike’s finish.
