A bike takes up space, sometimes too much space, especially when you have plural, so finding a satisfactory way to keep it or them safe without filling too much living space is a good thing. I use two bikes regularly and keep them in a not-too-large (12 x 9) room along with two sets of panniers and, well— like most “serious riders”— other cycling accessories. The room also houses other stuff that comes and goes, so two bikes standing side-by-side makes the room much smaller.
After
spending the usual excessive time contemplating how to resolve my bike storage
problem I’d concluded that I needed something to attach to wall studs rather
than a freestanding device since none of the freestanding type offered the
flexibility I felt I needed. I couldn’t be sure from measurements and pictures
that the arms used to hold the bikes would move freely enough to accommodate
two large frame bikes, one of which is a “29er.” Issues were raised about all
economical models and only devices costing in excess of $100 seemed to carry
consistently good reviews. Even then, it was questionable whether both bikes
would fit well or at all.
I visited my
local Home Depot, which I do so with less reluctance now that Matt Kinseth
drives the #20 Home Depot car. (Nothing against Joey Logano, but he was a weak
replacement for Tony Stewart and after Fontana, neither #14 nor #22 did much to
help themselves) The hired help at Home Depot was slightly better than useless
in offering suggestions for how I could hang my bikes, but one did suggest I
look in “that aisle” which was “storage solutions.” I did and found EverbiltHeavy Duty Storage Hangers (Home Depot SKU 470777) costing about $6. I bought two.
A series of
fits and starts commenced when I arrived home. First, I had to find wall studs
which has never been among my best home improvement skills. A borrowed “stud
finder” seemed to help, though I still drilled several bottomless holes using a
very thin bit before striking wood. With a suitable stud finally located and
measurements taken, checked, retaken and rechecked, I attached the first
hanger. The lift-over height allowing me to hang the High Sierra high enough to
put the Safari below while avoiding the ceiling was 78 inches. Instead of the
screws included with the hangers I used a couple of Torx head construction
screws of greater length. I tried to not feel too pleased with the result, but
the result looked like it would work.
Lifting the
High Sierra to the ceiling was well within my physical ability, so hanging it
on the newly installed hanger was easy enough AND it did not immediately crash
to the floor. It hangs with the pedal well away from the wall and otherwise poses
no threat to damage the damage the wall.
With the
Schwinn in place it was immediately obvious that the Safari could be hung beneath
the High Sierra, but there was no reason to do so. I’d already regained the
Schwinn’s space, approximately six feet by two feet, and the heavier Safari
rested neatly against the wall with the High Sierra suspended above. What will
I do with the second hanger? I still have a Giant Boulder hindering access to
the washer and dryer. Perhaps the second hanger will get it out of the way,
too.
While looking
for the link to the hangers at Home Depot I found a description of an
interesting bicycle project on Mountain Bike Review where the author made a
bench repair stand for $6.50 using the same hanger.
One of the
things I did to minimize nicks, scrapers and grease related to keeping my bikes
inside was to use a leftover bike shipping carton on the floor and wall. It’s
not a styling success, but very successful in protecting vulnerable surfaces. I
can replace and lubricate chains and clean accumulated gunk from gunk
accumulating places without worrying about greasy accidents. It’s pleasing to
be able to solve problems.
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