Keeping a bike in a small apartment can be challenging, but it is certainly possible with some creativity and planning. The key is figuring out how to store the bike securely and out of the way when not in use, while still leaving it accessible for quick rides. Here are some tips and strategies for bike storage in a tiny home.
Get a wall-mounted bike rack
A wall-mounted bike rack is one of the most space-efficient ways to store a bike in a small apartment. Racks mount directly to the wall, with arms that extend out to hold the bike up by its wheels. This lifts the bike up off the ground and keeps it out of the way. Wall mounts can hold the bike vertically or horizontally. Vertical mounts are best for road bikes with narrow handlebars. Horizontal mounts work for mountain bikes and bikes with wider handlebars.
Look for a sturdy rack that will securely hold the bike without sagging. Make sure the mount extends far enough from the wall so the bike’s handlebars don’t hit the wall. Measure the bike before buying a rack to ensure proper fit. Mount the rack in an out-of-the-way spot like next to the front door, in a corner, above the bed, or in a closet.
Hang the bike from the ceiling
Hanging a bike from the ceiling is another excellent storage solution for small spaces. Special bike hooks screw into ceiling joists to suspend the bike up and out of the way. Most ceiling hangers cradle the bike by its top tube or hold it vertically by the front wheel. Make sure to get a hook rated for the weight of your bike.
Position the hanger where it will be easiest to lift the bike up and down. Avoid hanging it directly over furniture or your bed in case of drips. Measure the bike’s dimensions and the ceiling height beforehand to get the right hook size and placement. Add padding to the ceiling hook to prevent paint damage from bike contact over time.
Use car storage racks
Car bike racks and roof racks can provide temporary or mobile bike storage in apartments. Hitch, trunk, and roof rack models all adapt well for in-home use. Look for racks that have folding or removable arms to minimize space usage when not holding bikes. Wall mounts that swing down and out of the way when not in use are ideal.
Bike trays that fit into receiver hitches make it easy to wheel bikes in and out of storage. Trunk racks that strap around the bike frame take up less room than wheel-holding racks. Roof rack models like fork mounts hang vertically to conserve space. Position racks in closets, near doors or in other out-of-the-way areas.
Store it on a vertical bike rack
Vertical bike racks provide an upright storage solution that’s easy to access. These racks stand on the floor and hold the bike by its tires or frame. Models with folding arms can lie nearly flat against the wall when not being used.
Look for racks with a small footprint to conserve floor space. Racks that hold the bike by its top tube or tires take up less room than wheel-holding versions. Place vertical racks in corners, near doors, behind furniture or in other low traffic areas. Make sure bikes on vertical racks don’t obstruct walkways or doorways.
Use under-bed storage
Under-bed bike storage is a clever way to utilize wasted space in a small apartment. Special bike hooks or racks mount to the underside of the bed frame to hold bikes up off the floor. Models with rotating arms allow easy access to bikes without having to pull the whole bike out.
Measure under the bed to find bikes and racks that will fit the space. Less than 6 inches of clearance will limit options. Make sure the bike doesn’t hit the bed when lifting it up and onto the rack. Position bikes to avoid touching walls and bed legs. Consider adding protection to prevent dirt and grease transfer.
Store it on a freestanding rack
Freestanding bike racks provide storage that doesn’t require mounting to walls or ceilings. These versatile racks have a small footprint and hold bikes vertically or horizontally. Models with folding arms can collapse down when not in use.
Choose a rack size and style that fits your space constraints. Horizontal versions need more depth than vertical ones. Bikes stored by their top tubes or tires take up less room than wheel holders. Place freestanding racks in a bedroom, near the door or in another out-of-the-way spot.
Hang it over door hooks
Over-door bike hooks create vertical bike storage on the back of any door. Hooks hang over the top of the door with padded arms that extend down to hold the bike wheel or frame. Close the door to keep the bike securely in place.
Match the hook size to your door thickness so it hangs properly. Make sure bikes clear door knobs and frames when hanging. Use extra padding to prevent paint damage where the bike contacts the door. Position bikes to avoid hitting walls or furnishings when removing them.
Utilize bike pulleys
Bike pulley systems provide ceiling storage that lifts bikes up and out of the way. A pulley mounted to the ceiling has a strap or chain that connects to a cradle holding the bike. Simply pull down on the strap to lower the bike. Letting go allows the pulley to lift the bike back into storage.
Measure ceiling height to find a pulley system that will raise bikes high enough for clearance. Make sure bikes don’t bump walls or lights when lifting or lowering. Use padding in contact points to prevent ceiling and bike damage. Position pulleys away from furnishings to allow bike access.
Store it on a wall hook
Simple wall hooks can hold a bike vertically against a wall for minimal storage. Standard J-shaped hooks mount to walls studs and hold bikes by their frames or wheels. Models with foam or rubber pads help prevent wall damage from handlebars.
Space hooks at least 18 inches apart to allow bike access. Make sure handlebars and pedals don’t hit neighboring walls. Place padding on any parts of the bike that contact the wall. Position wall hooks near doors or in corners to keep bikes out of the way.
Get creative with DIY storage
For the extremely space-challenged, it may take some creative DIY solutions to fit bike storage in a tiny apartment. People have come up with innovative ideas like these:
- Mount bikes to walls or ceilings using brackets, lumber, pulleys and pipes
- Build freestanding bike racks from wood or PVC pipe
- Use hooks, racks and straps to hang bikes from kitchen islands or desks
- Hide bikes by mounting them behind mirrors or artwork on hinges
- Stow bikes under loft beds, tables or other elevated furniture
When brainstorming DIY storage, the key is keeping the bike secure, stable and out of the way. Use materials like wood boards, metal piping, PVC pipe, brackets and heavy-duty fasteners. Pad contact points to prevent damage. Get creative, and don’t be afraid to make something weird if it works!
Keep your bike clean
Maintaining a clean bike helps minimize dirt, grease and clutter inside your apartment. Here are some quick bike cleaning tips:
- Use a bike cover or tarp to prevent dust buildup in storage
- Keep a drop cloth under the bike when maintaining it indoors
- Wipe the bike down after every ride to prevent drips
- Clean the drivetrain regularly to avoid oil and grease transfer
- Use degreaser and all-purpose cleaner for tough bike grime
Do basic cleaning like dusting, wiping and hosing outdoors when possible. For major detailing, transport the bike to a self-service wash station. Promptly clean up any spills or drips from the bike inside.
Maintain the bike properly
Performing regular bike maintenance will keep your bike running smoothly and prevent mess-making breakdowns. Follow this maintenance schedule:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Lube chain | Every 200 miles or after wet rides |
| Clean drivetrain | Every 300 miles or when dirty |
| Check tire condition | Every ride |
| Lube pivot points | Every 600 miles |
| Check bolts and connections | Monthly |
| Clean and detail | 2-3 times per year minimum |
Doing maintenance outdoors, using drop cloths and cleaning up spills right away will prevent indoor bike messes.
Use removable protection
Adding protection in storage areas can help keep apartment walls and floors clean. Use these removable items:
- Floor mats under wall-mounted or freestanding racks
- Old towels under the bike to absorb drips and marks
- Corner cushions and foam pads to prevent handlebar damage
- Plastic wall protectors behind the stored bike
- Tape, cork or felt where racks touch walls
- Old sheets or tarps under ceiling-mounted bikes
You can easily remove and replace the protection when accessing the bike. Just throw any dirty coverings in the wash as needed.
Utilize vertical space
Using vertical storage space is key for fitting a bike in a tiny home. Hanging bikes from walls, ceilings or behind doors gets them up off the floor. Storing them vertically on racks or hooks also minimizes their footprint. Consider these tips:
- Install wall-mounted racks or hooks near the ceiling
- Get a pulley system that lifts bikes as high as your ceiling allows
- Use over-door hooks on the backs of doors and in closets
- Get a vertical, not horizontal, freestanding rack
- Store small bikes above larger ones on stacked wall hooks
Loft beds, bunk beds and other elevated furniture also provide extra vertical storage space underneath. Place wall protection above stored bikes to prevent handlebar damage.
Consider bike size and style
The size and style of your bike will impact your apartment storage options. Measure key dimensions and consider these factors before choosing storage:
- Wheel size – Smaller wheels require less rack clearance
- Frame size – Compact frames take up less space
- Handlebar width – Narrower road bike bars need less room
- Frame shape – Women’s bikes may allow closer storage
- Suspension – Front shocks add height
- Add-ons – Baskets, child seats, etc. increase size
Folding bikes are ideal for apartment storage since they collapse down significantly. You can also remove wheels and accessories to minimize the bike’s footprint in tight spaces.
Prioritize easy accessibility
The ideal bike storage solution won’t do you any good if it’s difficult and annoying to access. Make regular use feasible with these tips:
- Minimize how much you have to lift or move bikes
- Make sure you have room to easily remove/return bikes
- Pick storage near your apartment’s exit point
- Leave handlebars/seat accessible so you can wheel it away
- Add wheels, pulleys or pivoting arms for easier access
Storing bikes by doorways, on portable racks or in entryways allows fast access for commuting. Prioritize function over form so you actually use your stored bike.
Conclusion
Finding a home for your bicycle in a small apartment simply takes some spatial creativity and strategic thinking. Make the most of your precious square footage by going vertical with wall, ceiling and door-mounted storage. Optimize your bike’s footprint with folding designs, wheel removal or compact racks. And don’t be afraid to get innovative with your DIY storage solutions. With the right approach, even the tiniest studio apartment can easily accommodate the two-wheeled vehicle of your dreams.
