Cycling is a unique activity, it takes the body and mind into an unusual state of being. It’s good for your health, it’s better for the environment, and it helps you to rethink the world around you.
But how can you make your home a more cycling-friendly space? Here are some tips for doing just that.
1. Add a Bike Shelving System
Bike storage racks are great for homeowners and rental properties alike. The most basic option is a wall rack that clamps between the floor and ceiling. These are easy to install, don’t require a lot of wall space, and don’t mark or damage your walls. Some even allow you to hang multiple bikes with the same setup.
Another option is a hoist system. This works best in a garage with a high ceiling, and it keeps your bike out of the way while still being accessible. While it isn’t difficult to install, you will need a strong arm to get the bikes up and down, and it’s not recommended for kids.
Finally, a bike ceiling mount like the Cycle Glide is a smart solution that maximizes the space above your car. It cradles up to four bikes and comes with a built-in bicycle lift. Its non-marking coatings protect your bikes and the hooks swivel to prevent bike-on-bike contact.
2. Create a Bike Storage Area
Riding Bikes is a classic warm-weather pastime that promotes health, raises awareness and helps you to center yourself. But it can be a hassle to keep bicycles organized and easy to access. Adding a bike storage area to your home will make the process of getting ready for a ride smooth and effortless.
One of the simplest ways to create a bike storage area is by installing a wall-mounted rack. Look for one that looks like a minimalist floating shelf and mount it in a space where you have studs available. These racks also have hooks for storing bike accessories and gear.
If you don’t have a lot of room in your garage or shed, try hanging your bikes from the ceiling using rubber-coated hooks. This option works well in homes with vaulted or lofted garage ceilings but can be a challenge for those without this feature. For a more permanent solution, consider an in-ground bike storage system, which requires concrete footings to be installed, but is the most secure and safe way to store bikes long term.
3. Create a Bike Workshop
As any experienced cyclist will tell you, riding can be a meditative experience. Until that inevitable too-close call with a car (don’t worry, drivers reading this, 1.5m is the safe passing distance), you are completely immersed in your surroundings. You’re aware of the slowly passing landscape, the birdsong, and the changing weather. You feel the muscular effort required to climb a hill and then the exhilaration as you glide down.
Learning to perform your bike maintenance and repairs will bring you even closer to your bicycle, making it a truly zen experience. Find a space to create your workshop, whether it’s a garage, shed, spare room, or dedicated workbench. Make sure it’s easily accessible and that you have a good supply of tools, including both cycling-specific tools and regular household items like pliers and screwdrivers.
A great e-book to start with is Your Bike Workshop, which features 92 different tools and is designed to help you identify which ones you need based on the kind of maintenance you plan to do. The best part is that it works like a website, so when you hover over the tool names, a photo of each one appears.
4. Add a Bike Rack
Another way to make your home bike-friendly is to add a bike rack. These storage solutions allow you to hang your bikes up and out of the way, so they don’t take up floor space in your garage or workshop. Some bike racks are designed to accommodate multiple bikes, while others are more compact and can be used for just one bicycle.
Hitch-mounted racks are a popular choice, but they have some disadvantages. They typically have a limited load capacity (two to three bikes) and can interfere with trunk access. Some also rely on straps, which can leave your bike vulnerable to theft or damage.
For a more secure option, consider the Yakima Stage Two hitch-mount tray rack. This versatile rack has a class-leading weight capacity of 70 pounds per bike and can support a wide variety of wheel sizes and types. It’s also easy to use, with a simple loading ramp and angled supports that eliminate the need for tilting.
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