The best way to store bikes in a small garage is to get them off the floor. Wall-mounted racks, ceiling hoists and vertical hooks all use space you’re not using now, and they keep tires, pedals and handlebars from snagging your car or each other.
Here’s how to pick a method, space the bikes sensibly and make sure your walls can handle the weight.
Start by measuring what you have
Before you buy anything, grab a tape measure. Write down your wall length, ceiling height, and how much room your car needs to open its doors. A garage can feel packed and still have plenty of usable wall.
Also measure the bikes. A typical adult bike is about five and a half to six feet long, and handlebars add width. Knowing those numbers keeps you from mounting a rack where a bike will stick out into the parking space.
Wall racks: the go-to for small garages
Let’s start with wall racks. One holds the bike either vertically, with one wheel up, or horizontally, flat against the wall. Vertical mounting saves the most floor space. Horizontal mounting keeps the bike tidy and can be easier to lift.
Hooks, tilting arms and track systems all work, so pick the one that matches your bike’s weight and your wall. We’ll point you to a few roundups at the end.
How much space should you leave between bikes?
This is where people often go wrong. Bikes mounted too close together end up tangled, with handlebars and pedals locking like zippers.
- Side by side, vertical: allow roughly 16 to 20 inches between mounting points, depending on handlebar width.
- Staggered heights: alternate the hook heights so handlebars sit at different levels. You can tighten the spacing this way.
- Pedals: turn them parallel to the wall, so they don’t scratch the bike next to it.
- Clearance from the car: leave enough room to open a door fully without bumping a tire.
Check your wall and your weight limits
Bikes are heavier than they look. Many adult bikes run from about 20 to 40 pounds, and some electric models are heavier still. Always check the rack’s weight rating, and compare it to your heaviest bike.
Just as important is what the rack is screwed into. Drywall alone won’t hold a bike. Find the wall studs with a stud finder and drive lag screws into the center of them. In a masonry wall, use anchors made for concrete or block. If you’re not sure, ask a professional, because a falling bike can hurt someone. The same goes for ceiling hoists: they need a joist, not just ceiling drywall, and you should stay within the weight the hoist is rated for.
Don’t forget the rest of the garage
Once the bikes are up, you’ll probably notice other clutter: helmets, pumps, tools and the occasional box of mystery cables. Sturdy shelving gives all of that a home. Take a look at our roundup of the best garage shelving heavy duty 5 tier for options that can carry real weight.
Motorcycle owners face a similar puzzle, only with heavier machines. A lift can raise a motorcycle to working height and free up floor space too. Our list of the best motorcycle lifts hydraulic for garage explains what to check before you buy one, including weight ratings. Never work under a bike that isn’t locked in place.
Other ways to free up floor space
Wall racks aren’t the only option, and sometimes a mix works best. Here are a few other ideas, so you can match the method to your garage.
- Ceiling hoists: a pulley system lifts a bike up and out of the way. It’s great when wall space is tight, but you’ll need a good anchor in the joists and a bit of arm strength.
- Floor stands: these hold a bike upright with no drilling. They don’t save much space, but they work for renters.
- Freestanding vertical racks: they lean against a wall and hold several bikes in a small footprint.
- Track systems: a rail on the wall lets you slide hooks to wherever you need them, so you can rearrange as your family’s bikes change.
Protect your bikes while they’re stored
Garages get cold, hot and damp, and that’s tough on a bike. A little care goes a long way.
Wipe off mud and wet before you hang a bike up, because moisture rusts chains and bolts. A light coat of chain lubricant helps, and so does keeping tires pumped up a little. If your garage gets very humid, a cover can keep dust off, while still letting air flow. Also, store electric bike batteries according to the maker’s instructions, which usually means indoors and away from extreme heat or cold.
A simple plan to follow
- Measure the wall, the ceiling and the bikes.
- Choose a rack type that fits your space and strength.
- Find the studs and mark the mounting points.
- Mount the rack, then test it with a firm tug before you hang a bike.
- Hang the heaviest bikes lowest so they’re easier to lift.
Do it in an afternoon, and you’ll get your floor back.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to hang a bike vertically or horizontally?
Vertical saves the most floor space, but you have to lift the front or back wheel up. Horizontal is easier on your arms and sits close to the wall, but it needs more wall length.
Can I store a bike from the ceiling?
Yes, with a ceiling hoist or hooks anchored into joists. Make sure the fastener goes into a joist, and keep the bike high enough to clear your car’s roof and any open garage door.
How do I stop tires from marking the wall?
Use a rack with a rubber or padded cradle, or mount the bike slightly off the wall. A strip of foam on the wall also helps.
The bottom line
To store bikes in a small garage, go vertical, space them carefully and anchor everything into studs. Pick a rack, measure twice and then tackle the rest of the room. To see your options, start with the best wall mounted bike racks for garage. And if the whole garage needs a reset, our guide on how to organize your garage is a good next read.