Storing bikes indoors, especially in limited spaces like apartments, can be a challenge. Finding an Apt Bike Rack that is both functional and space-saving is crucial. After extensive testing, we believe the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Two-Bike Gravity Stand stands out as the best indoor bike storage solution for most individuals. If you have a wall space approximately six feet wide, this rack offers an ideal blend of simplicity, sturdiness, and adaptability. Notably, Delta Cycle is simplifying the product name, potentially dropping “Michelangelo,” but the functionality remains consistent.
Setting up this apt bike rack is remarkably straightforward. Initially, the stand’s components might appear deceptively simple, with steel tubing just over an inch in diameter connected by Phillips head bolts. The bike support arms ingeniously slide onto the frame and are secured by friction from a plastic sleeve, eliminating the need for complex hardware. The arm ends are rubber-coated to protect your bike’s frame from scratches and slippage.
Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand Bike Rack
Two bikes are securely mounted on a Delta Cycle Michelangelo gravity stand in an indoor setting, showcasing its space-saving design and stability.
My personal setup experience took about 20 minutes, even with distractions. Skeptical of its stability, I loaded it with two 30-pound bikes in my living room. To my surprise, over three months, the bikes remained perfectly stable, highlighting the apt bike rack’s reliable design.
Despite its seemingly lightweight construction, this apt bike rack is surprisingly robust. Compared to another gravity stand we tested, the Racor PLB-2R, the Michelangelo exhibits superior sturdiness. The Racor’s bulkier steel bars lacked secure connections, resulting in alarming wobbles. Furthermore, the Michelangelo is more versatile in placement; it doesn’t require perfectly flush wall contact, unlike the Racor PLB-2R, which would be incompatible with chair rails or wainscoting.
A close-up of “Our pick” bike rack hooks.
Detailed view of the Delta Cycle Michelangelo bike rack’s support hooks, illustrating their design for secure bike placement and frame protection.
A key feature of this apt bike rack is the adjustability of its support arms. Whether during initial assembly or later, repositioning the arms to accommodate various bike frame shapes is easy. The arms twist on and off, allowing for different heights to accommodate bikes with sloping top tubes or no top tubes. The rack also includes accessory hooks that attach similarly, suitable for lighter items like helmets. While these hooks might dislodge if the rack is moved frequently, they function well for stationary storage.
Two bikes on “Our pick” bike rack on an apartment wall.
A pair of bicycles are efficiently stored on the Delta Cycle Michelangelo gravity stand against an apartment wall, demonstrating its space efficiency and suitability for indoor bike storage.
Installation is minimally invasive; only one hole is needed in the wall. While the packaging suggests it “leans against the wall—no attachment required!”, the included instructions rightly recommend using the “wall stabilizing chain” to prevent accidental tipping, especially in homes with children or in earthquake-prone areas. Though I personally skipped this step and experienced no issues, following the instructions is advisable for maximum safety. The rack’s splayed feet effectively maintain a stable center of gravity, resisting accidental tipping even when intentionally nudged.
User feedback confirms the long-term reliability of this apt bike rack. Staff members and long-term users report consistent satisfaction. A minor issue reported by a user was resolved by ensuring proper installation of O-rings, a feature now eliminated in the updated design. We tested the newer model over five years and found it to perform flawlessly, and we continue to monitor its performance.
A close-up of the new holding arms of the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Two-Bike Gravity Stand, with a red wall in the background.
Close-up of the updated arm design on the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Two-Bike Gravity Stand, highlighting the gray color and improved O-ring free mechanism for enhanced stability.
A minor drawback is that users with very large bikes (60cm frames) might find it challenging to fit two such bikes on the rack. A practical workaround is pairing a larger bike with a smaller one. Also, the accessory hooks can be easily knocked off when moving the rack.
In conclusion, the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand is an apt bike rack for anyone seeking a simple, sturdy, and space-efficient indoor bike storage solution. Its ease of setup, adjustability, and minimal wall impact make it an excellent choice for apartments and homes alike. While it has minor flaws like potentially limited capacity for very large bikes and somewhat delicate accessory hooks, these are far outweighed by its numerous advantages, solidifying its position as our top pick for indoor bike racks.
