For years, bike storage was a constant struggle. Bikes were crammed into a dimly lit, cramped space, and workshop activities spilled out into the yard. Sound familiar? Finding a better solution became a top priority when searching for a new home. Fortunately, the dream of a bike-friendly garage is now a reality, with a dedicated section in a single-car garage transformed into an organized bike haven.
When it comes to investing in solutions, thorough research is key. Exploring every possible option is crucial before making a decision. This often leads to a deep dive into product details, weighing different ideas, and sometimes, a touch of buyer’s remorse after finally choosing. That’s where the beauty of reviewing products comes in – the hands-on experience without the pre-purchase anxiety. Initially, the innovative Stashed system caught my eye, but the quest for a cost-effective alternative began, leading down the path of DIY solutions.
The first thought that sparked was adapting sliding door hardware for bike storage. Companies like Slid’up offer a range of robust trolleys and rails designed for heavy doors. The idea of a sliding bike rack using these components seemed promising. Spreadsheets were created, costs were analyzed, and configurations for hanging multiple bikes were meticulously planned. However, the total cost quickly escalated, reaching the $500-$600 range. Furthermore, detailed specifications and load capacities were lacking, making it difficult to ascertain the system’s limits when supporting a substantial weight of bicycles. The “Max 150-pound door” rating didn’t quite translate to hanging multiple bikes safely. It became clear that sliding door hardware might be overkill, and definitely overpriced for this project.
Just when the sliding door hardware path seemed too expensive and complex, another solution emerged: Gear Blocks sliding bike rack hooks. These hooks, combined with readily available Unistrut, offered a simpler and more budget-friendly approach to building a hanging, sliding bike rack system.
The Foundation: Unistrut for Bike Storage
Let’s delve into Unistrut, the backbone of this DIY Hanging Bike Holder system. Known also as Superstrut or ABB Superstrut, Unistrut is an industrial channel system primarily engineered for supporting electrical components and conduits. It is available in various sizes and complemented by a vast array of accessories, including trolleys. The appeal of Unistrut lies in its affordability, widespread availability at electrical supply stores, and well-documented specifications. The 12-gauge, 1-5/8”x1-5/8” Unistrut/Superstrut used in this project, obtainable for around $50 per 10-foot section, boasts a remarkable load capacity of up to 1700 lbs with 24-inch mounting centers, depending on the load distribution. This easily handles the weight of multiple bikes. The critical aspect is secure mounting. Insufficient or improperly installed anchors could compromise the system’s integrity. Fortunately, exposed roof joists in the garage provided robust mounting points, ensuring a system capable of withstanding significant loads.
Gear Blocks Hooks: The Smart Hangers
The Gear Blocks hook is a cleverly designed, 3D-printed component that utilizes skateboard bearings and standard screw-in bike hooks to create a sliding hanger. Priced at US$12 for the small hook (35 lbs max, 2.35″ tire clearance) and US$20 for the larger version (65 lbs max, 3.5″ tire clearance – the model used here), with a fat bike option also available, these hooks offer a practical solution. Package deals offer potential savings, and direct contact with Gear Blocks may yield custom solutions for specific needs. Being US-based, shipping considerations may apply depending on your location.
The Gear Blocks hook design is simple yet effective, fitting snugly within the Unistrut channel and performing its function flawlessly. While 3D-printing a similar hook might be possible for those with the capability, the time and effort saved by utilizing Gear Blocks’ expertise and refined design are significant. Ideas for improvements, like metal bearing shafts, were considered but ultimately deemed less efficient than adopting the ready-made Gear Blocks solution.
Gear Blocks provides a comprehensive guide for designing and installing a complete system. While they primarily supply the hooks, their guidance simplifies the installation process. When this system was initially installed, the guide was still under development. Spacing suggestions would have been beneficial in determining the optimal distance from the wall for mounting the rail. Experimentation with an old bike hook helped determine the ideal wall offset, resulting in a successful installation.
Installation Process for Your Hanging Bike Rack
Transporting the 10-foot Unistrut section proved to be the most challenging part of the installation, requiring careful maneuvering to fit it in the vehicle. Once home, the installation was straightforward and manageable single-handedly.
Step-by-step installation guide:
- Measure Rail Position: Determine the desired distance from the wall for the center of the Unistrut rail. Mark this position on the joists at each end of the intended rail location.
- Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes for 5/16” Spax or GRK low profile lag screws at the marked joist locations. GRK screws with a low profile head are recommended to ensure clearance for the sliding hooks.
- Mount First End: Rest one end of the Unistrut on a ladder or have a helper support it. Align the opposite end with a pilot hole and partially screw in a lag screw. An impact driver is highly recommended for this step.
- Secure Second End: Align and secure the other end of the Unistrut to the corresponding pilot hole. Tighten both lag screws at each end to secure the rail firmly. Mark pilot hole locations for any intermediate joists.
- Drill Remaining Pilot Holes: Temporarily remove the Unistrut. Drill pilot holes at all remaining marked joist locations.
- Final Mounting: Reinstall the Unistrut, securing it at all joist locations with lag screws.
- Install Hooks and End Caps: Slide the Gear Blocks hooks into the Unistrut channel. Attach end caps to the Unistrut ends.
- Hang Your Bikes: Begin hanging your bikes on the newly installed rack.
Refer to Gear Blocks’ detailed guides available here and here for further information and visual aids.
This system is ideally suited for garages with exposed ceiling joists. For situations lacking suitable ceiling mounting points, or requiring wall-mounted solutions, alternative approaches or commercial systems like the 1up system (offering a similar system with powder-coated Unistrut and wall mount options) might be necessary.
Real-World Use and Benefits of the Hanging Bike Holder
Moving and setting up a new space is inherently chaotic. Prioritizing garage organization before the full move-in proved beneficial, allowing for the bike rack installation early on. However, the garage quickly filled with general household items, sometimes limiting immediate access to the bike rack.
Overall, this DIY hanging bike holder system fulfills its intended purpose effectively. It elevates bikes, freeing up valuable floor space and providing easy access to each bike. Previously, storing eight bikes on the floor consumed considerable space and made accessing bikes at the back cumbersome. Now, the rack consolidates bike storage to one area, creating more room for other items. Sliding bikes along the rail allows for effortless access to any bike without disturbing others.
Compared to more premium systems like the Stashed system, a few minor drawbacks exist. The bikes slide very easily, sometimes too easily. This can pose a minor inconvenience when using cable locks, as the cable tension can cause bikes to shift from their desired position.
A wishlist item would be an integrated locking mechanism to secure bikes directly to the hooks. While not a critical feature, it would add an extra layer of security. Similarly, the Stashed system’s locking/rotating feature offers enhanced convenience when positioning bikes on the rack. Placing bikes on the Gear Blocks hooks requires a bit of balance, and rotating bikes requires manual lifting and repositioning.
However, considering the cost, the DIY system’s value is undeniable. The total cost breakdown:
- 10 feet of Unistrut: ~CAD$60
- Mounting Hardware (Lag Screws, Washers, Torx Bit): ~CAD$40
- 8 Gear Blocks Large Hooks and End Caps: US$120
Totaling approximately CAD$260 for an 8-bike rack, or CAD$32.50 per bike, this system offers exceptional value. It is robust, user-friendly, and securely accommodates a substantial number of bikes. While lacking some of the refined features of higher-end systems, its affordability and functionality make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious cyclists.
A practical addition was creating DIY pedal covers from wide Velcro straps to prevent pedal-to-car contact – a minor addition worth noting.
Future Enhancements for the Bike Storage System
With the current 8-bike capacity fully utilized and more bikes to accommodate, expansion is necessary. The plan involves installing a second Unistrut rail alongside the existing one and adding four more hooks, potentially exploring the 1up version for comparison. Dual rails could offer greater flexibility in spacing and positioning bikes. Perhaps it’s also time to consider thinning the bike collection!
