Until recently, my bicycle storage situation was far from ideal. Bikes crammed into a damp, dark, and frankly scary space under the stairs was the norm. My workshop? A makeshift table in the yard. Dreaming of a better setup was a major factor in our house hunt. Fortunately, I’m now living the dream with a garage space partly dedicated to my cycling passion.
When it comes to spending money, I’m a research fanatic. I delve deep into every option, creating spreadsheets and battling indecision before (often regretfully) making a purchase. That’s why reviewing bike gear is perfect! No buyer’s remorse, just riding and evaluating. When I saw a colleague had reviewed the Stashed system, I felt a pang of envy, then dove into research mode to find a budget-friendly alternative. My goal: an efficient and affordable Hanging Bike Rack solution for my garage.
My initial thought was sliding door hardware. Companies like Slid’up offer heavy-duty trolley systems and rails designed for substantial doors. I was seriously considering this, creating cost and spec spreadsheets to hang 6-7 bikes. However, the cost quickly escalated to $500-$600. Furthermore, limited data on dimensions and load capacity made it difficult to assess if it could handle the weight of multiple bikes. “Max 150-pound door” isn’t helpful when you need to hang 300 pounds of bikes. Sliding door enthusiasts, it seems, don’t worry about such things.
Adding Park Tool machine screw hooks further inflated the cost, making it too expensive for a DIY project. Luckily, I discovered Gear Blocks sliding bike rack hooks, utilizing Unistrut for a simple, effective hanging bike rack system.
This robust Unistrut channel is the foundation of my new hanging bike rack system. Its affordability, strength, and availability make it the ideal starting point for a DIY garage bike storage solution.
Why Unistrut is Perfect for a DIY Hanging Bike Rack
Let’s delve into Unistrut, also known as ABB Superstrut and other names. Primarily designed for suspending electrical components and conduit, Unistrut is a versatile system with numerous sizes and a vast array of accessories (including trolleys, as detailed in this catalog). The appeal of Unistrut for a hanging bike rack lies in its affordability, ease of sourcing, and well-documented specifications.
For example, the 12-gauge 1-5/8”x1-5/8” Unistrut/Superstrut I used (available for around $50 per 10-foot section from electrical suppliers) boasts a load capacity of up to 1700 lbs at 24-inch mounting centers, depending on loading conditions! Supporting a few hundred pounds of bicycles is well within its capabilities. The system’s weak point is more likely the mounting method. Insufficient or improperly installed anchors could lead to failure. Fortunately, my garage has exposed roof joists, providing secure mounting points. I was confident in creating a hanging bike rack system strong enough to withstand an earthquake, potentially even enhancing the garage’s structural integrity.
Simple components: a plastic block, a screw-in hook, and skateboard bearings. Simplicity at its best for a functional hanging bike rack.
Simple and functional design of the Gear Blocks hook. While 3D printing quality might not be perfect, it effectively serves its purpose in this hanging bike rack system.
Gear Blocks Hooks: The Heart of the Hanging Bike Rack System
The Gear Blocks hook is a straightforward 3D-printed plastic component utilizing skateboard bearings and screw-in bicycle hooks to suspend your bike. They offer different sizes: US$12 for a small hook (max 35 pounds, 2.35″ tire), US$20 for large hooks (my choice – max 65 pounds, 3.5″ tire), and US$42 for fat bike hooks (specs unavailable). Package deals offer some savings, and direct inquiries via email may yield custom arrangements. Gear Blocks is based in the US, so shipping costs may vary depending on your location. To avoid potential customs issues with “3D printed bicycle hooks” in Canada, I opted for US delivery to Bellingham.
The Gear Blocks hook isn’t complex, but it’s intelligently designed. It fits snugly into the Unistrut and performs its function flawlessly. Could you 3D print your own? Possibly. I considered it and even envisioned improvements (like metal bearing shafts). However, I decided to leverage Gear Blocks’ expertise and effort rather than investing months in prototyping.
Gear Blocks provides a comprehensive guide for designing and installing the complete system. They only supply the hooks, so installation design is required, but their guide simplifies the process. When I installed mine, the guide was less detailed, and spacing recommendations would have been helpful for wall-rail distance. I used a spare bike hook to experiment with different positions and determine the optimal wall clearance. It worked out well in the end.
The complete system: Unistrut, Gear Blocks hooks, and mounting hardware. Simple, effective components for a DIY hanging bike rack.
The Gear Blocks hook fits perfectly within the Unistrut channel. Note the limited clearance for mounting hardware inserted through the Unistrut when designing your hanging bike rack.
Gear Blocks end cap adds a finishing touch. The Z offset might be slightly high, but it adds a unique aesthetic to the hanging bike rack system.
Installing Your DIY Hanging Bike Rack System
Transporting the 10-foot Unistrut was the trickiest part of my installation. It barely fit in my vehicle, sticking out the passenger window. Secured in the back, I cautiously drove home, hoping for no sudden stops. Once home, installation was straightforward and manageable solo.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing your hanging bike rack:
- Measure Rail Position: Determine the desired distance from the wall to the center of your rail at the two joist locations marking the rail ends.
- Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes for 5/16” Spax or GRK low profile lag screws (I initially used 4”, later upgraded to 6” for extra security. Consider slider clearance for fastener selection; GRK’s low profile is beneficial). Use fender washers under each screw head. I also used fender washers to shim gaps from uneven joists, though likely unnecessary.
- Initial Rail Attachment: Rest one Unistrut end on a ladder (or helper’s hands) and partially screw in the opposite end using the pilot hole. Secure it enough to hold, no need to fully tighten yet. An impact driver is highly recommended.
- Secure Second End and Tighten: Attach and partially screw in the other end. Then, fully tighten both ends. Mark remaining joist hole locations. You can remove the Unistrut to drill pilot holes, then return to step 3, or drill with it in place if feasible.
- Install Hooks and End Caps: Slide hooks into the Unistrut, add end caps, and start hanging your bikes on your new hanging bike rack!
Gear Blocks offers further installation details here and in these instructions. Why the information is spread across multiple locations is unclear, but the resources are available.
The system’s main limitation is the requirement for a suitable ceiling mounting surface – not too low, not too high, with sturdy joists or beams. If these conditions aren’t met, or if wall mounting is needed, more creative or expensive solutions are necessary. 1up now offers a similar system with powder-coated Unistrut and a wall mount option. I’m trying to get my hands on this system for a comparison, but haven’t had luck yet.
Eight hooks ready to organize bicycles or even sides of beef on this heavy-duty hanging bike rack.
Not the best photo, but it shows the hanging bike rack in use. Intended to take a better picture once bikes were organized, but garage chaos took over.
Real-World Use of the Hanging Bike Rack System
Moving is inherently chaotic. Fortunately, I completed most garage projects before moving day. Unfortunately, moving in filled the garage with more stuff than anticipated. Access to my new hanging bike rack has been intermittent amidst the clutter.
Overall, the system fulfills its purpose. It elevates bikes, freeing up floor space and providing easy access. Before installation, eight bikes consumed significant space, requiring effort to access those at the back. Now, the hanging bike rack concentrates bikes in a garage corner, liberating space for boxes and motorcycles. Simply slide bikes along the rail for access.
Compared to the pricier Stashed system, some features are lacking. Bikes move almost too freely on the rail. Minimal effort sends bikes sliding, creating minor challenges when using cable locks. The cable tension can push bikes out of position, a minor but noticeable frustration.
Ideally, a way to lock bikes to the hook/slider would be beneficial. I envisioned using Hiplock security ties for added security. Integrating a wheel-to-hook locking mechanism into the hook base design could enhance security.
The Stashed system’s locking/rotating feature is also absent. Balancing bikes on the hooks, especially with their easy movement, requires a bit of finesse. Rotating bikes for orientation changes would be convenient, though removing and repositioning bikes isn’t a major inconvenience.
However, considering the price, I’m extremely satisfied. My total cost breakdown:
- 10 feet of Unistrut: ~CAD$60
- Hardware (6x 5/8” GRK Low Profile Lag Screws + Fender Washers + Impact Torx Bit): ~CAD$40
- 8 Gear Blocks Large Hooks plus End Caps: US$120
Totaling CAD$260 for an 8-bike hanging bike rack, or CAD$32.50 per bike. It’s a robust, user-friendly system that securely holds numerous bikes. While lacking some polish and high-end features, its affordability is unbeatable for those willing to DIY.
I added wide Velcro pedal covers to prevent pedal damage to neighboring items, a worthwhile ~$15 addition.
Future Enhancements for My Hanging Bike Rack
My current 8-bike setup is full, and I need space for more bikes, including test bikes. My plan is to install a second rail parallel to the first and add four more hooks (ideally the 1up version for comparison). Dual rails will allow spacing adjustments and individual bike positioning flexibility. Perhaps it’s also time to consider thinning the bike herd!
