Urban cyclists and apartment dwellers often face the challenge of limited space, especially when it comes to storing their bikes. Indoor Bike Mounts offer a practical solution, and among them, the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Two-Bike Gravity Stand stands out as a top contender. This review delves into why this particular indoor bike mount is an excellent choice for those seeking a space-saving and user-friendly storage solution.
Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand Bike Rack
Storing bikes indoors can be tricky, especially in smaller living spaces. Traditional bike storage solutions can be cumbersome or require permanent installations. Indoor bike mounts like gravity stands offer a convenient alternative, leaning against the wall and utilizing vertical space. They eliminate the need for complex drilling or mounting, making them ideal for renters or anyone who prefers a non-permanent storage option. The Delta Cycle Michelangelo excels in this category due to its simple design and effective functionality.
The Delta Cycle Michelangelo indoor bike mount distinguishes itself through its easy setup. Despite its seemingly minimalist construction with slender steel tubing connected by simple bolts, this stand proves surprisingly robust. Setting it up is straightforward and doesn’t demand extensive technical skills. The arms, designed to hold the bikes, cleverly slide onto the frame and utilize friction to stay securely in place. This design simplicity contributes to a quick assembly process, often completed in under 20 minutes, as experienced during testing.
A close-up of “Our pick” bike rack hooks showing the arm attachment and rubber coating for bike frame protection.
Another key advantage of this indoor bike mount is its lightweight yet sturdy construction. While appearing delicate, the Delta Michelangelo surpasses other gravity stands in stability. Its design ensures it doesn’t wobble, unlike bulkier alternatives that may lack secure fittings. Furthermore, the Michelangelo offers greater flexibility in placement; it doesn’t require being perfectly flush against a wall, a common limitation with other indoor bike mounts. This adaptability makes it suitable for homes with chair rails or wainscoting.
The adjustable arms are a significant feature, making this indoor bike mount compatible with various bike frame shapes. The arm height can be easily adjusted during or after assembly, accommodating bikes with sloping top tubes or even those without a traditional top tube. This versatility ensures that a wide range of bikes can be securely stored. Additionally, accessory hooks are included, providing extra storage for items like helmets, further enhancing its practicality as an all-in-one indoor bike storage solution.
Two bikes mounted on the Delta Cycle Michelangelo indoor bike rack against a white apartment wall, demonstrating space-saving vertical bike storage.
The minimal wall impact design is a crucial benefit, particularly for renters. While the packaging might suggest no wall attachment is needed, the included “wall stabilizing chain” and instructions recommend securing the top of the mount to the wall with a single hole. This precaution, especially important in homes with children or earthquake-prone areas, adds an extra layer of safety. However, even without this attachment, the stand’s splayed feet effectively distribute weight, maintaining a stable center of gravity and preventing accidental tipping under normal circumstances.
Long-term user experiences further validate the reliability of the Delta Cycle Michelangelo as an indoor bike mount. Reports from users, including staff members using the mount for years, indicate consistent performance without issues. Minor initial design flaws, such as arm slippage due to missing O-rings, have been addressed in newer models, enhancing its user-friendliness and dependability. Continuous monitoring and positive user feedback over five years reinforce its status as a durable and trustworthy indoor bike storage option.
Close-up of the updated gray holding arms on the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Two-Bike Gravity Stand, against a vibrant red wall background in a home setting.
While overwhelmingly positive, a minor drawback mentioned by users is the potential difficulty in fitting two large (60cm+) bikes simultaneously. A practical workaround involves pairing a larger bike with a smaller one. Additionally, the accessory hooks, while convenient, can be easily dislodged if the mount is moved frequently. However, these are minor inconveniences that do not overshadow the overall effectiveness and benefits of the Delta Cycle Michelangelo as a premier indoor bike mount.
In conclusion, the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Two-Bike Gravity Stand is a highly recommended indoor bike mount for its ease of setup, sturdiness, adjustability, minimal wall impact, and long-term reliability. It effectively addresses the challenges of indoor bike storage, particularly in limited spaces, making it an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a practical and space-saving solution.
