Do It Yourself Bike Hanger

Contrary to popular belief, hanging a bicycle by its wheels does not deform the wheel in any noticeable way. When done correctly and with certain precautions in mind, hanging bicycles is a safe and cost-effective way to remove clutter and free up valuable real estate in your garage or shed.

Preparing The Hooks

The easiest and most cost-effective way to hang a bicycle is on a large metal hook, which can usually be found at hardware stores. But before you go screwing hooks into the ceiling it is important to take a few things into consideration. First, modern bicycle wheels are usually constructed of aluminum, either anodized or powder coated, and very easily scratched. It is wise to first coat the hooks with liquid rubber tool coating to prevent scratching the rim surface. Second, bicycle weights vary depending on the materials used in their construction. Depending on your bicycle's weight, it is wise to reinforce the area of the ceiling or wall where the hooks will be mounted.

The Floor (or Ceiling) Plan

When you have decided where and how the hooks will be mounted, it is important to determine how they will be spaced on the surface. If the hooks are being attached to the wall or another horizontal surface, be certain that they are high enough to hold the rear wheel of the bicycle off the ground, and wide enough apart that the handlebars of multiple bicycles will not make contact when hung. The widest standard bicycle handlebars are 48cm wide. If mounted on the ceiling, the hooks may be mounted closer together, and the bicycles hung in a staggered pattern, first by the front wheel, second by the rear wheel, third by the front wheel, etc.

Utilizing Bicycle Hangers

Depending on the height of the ceiling, it may not be plausible that bikes be hung and removed by hand. If elevated ceiling height makes this practice difficult, a simple hook may be fashioned by attaching a hook similar to those on which the bikes are hung to a pole made of wood or PVC piping. To remove bikes from the hooks, simply place the hook at the end of the pole underneath the bicycle's wheel, and lift it down off of the hanger.

Tags: bicycle wheels, bikes hung, front wheel, hooks will, hooks will mounted