Road bikes are relatively light so the best way to store them is on a hook mounted on the wall or the ceiling. This saves floor space compared to leaning it against the wall or on a floor standing bike rack. The bike could hang vertically by the front wheel or horizontally by the top tube, pedal or even on a pulley system. Road bikes tend to be kept quite clean so they could be stored inside a house or office but in a garage is probably the easiest option.
How to store a road bike on a wall hook
The quickest and easiest way to store a road bike is by the front wheel on a hook screwed into the wall. Road bikes are light enough so you can lift them onto a hook mounted high up on the wall. This keeps the back wheel off the floor so you can sweep underneath it. The hook should have a soft rubber coating to make sure the wheel rim doesn't get damaged. If you keep the bike clean you could fit the hook in a lounge or office. If its dirty, and if you have the space, in a garage or shed is better bet.
The GearHooks B1 wall hook is a really simple design that fits into brick, block, concrete or wood with just 1 hole. There are many alternatives on the market but few that fit so easily, cost so little and come with a lifetime warranty.
How to store a road bike on a wall bike bracket
The alternative to hanging a road bike vertically by the front wheel is to mount it flat against the wall by the top tube or even a pedal. The benefit of this approach is that you can make your road bike look a work of art. However, this will use up any available wall space quite quickly. A light (and clean) road bike is really the only kind of bike you can do that with in a lounge or office, otherwise you risk dripping mud and oil all over your shag pile.
The GearHooks BZ1 will hold any bike with a flat top tube on the wall. The hooks fold flat against the wall when it's not being used. If you have a bit of tinkering to do the brackets also act as a simple work stand.
How to store a road bike in the roof space on a pulley system.
A road bike is light enough to pull up into any available roof space on a pulley system. This is a great way to save space in a garage or any space with a high ceiling. However, they are harder to pull up in the air that you might imagine. Given that some road bikes cost thousands of pounds you might not sleep too well worrying what might happen if it falls off the hooks, or the rope breaks, or the builders knock it off with their ladders.
How to store more than one road bike
If you just have a couple of road bikes then using separate hooks will be fine. If you have 3 or 4 or more bikes then separate hooks become fiddly to fit and hard to adjust if you change bikes or get more, so a bike rack is worth considering.
There are two popular ways to store several road bikes:
- - on a wall mounted rack
- - on a floor mounted rack
The big benefit of a wall mounted rack is that it saves floor space.
How to store road bikes on a wall mounted rack
A wall mounted bike rack is a popular choice if you have several road bikes (and somewhere to put them). Road bike handlebars are relatively narrow so you can store them next to each other more easily than mountain bikes. Practically, these are going to be installed in a shed or garage but if you live in a big enough property you might have room elsewhere.
The GearHooks BR3 consists of a 1 metre long rail and 3 hooks to hang bikes by the front wheels. The rail fits with just 3 holes and the hooks can be positioned anywhere on the rail so adjusting them is a doddle.
The GearHooks BR6 Double Decker allows you overlap handlebars so its easy to store lots of bikes in a small space.
The GearHooks BR6FV "Flying V" vertical bike storage rack is a visually stunning and very practical way to store 6 bikes on the wall. The V shape means that handlebars overlap making hanging and un-hooking bikes really easy.
How to store road bikes on a floor mounted rack
A floor mounted bike rack looks a bit like a giant toast rack. These are usually made to accommodate almost any tyre size but you need to make sure the gap is narrow enough to stop road bikes, which have very narrow tyres, falling over sideways. If you've got fancy carbon rims you won't want that to happen!
What is a road bike?
And how does it differ from other bikes?
A road bike is a type of bicycle designed specifically for riding on paved roads and smooth surfaces. Road bikes are characterized by their lightweight frames, narrow tires, and drop handlebars, which allow the rider to maintain an aerodynamic riding position. These bikes are optimized for speed and efficiency, making them ideal for long-distance rides, racing, and recreational cycling on roads.
They are much easier to store than some other bikes because they are lightweight, have narrow handlebars and a flat top tube. This means they can be lifted easily, stacked close together and mounted by the front wheel, top tube or even the pedals.
Key features of road bikes include:
-
Lightweight frame: Road bike frames are typically made from materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel to minimize weight while maintaining strength and stiffness.
-
Narrow tires: Road bikes usually have narrow tires with smooth tread patterns, reducing rolling resistance and enhancing speed on paved surfaces.
-
Drop handlebars: Road bikes feature handlebars that curve downwards and backwards, offering multiple hand positions for comfort and aerodynamics. This design allows riders to adopt a more aerodynamic riding posture, reducing wind resistance and improving efficiency.
-
Gear systems: Road bikes often come equipped with multiple gears, typically ranging from 16 to 22 or more, allowing riders to maintain an optimal cadence (pedaling speed) across various terrains and inclines.
-
Caliper brakes: Most road bikes use caliper brakes mounted on the wheel rims for efficient braking performance, providing reliable stopping power on smooth surfaces.
Road bikes are popular among cyclists for their speed, agility, and efficiency, making them suitable for a wide range of activities, including commuting, fitness riding, group rides, and competitive racing events such as road races and time trials.
How to secure a road bike at home or while you are riding
Securing bicycles is essential to prevent theft and ensure their safety when parked or stored. Here are a few examples of bicycle security measures along with some typical suppliers:
-
Bicycle Locks:
- U-Locks: These locks consist of a rigid U-shaped bar and are highly resistant to cutting and prying. They are one of the most secure types of locks.
- typical supplier - https://www.kryptonitelock.com
- Chain Locks: Chain locks are flexible and can be wrapped around various objects for securing bikes. Look for chain locks with toughened steel construction and a secure locking mechanism.
- typical supplier - Bicycle locks | Mobile security | ABUS
- U-Locks: These locks consist of a rigid U-shaped bar and are highly resistant to cutting and prying. They are one of the most secure types of locks.
-
Cable Locks:
- Cable locks are lightweight and flexible, making them convenient for securing bikes to stationary objects. However, they are less secure than U-locks and are susceptible to cutting.
- typical supplier - OnGuard (onguardlock.com)
- Cable locks are lightweight and flexible, making them convenient for securing bikes to stationary objects. However, they are less secure than U-locks and are susceptible to cutting.
-
Bike Locking Stations:
- Bike racks and locking stations provide designated spaces for securely locking bicycles in public areas. Look for racks made of sturdy materials and designed to prevent tampering.
- typical supplier - www.asgardsss.co.uk
- Bike racks and locking stations provide designated spaces for securely locking bicycles in public areas. Look for racks made of sturdy materials and designed to prevent tampering.
-
Indoor Storage Solutions:
- Indoor bike racks and wall mounts are ideal for securing bicycles inside homes, apartments, or garages. They help save space and keep bikes organized. Some racks include a way of attaching bikes to the rack with a cable to prevent casual theft.
- typical supplier - GearHooks Limited (gearhooks.com)
- Indoor bike racks and wall mounts are ideal for securing bicycles inside homes, apartments, or garages. They help save space and keep bikes organized. Some racks include a way of attaching bikes to the rack with a cable to prevent casual theft.
-
GPS Trackers:
- GPS tracking devices can be discreetly installed on bicycles to monitor their location in real-time and aid in recovery if stolen.
- typical supplier - Spybike GPS Tracker https://www.spybike.com/
- GPS tracking devices can be discreetly installed on bicycles to monitor their location in real-time and aid in recovery if stolen.
-
Locking Skewers:
- Locking skewers replace quick-release skewers on wheels and seat posts, deterring theft by requiring a specialized tool for removal.
- typical supplier - Pinhead Locking Skewer Set Build a Security System | Pinheadlocks.com
- Locking skewers replace quick-release skewers on wheels and seat posts, deterring theft by requiring a specialized tool for removal.
When choosing security products, ensure they are appropriate for your specific needs, considering factors such as location, duration of parking, and the value of your bicycle. Additionally, always remember to lock your bike to a secure and immovable object, such as a lamp post, to enhance security further.
