DIY Bike Rack Ideas and Other Handy Bike Storage Solutions

If you are a city dweller, storing your bike indoors long-term might seem problematic. Probably you live in an apartment, and you don’t want the bike to be in the way and gather dust all winter. Maybe you are renting and need a bike storage solution that won’t smear the walls or require drilling holes. Leaving your bike in the hallway is not an option unless you are 100% sure it cannot be stolen.

Keep cool - no matter how small or big your living space is, we promise there's a DIY bike rack or bike storage solution for your bike! You'll see that many solutions are not only practical but also trendy and good-looking. We did our best to include indoor bike racks for every budget - from the simplest holders to fine artisan products.

#1. Bike Hooks for Wall

If you are seeking a minimalist solution, this might be it. There are many brands and types of hooks out there - almost all of them are easy to mount on any wall or door and look great even when your bike is not on them. Hooks are also a good solution for storing bikes in flats where width is an issue, but depth is not.

For example, the Delta bike hook is a real space-saver and has been a bestseller for years. If there are several bikes in your home, buy as many Leonardos as needed - each costs as little as $21.99.

The Cyclog Endo bike hanger is made of recycled rubber and folds flat when not in use. Available in 7 colors for €60, this DIY bike rack is good value for money, as it also has space for a bicycle lock and other small accessories.

Or go for the AlexaLethen Gum hook that's the horizontal alternative to the Leonardo hook. Depending on the color and material, these cost between €89 and €119.

#2. Bicycle Ceiling Hooks

Bike lift systems clip onto your bike’s handlebar and seat-hovering it in the air. This is a good solution for garages and larger rooms where the overhead space is unused, and the interior design is of secondary importance.

These hoists are relatively cheap; you can get them on eBay starting from €20. On the downside - it’s not so easy and fast to install this system as well as attach or remove the bike from it. Therefore a ceiling lift like this will be more convenient if you won’t be using your bike too frequently.

#3. Bike Mounts for Wall

When not in use, this mechanism can be easily folded away so that it doesn’t take up any space or ruin your home's interior. For example, the Cor Surf Bamboo wall storage is a great and affordable solution ($39.99 + shipping) for anyone, and it fits perfectly in homes that have wooden furniture or floors.

Meanwhile, if your home has a light, classic interior, go for a wooden bike holder. Mikili Slit is a piece of neat design that comes at a price of €225. Choose a color that matches your wall and admire how the Slit blends in with your home design.

Both mounts form a small shelf when opened - great for storing your helmet, bike lock, and other basic cycling accessories.

#4. Multifunctional DIY Bicycle Racks

Do you feel that buying a separate rack or shelf just for your bike is a waste of space and resources? Go for a multi-purpose solution!

Lift by IPPINKA is a minimal wall mount that can hold anything up to 25 kilos - not only your bicycle but also your bike-lock, jacket and any other household items that otherwise clutter up your living space. Its steel, wood, and leather design is durable and good-looking and comes at a reasonable price of $68. The resting block ensures that you can conveniently store your bike without dirtying the walls.

BIKA Bike is a versatile and eco-friendly bike shelf that has space for your bike accessories and other small items such as your keys and books. BIKA is handcrafted from sustainable materials - pine beetle kill wood that is generally regarded as unattractive and would otherwise go to waste. One can be sure that paying €399 for this rack is a good deed for the environment!

#5. No-Drill Wall Bike Racks

If you are renting an apartment or simply prefer to avoid drilling, you are not alone! Nowadays there are plenty of bike stands that don’t require drilling holes into your wall.

A freestanding rack is a standard non-permanent solution for storing two bikes one on top of the other. Not the most beautiful structure, however, it will do the job for less-representable spaces, such as your garage or storeroom. The downside - the top bike has to be lifted rather high. You can find different types of stands on Ebay for €30-130.

A more advanced ceiling-to-floor bike stand also requires no installation - just fit it between your floor and ceiling. If necessary, it is easy to move the pole around and adjust its height and angle. Prices for these stands are €60 and up, including the integrated bike hangers. When choosing this stand, make sure the ceiling in your home is robust!

If you are looking for a more elegant solution, consider the Delta Michelangelo Bike Stand that plays with gravity and simply leans against the wall to hold up to two bikes. Only $153.99 and this beauty is yours!

#6. Furniture for Bikes

During the last few years, we have seen many new fantastic bike storage solutions that serve as a furniture for bike-minded people. The best part is that most of them have plenty of storage space for cycling accessories and other items.

Are you extremely fond of your cycling buddy? Demonstrate your love by displaying it like the piece of art it is! The Valibero Bike Shelf not only puts your bike in the centre of attention, but also illuminates it with integrated lighting. Elegance and innovation come with a price - from €4.600 up to €7.000, depending on the model. However, if you are redecorating your hallway, a handsome and practical set like this seems like a reasonable investment.

Chol1 offers more affordable and no less elegant solutions for storing your bike together with other personal belongings. Their stylish and handy bike shelves, chairs and even sofas cost between €65 and €490.

#7. State-of-the-Art Bike Racks

If you believe that every aesthetic detail in your home matters, choose a bike rack that is a work of art itself. Undeniably, exclusive design racks will always cost more. However, they will also complement the looks of your bicycle and the interior design of your home.

Peri Stand is also one of our favorites. The sleek wooden design will fit in bright, modern flats and requires no wall-drilling. It’s definitely worth spending  on this slender piece of art.

The Bull Bike Rack is a very different, but extremely stylish metal holder suitable for any bike. Choose your favourite model starting from €79.

#8. DIY Wall Bike Racks

If you are good at handiwork, why not make your own original bike stand or rack? We have compiled some ideas, but if you have the skills and some patience, the possibilities are truly endless!

• Rack made out of an old bike frame mounted on your wall.
• Bike hanger made out of old handlebars of your previous bike. (Get impressed by these “bicycle trophy” designs by Andreas Scheiger.)
• If you are ready for some serious DIY work, then follow the instructions for making these gorgeous bike shelves.
• Buy two wooden pegs of a suitable color; screw them to your wall in a distance that fits the size of your bike frame. Even a minimalistic solution like this actually looks great and claims not to interfere with your interior design.

What to consider before purchasing a bike storage solution

We hope you found your favorite between these smart and aesthetically-pleasing bike racks! Be sure to order yours in time before the winter arrives.

However, before you make your final decision on which indoor bike rack to choose, here are some questions to consider:

• How many bicycles do you want to store simultaneously?
• How much space can you dedicate to storing your bike? Is there enough floor-space or must it go on the wall or below the ceiling?
• How often will you take your bike from the rack? Will it be several times per week or a few times per month? Will you use the rack only in winter or in other seasons too?
• How long will you keep this rack? If you move to another apartment, will you take it with you?
• Where will you install the rack? Will it be a place of aesthetic importance, like your living room or hall? Or will it be placed in a less presentable place, like your garage or storage room?

If you are sure that your DIY bike rack will stay with you long-term, it is worth investing in it. However, if you see it more as a temporary fix for your space limitations, go for one of the cheaper options.

And no matter which indoor bike rack you choose, you can always use it with the VELOSOCK indoor bike cover. It'll protect your walls from accidental scratches and dirt when putting the bike on the rack.

And finally - before storing away your two-wheeler, make sure you prepare it for winter! This way you’ll be able to start riding much quicker once it’s warm again.