{"id":73,"date":"2022-08-14T10:46:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-14T14:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/?p=73"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:40:39","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T03:40:39","slug":"how-to-store-a-bike-in-an-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brooklynfixedgear.com\/maintenance-and-repairs\/how-to-store-a-bike-in-an-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Store a Bike in An Apartment: 5 Space Saving Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It seems like every year our apartments are getting smaller and smaller. And you might be tempted to store your bike out in the street, risking it getting damaged or stolen. “There’s got to be a better way<\/em>.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, fear not, my fixed-geared friends, because you are about to learn five creative ways to store your fixie in your apartment to keep your ride safe and save more space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some common methods for storing your bike in an apartment include removing the handlebar and storing it in the closet, locking it outside on the patio or balcony, or hooking it up on the wall.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should you consider before storing your bike?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before storing your bike long-term, consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you bike often?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Long-term storage solutions make little sense if you are an avid cyclist. Some of the solutions discussed here will involve removing the pedals or handlebars for long-term storage, and you won’t want to constantly remove and reinstall them over and over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much does your bicycle weigh?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When storing a bicycle in an apartment, it is critical to consider the weight of your bike. A typical bike can weigh up to 17.5 pounds, and that’s on the light end. If you plan on hooking the bike to the wall, make sure you use the appropriate hooks and racks to accommodate the weight. You want to avoid the hook becoming detached from the wall or ceiling because it will not hold the bike securely and may cause damage to the bicycle and your wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do you need the extra space?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consider why you want to put the bike away. Is it because you are having people over, and you don’t want them to damage the bike, or is it because your friends are roadies and you don’t want them to know you ride a fixie (just kidding)? Do you need it completely out the way, or can you live with it in sight? Knowing this will help you determine which route is best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five ways to store your bike in an apartment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are five tips to help you store your bike in an apartment and maximize your space<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Store your fixie in the closet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every apartment has a closet. So make use of it. This might seem like a no-brainer way to store your bike in your apartment, and some of you might have tried this with little success, but have you considered removing the rear wheel? It’s easy to remove the front wheel of a fixed-gear bike, especially if you have a quick release. So try removing the front wheel <\/strong>and have another go at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you know you won’t be using your bike for some time, why not remove the handlebar too? Then you will be able to get it in there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your closet is too packed, there’s a solution. Get yourself some flat storage containers. You can find these containers in just about any size. They are made specifically to slide under your bed. This could be the closet space saver you were looking for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n[azonpress template=”grid” asin=”B09LM8KPYN,B07JGWSB8T,B07SK9TMWY”]\n\n\n\n

And if there is no space left under your bed, how about under your sofa? That should free up a ton of closet space while keeping your items out of sight and organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Free up closet space for your bike by storing items in or under your bed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Store it outside on the balcony or patio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have any outside space, such as a balcony or patio, use it! That’s premium storage real estate you can use to store your fixie. Then, just roll the bike right out and enjoy your newfound space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For security reasons, you should still lock your bike<\/a> in place, especially on the ground or second-floor patio <\/strong>. However, if space is limited, you could install a hook in the ceiling of your balcony or patio and hook your bike onto that. Consider some of these heavy-duty chain locks below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[azonpress template=”grid” asin=”B00WE0A0JA,B078XM2MTB,B08XXBNPG9″]\n\n\n\n

If you are going this route, do not forget to protect your fixie against the elements. Cover it up with a tarp or a dedicated bike cover to protect it from the elements<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Hook your fixie on the wall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are running out of floor space, consider mounting your bike on the wall. Bike wall mounts come in all shapes and sizes. If discretion is a concern, grab some small hooks and install them in the corner where they won’t draw too much attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or display your bike above your couch or fireplace like you would a portrait. If you have a sweet setup, you should relish the idea of displaying your fixie prominently on the wall like the artwork it is<\/strong>. If you can’t hide your bike, you might as well have fun with where you display it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These hooks are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Try not to hang your fixie by the wheel, as you’d risk accidentally damaging the spokes when storing it. Instead, hang the bike by the frame or handlebars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some stunning wall mounts out there that are super sturdy and can be used as extra storage. These were a bit expensive, but they look amazing. Also, a stylish wall mount can make for a nice conversation piece, assuming your guests are cyclists. Non-cyclists will probably not even care or notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for a great-looking bike wall mount? Consider the options below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[azonpress template=”grid” asin=”B089Q9L3MP,B08R9P1NQD,B097GGTVCQ”]\n\n\n\n

Looking for a DIY solution? Check out this post from roadbiker.com that properly explains how <\/a>to hand a bike on your wall. Or take a look at this video from Global Mountain Bike Network that breaks down some awesome DIY solutions for wall mounting your ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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