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.”
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.
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.
What should you consider before storing your bike?
Before storing your bike long-term, consider the following:
Do you bike often?
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.
How much does your bicycle weigh?
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.
Why do you need the extra space?
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.
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
Five ways to store your bike in an apartment
Here are five tips to help you store your bike in an apartment and maximize your space.
1. Store your fixie in the closet
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 and have another go at it.
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.
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.
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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.
2. Store it outside on the balcony or patio
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.
For security reasons, you should still lock your bike in place, especially on the ground or second-floor patio . 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.
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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.
3. Hook your fixie on the wall
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.
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. If you can’t hide your bike, you might as well have fun with where you display it.
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.
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.
Looking for a great-looking bike wall mount? Consider the options below.
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Looking for a DIY solution? Check out this post from roadbiker.com that properly explains how 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.
4. Hook your fixie on the ceiling
So you’re out of floor space and wall space. Well, how about the ceiling? A ton of bike ceiling mounts will allow you to store your fixie on the ceiling, saving you space.
Since fixed-gear bikes are some of the lightest bikes in the world, storing and retrieving the bike should pose no challenge.
There are some fancy and sophisticated ceiling mounts out there, but they can be expensive. So, if money is a factor, you can always mount your fixed gear to the ceiling with small hooks to hold the bike. I recommend using two hooks as one might not be enough to hold the full weight of the bike. You can also use more than one hook to lay the bike flush against the ceiling.
I should mention that if you go this route, please consult a professional. You don’t want this to be a DIY weekend project that will fall on you a few days later. So please take precautions and have a professional do the installation.
5. Conceal your fixie with a tasteful bike cover
This is by far the easiest solution. If you don’t want to worry about leaving your bike outside on a balcony, or patio, or stress about mounting hooks to walls, consider just leaving it hidden in plain sight.
There are fun and stylish bike covers available online that allow you to cover the bike with fun colors and prints. This way, you don’t have to see your bike, but you don’t have to worry about mounting it or giving up more valuable space in your apartment.
Bonus: Store your fixie under the stairs
Does your apartment come with stairs? If it does, you are in luck. The space under your stairs makes a great storage area for your bike. This space is called a “spandrel” and is often used as a closet. You can slide your bike right into the spandrel or use hooks to hang it up.
If you want even more tips, watch this video called “How to store bikes in small NYC apartment? | The Hornit Clug” from the Life Seekers YouTube Channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about storing a bike in a small apartment.
How do you store a bike when you don’t have any space?
A screw-in storage hook for your wall or ceiling is the most affordable option for keeping your bike off the ground and out of the way. Hang your bike vertically with one hook or horizontally with two hooks. Hang your bike for the ultimate floor—and wall—space saver.
Is it safe to store bikes on the balcony?
If you live in a flat but have a balcony, you’re on to a winner for bike storage. Your bike will be dry, safe, and secure. Fix a couple of hooks to the wall to keep it off the ground while leaving enough room for the BBQ.
Is it safe to hang a bicycle by one wheel?
Yes. The wheel is built to withstand loads far greater than the bike’s weight. So the only potential issue is if the tire holds the bike upright and goes flat! But be cautious of spokes. You can easily damage them.
Is it safe to hang a bike from the ceiling?
Yes. As long as there is a stud or a wood wall to screw into, you can easily install them into a wall or ceiling. Ceiling storage can range from a simple overhead hook that hangs the bike by its tire to a more complex bicycle storage hoist.
Conclusion
We hope these tips help you find some ideas on ways to store your fixie in your apartment! Sometimes we just have to get creative with the storage.
This article covered the simplest ways to store your bike in your apartment. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- Hide your fixie in the closet.
- Store your fixie on a balcony or patio.
- Hook your fixie on the wall.
- Store your fixie on the ceiling.
- Conceal your fixie with a tasteful bike cover.
So, where do you store your fixie? Let us know in the comments below (we read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out our full blog for more tips and tricks on everything fixie. Thanks for reading, and stay fixed.
Helpful resources
- 30 Small Apartment Storage Ideas & Hacks
- Articles about Fixed Gear and single-speed Cycling and Equipment
- Fixed-gear bicycle – Wikipedia
