On the racks: The best garage bike wall mount

Reasons to buy a wall mount garage bike rack

1. Saves space. Having a wall-mounted bike rack helps you save additional space. By hanging your bikes up on a wall, you reduce obstruction, especially in an already tight space. It reduces clutter and allows you to have an organized storage area for your bikes and other possessions.
2. Improves security. Having a bike rack improves security as it virtually eliminates the difficulties and risks of just having your bike parked outside. A huge benefit of having a wall-mounted bike rack is that it allows you to keep your bike indoors, keeping it within arms-reach and guards it against the elements. A rack also keeps your bike firmly in place, protecting it from unwarranted bumping and damage to your bikes.

Before you buy a wall mount garage bike rack…

Know your brands.

It’s just as important to know the brand of your racks as it is to know those of your bikes. A good bike should be complemented by a good rack, and a well-known brand-leader is your key to being one step closer to ensuring that. Some of the best names for indoor racks include Koova, for multi-racks; and Steadyrack and Hornit Clug for single ones. 

Check the durability.

You’d of course want a rack that will last long. While the brand will already hint you about a rack’s potential quality, you can exert a little extra effort to also research the particular product you’re interested in to gain additional information with regards to its materials and manufacturing.

Know your garage’s layout.

With a rack in mind, before you set your eyes on a purchase, it’s important to have a clear awareness of the spatial measurements of-your-garage. Having a rack is one thing, but having one worthy for your garage is another. Consider what kind of rack gives you more utility – you might want a horizontal one, but also consider a more vertical one if you think it will fit better?

Think about the price.

Budgeting really plays an important role when it comes to price consideration. Some racks are well worth the cost, while others simply have super-inflated prices. Remember that the primary function of a rack is to have your bike securely prompted-up on a wall; so long as this is met, then you’re good to get an affordable pick, otherwise, invest in a premium rack for a little extra flair and care.

Why weight capacity matters with a bike wall mount?

It’s important to take into account a rack’s weight capacity so that you have an idea of just how big, how many, and how heavy your bikes can be. Ideally, for a multi-rack, a higher weight capacity is better as it is intended to hold more bikes.

The weight capacity also indicates if holding the maximum weight required is possible – your bicycle wall mount needs to have the fixings and joints to handle it, so keep that in mind and also inspect the area you’ll be mounting on for solid timber or concrete fixing points. 

Vertical or horizontal mounting?

Whether you mount vertically or horizontally it is a matter of both preference and consideration. More on the side of consideration if you have limited space and would want to save or add more. Especially for multi-racks, hanging horizontally definitely gives you more room.

On the side of preference, and mainly if you have a single bike, a vertical mount does well and may also make it easier for you to get your bike for use. 

Stand-up wall bike rack or hanging bar bike racks?

Both basically do the job of holding up your bike to a wall, which is better is relative, and which one to get is mainly preferential. Some argue that a hanging bar type of rack can potentially damage your bike’s wheels, but that isn’t true and can be easily countered with care and proper handling. A stand-up wall rack is more secure but is a tad more tedious in terms of bike storing and use.

Choosing the top wall mount garage bike rack

#1 Top wall mount multiple garage bike rack

If you have and want to hang multiple bikes, then you’re top pick should be the Koova Multi Rack. Made with powder coated heavy-gauge steel, this rack has a weight capacity of up to 200lbs and can easily hold even the largest of bike types. The rack also has extensions so that you can also hang other accessories such as helmets and cycling pouches.

This top-tier rack is capable of holding up to 6 bikes and is rather easy to install. With an adjustable and highly customizable rail-frame and lifetime warranty, this rack does cost a pretty penny but is well worth every cent for its utility and longevity.

Best wall mount single garage bike rack

The solo-bike counterpart of the Koova is the Steadyrack Mountain. Right off the bat, this rack has a mountain in its name because it’s geared more towards storing mountain bikes with larger tires that can be up to 2.8” wide. It’s not limited to just mountain bikes, anything weighing 77 lbs and under with less than 3” tires can sit comfortably on this rack. 

With a simple yet innovative design, users can effortlessly just roll their bikes in and out of the rack’s hinges, requiring almost no lifting at all! You also can save a lot of space thanks to its 180°  pivot mechanism.

Most affordable wall mount rack for multiple bikes

The most affordable multi-rack is the Qualward Multi-rack. The Qualward can hold up to 4 bikes or a maximum of up to 200lbs and has adjustable spacing, allowing you to set the distance between your bikes to a level you’re comfortable with.  

The main strength of this rack is its space-saving capability, with its adjustable rail and 4 removable hooks that have rubberized tips that prevent damaging your bike wheels.

Basically, just get the job done.

Most affordable wall mount rack for one bike

The most budget-friendly single-bike rack has to be the Sportneer Bike Wall Mount. For it’s low-cost, you get a decent rack whose whole structure is constructed from aluminum alloy. This single-bike rack can hold anything from a standard road bike to a mountain bike and has an adjustable length/width of 9.1 and 6.5” respectively, both up to 14.2” 

Scratch-proof padding and a 33° adjustable angle are nice perks given the low-price. 

Other ways to mount your bike in your garage?

If you’re not 100% sure about a wall mount bike rack, then you can also consider the use of floor mounts and ceiling mounts. Floor mounts are simple and easy to install and make it easier for you to get your bike in and out – it doesn’t save you as much space though.

On the other hand, a ceiling mount saves you the most space, but is also the least conventional and is more complicated to install. Storing and getting your bike might also be a bit more tricky with these. 

How to install a wall mount garage bike rack?

Gravity and freestanding racks don’t require installation. For racks that do require a bit of leg-work, we recommend using power tools to speed up installation, like a Makita power drill   and a ratchet with impact socket set if you want a custom stronger fixing than standard.

Also, make sure your tools are organized it makes DIY jobs like installing one of these easy and fun. Something like a rolling tool organizer can do the trick nicley.

1. Determine what kind of rack is appropriate for your needs with space included.
2. Hold the rack against the wall until you find a location you’re happy with.
3. Use a stud finder for studded walls , otherwise, simply mark the right area to be drilled by taping the rubber back end of your Estwing hammer as to not leave behind any marks. Basically, check your wall for the right-place to drive-your-mounting-screw to guarantee you hit a solid stud and not be disappointed by only a hollow section in your wall cavity.
4. Drive in the provided screws or push in a wall plug if the wall is concrete or masonry to the drilled areas to give grip for the screws.
5. Line up and attach the necessary components to secure your rack onto the wall. 
6. Adjust and hang as you see fit!

If you need to tighten or loosen anchor bolts in concrete or masonry walls here’s what you need to know about the DeWalt impact wrench.  But for one-of-jobs you can of course just-use-you’re-hand, wrench with a socket set, get out of the habit of using an adjustable wrench as they round off and damage bolt heads due to its loose fit.

Tips for hanging your bike on the wall

Dos

• Do keep in mind your garage’s space.
• Ensure that the rack is securely in place after installing.
• Do work within the weight capacity of the rack.

Don’ts

• Don’t get a rack that’s inappropriate for your garage’s layout.
• Don’t leave the rack without testing its stability first.
• Don’t overbear or attempt to modify the rack for heavier loads.

Safety concerns

• Always make sure that both the rack and the bike/s are secured when storing. Remember that these suspend the bikes and anything lose or unsecured can cause the bikes to fall, causing potential damage and even injury. 
• Be mindful of where you install these racks, especially if near a common area of the home as unsuspecting or unaware members might cause an accident.

Comparing wall mount racks for multiple bikes

Comparing wall mount racks for a single bike

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best multi-bike garage wall mount, then the Koova Multi Rack is your best bet. It’s sturdy, versatile, and can hold a lot of varying types of bikes as well as their individual accessories.

Next to the Koova would be the Steadyrack Mountain if you’re looking for the top-dog of single-bike racks, its simple design and 180°  pivot really helps you add more space in your room!

The Qualward Multi-Rack saves you a lot in terms of both cost and space, despite being able to hold multiple bikes. Finally, the Sportneer Bike Wall Mount is a handy and simple solo rack that offers both flexibility and damage mitigation. 

Though this article was not mainly about bikes, it kind of wants you to get one just so you can also get a matching rack to hold it, right? Hopefully, this guide took you for a ride, so stay tuned and lookout for the next!