Bicycle stands: types, tips for installation and operation

The bike rack is a special product designed for long-term storage of your bike. Thanks to this accessory, the owner can diagnose and assemble the unit after repair with his own hands without any problems. Not all manufacturers produce bicycles with a kickstand, and at home storing a two-wheeled vehicle without a special device will not be very convenient.

In the modern market, you can find a huge assortment of these accessories, and if you do not want to spend money, then the structure can be built with your own hands. The article will talk about the varieties of the product, give advice on choosing and describe the most common models.

All components of modern bicycles are made of high-quality metal and impact-resistant plastic, however, bikes still require special care. Many owners in cold weather, when the product is idle, prefer to store it in the apartment or on the balcony. However, this content will not have the best effect on the condition of the tires. Six months later, cracks appear on the wheels, the rubber begins to crumble, and if there is no air in them, then the owners will have to change tires every season.

This product will not only allow you to keep the rubber in good quality, but also free up a significant part of the corridor. If you decide to store your bike in the garage, then there are stands exclusively for the rear wheel.On such a structure, you can safely leave a two-wheeled vehicle for a long time.

Modern bike stands can support both wheels and frame. With their help, the owners will be able to independently repair the bike, put it wherever they want, and even the minimum load will not fall on the wheels.

Bicycle racks are available in a wide variety of materials, including metal, plastic and wood. Plastic models are made only at factories, because it is almost impossible to create such a unit on your own. All other products on the market can be assembled on your own, even without any skills and experience in this area.

Floor standing products are the most popular on the market today and allow you to hang one of your wheels (usually the rear wheel) and keep your bike upright. In most cases, they are made of metal and wood. More expensive units allow you to fix the bike vertically with a sign on two wheels. Such designs are usually used for short-term storage of a bike in an apartment.

Wall stands are made either in the form of hooks, or they are traverses with a pair of clips for the bicycle frame. Combined models imply the use of several types of racks at once. In this case, the rear wheel is suspended as with the floor stand and the frame is attached with hooks.

The bike is placed vertically, and the front wheel is at the top, thanks to which the owners can place the bike in the corner of the corridor and save a couple of meters of space.

Stand hooks every year they are gaining more and more popularity, gradually replacing floor models. Experts advise buying such racks if you want to store your bike in tight spaces: behind a door or on a balcony. The hook must be installed so that it does not interfere with free walking and does not take up much space.

The product is distinguished by a simple structure; it provides a supporting plastic with a pair of suspensions and a fixed base for fastening the frame.

In addition, the bike can be secured to traverses. It is installed on a fixed base, and the height is adjusted using a heavy-duty rope. You will get a kind of "air" stand.

Another type of bike rack. If you use your bike on a daily basis, then for sure there is a frequent need to adjust the chain, set up and maintain the transport. In addition, sometimes you need to make minor repairs. In this case, folding stands will be great helpers. The owners can change their height or even disassemble them.

This is the most common stand among bicycle enthusiasts. The product is made in the form of a triangle consisting of three metal pipes. The wheel is put on through the upper corner.

The stand boasts small dimensions and lightness, so it can be easily rearranged if necessary. The model is suitable for 20-28-inch wheels.

This is not just a stand, but a complete bike holder.The model has a curved appearance, you can completely fit the bike on it, there are special casters for the wheels. Due to the design features, the bike can be placed vertically here. This position is best suited for storing two-wheeled vehicles and no part is deformed even after long periods of inactivity.

The height of the product is 70 cm, but this does not in any way affect the mass of the structure - The rack weighs only 2 kg and is only 20 cm wide.

Of the main advantages, one can single out the fact that the manufacturer provides adjustable rollers, therefore, the model is suitable for bicycles of various sizes... The cost in Russia starts at 2200 rubles.

The main component of the structure is a 4 mm metal sheet. The product boasts durability and small dimensions. The sheet is bent at right angles, and a pair of rubberized pins are installed on top. Both wheels are installed between them, so that the bike is in an upright position.

A similar holder can be placed anywhere. In addition, it can be easily transported when needed, for example, the bike can be “parked” during a long trip. The rack is suitable for bicycles with tires up to 26 inches. The price fluctuates around 900 rubles.

If there is time, but there is no desire to spend money on such a rack, then you can make it yourself, you just need to follow the instructions below.

1. First of all, you need to assemble a rectangular frame, which will become the basis of the structure. The width of the frame should not exceed the dimensions of the wheel hub of the bike.
2. The next step is to nail a pair of rails from the inside, which will hold the wheel. In order not to be mistaken with the calculations, you need to measure the radius of the wheel, the rails should be 4 cm longer. The spacing between the rails and the width of the bushing must be equal.
3. The holders can be covered with rubber or felt, thanks to this technique, the stand will last much longer.

If you have done all the above steps correctly, then the bicycle wheel should fit perfectly between the rails. This will keep the bike in a stable position even if the tire is not touching the floor.

• Before buying a bike rack, you need to choose exactly where it will stand. And after you have decided what area you can allocate for transport, you can go to the store.
• When choosing, pay attention to the material from which the product is made. Models made of metal or shockproof plastic are ideal purchase. These materials are durable and can last for a long time.
• The type of design is also of great importance. The less space the stand takes up, the better.
• The bike rack can be used to secure the bike in a wide variety of positions. Professionals advise placing two-wheeled vehicles on the wall. This solution is especially important if there is very little free space in the house.
• If the hook with the bracket does not match the overall design of the room, then you can disguise the product as a shelf. So it will have additional functionality.
• If you have a large room, the best place to store your bike is on a floor stand. Such models can hang only the rear wheel or both. If you do not need to constantly store your bike in the room, then you should take a closer look at the folding models, they can be easily removed.
• If you decide to store vehicles in an apartment, and not in a garage, then there is a special cover on the market for this purpose. It will protect the living space from dirt and sand. These covers are made in a variety of colors and will not spoil the interior in any way.

For information on how to make a bike stand, see the next video.