Bike stands and storage

Store your bike without damaging it or wasting space

A storage stand isn't a work stand. It holds the bike for months, it doesn't lifts not for working on it. The two may look alike in the shop, but they serve different purposes: if you want to maintain your bike, you need a work stand.

On the wall

The most space-saving solution. The mounts pivoting (Swing-Up ranges) fold back against the wall when the bike is out and let you store several bikes side by side by staggering them. Two things to check before buying: the type of wall — a single layer of plasterboard won't hold an electric mountain bike; you need to fix it to a stud or load-bearing wall — and the contact point, wheel or frame.

• Stand by the wheel (hook, hanger): the bike hangs vertically or horizontally. There's no risk to the frame, but you do have to lift the bike.
• Stand by the frame : more accessible, but the bike rests on its top tube — avoid this with carbon frames unless you use protection, and it won't work with many mountain bikes with sloping frames.

On the floor

No drilling required, so ideal for rented accommodation. The stands telescopic that brace between floor and ceiling (Dual-Touch ranges) hold two bikes while taking up very little floor space; they accommodate extensions and stabilisers sold separately, so you can adapt them to an unusually high ceiling or add another bike. The mounts by the wheel Basic models sit on the floor and hold the front wheel in place — the most practical option for a bike you use every day.

What about electric bikes?

An e-bike weighs 22 to 28 kg, sometimes more. Several mounts come in a reinforced e-bike version : it's not a marketing claim but a load limit you must respect. Check the maximum load capacity first, and opt for a floor stand or a mount that supports the bike by its wheel; both are more forgiving than a wall hook bearing the weight away from the wall.

Bike racks and multi-bike stands

For a club, event or shared storage space, the bike racks hold 8 to 12 bikes and fold away into a carry bag. They hold each bike by its front wheel, without touching the frame, and can be assembled without tools.

Before storing your bike for the season

A bike stored for a long time isn't affected by its position, but moisture and pressure can cause problems. Clean and lubricate the chain before hanging it up, reinflate the tyres at regular intervals to prevent deformation, and cover the bike if the storage area is dusty. Contrary to a persistent myth, hanging a bike by one wheel causes no mechanical problems — the brake fluid won't be affected in a closed system.

To find out more: How to store your bike

See also: Work stands · Bike transport bags · Bike protection