A while back, CoolTools featured a nice looking bike rack that didn't take up much space, packed in the bikes, and allowed easy access. Mathowie and I must've seen it about the same time because he actually installed one while I just sat around thinking about it.
After seeing Matt's installation, I started wondering whether I could hack one together. The main track looked a lot like a sliding gate track that I installed in our backyard. I poked around the Dero site and checked out their specs. I went down to the local Wilco store to see what they had on hand. It looked like they had all the bits I'd need, so yesterday I made a quick run to the store and bought all the bits. It took about a half an hour to install, including drilling holes and standing around thinking about placement.
Here's the list of parts, along with prices:
- ¼" lag bolts and washers (3 of each @ 33¢ each)
- 8' section of sliding gate track ($18)
- Four sliding trolleys (2 boxes at $28/box)
- Four ½" eye bolts ($3/ea)
- Two long plant hangers ($3/ea)
- Two short plant hangers ($3 for package of two)
So for just under $100, plus my own labor, I was able to build a DIY sliding bike rack in my carport with very limited space. The following pictures and videos will give you an idea of what transpired.
We have something like that at my work, but the hook that holds the tire is perpendicular to the track (like a hangar in a closet), so you can pack a lot more bikes along the length.
Posted by: James Kingston | 07/08/2011 at 09:28 AM
Just like the Cool Tools link, now that I see it.
Posted by: James Kingston | 07/08/2011 at 09:29 AM
We've been hanging our bikes this way in our basement for a couple years now, but recently I've been told by a number of sources (including Ye Olde Bike Snob) that hanging a bike by the wheel is a big no-no, primarily because it places all the weight on one small portion of the wheel. Is this a legit concern?
Posted by: Hand Panther | 07/08/2011 at 12:07 PM
@Hand Panther...great question about storing by the wheel. It never occurred to me. This discussion on BikeForums.net puts me at ease: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-3859.html
A bike mechanic on that thread notes that hanging suspension bikes upside down can sometimes cause leaks in the suspension, so I guess that's something to consider.
Posted by: Bren | 07/08/2011 at 01:14 PM
Not that there's anything wrong with these ideas, but an even cheaper, lighter and effective hanging system would just use angle iron with holes drilled in the one side and however many plant hooks you may need. Suitable for an area where the bikes would hang w/o blocking a usable space.
Posted by: Leo Horishny | 07/08/2011 at 03:14 PM
..i got a couple of old car cycle racks from the tip and fixed them onto the wall- 6 bikes supported by the frame and out of the way- like the idea of the sliding bike storage though...
Posted by: coventry recycled cycles | 07/08/2011 at 03:54 PM
@Leo the angle iron is a great idea! Still, I like being able to slide bikes out of the way...
Posted by: Bren | 07/08/2011 at 05:44 PM
Bren, no doubt, this is a slick idea, I'm just terminally cheap....
Coventry cycles idea is clever.
Posted by: Leo Horishny | 07/08/2011 at 06:55 PM