One of the golden rules among cyclists is “N+1”: however many bikes you own, the perfect number of bikes is just one more.
This means there’s always room for another bike in your collection. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case when storing bikes. It can be challenging for anyone with a big collection to have a place for all their trusty steeds.
A great solution to this problem is hanging a bicycle on a wall. This can utilize space you might not be using on the wall, and also, putting your bikes on display is a great reminder of how great cycling is. We’re often asked how to hang a bike on the wall – so it’s about time we helped you out with an answer!
There are a number of different methods and systems you can use to hang a bike on the wall, so I’ll be running through the ones I’ve found most effective in my career as a bike mechanic and competitive cyclist.
Why Use A Bike Wall Hanger?
Before we get into telling you about the different bike hanging solutions, it’s important to speak about why bike hangers are a great choice for bike storage. Here’s what you need to know.
Floor Space Saving
One of the biggest issues with bikes is that when lent against a wall, it just takes up so much floor space – especially with multiple bikes. Hanging them on a wall can use as little as an eighth of that space, meaning you have so much more space for other bikes.
Puts Them On Display
I’m sure I talk for many cyclists in saying that having your bikes on display is pretty cool. Having a bike hanging up on the wall shouldn’t just be in cool cyclist cafes but also at home. It’s easy to admire a bike on the wall.
It’s Good For The Bike
Hanging a bicycle on a wall is a great way to keep it protected. It not only keeps it out of harm’s way and getting knocked about and devalued but can also stop unwanted component wear on places such as tires if the bike is left for a long time.
How To Hang A Bike On The Wall: 6 Best Methods
#1. Hook Clips
Image credit: BikeHut.
The first wall hanging system we will discuss is the hook clip. This is a cheap and very effective way to hang a bike. All you need to do is drill the hook clip into the wall, and then you pick your bike up and hook the front wheel in.
It takes the bike and puts it into a very easy, convenient space. You use very little floor space, and it’s easy to get to the bike’s parts, such as the frame or saddle bag if needed.
Although it might look like it puts strain on the wheel, it won’t cause any damage. If you have deep-section aero wheels, then you might struggle to get it on the hook. The weight limit of these is around 15 to 20 kg, which is good.
#2. Push On
Image credit: Hornit.
Next, we have the push-on hanger. These are a very intelligent solution and tick many boxes that the hook clip above cannot.
It is a very small C-shaped clip that you push the bike tire into. Some models also have a small piece of rope that you can wrap around the rim to keep it secure.
The push-on design means that the rear bike wheel sits on the floor instead of hanging in the air, so the hook is taking very little of the bike’s weight. It puts the bike upright, saving lots of floor space and making the bike again very accessible.
It is perfect for bikes with aero wheels and basically an unlimited weight limit because the bike is still on the floor. The only drawback is that working with many bike sizes can be difficult, as the push-on clip’s height on the wall is unique for each bike.
#3. Frame Holder
Now for the frame holder. This is another hanging solution favored by many cyclists.
The frame holder uses the top tube to balance the bike, hanging it on the wall. What is great about this solution is the frame sits horizontally compared to the push-on and hook clip systems.
Not only does it make it more pleasing to look at, but you also have the ability to work on the bike when it’s in this position. Many people even use this wall hanger to put their helmet and shoes on, as well as the bike.
The frame holder is a great solution, but it does take up a fair amount of space, so you could have the bike on the floor. You will also find with certain bikes, such as mountain bikes or gravel bikes, the sloped top tubes don’t make them look great as they lean backward.
#4. Wall Post
Next, we have the wall post, which is quite similar to the frame holder but has a few advantages. The wall post is a thin bar that comes out from the wall, and you hang your bike on the end via the saddle.
It’s perfect for mounting a bike, wheels, helmets, and even shoes. These are often foldable, so they can go straight back against the wall when the bike isn’t mounted. The bike will lean forward with the weight on the front, which looks great.
They don’t offer a very secure grip like the other wall mounts on this list but are very simple and adaptable solution to hold not just the bike but a lot of kit. If you don’t mind something looking a little basic, then the wall post could work for you.
#5. Stand
Image credit: Topeak.
Another great solution for hanging bikes on a wall is using a stand. A stand is perfect if you wish to store multiple bikes, as these generally can take two bikes, one on top of the other. They can also be adjusted to ensure both bikes are level, which is a nice touch.
What’s also great about stands is many of these mount from the floor to the ceiling, so they don’t require you to drill the wall, making them perfect for rented accommodation.
They are also good if you want to work on the bike as everything is in front of you, and the bike is horizontal.
The stands are excellent, but they can take up a lot of floor and wall space. It could take over a little if you plan to use it in your living room.
Aside from that, the wall stand proudly displays your bikes and makes storing them easy. An ideal solution to how to hang a bike on the wall.
#6. Bike Hoist
Last but not least, we have the bike hoist. This unique way of storing a bike is great if you have high ceilings or just generally like you bike high and out of the way. The hoist is fixed to the ceiling, and then you add a hook to the saddle and handlebars.
You take it to the ceiling using a pulley system, which is strapped to the wall. This is not only a very functional system that works great in places with high ceilings, but it is also good if you need to work on your bike.
Hoists can be challenging to fit and are not a great solution if you don’t have high ceilings. Overall, they are easy to use and quite the talking point for many people when they see a bike hanging high up on a wall.
How To Pick The Right Wall Hanger For You
How do you go about picking the right bike hanger for you? Here’s what you need to look out for when it comes to how to hang a bike on the wall.
#1. How Does It Attach?
The first step you need to take is to look at how the wall hanger attaches. Some must be drilled into the wall, and some must be attached to the ceiling above. Pick what works for you and avoid losing your deposit on a rental property.
#2. Will It Work For Your Bike?
The next question you must ask yourself is whether it will work for your bike. A good example is deep aerodynamic wheels, which could make the hook clip useless. Try to pair the bike with the wall hanger you plan to use.
#3. Does It Suit The Room?
It’s also worth considering how the wall hanger will look in the room or garage you put it in. Some hangers can look awful if they are in the middle of your living room. Hanging a bicycle on a wall is all well and good but it has to look ok.
