If you and your family members happen to have a bit of a biking habit, you’re probably already well aware that the only real downside to owning a bike is finding a place in which you can store it safely and securely outside your home. Having a garage helps, of course, but storing your bike against the wall between your vehicle, golf clubs, and all those 1970s LPs you never quite got around to selling at the yard sale simply means shifting the storage problem from one place to another.
So, what to do?
Instead of locking your bike up outside like the neighbors and invite weather damage or inviting the wrath of your family members by parking up in the laundry room or basement, why not kit your garage out with a space-saving solution that not only frees up square footage but also helps to ensure the long-term health of your ride: the bike rack. To help you find the best bike rack out there for your needs and space, in this article we’ll introduce you to the top 25 garage bike racks out there in 2020.
We reviewed dozens of bike racks for garages to identify the best of the best. We examined a range of factors, including convenience, materials, durability, ease of installation, cost, and average customer reviews.
Having considered a wide range of options, the Pro Bike Tool Horizontal Storage Rack easily stood out as a runaway winner. This wall-mounted rack is very easy to install and ideal for all shapes and sizes of bike, using an adjustable duo of cradle arms that can be locked in place for added stability, a wide holding system that can fit any frame, sturdy no-scratch materials, and includes a handy leash that prevents your front wheel from banging the wall or flapping around while in storage.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Bike Racks for Garages
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Bike Rack for Garages Overall | Best Bike Rack for Garages Overall | 4.8 |
| Best Freestanding Bike Rack for Garages | BIKEHAND Bicycle Floor Stand | 4.8 |
| Best Budget Bike Rack for Garages | Wallmaster Bike Wall Mount | 4.6 |
| Best Ceiling-Mounted Bike Rack for Garages | Wallmaster Bike Ceiling Mount | 4.6 |
| Best Wall-Mounted Bike Rack for Garages | Ibera Horizontal Bicycle Wall Hanger | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from the time of publication and can change
Best Bike Rack for Garages Overall: Pro Bike Tool Horizontal Storage Rack
The Pro Bike Tool Horizontal Storage Rack is the ideal rack for riders of all shapes and sizes of bikes, from racers and cruisers to kids bikes and super-chunky mountain and electric bikes. This wall-mounted rack ticks every box that needs ticking. It’s sturdy, suitable for all types of bikes, protective, easy to install, and even easier to use.
The mount is made with strong, scratch-resistant steel and boasts a maximum weight capacity of 48.5 pounds (22 kg), meaning it’s more than capable of supporting even the heftiest of bicycles. It uses an ultra-reliable, secure holding system with button-lock, ratchet gearing that allows you to adjust the cradle arms to the perfect fit for your ride, and the wall hanger’s angle can also be adjusted to keep your bike level and prevent accidental slip-offs if you happen to give it a nudge while moving around your garage.
What we love most about this rack, however, is the attention put into the finer details by makers Pro Bike Tool. In addition to soft TPR rubber material in the arm cradles to reduce the risk of scratching or marking, this rack also comes with an elasticized leash that lets you secure your front wheel to the frame, thereby preventing the wheel from bumping against the wall or swinging out unexpectedly while mounting or dismounting your bike.
The bottom line? An outstandingly practical, convenient, and easy-to-use little rack that oozes confidence-inspiring quality and takes the protection of your bike just a little more seriously than most other competitors in its price range.
Pro Bike Tool Horizontal Storage Rack Key Features:
- 48.5 lbs weight capacity
- Adjustable cradle arms
- Fits almost all shapes and sizes of bike
- Soft, scratch-resistant TPR rubber cradles
- Push-button lock system for added stability
- Adjustable hanger angle
Best Freestanding Bike Rack for Garages: BIKEHAND Bicycle Floor Stand
If you’re not too keen on the idea of boring holes into your garage walls or having your 40-pound bike hanging over your head every time you place your bike in storage, the BIKEHAND Bicycle Floor Stand might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. This low-profile little two-bike rack is, simply put, simplicity defined. Unlike the wall and ceiling-mounted racks in our review, it requires no installation and uses a quick and effortless push-in system that saves you the hassle of hauling your bike up into the rafters on your ceiling or hoisting it onto a rack on the wall—just place it on your garage floor, roll in your bike, and you’re good to go!
The Bikehand Floor Stand might not save much you as much floor space as a wall or ceiling rack, but it uses a collapsible design that lets you fold it up into a neat, tidy, easily stowable bundle in two seconds flat. In terms of stability and the protection it provides your bike, the Bikehand is a big winner, too. Unlike most floor stands—which typically hold your bike’s wheel at the base and front only—this one uses three points of contact to keep your bike steady and stable. And because all of these contact points are on the tires, you won’t have to worry about scratching your paintwork.
Other attributes that make this stand a standout (excuse the pun!) amongst its peers include spring-loaded support at the front of the cradle that ensures a tight fit on all sizes of tire, a scratch-resistant coating on the steel frame, and a lifetime warranty.
BIKEHAND Bicycle Floor Stand Key Features:
- No installation requires
- Fits all tires up to 2.4″ wide
- Suitable for all styles of bike
- Foldable and portable design
- Robust steel construction
- Lifetime warranty
Best Budget Bike Rack for Garages: Wallmaster Bike Wall Mount
The Wallmaster Bike Wall Mount is a great choice of bike rack for buyers who want to optimize the storage space in their garage without breaking the bank or having to put in too much graft during installation. This simple but highly effective rack system can be installed far more easily than most other wall-mounted alternatives. Instead of boring deep, wide holds into your masonry, it attaches to your wall with four standard screws, which means it can be mounted either to a stud or into brickwork, stonework, or concrete using a drill and plastic wall plugs. And because the weight of your bike is distributed between the rack’s hook and a protective front cradle, you don’t have to worry about placing too much strain on the wheel or your front forks.
The Wallmaster’s holding system is what really sets it apart from its closest low-cost competitors. It uses a robust, rubber-coated, anti-scratch hook that secures your bike firmly in place, has a weight capacity of 50 pounds, and a lateral cradle bar that prevents accidental release.
The Wallmaster also fits tires with rims measuring up to 3.3 inches wide, is made with durable, high-quality steel, and boasts a far lower profile than the vast majority of racks featured elsewhere in our review, meaning there’s less risk of anyone who ventures into your garage while you’re out on your ride suffering any inadvertent collisions!
Wallmaster Bike Wall Mount Key Features:
- 50-pound load capacity
- Fits tires up to 3.3″ wide
- Rubber-coated, anti-scratch hanging hook protects your rims
- Distributes weight between cradle and hook, reducing strain on your front wheel
- Easy to install
- Stores bikes vertically
Best Ceiling-Mounted Bike Rack for Garages: Wallmaster Bike Ceiling Mount
The Wallmaster Bike Ceiling Mount is a great pick for buyers who are determined to make the most of all available storage space in their garage. This mount may be a little trickier to install, but once you’ve done so we’re sure you’ll find it was well worth the effort. Unlike the freestanding and wall-mounted racks in our review, this one lets you store your bike up to twelve feet above your garage floor, thereby maximizing your savings in terms of usable space.
But what makes the Wallmaster ceiling mount such a winner compared to all the other ceiling mounts out there? Well, other than its very friendly price tag, this mount does precisely what most buyers need a ceiling-mounted rack to do, both as regards ease of use and providing the peace of mind required to leave a 30/40-pound bike dangling in space above the heads of their loved ones.
It uses a simple, three-part pulley system that makes hoisting and lowering your bike almost effortless and a worry-free locking system that lets you loop the haul rope around the wall anchor as many times as is necessary to prevent accidental release. The holding system on the Wallmaster employs a duo of double-pronged hooks that fit snugly and securely under the seat and handlebars of any bike, while the steel cradles’ chunky rubber-coating ensures no marking or damage befalls your paintwork. All in all, an incredibly well-made, reliable, and practical storage solution that optimizes space savings without sacrificing too much in the way of convenience after initial installation.
Wallmaster Bike Ceiling Mount Key Features:
- 100-pound maximum load capacity
- Fits all types and shapes of bike
- Can be used in garages with ceilings up to 12′ high
- Protective, rubber-coated hanging hooks
- Secure locking system
Best Wall-Mounted Bike Rack for Garages: Ibera Horizontal Bicycle Wall Hanger
The Ibera Horizontal Bicycle Wall Hanger is a great choice of a rack for buyers who want to maximize floor space without having to haul their bike up into their garage’s rafters after every ride. Like the winner of our best overall bike rack title, this wall-mounted rack uses an adjustable arm and cradle design that makes it suitable for use with all shapes and sizes of bikes. While its maximum load capacity is a little lower (40 lbs.), it’s still sturdy and strong enough to support roughly 99% of bikes when attached either directly to the masonry or to a wall stud.
What we love most about this hanger is its adjustability as well as the protective features included to ensure your bike remains scratch-free and securely in place during storage. In addition to a telescoping beam bar that can be extended or shortened to suit the width of your bike’s handlebars, the Ibera hanger also uses dual adjustable cradle arms that extend from 8.5 inches up to 15 inches to provide the perfect fit for any frame. The holding system also measures a generous 2.25 inches wide and uses a soft, non-scratch protective pad that helps to keep your ride’s paintwork full intact.
The hanger angle on this rack can also be adjusted to up to 45 degrees, meaning that, whatever frame configuration your bike uses, it will hang horizontally against the wall. This not only makes accessing the bike a lot easier but also reduces the risk of accidental release.
Ibera Horizontal Bicycle Wall Hanger Key Features:
- 40-pound maximum load capacity
- Attaches to any stone or brick wall, or wall studs
- Adjustable beam bar can accommodate wider handlebars
- Adjustable cradle arms fit any shape or size of frame
- Mounting hardware included
Who Should Buy Bike Racks for Garages
In short, if you have a bike and you have a garage, there’s no better place to store it. Storing your bike in your garage as opposed to outside with reduce the risk of damage caused by the elements; storing it in the garage as opposed to inside your house frees up living space and also saves you trailing in any dirt, water, or oil into your home after every ride.
But why use a rack? Well, getting your bike up off the garage floor not only takes the pressure off of the tires and wheels but also means your bike’s less likely to come into contact with any corrosives you may have in the garage, frees up floor space, and makes parking and exiting the garage in your vehicle a whole lot less of a nerve-wracking experience!
If you’re looking to organize your garage and free up some space, then you may also want to check out The Best Metal Storage Shelves.
Important Features to Consider
Bike racks for garages should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a bike rack for your garage:
- Type. The three main types of bike racks out there are ceiling-mounted racks, wall-mounted racks, and freestanding racks. Below, we’ve added a short overview of the pros and cons of each type.
- Ceiling-mounted racks allow you to maximize floor space in your garage by using a pulley system that lets you hoist your bike up in the empty space below the rafters/ceiling. However, this style of rack is only suitable for garages with high ceilings, makes accessing your bike a little trickier (especially for kids), and usually requires two people to install.
- Wall-mounted racks are usually slightly easier to install than ceiling-mounted alternatives and make your bikes more accessible, but do require doing a little damage to your masonry or studs and don’t save as much space.
- Freestanding racks are a good option if you have a garage with plenty of unused storage space. They’re easy to set up, don’t require boring holes into your ceiling or walls, make accessing your bike for maintenance far easier, and let you remove the bike from the rack without having to use any shoulder strength!
- The number of bikes. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s always wise to use a little foresight when buying your rack in order to avoid a repeat purchase (and installation!) somewhere down the line. If you envision any new additions to the family, therefore, or suspect your partner might soon catch the biking bug from you and want to join in the fun, buy a rack with extra storage space or two to be on the safe side.
- Weight capacity. Most rack manufacturers list a maximum load or weight capacity with their products. This usually ranges from around 40 pounds up to as much as 100 pounds. Before buying, it’s a good idea to weigh your bike to ensure your would-be rack will be able to support its weight. Also, to allow some leeway for storing your helmet, gloves, and other accessories on the rack alongside your bike, we recommend choosing a rack with a weight capacity that’s at least 5 pounds higher than the weight of your bike alone.
- Holding system. The “holding system” used in a bike rack refers to how it suspends your bike above your garage floor. With ceiling-mounted racks, this usually means a cable or pulley system that allows you to lower your bike before heading out on your rides and elevate it post-ride. When buying, be sure to check that the materials used in the cables are sturdy and not prone to snagging. If in doubt, read user reviews posted a few months after the date of purchase to ensure the cables withstood the test of time. Wall-mounted racks are more likely to use a “cradle” holding system, which simply means your bike is suspended by a duo or series of hooks or bars. Whichever type of holding system you ultimately decide to buy, may sure the system uses extensive (if not complete) rubber protective panels to avoid damaging your ride’s paintwork.
- Compatibility and adjustability. If your bike has a non-standard frame shape or size, be sure to check the rack’s specs to ensure it’s compatible with your bike before buying. And if you happen to have a beefy frame or a skinny racing bike frame, we recommend opting for a rack that uses an adjustable holding system to ensure your bike is held securely. If not, there’s every chance the bike could squeeze out of the rack if you give it an accidental nudge while moving around your garage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to store my bike in my garage?
Absolutely! If you have a garage to store your bike in, doing so not only helps reduce the risk of theft but also helps to keep your bike in optimal condition by eliminating exposure to the elements. That said, you should still use a protective cover to ensure your bike isn’t damaged by dust, oil, or any other potentially harmful substances it might come into contact with in your garage.
What is the best way to store bikes in a garage?
There are several ways you can store a bike in your garage. The most obvious of these is propping it against a wall under a cover. While this method is the cheapest, it’s also the one that’s most likely to result in your bike being damaged by harmful substances (on the floor or otherwise) or by vehicles exiting and entering the garage. Also, leaving your bike at ground level means you’re depriving yourself of much-needed floor space.
Given the above, the safest and most practical storage method involves suspending the bike above the floor, either directly into the wall or from a stud, rafter, or joist. This can be done with either heavy-duty rubberized hooks or specialized bike racks, both of which can be used to store bikes either horizontally or vertically.
While the choice of using horizontal or vertical racks will depend on the available space and personal preferences, we’d always recommend opting for a specialized bike rack as opposed to generic hooks if you’re serious about your bike’s welfare. Specialized racks are designed to distribute the weight of your bike more evenly between the point in the holding system in order to reduce strain on the frame and wheels, and also use protective coatings at contact points to keep your bike’s paintwork in prime condition.
Is it OK to hang bikes from the wheels?
In a word, no. In two words, hard no! Hanging your bike from the wheels is liable to cause serious damage as a result of placing excessive pressure on both the rim and the front fork, which could easily cause either (or both) to bend over time. That said, if you use a holding system that distributes the weight of the bike between two contact points (as is the case with most of the vertical wall-mounted racks in our review), then the strain placed on the wheel is unlikely to be excessive.
Can you hang a bike with a carbon fiber frame from a bike rack?
Yes, despite their lightweight, carbon fiber frames are remarkably robust and will not suffer any structural damage as a result of hanging from a bike rack. As with all bike frame materials, however, cosmetic damage may occur if the bike rack used doesn’t use sufficient protective padding.
Other Bike Racks for Garages We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other bike racks for garages. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best bike racks for garages list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your garage. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Budget Bike Rack for Garages
- Ceiling-Mounted Bike Rack for Garages
- Wall-Mounted Bike Rack for Garages
- Freestanding Bike Rack for Garages
Budget Bike Racks for Garages
Sturdy, easy to use, and even easier to install, this simple two-hook hanger is the ideal space-saving solution for owners of all types of bikes. Not only does the Stalwart keep your bike securely suspended wherever you choose to hang it thanks to its robust materials and 50-pound load capacity, but it also folds up for safety and further space savings when not in use.
Key Features:
- 50-pound maximum weight load
- EVA foam-coated hanging cradles
- Folds away when not in use
Cost: $14.13
Delta Cycle Leonardo Da Vinci Single Bike Storage Rack
This sleek, low-profile, wall-mounted rack is simplicity defined, using a protective, rubberized hook to hold your bike’s wheel securely against your garage wall between a pair of cradle arms that fit up to 29″ wheels. Ideal for buyers who want a bike storage solution that takes up very little space and looks as good as it performs.
Key Features:
- 40-pound maximum weight capacity
- Peel-and-stick rear tire tray keeps your walls clean
- Protective, custom-molded wheel hook
- Mounting hardware included
Cost: $15.79
This low-volume, low-profile hanger takes up very little wall space, lets you hang and detach your bike with the minimum of fuss, and boasts a very healthy 65-pound maximum weight capacity, meaning it’s ideal for just about any type of bike.
Key Features:
- 65-pound maximum weight capacity
- Anti-scratch rubber hanging hook
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $14.99
It might not offer the same adjustability as other wall-mounted racks in our review, but this simple mount boasts a solid, sturdy build, is easy to install, and has a respectable maximum weight capacity of 44 pounds.
Key Features:
- 44-pound maximum weight capacity
- Rubber coating protects your bike’s paintwork
- Made with tough, durable alloy steel
Cost: $19.99
This two-pack of wall-mounted racks boast an impressive maximum load capacity of 66 lbs and use rubber-coated hanging hooks that protect your bike’s wheel rims and can accommodate tires up to 3.35 inches wide.
Key Features:
- 2-pack of racks
- 66-pound maximum weight capacity
- Rubber-coated hooks
- No-slip mounting panels
Cost: $18.99
Impresa Products 4-Pack of Bike Hooks
For lovers of easy installation and fuss-free, simple designs, they don’t come much better than this. This 4-pack of hooks distributes the weight of your bike across each point of contact for added stability and uses a soft rubber coating that leaves the paintwork pristine.
Key Features:
- Maximum weight capacity: 100 lbs.
- Compatible with all types of bikes
- Wide-mouth design
- Made with heavy-duty, galvanized steel
Ceiling-Mounted Bike Racks for Garages
RAD Sportz Bicycle Hoist 2-Pack
These pulley-style ceiling hangers boast a load capacity of 100 pounds each and can be used on all indoor ceilings up to 12 feet high. They also use an ultra-secure strap-around locking system for worry-free storage and rubber-coated hooks to prevent marring or scratching of your handlebars and seat.
Key Features:
- Two-pack of hoists
- 100-pound maximum weight capacity
- Wide hanger cradles fit all bike types
- Rubber-coated hooks prevent scratching
Cost: $28.36
This hoist uses an easy-lift pulley system that reduces hauling weight by up to eight times and is made with ultra-robust, confidence-inspiring materials for added stability, security, and peace of mind.
Key Features:
- 50-pound maximum weight capacity
- Suitable for garage ceilings up to 12 feet high
- Wall-mounted cord wrap locks bike securely and keeps excess cord tidy
Cost: $29.68
RAD Cycle Products Rail Mount Bike and Ladder Lift
If your bike’s a little heavier than regular bikes or if you’re particularly worried about the welfare of those wandering under the rack while in storage, this bike’s outstandingly sturdy build, cam locking mechanism, and 75-pound load capacity should help to put your mind at rest.
Key Features:
- 75-pound maximum load capacity
- Easy to install (no mounting boards required)
- Burly, rubberized cradle hooks
- Cam locking mechanism for added security
Cost: $33.70
Great Working Tools Bike Hoists Set
This two-pack of ceiling hoists can be used in all spaces measuring up to 12 feet high and uses a simple hook-and-pulley system that’s ultra-secure, easy to use, and compatible with bikes of all shapes and sizes.
Key Features:
- Two-pack of hoist sets
- 55-pound maximum weight capacity
- Mounting hardware included
Wall-Mounted Bike Racks for Garages
Easy to install and far easier to use than most wall-mounted systems for multiple bikes on the market, this super-sturdy, six-bike rack is the ideal pick for cycling families.
Key Features:
- Accommodates up to six bikes
- Hooks fit tires up to 3″ wide
- Extra hooks for helmets and accessories
Cost: $97.95
This tidy-looking little rack is easy to install, has a healthy 55-pound max load capacity, and can be adjusted to fit all shapes and sizes of bikes thanks to a telescoping beam and extendable cradles.
Key Features:
- 55-pound maximum weight capacity
- Sturdy aluminum alloy materials
- Protective, scratch-proof padding in cradles
Cost: $29.99
This very well-made wall mount features a telescoping beam that slides out from the wall to fit handlebars up to 31.5” wide, has a maximum weight capacity of 55 pounds, and comes with a highly reassuring 10-year warranty.
Key Features:
- 55-pound weight capacity
- Adjustable angle, length, and width
- Fits most styles of bike
- 10-year warranty
Cost: $38
Delta Cycle Pablo Monet Folding Bike Wall Mount
This aesthetically pleasing but highly robust and sturdy rack uses a folding design that lets you save additional space when not in use. It also boasts a generous 65-pound weight capacity and includes extra storage space for your helmet, gloves, and other accessories on the horizontal grill.
Key Features:
- 65-pound maximum load capacity
- Folding design saves space when not in use
- Extra storage space for helmet and accessories
- Vinyl-coated arms protect paintwork
Cost: $38.45
It may be a little more expensive than other wall-mounted racks in our review, but the Steadyrack combines a stylish appearance with outstanding stability to provide excellent value for money nonetheless. It’s very easy to load, pivots side to side to give you more flexibility as regards the angle at which your bike is stored, and can support bikes that weigh up to 77 pounds and with tires measuring up to 2.4″ wide.
Key Features:
- 77-pound maximum weight capacity
- Fits all tires up to 2.4″ wide
- No lifting required when loading bike
- Folds away when not in use
Cost: $69.99
PRO BIKE TOOL Swivel Bike Wall Hanger
This vertically mounted version of the overall winner of our review boasts the same high-quality materials and attention to detail but holds your bike upright as opposed to horizontally. While this configuration does mean you lose a little floor space, it also lets you roll your bike into and out of its storage space with absolute ease and eliminates the need for lifting.
Key Features:
- Fits tires measuring up to 3.54″
- 66-pound maximum load capacity
- ‘Swivel’ design gives you more flexibility with bike’s positioning
- Auto-locking cradle hook
Freestanding Bike Racks for Garages
CyclingDeal Bicycle Parking Rack
This simple, frill-free 3-bike rack is made with highly durable, rust-resistant steel, fits almost all tires sizes, and uses two holding plates with tire grooves for added stability. A great choice for buyers who don’t want to go down the ceiling- or wall-mounted route or who aren’t enthused by the idea of drilling holes into their masonry, studs, or ceilings!
Key Features:
- Fits wheel sizes from 12″ to 29″
- 3-bike capacity
- No installation required
- 5-year warranty
Cost: $40.98
BIKEHAND Bicycle Floor Type Parking Rack Stand
This single-bike variation of the winner of our Best Freestanding Bike Rack category packs all the same, winning features as its two-bike cousin, including a simple, push-in design, three points of contact for added stability, and a spring-loaded cradle arm that keeps your bike securely positioned in the holding system.
Key Features:
- Fits tires up to 2.4″ wide
- Foldable and portable design
- Made with heat-treated steel with a powder-coated finish
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $59.99
BirdRock Home 3-Bike Stand with Storage
This well-designed three-bike rack lets you keep all of your biking kits in one place thanks to a trio of sturdy wheel cradles, four helmet hooks, and a super handy storage basket that measures 4.5 inches deep and 31 inches wide. Ideal for families or those prone to mislaying their gear!
Key Features:
- Supports up to three bikes
- Easy to assemble
- Includes a 4.5″ x 10.5″ x 31″ storage basket and 4 helmet hooks
Cost: $87
This universal bike stand might be a little pricier than the other single-bike options in our review, but it’s well worth considering for those who place convenience high on their list of priorities. It uses a specialized upright design that lets you store your bike securely by simply rolling the back wheel into the floor cradle, tipping the front wheel back, then locking the frame in place with a vertical brace. Simple!
Key Features:
- Universal design compatible with all types of bike
- Secure brace lock provides excellent stability
- Added strap keeps front wheel in place
- No installation required
Cost: $53.95
