Your bike ride is finished and you are feeling rejuvenated. Now it is time to store your bike until the next outing by propping it against a lawn chair in the garage. This is not a good storage solution because your bike is an investment in not only money but your health. Take the time to construct an easy to make bike rack that will elevate your trusty investment above the clutter and provide a safe and secure means of storage until your next ride.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- 2 by 4 inch lumber (4 feet long)
- Bike utility hooks
- Drill with bits
- Tape measure
- Level
- 3 inch wood screws
- Stud finder
- Phillips screw driver
- Pliers
Step 1
Locate a space in a garage or storage building where a bike rack can be mounted. Use a stud finder to locate two wall studs that are at least 30 inches apart. Refer to Ron Hazelton’s Home Improvement web site for information on using a stud finder. Use a level to adjust the marked locations so they are level on the wall.
Step 2
Drill four holes in a 2 by 4 piece of lumber that is 4 feet long. There should be two holes, one above the other, on both ends of the 2 by 4 length and be equal distance from both ends. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the wood screws you will be using.
Step 3
Install the 2 by 4 on the wall at the points where the wall studs are marked. Place the bottom of the 2 by 4 on the marked locations so it will be level when installed. Use a Phillips screwdriver to screw the wood screws through the 2 by 4 and into the wall studs.
Step 4
Measure your bike at the cross bar or two other suitable mounting points where a utility hook can be used. Use a tape measure to obtain the distance between the two mounting points. Transfer this distance to the 2 by 4 mounted to the wall. Center the marks both horizontally and vertically on the board.
Step 5
Drill two mounting holes that are slightly smaller than the screws of the utility hooks. Install the mounting hooks by turning the hooks clockwise in the drilled holes. Turn the hooks by hand, or with the assistance of pliers, until they are both aligned with the ends pointing up.
Step 6
Hang the bike on the hooks. Check all screws and hooks to make sure the bike is securely mounted.
Tips & Warnings
The hooks can be installed directly into the studs, but using a 2 by 4 length of board allows for more flexibility in hook location as you are not restricted by wall stud location.
