Last week we talked about all the fantastic non-MEC clothing for the cycling professional.
Note: I have absolutely nothing against MEC (that’s Mountain Equipment Co-op for those of you who are just leaving your subterranean dwellings, welcome!) in fact, I shop there quite often for my road cycling gear, camping stuff and other weather-appropriate-yet-not-especially-fashionable attire. But I digress …
This week I wanted to talk about living with a bike. As in; sharing your home with one. In a city like Vancouver where real estate is at a premium, a bike can be a fairly obnoxious roommate. All those odd angles and sticky-outy bits (perfect for snagging your bag strap just as your running out the door – grrr!) and not to mention the fact that it never takes its shoes off when it comes inside. But we love them so! As such, it’s best to find them a secure place to rest when at home; safe for them and your bags.
I’ve always thought that a pulley system to get your bike up and out of the way would be the best way to store your bike at home, like this (photo via Iva Jean)
You can buy a bike-specific pulley systems through Canadian Tire (only $29.95!) and it has received great reviews. Unfortunately, I don’t have 25 foot ceilings so the main accomplishment of this system in my home would be to get my pedals up to eye-ball-puncturing height. Not good. If you’re in a loft or have a shop or garage I would highly recommend it.
Another storage solution that I love is using the space below an open stair case, like in the 100K house project by Post Green Homes (photo via Co-Tain):
This can be accomplished with some heavy duty hooks added to the under side of the stairs, placed specifically to fit the geometry of your bike. I suggest this vinyl-coated version from Home Hardware:
Again, I don’t have stairs in my place so let’s look at some nice wall-mounted options for those of us with architectural limitations.
Price: £249.00 in White or Oak finish
Available via their online store here
Isn’t this lovely? Mikili makes some fantastic ‘bike furniture’, as they call it. What I love about the KAPPO shelf is that it offers a place to also keep your helmet and maybe a few of your other bike accoutrements. PLUS it looks great! Even when your bike isn’t on it, this looks like a well-designed piece of storage with its white finish and exposed plywood ends. The same cannot be said for a black wire bike rack with drywall plugs peeking out from behind it.
Price: £195.00 in White or black
Available via their online store here
Ok, I hate to give two examples from the same manufacturer but they’re just so good! This is great for tighter spaces; when your bike isn’t on it, it folds up and out of the way. I also love that it has the felt groove in the shelf to hold your bike securely without scratching it up. For an added bit of fun, I recommend adding a small framed painting (preferably in an ornate gold frame) to the underside of the shelf so that you can laugh maniacally and stroke your moustache when you pull it down like it’s a little secret passage way. Sorry. That’s always been a dream of mine.
Price: $14.50
Local Dealer: MEC (see,I told you that I shop there!)
Clearly, this is the budget-friendly option of the three but it’s also a great way to store your bike. By mounting it with the wheels on the wall your bike doubles as a room divider. This can also work well in tight spaces like beside your car in a single-car garage or behind your door in an entry way. This is actually a two piece hanging system; when you buy it you also get a second wheel plate to keep your back tire from scuffing the wall and to stabilize the bike.
Michelangelo Two Bike Gravity Stand
Price: $79.00 CAD
Local Dealer: MEC
If you’re dealing with more than one bike, this is the rack for you. It doesn’t require drilling or permanent wall attachment so it’s great if you’re renting or rank a solid zero on the handiness scale. Photo via Public
Alright, we’ve covered how to look great on a bike and ways to make space for your bike at home so stay tuned for Volume 3 of The Two-Wheeled Professional when we’ll look bikes in the office. Until then, happy riding!