Bicycles provide exercise, cheap transportation and entertainment, but storing them can be a problem. Bicycles, especially if you own more than one, take up valuable floor space in the garage, and they always seem to be in the way. The ceiling of the garage, however, is an often underutilized space with the potential to solve your bike-storage issues. Hanging your bikes from the ceiling can be a simple and quick solution to this organizational problem.
Step One
Determine the number of bicycles you will be storing from the ceiling. Bicycles can be hung vertically from one tire, or horizontally from both tires. If you prefer to hang them vertically, you will need one hook per bicycle. If you prefer to hang bicycles horizontally, two hooks are required. Your decision on how to hang the bikes may depend on whether or not you will be walking under them. Bicycle storage hooks are available at most hardware or home improvement stores.
Step Two
Locate the ceiling joists, which are the horizontal beams that support the weight of the roof of the garage. This would be the safest place for placing hooks. The joists are sometimes visible, but can be hidden from view if you have a finished ceiling in the garage. If the joists are not visible, use a stud finder to locate them. Accessibility and clearance are important factors to consider when deciding on placement of bike hooks.
Step Three
Mark the placement of the hook on the joist with a pencil. If you are using two hooks per bicycle, measure the distance between the center of the tires and mark the joist accordingly. Drill a pilot hole in the joist smaller than the diameter of the screw on the bicycle hook. Insert the hook and tighten until threads are no longer visible.
Step Four
Hang the bicycle from the hook or hooks.