Are you looking for bike storage solutions and perplexed over the many different choices available today? It is true there are many varying types of storage methods for bicycles. It can be confusing trying to pick which will work best. Here is a simple guide that will help sort through all the different types of bike storage solutions and know how to pick the one that will be best for your individual needs.

First you have to look at the choices you have available for storage. Will your bike be stored outside? Will you be bringing your bike in the house when not in use? Do you have a garage or basement where you can keep your bike? How about the available space for storage in these areas-do you have plenty of room or is it cramped?

Other considerations will include answering the following questions. Will you use your bike less if it is stored in a place that is hard to access? (The easier it is to get your bike in and out of its designated storage area, the more likely you will use it.) Do you have any physical or health limitations that prohibit you from lifting your bike? How many bikes will you need to store? How important will it be to protect your bike from the elements?

Once you have answered these questions you are ready for the bike storage solutions available today.

Wall Hooks & Hangers - These are easy to assemble, inexpensive and generally work well for hanging a single bike on a wall. The downside is they don't support much weight and are not very secure. Best use is in a garage, shed or outdoor area.

Floor Bike Stands - This works well for bikes that do not have kick stands. They are portable, generally inexpensive and easy to use. They can be taken where ever you go and used outside or inside. They are limited in providing much security for the bike. They also will require enough floor space for storage that is the foot print of the bike.

Wall-Mount Racks - This is a much more secure and permanent solution vs. wall hooks. It gets the bike up off the floor and allows you to use wall space for storage. Generally these will hold as many as 2 bikes. Some versions have variations that will hold bike helmets or even fold up when not in use.

Bike Hoists (also called Bike Lifts) - This can be a great choice if you have available ceiling space and have trouble lifting a bike. The bike hoist is mounted to the ceiling with relative ease. You attach your bike to pulleys and hooks and they pull the cord to lift the bike in place. These types of storage hoists provide a secure solution making it difficult for the bike to be stolen. They also help to free up the floor space of a crowded garage or room.

Freestanding Bike Racks (Also called Gravity Bike Racks) - Here is one of the most popular of all bike storage solutions. These are quite functional and stylish and can be used in a garage as well as apartment or small room. They stand on the ground, usually up against a wall. Some versions have methods for securing to a wall for added support-but most are designed to stand on their own quite well as they hold 1-4 bikes.

Floor to Ceiling Bike Racks - This type of bike rack is similar to the freestanding version in that it takes up floor space-only it extends and fits securely from floor to ceiling with spring tension in between. It can hold from 1-4 bikes depending on the version you choose.

Bike Parking Rack - This type of bike rack is generally used for outdoor situations. They are sturdy and quite heavy. In most cases they can accommodate several bikes. Because of their weight bikes can be locked to these in a way that secures the bike quite well. The downside is the bike is exposed to the outdoor elements.

Now that you know the most popular bike storage solutions you can start looking for the right one to fit your needs. Just be sure you get something that is easy to use and allows you quick access of your bike so "getting your bike down" does not become a chore and excuse that will keep you from riding often.

Mark writes on a variety of topics including cycling. If you are looking for additional ideas on bike storage you may be interested in Indoor Bike Rack. Also, here is where you can go for a great selection in the Wall Mount Bike Rack.