When you are not using your bike, you need a place to store it. If you do not store your bike properly, it can get damaged. If your bike is expensive, then you want to preserve it as best you can!
This guide will give you a list of different ideas that you can use to better store your beach cruiser when you are not using it. Storage is essential to increasing the lifespan and maintaining the overall health of your cruiser.
Consider this when storing your bike
Before you jump into purchasing a certain type of bike storage, you should consider a few things. Here are a few questions to ask yourself so you can determine what type of storage you will need.
How much space do you have?
Make a visual scan of different places you can store your bike to help determine how much space you have for storage. I even recommend using a tape measure to for exact dimensions which can be useful if you decide to get a storage pod, shelter, or if you decide to build your own.
Regarding bike mounts and ceiling hoists, you want to have an idea of how much space your bike will take up on the wall or while suspended in the air ahead of time. This will help give you an idea of how much clearance you need before installation.
How much does your beach cruiser weigh?
It is important to know the weight of your bike if you plan to suspend it above the ground. You want to make sure you purchase a wall mount or hoist that is strong enough to support your cruiser weight. You want to prevent your bike from falling down, which could cause damage or potentially injuring someone.
Where are you storing your bike?
I recommend that you have a good idea regarding the location of where you would like to store your bike. This will help you determine what type of storage is needed and also the overall security of the area. If you plan to store it where other people can access it then you might need an additional bike lock for storage to prevent theft.
Protecting your walls and floors
When storing your beach cruiser you should definitely take into consideration the potential damage to your floor and walls. Make sure to invest in bike storage that will protect both.
Bike racks that are mounted on your wall may leave room for the possibility of damaging your walls. You want to purchase a quality wall mount that will not tear up your walls. Getting a rack that has additional storage compartments for your wheels is convenient so dirt or grease don’t cover your floors.
How big are your wheels?
Many people forget about the size of the wheels when storing their beach cruisers. Cruisers are typically designed with thick wheels so you need to make sure a floor stand is wide enough to accommodate the fat profile of the wheel. If your wheels are too thick for the floor stand then you will need to buy a new one.
Similarly, you need to take into consideration the diameter of the wheel if using a rack or some type of suspension storage. Wheels are a large part of the bike so make sure to plan for the amount of space these will take up. It may actually be more convenient to remove the wheels from the cruiser frame and store them separately.
Types of Beach Cruiser Storage
Here is a list of popular storage options for your beach cruiser. All are great ways to keep your cruiser protected when you are not riding it.
Ground bike rack
Ground bike racks are simple and the most familiar ways to store your bike. You place the wheel in between the vertical standing bars and you are done!
This storage allows you to keep your bike upright and lock it to a fixed object so it won’t get stolen. There are also free standing ground bike racks that you can place in your basement, shed or garage like this one I found on Amazon.
Bike storage pod
A bike storage pod is an excellent way to store your bike outside because it will shelter your cruiser from elements. These pods are typically made from durable plastic and have the ability to be locked to prevent theft.
Not only are you able to store your beach cruiser in a storage pod like this one that I came across on Amazon but is also a good home for any accessories or bike tools. However, you will need to make sure you have the space to set up this shelter.
Bike wall hook / mount
Live in an apartment? Using a bike wall hook or bike mount is the perfect way to store your bike in an apartment or studio. It does not take up much space and serves as a way to dress up a blank wall.
I saw this really cool bike wall hanger on Amazon that is perfect for your wall and does not protrude that far into the center of the room. It is easy to install and uses two hanger arms to support the bike frame.
Bike Tent
Need mobile bike storage? You can set up a bike tent just about anywhere. It is a perfect fit for your backyard, basement, or garage.
A bike tent will not physically hold your bike up. Therefore you need to make sure your beach cruiser has a kickstand.
If you are worried about the stability and durability of a bike tent then make sure to pick up this heavy-duty cruiser storage tent. It is very portable and made of heavy weatherproof, tearproof vinyl tarp.
Bike cover
Bike covers are one of the most affordable ways to protect your bike. Covering your cruiser will protect it from weather elements such as snow, ice, rain, sun rays, and debris tossed around by the wind.
Bike covers are easy to store and transport. They are also very easy to install around your bike. The downside to this type of storage is that bike covers tend to degrade quickly from UV exposure, wind, and accidental tears.
Since some beach cruiser covers are prone to a short lifespan, you will want to get this durable bike cover for your cruiser that I found on Amazon. This is one of the best covers because it is waterproof and UV resistant. It also consists of non-rusting hole locks and is designed with handles so you can easily wrap around your cruiser.
Bike Ceiling Hoists
Storing your bike in the air near the ceiling can save you a ton of room. But how do you get it into this position several feet above the ground? Installing a bike ceiling hoist like this one I found on Amazon will enable you to achieve this type of storage for your bike.
I do not recommend this for those who have low ceilings. Instead of saving space it can actually become a nuisance because you may find yourself constantly dodging your suspended cruiser.