Introduction: Bicycle Stand

Don't want to fork out a couple of hundred bucks for a bicycle stand? This easy to make stand will not mar wall, ceilings or floors. You can probably have up to four bikes on it, if you're creative. The photo below shows one way to mount a bike on the rack.

Step 1: Parts List

You'll need a 4x4 for the base, some scraps for the pad block and legs, a piece of all thread (I recommend 1/2"), two nuts and a washer and four wood screws. I also recommend that you use wood that's as dry as possible or cedar for the base, as wet wood can split when drying. I had used pressure treated wood for a couple but have replaced them due to concern for chemicals used as preservatives. If you wanted to use pressure treated wood for a garage setup, that may be okay, just be careful to clean up the sawdust and wear a mask when doing the work. The schematic shows the general principle of how to put together the business end, the "pressing mechanism".

Step 2: Assembly

Cut the 4x4 long enough to leave enough room for all the parts shown in the schematic. Drill a hole long enough to mount the all-thread, leaving a couple of inches sticking out. The 4x4 plus the all thread should just be shorter than the floor to ceiling distance. Don't leave too much all-thread showing, particularly if you use smaller guage rod as it can bend.

Force fit the allthread, thread on two nuts, followed by a washer and the pad. The pad is simply a scrap of wood with a hold drilled through to admit the end of the all-thread. You can pad it further with a piece of carpet if you want.

Step 3: Assembly Continued

The all thread should just be below the level of the pad.

Step 4: Legs

I'd recommend putting some legs at the base of the stand. This is just some scraps, trimmed and screwed on, flush with the base of the stand.

Step 5: Setting It Up

Place the 4x4 upright and thread the nut towards the ceiling. The second nut acts as a lock-nut. ****Important**** if your wood is wet, and it likely will be, tighten this periodically as the wood will shrink as it dries. This is not good if you've got the stand loaded.

Step 6: Bicycles Can Be Hung Cross Ways, Vertically or Whatever You Like

The pic below shows one of my bikes hung vertically. You can see the stand in this picture has a fairly thick block. That's because I made the all thread portion too long and it was flexing. Use proper 1/2" all thread rather than the end of a carriage bolt that I used here.

I've also hung bikes cross ways, put hooks on the stand for helmet and other gear. This method can be adapted to lots of other things (plant stand etc.). You could use the same technique with metal pipe and threaded pipe ends. Yes, you can figure that one out :-)

Hope this helps someone.