What Is a Bicycle Rack?
A bicycle rack is a rack used for storing bicycles.
It is also called a bicycle parking rack. In recent years, many houses, whether detached or apartment buildings, have limited storage. Especially in housing complexes, it is necessary to store a large number of bicycles in a small area.
In such cases, bicycle racks can be used to store more bicycles in a narrow space.
Usage of Bicycle Racks
Bicycle racks are often installed in housing complexes, especially condominiums. In addition, bicycle racks are also installed near train stations and at bicycle parking lots in commercial and public facilities.
Bicycle racks that allow easy temporary parking of bicycles, even sports bicycles that cannot stand on their own, and in-vehicle bicycle racks that attach bicycles to automobiles are also available.
Principle of Bicycle Racks
There are two types of bicycle racks, two-tier and flat, which can be further subdivided into many types.
1. Two-Tier Bicycle Racks
- 2-Tier Racks
The two-tier rack is the most standard type of bicycle rack. The upper rail is pulled forward once, then the rail is slanted and the bicycle is lifted to accommodate it. There is also a system that uses a gas spring to raise the bike slightly. The lower section is a fixed type. - Vertical 2-Tier Rack
The vertical two-tier rack is a bicycle rack that is both easy to operate and efficient in accommodating bicycles. The upper tier is raised and lowered vertically on rails to accommodate bicycles, while the lower tier is slidable to accommodate more bicycles. - 2-Tier Lower Slide Rack
The two-tier lower slide rack has a sliding lower section and offers the highest capacity efficiency, but requires a higher ceiling height.
2. Flat Type Bicycle Racks
- Sliding Racks
Slide-type racks allow the main body of the rack to move left or right, facilitating the loading and unloading of bicycles. There is also a front/rear type, in which bicycles are placed alternately in the front and the rear. Interference between handlebars can be alleviated. - Tilting Rack
In an inclined rack, the difference in height of the rack body reduces interference caused by handlebars and allows the entire bicycle to be accommodated. - Flat Rack
Flat racks are simple racks that accommodate only the front wheels and are the most cost-effective. - Racks for Sport Bicycles
A rack for sport bicycles is a type of rack that hooks the saddle to a single horizontal bar. They are for bicycles that often do not have a stand and do not stand on their own when parked.
Other Information on Bicycle Racks
1. Bicycle Racks for On-Board Use
In addition to fixed types of bicycle racks, there are also racks for in-vehicle use. Car-mounted bicycle racks are attachments that can be retrofitted to a car to carry bicycles. In-vehicle bicycle racks are categorized as either external or indoor.
- For External Use
The external version can be attached to the top or rear of the car and can hold one or two bicycles. When mounted on top, a separate part called a base carrier is required. External bicycle racks have the advantage of requiring less space inside the car, but if not mounted properly, they can be dangerous if they slip down. Another disadvantage is that the bicycles will get wet on rainy days, and the increased aerodynamic drag of the car will reduce fuel efficiency. - For Use Inside a Car
Bicycle racks for in-car use are mainly installed in the trunk space. Depending on the size of the trunk, it can hold one to three bicycles. The disadvantage is that it takes up a lot of space inside the car, but the advantage is that there is no risk of damage to the bicycles or of them sliding off.
2. Materials for Bicycle Racks
High durability performance is required for bicycle racks used outdoors. Therefore, most materials used for bicycle racks are made of iron or stainless steel, which are resistant to rain and wind. Some bicycle racks are made of resin, which has a high design quality. Products made of resin are characterized by a variety of color variations.
On the other hand, since bicycle racks for indoor use must also have interior design elements, a wide variety of materials are used, including those made of wood and rubber. Some products have surfaces that are treated to prevent damage to bicycles, especially when storing expensive bicycles. Some products are designed to hang bicycles by using ropes in a hanger style.