Bicycle racks are nowadays key elements of not only urban cycling infrastructure, which make it much easier to park and secure bicycles in public and private areas. If you are planning to install a bicycle rack, it is essential to prepare for this task in advance in a thoughtful manner in order to achieve the expected durability and functionality. Below you will find practical tips to help you install your bicycle rack for convenient use.
Choice of location for the bicycle stand
Before installing the stand, careful thought should be given to where to place it. The location should be chosen carefully as it directly affects the usability of the stand. Choosing the right location takes into account several key aspects:
- Availability: Make sure that the place where you intend to install the rack is easily accessible for cyclists, but at the same time will not impede the movement of other users, such as pedestrians or people with prams.
- Visibility: A bicycle stand should be visible to both users and passers-by. The visibility of the rack discourages potential thieves and also makes it easier to find a place to park.
- Lighting: Good lighting is key, especially in areas that are also used after dark. A well-lit stand is safer for cyclists.
Choosing the right bicycle stand
Bike racks available on the MORIA DESIGN website offer a wide range of models to suit different needs. When choosing a stand, it is worth paying attention to:
- Ease of parking: If you are looking for a bicycle stand which will be versatile and will not cause problems in parking your bicycle safely, consider a U type bicycle stand. U-type bicycle stands allow you to park up to two bicycles, irrespective of the size of their wheels or frames.
- Corrosion protection: If you are fitting bicycle stands indoors, choose powder-coated stands. In areas exposed to adverse weather conditions, choose galvanised and powder-coated stands or stands made of stainless steel.
- Method of assembly: Consider whether you need the stands to be bolted to an existing surface or whether you intend to concrete them in.
Preparation for mounting the bicycle stand
It is a good idea to prepare well before starting to install the stand. To this end, it is recommended to:
- Thoughtful choice of mounting location. Choose a place which on the one hand will be easily accessible and provide comfort in leaving the bike on the other hand will not disturb other users of the space. Ensure a safe distance from stairs, doors, gates, street, which will allow free movement when the bike is parked.
- Prepare the appropriate tools, depending on the mounting method: screwing or concreting. Make sure the manufacturer offers mounting accessories together with the stand.
- Precise placement of the stands in relation to each other. It is recommended to install the U model bicycle stands at intervals of 70-100 cm with respect to each other. Such an arrangement will enable two bicycles to be parked comfortably, one on each side of the stand.
Assembling the bicycle rack step by step
The assembly of a bicycle stand can be carried out in several steps:
- Surface preparation: Make sure the installation site is clean and level. If you intend to concrete the stand, check that you can drill holes up to approximately 30-40 cm deep in the ground at this point.
- Determination of the installation site: Mark the points where the wall plugs or mounting anchors will be placed.
- Drilling of holes: Drill holes at the marked locations.
- Stand fixing: Place the stand in position and screw it in place using screws or anchors.
- Stability control: Check that the stand is stable.
Tips for maintaining the bicycle stand
In order to keep the bicycle stands in service for a long time, it is worth maintaining them regularly. Regular cleaning allows to keep them in good condition, and checking the fixings ensures their safety. Externally mounted stands should be protected against corrosion with appropriate preparations. These are simple steps which will ensure that the rack looks good and will last for many years.
Summary
The assembly of a bicycle rack is a task which can be carried out by yourself, provided that you are properly prepared. It is important to carefully select the location, the right model and to carry out the assembly precisely. Regular maintenance will ensure the long-term usefulness of the stand. MORIA DESIGN is a manufacturer of bicycle stands which offers a wide range of bicycle stands. The permanent range includes urban, modern bicycle stands as well as retro-style bicycle stands, ideally suited to revitalised areas. The bicycle stands on offer are weatherproof, easy to install and tailored to suit different customer needs.