How to Install a Bicycle Wall Hook

For those living in small apartments, finding places to put your bicycles can be difficult! We have about four bicycles stowed in our tiny space, with one locked outside, two against a wall, and one project bike living in a big open storage box.

Well, sometimes it's nice to reclaim a little space and get rid of the clutter. I investigated some bicycle hooks for storing my bikes on the wall. They have all sorts of hooks out there specifically for bicycles. Whether you're mounting into the ceiling, drywall, or studs, it's out there.

I took a trip to the local hardware store to see what I could find, they had some nice rubber coated bicycle hooks (screw-in) for less than $0.75 a piece. Being the frugal person I am, I got them.

Here are some of the tools I recommend for this project:
*Tape Measure
*Power Drill with appropriate bits
*Pencil
*Level (optional)



First you need to find your wall studs. Simply measure from the nearest electrical outlet 16 inches in either direction, this is the typical stud spacing for modern building construction. Mark an 'X' on the stud at the height you want to hang your bike.

Do a test drill with a small bit, 1/16" is a nice size. You'll know if you are drilling into a stud, it will give some resistance.

Now you're ready to get out the big bits, eyeball a good bit for the hook you're using. When you place the bit in front of the screw, you will see all the screw thread, if not, your bit is too large.

Drill a nice straight hole in the wall. Once done, begin screwing your hook into the wall, it should be tight and feel solid. I left the open mouth of the hook facing the right. If you are installing a second hook near-by, this is the time to get out your level and make an in-line mark for the next hook.

Hang your bike on the hook and admire your handiwork. Enjoy all the new free space!

Cruiser Update

Work is going along well on the Sam-Sco Cruiser bike. Unfortunately, I destroyed the original quill stem for the handlebars while trying to free the rusted stem. I'll have to find a good replacement that matches the feel of the bike.

The intricate components, a New Departure (Model D) Coaster Brake Hub, and the one piece crank, all came off the bicycle in find condition. After disassembling the coaster hub, I used a mix of WD-40 and Simple Green to clean the bearings and components. It cleaned up very well!


The one piece crank didn't clean up as well, and the chrome on the chainring is worn off in many places. It'll look pretty decent though, I'm really interested in using most of the original components, even if they are a little banged up.

Cleaning, scrubbing, and sanding all continue. First coat of primer is coming soon!

This past Friday, I attended the Brimfield Antique Show to scope out vintage bicycles. I didn't come across as many as I'd hoped, but I didn't get to see even half of all the booths at this sprawling fair. Below are some of the neat bikes I came across.

Comfort, Style

I spent two months this summer riding a decent well-fitting road bike across the country. Road bikes are great for those long days of riding, and for going fast!

Recently though, I find that riding around a fancy set of road wheels isn't always the most fun. Usually I'm in spandex, and riding clothes, tools, gear, etc. But what about those simple rides around town? How about a leisure ride in the park, or lolling about on campus?

Way back when, bicycles were different. One style in particular, balloon tire bikes, have caught my attention. Balloon Tire coaster bikes are simple! Often they have one speed, and a simple back-pedal braking mechanism, thanks to the coaster hub brake. Big wide tires provide a comfortable ride, often with fenders for weather protection. They're not quite as challenging to 'mount' like a road bike, which lends to wearing more comfortable clothes, even a dress or skirt if you fancy it.

I did a little shopping on my local Craigslist and picked up an old Sam-Sco Ladies Coaster Bike for my fiancée. It needs a lot of work, and I will post more pictures and status updates as I go along.

Have a happy ride today!