Weekend Projects: 5 Bike Racks to DIY on the Cheap

A simple, sturdy bike rack can help you clear up that jumble of two-wheelers in your garage or scattered around your yard. Try one of these DIY bike racks, and you'll have everything stored and tidied up this weekend.

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Mar 12, 2021 11:26 AM

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Depending on where you live, you may be completely surprised or utterly unimpressed by this fact: Worldwide, bicycles outnumber automobiles. America’s love affair with bikes began in the 1800s, and that relationship continues to evolve today. Bikes are no longer solely recreational. In urban areas in particular, they are fast becoming a common mode of everyday transportation. But while most home designs include space for an owner’s car, one rarely sees similar accommodation made for pedal-pushed two-wheelers. No matter: You can create your own storage solution. For inspiration, check out these five favorite DIY bike rack projects.

DIY Bike Rack - PVC

Photo: singletrackworld.com

1. DIY PVC Bike Rack

For less than $50 in PVC—and armed only with pipe cement and a handsaw—you can build a DIY bike rack identical to the one shown above. Though large enough to hold the bicycle collection of an entire family, this easily completed assembly is also lightweight enough to be moved from one location to another in the home.

DIY Bike Rack - Storebought

Photo: bikeforums.net

2. Off the Rack

Browse the aisles of a sporting goods store, and you’re destined to find a selection of ready-made bicycle storage products. In many instances, it’s possible to build your own approximation of these designs with off-the-shelf items sold at your local home center. The DIY bike rack shown here cost less than $100 to put together.

DIY Bike Rack - Scrap Wood

Photo: singletracks.com

3. DIY Scrap Wood Bike Rack

To make this rack, you won’t have to look any further than your basement or garage workshop, if you keep a stash of scrap wood in either locale. Only straight cuts are needed, at least in the examples pictured, so woodworking expertise is not a prerequisite. If you choose, paint or stain your creation once complete, or leave it unfinished.

DIY Bike Rack - Handlebars

Photo: hiconsumption.com

4. DIY Handlebar Bike Rack

Where floor space is limited, here’s a compact and cool-looking—and yes, somewhat quirky—DIY bike rack idea, perfect for those who love, love, love bikes. Detach the curved handlebars from a vintage racing bike (available online, in thrift stores, or from repair shops) and mount them to the wall with a metal flange.

DIY Bike Rack - Pallets

Photo: worldwidecyclingatlas.com

5. DIY Pallet Bike Rack

A shipping pallet needs no alteration to function as a DIY bike rack. The slats are spaced far enough apart—but not too far apart—to hold a bicycle wheel. Lean the pallet against a wall, whether in your garage or in the garden, and poof—problem solved. Best of all, pallets are readily available, if not for free, then for very little.