Mounting a bike wall mount: height, wall plugs and wall types
In short: The safest way to install a bike wall mount is in concrete or solid brick using the expansion plugs supplied. The right height depends on your bike: the front wheel should hang freely and you should be able to lift the bike comfortably. For plasterboard, aerated concrete or timber stud walls you need special wall plugs – if in doubt, ask a professional.
What you need
- Drill (with hammer function for concrete/brick) and a suitable masonry bit
- Spirit level and pencil
- Folding rule or tape measure
- Cable and pipe detector – so you don't drill into an electrical cable or water pipe
- Screws and wall plugs (included with our mounts, designed for masonry and concrete walls)
Which wall is suitable?
| Wall type | Suitability | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | very good | expansion plugs, hammer drill |
| Solid brick / sand-lime brick | very good | expansion plugs |
| Perforated brick | good | plugs for perforated brick, drill without hammer action |
| Aerated concrete (Ytong) | limited | special aerated concrete plugs |
| Plasterboard / drywall | limited | metal cavity plugs or fixing into the stud frame |
| Timber stud wall | good, if fixed into a stud | wood screws directly into the stud |
Always check the load rating given by the wall plug manufacturer and allow a margin – when hanging and removing the bike, brief forces higher than the bike's weight alone come into play.
Finding the right height
- Hold your bike horizontally against the wall, the way it will hang later.
- The front wheel should not touch the floor – leave a few centimetres of clearance, more if there are skirting boards or radiators.
- Mark the underside of the top tube on the wall. This gives you the position of the mount.
- Check that you can comfortably lift the bike at this height. Better a little lower than too high.
You'll find the exact dimensions and hole spacing of our models in the Fitting Guide.
Step-by-step installation
- Check for cables and pipes: Scan the area with the detector. Never drill directly above or below sockets and switches.
- Mark the holes: Hold the mount in place, level it with the spirit level and mark the holes.
- Drill: Diameter and depth to match the wall plug. Vacuum out the drill hole.
- Insert the wall plugs and screw the mount in place – firmly, but not so tight that the wood splits.
- Test: First pull on the mount without the bike, then carefully hang the bike.
Tips for a clean wall
- A felt wheel strap keeps the front wheel straight so the tyre doesn't touch the wall.
- Give the tyres a quick wipe before hanging the bike.
- On light-coloured walls, a felt lining on the contact surface helps.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a bike wall mount on plasterboard?
Yes, but only with suitable metal cavity plugs or directly into the stud frame – and only if the load rating of the plugs is sufficient. If in doubt, ask a specialist.
How high should you hang a bike on the wall?
So that the front wheel hangs freely and you can lift the bike easily. The exact height depends on your bike – measure it once against the wall.
Do I need a cable and pipe detector?
We strongly recommend it. Drilling into a cable or water pipe is dangerous and expensive.