Hanging a gravel bike on the wall
In short: A gravel bike is ideal for hanging on the wall: it's light, usually has a straight or slightly sloping top tube and a narrow handlebar. Hang it horizontally by the top tube, take frame bags off first and make sure wide tyres and a flared handlebar have enough room.
Why gravel bikes suit the wall so well
Gravel bikes sit somewhere between a road bike and a mountain bike – and that's exactly what makes them easy to hang on the wall:
- Weight: Typically around 8–11 kg, a bit more with a steel frame. That's well below the load capacity of common wall mounts.
- Top tube: Usually straight or slightly sloping, so it rests well horizontally.
- Handlebar: Drop bars are typically around 40–50 cm wide, sometimes a little wider measured at the drops.
- Looks: Many gravel bikes have special colours, steel frames or details that are worth showing off.
How are gravel bikes different from road bikes?
At first glance, a gravel bike looks like a road bike. When it comes to wall mounting, though, there are a few differences you should know about:
| Feature | Gravel bike | What it means on the wall |
|---|---|---|
| Handlebar flare | Drops angled outwards | Handlebar is wider at the bottom, allow more distance from the wall |
| Tyre width | typically around 38–50 mm | Bike sits further out from the wall, better to clean the tyres |
| Top tube | often a little chunkier, sometimes with mounting bosses | Check the cross-section in the Fitting Guide |
| Add-ons | Bags, bottle cages, mudguards | Remove before hanging or check the clearance |
Bikepacking bags: take them off or leave them on?
If you go touring on your gravel bike, you'll often have a frame bag in the main triangle, a top tube bag and a saddle bag. For the wall:
- Remove the top tube bag. It sits exactly where the bike rests on the mount.
- Check the frame bag. A full frame bag can bump against the mount. A flat, empty bag won't get in the way with many mounts – just test it once without rushing.
- Saddle bag and handlebar roll can usually stay on, but they make the bike heavier and shift the centre of gravity. Make sure the bike sits level.
- Unpack your luggage. A gravel bike with full bikepacking kit can easily weigh 20 kg or more. That's pushing it for any wall mount.
A handy side effect: mounts with a storage compartment or shelf hold the small stuff that would otherwise live in your top tube bag – such as keys, a head torch or snack bars.
How high should the gravel bike hang?
There's no fixed rule, but a few reference points help. The front wheel should hang high enough not to drag on the floor or a skirting board, and low enough that you can lift the bike without stretching. Many people mount it so the top tube sits roughly between chest and shoulder height. In a hallway, it also matters that the handlebar and pedals don't brush against anyone walking past. Before drilling, hold the bike against the wall as a test and have someone mark the position for you.
Wide tyres and dirt: keeping the wall clean
Gravel tyres pick up a lot of dirt on gravel tracks and forest paths. Before the bike goes on a light-coloured wall, a quick check is worthwhile:
- Wipe the tyres with a damp cloth, especially the tread on the wall side.
- Shift the chain onto the big chainring so it doesn't face the wall. With a 1x drivetrain, simply keep the chain clean.
- Leave a little space between tyre and wall – wide tyres and mudguards need a bit more room.
- With tubeless tyres, check now and then whether any sealant is leaking.
Which wooden mount suits a gravel bike?
Gravel bikes are among the bikes that most often end up on the wall with our mounts. At under 20 kg, with a continuous top tube and a handlebar that usually stays under 60 cm, they fit all our models. If you want space for small items, go for a mount with a flap like Jakob or one with a shelf like Friedrich. If you prefer something simple, choose the Henry stacks. A wide flared gravel handlebar can turn in slightly if needed – the bike still holds. Read more about the idea behind our bike wall mount from the carpentry workshop on our homepage.
Our mounts are not suitable for heavy e-gravel bikes over 20 kg or fully loaded touring bikes. Check your top tube dimensions beforehand in the Fitting Guide.
As gravel bikes are very similar to road bikes, you'll find lots more tips in the guide Hanging a road bike on the wall. How to fix the mount properly is explained in Installing a bike wall mount.
Frequently asked questions
Does a gravel bike with a flared handlebar fit a wall mount?
Usually, yes. The flared drops just need a little more space. If they're wider than the mount, the front wheel turns in slightly.
Can I hang the gravel bike with a frame bag on?
A flat frame bag often isn't a problem. You should take off a top tube bag, though, as it sits on the contact surface.
How heavy is a gravel bike?
Typically around 8–11 kg, depending on frame material and components. Considerably more with bags and luggage.
Where can I put a gravel bike in a small flat?
Horizontally on the wall in the hallway or living room is often the most space-saving solution. More ideas in the guide Hanging a bike in your flat.