How to hang two bikes on one wall

In short: The best way to fit two bikes on one wall is one above the other and slightly offset to the side – that way the handlebars don't get in each other's way. You'll need about 170–180 cm of wall width plus the offset and enough ceiling height, usually from about 2.30 m. If the ceiling is too low, the bikes hang side by side, which takes around 3.5 m of wall width.

What layouts are there?

There are three sensible options for two bikes on one wall: side by side at the same height, one above the other exactly aligned, and one above the other, offset – with a few centimetres of sideways gap and slightly shifted against each other. Which one works depends on wall width, ceiling height and handlebar shape.

Layout	Wall width	Ceiling height	Advantage	Disadvantage
Side by side	about 3.5 m or more	normal	both bikes easy to reach	needs a lot of wall
One above the other, aligned	about 1.8 m	high	little wall width	handlebars and saddle easily bump into each other
One above the other, offset	about 2–2.3 m	high	handlebars don't get in each other's way	upper bike has to be lifted higher
Mirrored and offset	about 2–2.3 m	high	handlebars on opposite sides	looks less symmetrical

These figures are rules of thumb for adult bikes about 170–180 cm long. Small frame sizes need less, bikes with very wide handlebars more.

Why are the handlebars the biggest problem?

When two bikes hang one above the other, the handlebars of the lower bike sit exactly where the upper bike has its frame, pedals or front wheel. If they are mounted in line, the handlebars often hit the down tube or crank of the upper bike. The solution is a sideways offset: move the upper mount about 20–40 cm to the left or right. Even more elegant is hanging the bikes mirrored – one with the handlebars to the left, the other to the right – so the two sets of handlebars are far apart.

With road bikes and their narrow handlebars this is less critical than with city bikes or mountain bikes. Handlebars turned to the side take up less depth; a wheel strap on the front wheel holds them in that position.

What spacing should you plan for?

• Vertical distance between the mounts: At least enough for the lower bike, including saddle and handlebars, to fit under the upper one – measure from the top tube to the highest point of the saddle or handlebars and add a few centimetres of clearance.
• Floor to lower bike: The wheels should hang freely; allow a little more space above skirting boards or radiators.
• Upper bike to ceiling: Saddle and handlebars need clearance, and you have to be able to lift the bike over the mount.
• Sideways offset: About 20–40 cm, depending on handlebar width.
• Pedals: Set the cranks horizontal on both bikes before you measure – that way the pedals won't hit the other bike.

How to plan the installation step by step

1. Measure both bikes: length, height from the top tube to the highest point, handlebar width.
2. Mark the outlines: Use masking tape to mark the outlines of both bikes on the wall, including the offset.
3. Heavier bike at the bottom: The heavier or more frequently used bike belongs on the lower mount – it saves effort every day.
4. Test the reach: Can you lift the upper bike and put it on the mount safely while standing? If not, plan it lower and with more offset.
5. Check the wall and drill: Use a cable detector and align with a spirit level. With two mounts one above the other, the wall carries twice the load – take particular care with the wall plugs on drywall. Details in the installation guide.

How high each mount should sit is explained in What height for a bike wall mount?

When is a wall too small for two bikes?

If the ceiling height is below about 2.30 m, hanging one above the other quickly gets tight – the upper bike hits the ceiling with its saddle or handlebars, or hangs so high that you can no longer reach it safely. Then your options are side by side, a second wall, or a floor stand for one of the bikes. In hallways in particular, it's worth spreading the two bikes across opposite walls if there's still enough room to walk through. More on hallways in Bike in the hallway: park it or hang it?

Which Bicycledudes mounts work for two bikes?

Two bikes one above the other work well with slim models like Henry or Max, because they add little visual bulk to the wall. A combination is also popular: a mount with a shelf like Friedrich at the bottom for helmets and keys, and a simple frame like Oskar at the top. Each mount holds one bike up to about 20 kg (Henry and Max about 18 kg). They are not suitable for an e-bike over 20 kg or a bike without a top tube – that bike belongs in a floor stand. Find out how our bike wall mount is made and who is behind it on our homepage.

Frequently asked questions

How much space do two bikes need one above the other?

That depends on your lower bike: from the top tube to the highest point of the saddle or handlebars, plus a few centimetres of clearance. A sideways offset reduces the distance needed.

Can you hang two bikes on one mount?

Our mounts are designed for one bike each. For two bikes you need two mounts.

Which bike goes on top?

The lighter one that you use less often. Road bike on top, everyday bike below is a tried-and-tested arrangement.

Can a plasterboard wall hold two bikes?

With suitable cavity wall anchors or fixing into the stud frame, it's possible if the load capacity of the anchors is sufficient. More in Fitting a bike wall mount to plasterboard.