BikeStow Two Laminated MKII MTB Storage Rack in review
Bikes are great! We love everything about bikes. Except that is, storing them and transporting them in a van. BikeStow claim to have the solution.
If your partner is giving you heat over handlebar and tire marks on the clean white walls, then maybe you need a better storage strategy. UK based brand BikeStow are offering up an ingenious solution with their CNC routed and laser-cut, flat-packed bike storage racks. Manufactured in Birmingham, the BikeStow would not look out of place in a trendy furniture store, with an innovative design that folds flat for easy storage, The racks are available with a capacity for 2, 3 and 4 bikes, and feature pre-cut cutouts flor cargo straps allowing you to secure the rack in a van in case you drive like Ken Block. As fitting in a modern flat as in the back of a van, the BikeStow is exceptionally well designed, with a magnetic clip that holds the ‘spreader’ bar in place, and also keep the rack closed for storage. The BikeStow is compatible with tires up to 3 inches in 27.5” (2.6” for 29ers) and is manufactured from laminated birch plywood. The BikeStow has secure thumb screws for holding the clamps in place and because the only point of contact is the tire, there’s no chance of scratching or marking your pride and joy. The rack arrives fully assembled and is intended for internal use only.
The BikeStow is flat-packable in seconds, allowing easy storage when not in use and making it easy to transport in vehicles.
While the rack will take a big 2.5 inch 29er tire, space is limited and it makes the bikes a little harder to remove at an angle.
The BikeStow design is quite contemporary, looking good if you need to use it in a flat or home.
UK Editor Trev has been using the Two BikeStow rack for some time now, both in the office and also as a storage solution in his ‘ghetto’ converted VW T4 van. Overall the BikeStow has been a huge success, especially in the van where it holds 2 bikes in total security. Where we were most impressed was the attention to detail, the magnetic clasps that hold the rack either open or closed are an ingenious solution to avoid trapped fingers and the overall feel is of very high-quality production. The only things we found were a little frustrating were the aluminium V sliders are quite sharp, while this did not damage our tires, a rounded edge would be nicer to use [after consultation with BikeStow they inform us they now use a different polishing company for a smoother finish on the sliders]. Also, if you have big 2.5” 29er tires, while the bikes still fit fine, space in the slots is a little more limited and you have to thread the bikes in straight on, which is a consideration if you plan to use a van side door to access the rack. Thinner tires, or 27.5” wheels prove no problem at all.
The BikeStow is a design triumph, simple, effective and flat-packable. If you’re looking for a storage solution for 2 – 4 bikes that can be stowed flat when not in use and looks cool enough to grace any city flat, the BikeStow is the perfect solution.
Tops
- Flat-packable for storage
Secure and fast to setup - Fits in a busy home
Flops
- Some edges are sharp
- Tight with big 29er tires
Tester Trevor
Duration 5 months
Price £ 179
More info bikestow.com
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