Two-tier bike racks are an increasingly popular solution for bike storage in areas with limited space, such as urban offices, residential buildings, and public transport hubs, and not just. They work wonders for large spaces with high bike traffic and parking needs. It is no wonder they are a top-selling product for manufacturers.
Two-tier bike racks are designed to stack bikes vertically and to let you house more bikes in the same footprint, making them ideal for pretty much any areas. They have a beautiful modern look, work wonders for bike parking and save space. However, there is one complaint we’ve heard throughout the years – they look a bit scary. New users, especially if they don’t have much experience, sometimes feel a tad intimidated by the two-tier racks, especially the top level. We are here to assure you that though they may look complex at first, two-tier racks are equipped with user-friendly mechanisms to make parking a bike quick and easy for all skill levels.
This guide will walk you through the steps to efficiently use a two-tier bike rack, ensuring your bike is parked safely and securely.
Step 1 Choose an Available Slot
Start by locating an open spot, either on the rack’s lower or upper level. The lower tier is accessible without lifting, while the upper tier involves a pull-down tray. They are both easy to use, don’t worry; whichever one you select, you’ll be able to park your bike in a minute.
Step 2 Wheel Bike In (Bottom Level)
If you’ve selected a lower-level slot, then simply push the bike forward into the sloping channel. Then, use a strong lock to secure your bike to the two-tier rack. You’re good to go.
Step 3 Pull Down the Upper Tray (If Using the Top Level)
If you have decided to use the top level, grab the handle or front of the upper tray and pull it down gently until it reaches a manageable height. Our racks are designed with gas-assisted mechanisms to make this process easier and minimise the effort needed.
Step 4 Position Your Bike on the Tray
Once the top tier is down, align your bike with the tray, placing the front wheel into the designated wheel channel or slot. Roll the bike forward to ensure both wheels are in line and positioned securely in the rack’s guides.
Step 5 Lock the Bike in Place
Our two-tier racks come with built-in security features or places to attach your own lock, and for our models, both wheel and frame can be locked. Secure your bike using a good sturdy lock, preferably one that connects both the frame and one of the wheels to the rack.
Step 6 Lift the Bike Back Up
If you’re using the upper level, gently push the tray with your bike back into the raised position. Thanks to the gas-assist mechanisms, this is pretty effortless.
Step 7 Double-Check for Stability
Ensure your bike is stable and securely locked. Make sure that no part of the bike or lock is obstructing the mechanism or encroaching on neighbouring slots. You’re done and good to go on your way.
Retrieving Your Bike
When you’re ready to take your bike, unlock it and wheel it back towards yourself if it’s on the bottom level. If it’s on the upper tier, pull down the tray again to bring the bike to ground level and unlock your chain or lock. Carefully remove your bike from the tray and return the tray to the upright position if applicable.
All of the steps above apply equally to our e-bike two-tier rack model.
As you can see, the racks are only intimidating in looks, but they’re very easy to use in practice. They have been designed for simple use, cyclist comfort and bike safety. To make sure it all definitely goes smoothly, however, we would always say that you should follow some common sense rules.
Be mindful of your surroundings and any other cyclists, especially when pulling down the upper tray, you don’t want to knock anyone on the head.
For added security, use a robust lock, like a U-lock or heavy-duty chain, for locking both the frame and wheels. And always double-check if you’ve locked it in place before you leave your bike alone.
And lastly, we advise gentleness with the mechanisms. They are built strong and will last a long time, but it’s good to avoid forcing the tray up or down to prevent wear on the assist mechanisms, keeping the rack in good condition for all users.
Two-tier bike racks are a smart and efficient solution for maximising bike storage in spaces with high bike traffic, such as urban offices, residential buildings, and transportation hubs. They allow for vertically stacking bikes, saving valuable space while maintaining an organised and secure parking system. While these racks might initially seem intimidating, they are designed with user-friendly features that simplify bike parking for cyclists of all skill levels.
By following a few straightforward steps—choosing a slot, securely parking your bike, and double-checking stability—using a two-tier bike rack becomes a seamless part of your daily routine. The gas-assisted lifting mechanisms, reinforced structure, and secure locking options ensure your bike remains safe while occupying minimal space.
