We’ve been around for a while and have worked with clients from a wide range of backgrounds. Some were expanding their existing bike storage facilities, while others were looking to meet the increasing demand for secure bicycle spaces on their premises. Whatever the type of client, in our experience, they’ve all had something in common – space constraints. Space constraints are a common challenge, especially in busy areas like railway stations, larger offices or mixed-use development, where meeting diverse needs is important.
Two-tier bike racks and shelters have become a leading trend and solution in bike storage for smaller spaces where there isn’t much room for racks and larger spaces that need to accommodate greater numbers of bikes. By stacking bikes vertically, these racks effectively double the parking capacity in a given space, which has been a welcomed improvement on older bike rack models. Two-tier bike racks have become a practical and efficient solution for maximising bike storage in limited spaces and providing bike parking in larger developments with high traffic and parking needs.
What Are The Top Benefits Of Two-Tier Storage?
As more of us are hopping on our two-wheeled pedal-powered bicycles, more of us are looking for safe, secure and easy-to-use parking spots. On the other side of this equation, property managers and developers are looking for better and more efficient ways to maximise their storage spaces. Two-tier bike racks are an excellent solution, stacking bikes vertically to double the parking capacity in the same area. Two-tier shelters do the same for you outdoors while giving bikes and your racks the added protection from the weather, giving both longer lifespans. They are a way to give cyclists the safe and protective parking they want, even if you don’t have the indoor space to do so.
In shelters or standalone, two-tier racks also score pretty great on security tests. They give you robust protection against theft because their design includes triple locking points for added peace of mind and safety. Considering that the primary reason for bike racks’ existence is to stop your bike from being stolen, we’d say this is a very important perk.
One of our personal favourite pros of two-tier racks is how easy they are to use. We know that all that space-saving, triple locking, and sleek looks would be wasted if they were uncomfortable, complicated, and inaccessible. This is why they have a carefully executed design made for ease of use and maximum accessibility—they have a gas strut that ensures they require minimal physical effort to park and retrieve. The gas strut makes parking a breeze even on the top level.
Lastly, let’s not forget their compact and modern design. They help your parking area look tidy and maintained while looking sleek, giving it a more designer feel.
We offer a wide range of two-tier bicycle racks made from steel, aluminium, and wooden panels, all thoughtfully designed with the end-user in mind. In this short guide, we’ll explore your options and help you understand why a particular two-tier stand or shelter might be the perfect choice for you.
Two-Tier Bike Rack
Our most popular two-tier bike storage solution is the Two-Tier Bike Rack With Gas Strut, which, as the name suggests, comes with the indispensable gas-assisted strut for easy lift. It is innovative, user-friendly, and space-efficient—an unbeatable combination that will revamp your bike storage space.
These two-tier racks may be relatively compact – a centre-to-centre distance of only 375mm—but they pack a punch because, for every installed rack, you can fit two bikes where you could only fit one before. They are designed and manufactured to be functional but also sleek and modern-looking, lifting up the looks of any parking lot where they’re installed.
One of the best things about them? They can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Their key features include the easy-lift gas strut for effortless bike lifting, a sloping wheel channel on the lower rack, which eliminates bending between levels, and tough stainless steel bearings on the upper tier for durability. The racks are strong and have a long lifespan due to their robust construction of steel galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 standards. They give you stable bike storage with locking bars for added security. The two-tier racks can be just galvanised or powder-coated.
One of our personal favourite things about these racks is that they make planning out your cycle storage area simpler. They accommodate all bicycle types and can be extended indefinitely, with double—or single-sided versions available.
Two-story bike racks are perfect for areas of high population density, like stations, shopping centres, schools, car parks, and offices. They are the ultimate solution for bike parking and can be retrofitted in existing spaces or planned from the get-go of new buildings.
BikeSafe Two-Tier Bike Rack
The BikeSafe Two-Tier Bike Rack is a very similar solution to the Two-Tier Bike Rack With Gas Strut. They share all the cool features of the standard two-tier model and offer two levels of wheel channels which easily guide the wheel of the user’s bike in the right place.
The BikeSafe rack’s key feature is the gas-assisted strut for a breeze of use. It doesn’t matter if you’re wheeling your bike on the first or second level and if you’re strong enough to bear the weight of your bike – the gas strut lifts your bike up with a gentle push. The aluminium top tracks are manufactured to ensure further the smooth and easy experience of parking your bike on the top tier. For extra strength, we have made sure the bearings are stainless steel, and the frame is steel galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 standard, which can also be powder-coated.
The biggest difference between our two two-tier bike racks is that the BikeSafe, our more premium model, is the only Active Score-approved two-tier bike parking system. One of its defining features is the additional end panels, which can be made of steel or timber cladding. These beautiful finishing elements add a touch of an architectural feel to the product, making it a bit more premium and polished-looking.
Electric Two-Tier Bike Rack
The Electric Two-Tier Bike Rack is one of our top picks – the same space-saving magic as our regular Two-Tier Bike Rack with Gas Strut but with a tech twist. In keeping up with the newest demands in bike storage, this two-tier bike rack accommodates e-bikes and has the same great features as the standard two-tier rack. You get the same space-saving dimensions and vertical stacking, plus the fan’s favourite easy-to-use gas strut and triple-point locking for security.
To cater to e-bikes, this two-tier electric bike rack has a built-in twin-gang UK plug socket. It requires at least a 50 amp supply to a 240v single-phase commando socket with rotary isolation and FB Padlock, so keep this in mind when you’re installing it.
These next-gen bike racks allow for easy charging and secure parking. They would be excellent additions to your bike parking facility to support the growing trend of active travel. They are ideal for offices, public buildings, and transport hubs.
Two-Tier Bike Shelters
Bike storage can be set up either indoors or outdoors. If you’re planning to install racks or stands outside, it’s a good idea to protect both the racks and the bikes from the weather—it gives both bikes and stands a longer lifespan. The best way to do this is by adding a shelter to your bike storage area.
Our two-tier bike shelters are designed to shield bikes from harsh weather, which can cause damage over time. They have roofs and can be fitted with back and side panels for extra protection. They also help keep bikes safe from theft and damage, providing a secure storage spot.
However, the biggest ace up their sleeve is that they’re specifically designed to save space. They double the storage capacity compared to traditional bike shelters, making them perfect for smaller spaces or large storage needs. Plus, they have a sleek, compact design that helps keep your bike storage area tidy and organised. You can choose from different finishes and colours to match the rest of your building’s design and aesthetic.
We offer a range of two-tier bicycle shelters made from strong steel and polycarbonate panels. They have similar basic features but differ in available add-ons and some design elements. Whichever one you choose, they are all time-tested, well-made and designed with the final user in mind.
We offer a range of double-stacked bike racks and shelter options, such as our Two-tier Hammersmith shelter. The shelter comes with an extended sloped polycarbonate roof—perfect for letting light in but keeping rain out—and a tough steel frame that can be galvanised, powder-coated, or both. The extended roof keeps the rain away well enough, but for extra protection, you can add back and side panels, too. It can house 20 bikes by default, but it can be made to fit your needs.
The same goes for the Two Tier Bristol Cycle Shelter, which, by default, can accommodate up to 20 bikes but can be tailored to your needs. The Bristol can be made extra protective with side and back polycarbonate panels like the Hammersmith, but unlike the Bristol, it has a few extra options—it can include lighting and swing or sliding gates for even more security. Their other difference is that the Bristol’s roof is curved.
The Two Tier Cardiff Cycle Shelter, which can include a roof, sides, and back to ensure your bikes and racks stay safe from rain and UV rays, is another great option made of a 50mm mild steel box section. Here, however, your roof can be made of corrugated steel or polycarbonate. The Cardiff also comes with 20 spaces as a standard but can be made to order.
The Two Tier New York bike shelter is similar to the above in terms of capacity but is free-standing and single-sided. It can be galvanised, powder-coated or both.
Lastly, there is our much larger Two Tier Ark Shelter, which has 40 capacity as standard but can store up to 160 bikes at a time. It comes with an anti-vandal sloped polycarbonate roof that discourages climbing. The polycarbonate roof lets light in, naturally illuminating the bike parking space but protecting it from harsh weather. The unique thing about the Ark shelter is its large roof, which allows you to fit two rows of two-tier racks, making a very large sheltered bike parking space. It is one of the best options on the market for housing large amounts of bikes.
Two-tier bike racks and shelters offer a modern and efficient solution for all your bike storage needs. They provide space efficiency, security, and easy access, making them perfect for a variety of settings, from urban areas to schools and offices. Two-tier bike shelters add an extra layer of protection and organisation, helping you maximise space while keeping bikes safe from the weather. Investing in two-tier bike storage solutions is a smart, forward-thinking choice that encourages cycling and provides secure storage for cyclists.
