How to store your bikes in your DIY van build

When designing your layout, it’s not only important to understand where your build-outs are going to be located, you must also consider where your gear is going. We wanted a vertical storage solution for our mountain bikes, as this orientation takes up WAY less floor real estate than storing them horizontally. We selected the Delta Cycle Da Vinci Bike Hanger because the specs met our need and the price is hard to beat as they come in at under $20- a pop.

The Delta Cycle Da Vinci Bike Hanger can store bikes up to 40lbs and allows for tire widths of up to 3.5”. The hanger doesn’t scratch your rims, as the hook is rubber-coated. The kit comes with the hanger and an additional tire tray to keep both wheels from marking your wall. The hanger is super easy to install, comes with all the hardware you need, is offered in two colors (black/silver), and is made from powder-coated steel. The cherry on top? Lifetime warranty!

Why we like it: We wanted a space-saving and quick storage solution for our bikes that kept them INSIDE the van for a few reasons: 1) Putting the bikes on the roof wasn’t an option since our solar panels take up most the roof (and what a pain to load/unload!). 2) We didn’t want our bikes outside where they’d be subjected to local weather and possible theft. 3) Our vanlife profile feels a little stealthier without them stored on a rack on either the front or back of the van. These hangers worked perfectly as a simple solution that met our criteria. They were super easy to install, are just as easy to use, and the price is a bargain. We have one hanger for each bike.

Things to keep in mind: If you’re using these inside your van, you’ll probably have to remove the front wheel of your bike. Our bikes are too tall to fit fully assembled in our garage when oriented vertically - even with our High Roof Transit. We’re working with limited space horizontally too, so our racks are close together which can make hanging the bikes a little trickier. If these were used in a bricks-n-sticks garage or city apartment for more than one bike, we’d suggest at least 18” between the racks to make it easier to remove and put back your bikes.

The take away: We like the design of these, as they are low profile, strong, and make saving some valuable real estate a breeze! We drive on lots of bumpy roads and never have to worry about our bikes falling or clanging around in the back of the van. The hangers are super small, so they’re suitable for garages, homes, apartments, vans, and more. We always appreciate a lifetime warranty when we purchase something, as it lets us buy with total confidence. Lastly, we often see these offered in a discounted 2-pack - so check the link below for ultimate space and cash savings!