Cycle Carriers & Racks

About Cycle Carriers & Racks

Cycle carriers and racks are essential storage and transport solutions for anyone who needs to organise, maintain, or transport bicycles safely and efficiently. Whether you're running a professional bicycle workshop, managing a fleet of company bikes, or simply need to maximise space in your garage or van, the right cycle storage system can make all the difference. Our range includes wall-mounted racks, freestanding workshop stands, heavy-duty bicycle racks for multiple bikes, and specialist equipment like cleaning display stands and trailer board accessories for cycle carriers.

For professional mechanics and bike shop owners, workshop bicycle stands provide the stable platform needed for maintenance and repairs, allowing you to work at a comfortable height whilst keeping the bicycle secure. Wall mounting folding bicycle racks offer space-saving solutions for workshops, garages, and commercial premises where floor space is at a premium. These systems are designed to withstand regular use in demanding environments, with robust construction from trusted brands like Sealey and Draper ensuring long-term reliability.

Modern cycle carriers and racks cater to various needs, from simple storage hooks for hanging a single bike to adjustable wall cycle racks that can accommodate different frame sizes and styles. Heavy-duty options are available for businesses, schools, and facilities that need to store multiple bicycles securely, whilst trailer boards for cycle carriers ensure you remain road-legal when transporting bikes on public highways.

Jargon Buster

• Workshop Bicycle Stand: A freestanding or clamping stand that holds a bicycle securely at working height, allowing mechanics to perform maintenance, repairs, and cleaning without the bike touching the ground. Essential equipment for professional bicycle workshops.
• Wall Mounting Folding Rack: A space-saving storage solution that attaches to walls and can be folded away when not in use. Ideal for garages and workshops where floor space is limited, these racks typically feature adjustable arms to accommodate different bicycle frame sizes.
• Trailer Board: A legally required lighting board that must be fitted when bicycles mounted on a rear carrier obscure a vehicle's standard lights and registration plate. Ensures compliance with UK road traffic regulations.
• Adjustable Wall Cycle Rack: A wall-mounted storage system with adjustable brackets or hooks that can be configured to suit different bicycle types, from children's bikes to adult mountain bikes and road bikes.
• Display Stand: A specialised stand used in retail environments or workshops to showcase bicycles at an attractive angle whilst keeping them stable and accessible for inspection or cleaning.
• Heavy-Duty Bicycle Rack: A robust storage system designed to hold multiple bicycles, typically constructed from reinforced steel with higher weight capacities suitable for commercial use or storing electric bikes and cargo bicycles.

Who Uses Cycle Carriers & Racks?

• Bicycle mechanics and repair technicians working in professional workshops and mobile repair services
• Bike shop owners and retailers requiring display and storage solutions for inventory
• Fleet managers responsible for company bicycle schemes and delivery services
• Facility managers at schools, universities, leisure centres, and commercial premises providing cycle parking
• Mobile mechanics and service vans needing to transport bicycles safely
• Serious cycling enthusiasts who maintain their own bikes and need workshop-quality equipment at home
• Garage and workshop owners looking to maximise storage space efficiently
• Property developers and landlords installing cycle storage facilities to meet planning requirements
• Delivery companies and courier services managing bicycle fleets for last-mile deliveries

How to Choose the Right Cycle Carriers & Racks

Selecting the appropriate cycle carrier or rack depends on several key factors. First, consider your available space and whether you need a wall-mounted, freestanding, or folding solution. Wall-mounted options like adjustable wall cycle racks are excellent for garages and workshops with limited floor space, whilst heavy-duty freestanding racks work better for outdoor installations or larger facilities where permanent wall fixings aren't practical.

Weight capacity is crucial, particularly if you're storing modern electric bikes which can weigh significantly more than traditional bicycles. Check the maximum load rating for each bike position and ensure it exceeds your heaviest bicycle. Sealey's heavy-duty bicycle racks are specifically designed for commercial applications where robust construction is essential.

For workshop applications, consider whether you need a cleaning display stand or a full workshop bicycle stand. Cleaning stands are ideal for routine maintenance and washing, whilst workshop stands with clamping mechanisms provide the stability needed for more intensive repair work. Look for features like adjustable height, rotating clamps, and stable bases that won't tip during use.

If you're transporting bicycles on public roads, ensure you have the correct trailer board for cycle carriers to maintain legal compliance. These boards replicate your vehicle's rear lights and number plate, preventing potential fines and ensuring other road users can see your signals clearly.

Consider the bicycle types you'll be storing. Standard horizontal racks work well for traditional bikes, but if you're dealing with various frame styles including step-through designs, children's bikes, or unusual geometries, adjustable systems offer greater flexibility. Storage hooks provide the most economical solution for single bikes and are perfect for home garages.

Popular Accessories

• Trailer boards with UK-compliant lighting and number plate holders
• Additional mounting brackets and wall fixings for expanding storage capacity
• Protective wheel straps and frame padding to prevent scratches during storage
• Security chains and locks for public or semi-public installations
• Bicycle cleaning supplies and maintenance tools
• Workshop mats to protect floors beneath maintenance stands
• Storage hooks for helmets, pumps, and cycling accessories
• Replacement parts such as clamp jaws and adjustment knobs

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a workshop stand and a storage rack?

A workshop stand is specifically designed to hold a bicycle securely at working height for maintenance and repairs, typically featuring clamps that grip the frame or seatpost. Storage racks are designed purely for parking and organising bikes when not in use, with simpler construction focused on space efficiency rather than providing access for mechanical work.

Can wall-mounted cycle racks be fitted to plasterboard walls?

Wall-mounted racks should ideally be fixed into solid masonry walls or timber studs capable of supporting the combined weight of the rack and bicycle. Standard plasterboard alone is insufficient. If you only have plasterboard walls, you'll need to locate the timber studs behind or use specialised heavy-duty plasterboard fixings rated for the total weight, though solid wall mounting is always preferable for safety and stability.

Do I legally need a trailer board when carrying bikes on my vehicle?

Yes, if your cycle carrier obscures your vehicle's rear lights, indicators, or number plate, UK law requires you to fit a trailer board that clearly displays all these elements. This ensures other road users can see your vehicle's signals and identification. Failure to use a trailer board when required can result in fines and penalty points.

How many bikes can a heavy-duty bicycle rack typically hold?

Capacity varies by model, but heavy-duty bicycle racks generally accommodate between 2-6 bikes depending on the design. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for both the number of bikes and total weight capacity. Commercial installations may require multiple racks to meet demand, and it's worth considering future needs when planning your layout.

Are folding wall racks as strong as fixed installations?

Quality folding wall racks from reputable brands like Sealey are engineered to be just as strong as fixed alternatives when properly installed and in the deployed position. The folding mechanism is designed to lock securely when in use. However, always follow the manufacturer's weight limits and installation instructions, ensuring fixings are appropriate for your wall type.