{"id":22568,"date":"2021-06-30T23:45:14","date_gmt":"2021-07-01T06:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/?post_type=tools_and_asset&p=22568"},"modified":"2021-10-17T20:54:13","modified_gmt":"2021-10-18T03:54:13","slug":"how-to-choose-a-bike-rack","status":"publish","type":"tools-assets","link":"https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/resources\/tools-assets\/how-to-choose-a-bike-rack\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose A Bike Rack"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ background_image=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Student-Housing-Varsities.jpg” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”HOW TO CHOOSE A BIKE RACK” text_orientation=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ title_font=”Montserrat|500|||||||” title_font_size=”26px” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.62)” background_image=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Student-Housing-Varsities.jpg” background_position=”bottom_center” background_blend=”multiply” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ custom_padding=”6%||6%|” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”6%|5%|6%|5%|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”background-attachment: fixed;” custom_css_title=”text-transform: uppercase;||letter-spacing: 2px;||font-weight: 300;” title_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ title_text_shadow_color=”#000000″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” title_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” title_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” content_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” content_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” content_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” subhead_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” subhead_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” content_link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” content_link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” content_link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” content_ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” content_ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” content_ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” content_ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” content_ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” content_ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” content_quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” content_quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” content_quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” button_one_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” button_one_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” button_one_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” button_two_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” button_two_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” button_two_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_horizontal_image_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_image_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_image_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_image_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_horizontal_button_one_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_button_one_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_button_one_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_button_one_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_horizontal_button_two_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_button_two_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_button_two_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_button_two_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” saved_tabs=”all” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ custom_margin=”|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0|0px|19px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”28px” header_2_letter_spacing=”0px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”off|desktop” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

TOP TIPS FOR AVOIDING THE BIKE PARKING RACK MISTAKES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME<\/h2>\n

Ground Control Systems applied our 30+ years of experience in the bike rack business to create a series of witty but informative videos for choosing lasting bike parking for your projects. Who would have thought density, security, ease of use and cost were as amusing as this?<\/p>\n

Before we begin, here\u2019s a quick rundown of what makes a good Class II bike rack:<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”0|50px|20px||false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Organized-Ruler-150×150-1.jpg” title_text=”Organized-Ruler-150×150″ align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.10″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”|||16px|false|false”]<\/p>\n

Organized<\/h3>\n

If there\u2019s one catch-all phrase for what is right in the bike world, it\u2019s organization. Organized racks keep bikes upright and comfy by separating them slightly, so they can\u2019t scrape against each other or fall to the ground. By preventing falling or slipping (and the resulting headaches and cursing), the rack controls the bike footprint. Believe it or not this organized separation gets more bikes<\/i> in an area than other racks, so you get more bang for your buck. Look for bike docks to keep wheels in place or can offset handlebars.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”0|0px|20px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/secure-high-security-bike-parking-150×150-1.jpg” title_text=”secure-high-security-bike-parking-150×150″ align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.10″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Bicycle Friendliness<\/h3>\n

If a bike could talk, what would it want? Besides a cushioned seat cover, that is. It would scream \u201cDON\u2019T LEAVE ME\u201d at low-security racks; mumble\u00a0expletives as it falls to the ground at a chaotic rack; and cringe at the cosmetic damage of scraping metal against metal. Look for bike racks that have protective coatings to prevent the frame from scratching against metal racks, and organized racks that are compatible with U-locks.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0|0px|20px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Bicycle-Friendliness-Quality-Bike-Racks.jpg” title_text=”Bicycle-Friendliness-Quality-Bike-Racks” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.10″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

High-Density<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s only so much space to park bikes, yet cycling is more popular than ever. We feel your pain. Bike racks that have high-density parking make the most of valuable real estate, but this is where Organized comes into play again. Without an organized controlled footprint, an 8-bike rack turns into a 4-bike rack; at that point, why even bother? Look for organized racks with flexible layout possibilities to get as many bikes into an area \u2013 and plan to add more for the inevitable upswing of cyclists.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|20px|0px”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/High-Density-Bicycle-Racks-150×150-1.jpg” title_text=”High-Density-Bicycle-Racks-150×150″ align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.10″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Secure<\/h3>\n

Bicycle theft may seem like a boogie man argument, but it happens all too often. True, a determined thief could steal anything, but thieves usually avoid snatching bikes from racks that present a challenge. Look for stronger materials like steel, avoid round hollow tubing, and the rack must allow a U-lock to wrap around the bike frame, a wheel, and the rack simultaneously.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/value-bike-racks-150×150-1.jpg” title_text=”value-bike-racks-150×150″ align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.10″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Value<\/h3>\n

Price is always a concern when it comes to bicycle parking projects, but without taking into account the value of what you’re getting in return, you may not choose the most optimal rack. From features that are important for function to those that simply just add to the cost with no real benefit, it’s important to find the right balance of price and quality.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-To-Choose-a-Bike-Rack-Chart-2018.png” title_text=”How-To-Choose-a-Bike-Rack-Chart-2018″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.10″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”505050″ _builder_version=”3.3.1″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0|0px|18px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”28px” header_2_letter_spacing=”0px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”off|desktop” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Which You Should Avoid – Don’t Buy These Bike Racks<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/i7Ab7peOB50″ _builder_version=”3.3.1″][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″]<\/p>\n

Grid Racks<\/h4>\n

The Grid style rack allows the front or back tire to be inserted between two thin welded bars to lock the wheel to the rack. The Grid Rack is notorious among cyclists as a low-security \u201cwheel bender.\u201d Without a way to lock the frame AND wheel to the Grid, bikes tend to vanish, leaving one sad, bent wheel behind.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Features to Consider<\/h5>\n
    \n
  • Front or back tire locking only – frame cannot be locked to the rack, unless improperly used<\/li>\n
  • Hollow tubing can be easily cut and scratches bike frames.<\/li>\n
  • Handlebar conflict from poor spacing between bikes.<\/li>\n
  • Tires can become bent from being in between the racks slots where bikes can topple.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Grid-Rack-Rating.jpg” title_text=”Grid-Rack-Rating” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ background_color=”#dfdfdf”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”505050″ _builder_version=”3.3.1″][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/zYM3svpZEEA” _builder_version=”3.3.1″][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″]<\/p>\n

    Wave Racks<\/h4>\n

    The Wave Rack has a serpentine shape that creates a series of U tubed slots for bikes to be parked. The Wave is a favorite of landscape architects for the price tag and the curvy good looks. However, the U shapes that of the Wave Rack are extremely difficult to properly lock bikes against, causing conflict and chaos.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

    Features to Consider<\/h5>\n
      \n
    • Round tubing is susceptible to cutting.<\/li>\n
    • Only the frame and one wheel can be locked to the rack.<\/li>\n
    • Handlebar conflict occurs from poor spacing between bikes.<\/li>\n
    • Bikes are easily tipped over due to lack of a stabilizing wheel trough.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Wave-Rack-Rating.jpg” title_text=”Wave-Rack-Rating” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.10″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider color=”505050″ _builder_version=”3.3.1″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”28px” header_2_letter_spacing=”0px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”off|desktop” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

      Which are OK – Secure, but Not Bike Friendly or Organized<\/h2>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/FmA3LhyHN3k” _builder_version=”3.3.1″][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”POLE & ORNAMENTAL RACKS” url=”https:\/\/groundcontrolsystems.com\/products\/bike-racks\/inverted-u-hoop-runner-cs200-circle-series-bike-rack\/” module_class=”title-turns-yellow-on-hover” _builder_version=”3.3.1″][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″]<\/p>\n

      Ornamental bike racks come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and prices. Ornamental racks can be custom designed to match a theme\/logo or highly modern\/architectural. Despite the flashy appeal, Ornamental racks often neglect organization, density, and security, so they only look good when empty.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

      Features to Consider<\/h5>\n