A few years ago, BOTL founders Wessel and Jan were looking for a solution to a common problem for Amsterdam cyclists. Two road bikes, a small apartment, and no storage solution. Floor stands were clunky. Ceiling hoists required a small engineering project. Every wall mounted bike storage option was designed for a garage, not inside a home.
So they built their own from solid oak, finished by hand and BOTL Amsterdam was born.
If you're looking for bike storage solutions that don't force you to choose between function and good design, this guide covers everything:
- why wall mounting beats the alternatives
- how to choose the right hanger and where to mount it
- how to integrate your bike seemlessly with your interior
Apartment living: why wall-mounted bike storage is the best option
Floorspace is valuable for any apartment. A floor stand or a bike leaning against a wall claims between 0.4 and 0.7 sqm. That's the footprint of a small armchair or a desk
For a road bike: a wall mounted bike storage system is the solution. Your bike is no longer an obstacle and your floor stays clear. You know exactly where your bike is, and getting it down takes about two seconds. Compact, permanent and ready to take for a ride when you are.
Comparing bike hangers
Wall bike hangers come in two configurations: horizontal and vertical.
Horizontal hangers are the most common choice, holding the bike parallel to the wall, with the frame resting on a single arm or cradle. The bike's footprint is minimal. Weight is distributed evenly, which is gentler on the frame. Aesthetically, it becomes part of the wall, like a piece of art.
Vertical hangers hold the bike at a right angle to the wall, with the front wheel hooked up high. They work well in garages or high-ceiling studios. But the mechanics involved (ropes, pulleys, counterweights) add friction to what should be a simple daily task.
A wooden bike wall mount add a warm, minimalist feel that compliment Scandinavian interiors, warm earthy space, and everything in between.
A quick comparison:
| Type | Wall space used | Projection into room | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal wood hanger | Medium (bike width) | Minimal | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways |
| Vertical metal hanger | Small (wheel width) | Moderate to high | Narrow corridors, utility areas |
| Ceiling hoist | None | Full bike height | High-ceiling studios, garages |
For most apartments, a horizontal bike wall hanger in wood is the clear choice. Practical, proportionate, and genuinely good-looking.
Choosing the right place on your wall
Finding the right location is mostly common sense, but a few things are worth thinking through properly.
Clearance: When the bike is mounted, the handlebars will be the widest point. Measure your handlebar width and make sure you have that much clear space on each side, plus a few centimetres. Allow at least 30–40 cm between the mounted bike and any nearby furniture.
Height: Mount at a height where the pedal or crank arm sits roughly at eye level, around 150–160 cm from the floor to the hanger. Too low and the front wheel sweeps the floor. Too high and lifting becomes difficult.
Wall type. BOTL hangers must be mounted on a solid, load-bearing masonry wall: brick, stone, or concrete. This is essential for a safe, lasting fix. Tap the wall; a solid sound indicates masonry. When in doubt, check with your building manager before drilling.
If you're renting: the most common concern is wall damage. A single clean drill hole with the right wall plug leaves a minimal mark, far less than a shelf bracket and smaller than most art hanging hardware. However it's worth checking your rental contract first.
For full guidance on fixings and installation, see the BOTL installation instructions page.
The BOTL Amsterdam range: premium handcrafted wood bike hangers
BOTL has a small, deliberate range of wall mounted bike hanger wood products. Here's how to match each one to your situation.
Oak Bike Wall Hanger #1 — the statement piece. Solid oak with a substantial, confident profile. Available in three finishes:
This is the hanger for a design-led apartment where the bike gets wall space in the living room or bedroom, somewhere it will actually be seen.
Oak Bike Wall Hanger #2 — available in Natural Oil.
Same solid oak construction, slightly more compact profile. A good option if you want the warmth of #1 but prefer a quieter presence on the wall, or if you're working with a slightly tighter space.
Compact Beech Bike Wall Hanger #3 — the entry point.
Available in Natural Oil and Smoked. Beech is lighter in colour and grain than oak. It works well in bright, minimal spaces. Smaller in form, but made with the same handcrafted approach as the rest of the range.
Match product to situation:
- Small studio, budget-conscious renter: Hanger #3 Natural Oil or Smoked
- Design-led apartment, Scandinavian or dark-toned interior: Hanger #1 Smoked
- Warm, natural interior where the bike is a feature: Hanger #1 Natural Oil
- Compact living room or hallway, understated look: Hanger #2 Natural Oil
Browse the full bike hanger collection to see all options side by side.
Installation in 4 steps (no contractor needed)
A lot of people assume installation is a project: something requiring tools they don't own and skills they're not sure they have. It isn't. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes. You do need a drill, masonry drill bit, screw driver, spirit level and pencil before you begin.
Step 1: Mark your position. Hold the hanger against the wall at the height you've chosen and mark the fixing holes with a pencil. Use a spirit level to confirm it's straight before you drill.
Step 2: Drill and plug. Using a masonry drill bit, drill at your marked positions and fit the wall plugs. The hanger comes with all the hardware you need.
Step 3: Screw and check. Use a screwdriver to screw the screws in firmly. Check that the hanger sits flush against the wall and doesn't shift when you apply pressure.
Step 4: Hang the bike. Lift the bike onto the hanger. Step back and enjoy.
That's it. The full installation guide (including wall plug recommendations and drill specifications) is on the BOTL installation instructions page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will mounting a bike hanger damage my wall?
Every wall mount requires at least two drill holes. Done correctly with the right fixings, these are small, clean penetrations, comparable to hanging a heavy picture frame. They can be filled and painted over when you leave. The damage from a bike leaning against a wall over months is usually more significant.
Can I install a wall bike hanger in a rented apartment?
In most cases, yes. A small number of well-placed drill holes is considered normal wear and use under Dutch tenancy law, and similar legislation applies in most European countries. If your rental agreement has specific restrictions on wall fixings, it's worth checking. In practice this is rarely an issue. See the frequently asked questions page for more detail on renting.
How much weight does a wood bike hanger hold?
BOTL hangers support bikes up to 12.5 kg, which covers most road bikes.
How do I care for the wood finish over time?
A natural oil finish can be refreshed with a thin application of Danish oil or a similar hardwax oil once a year, or when the wood looks dry. The smoked finish needs no particular maintenance. Wipe clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, which isn't usually a concern indoors but worth knowing if you're mounting in a damp hallway.
The right wall mounted bike storage setup transforms a cramped apartment from a place you park your bike into a home that has room for the things you love. The only question is what it hangs on. Take a look at the full bike hanger collection, made by hand, in Amsterdam, for exactly this.