Ryan Colwell
Depending on the climate of your installation, there will be different weather conditions to consider when making design choices. One of these choices will be choosing the right bike racks for your space.
Different racks will have different qualities that make them durable in specific applications but can make them less suitable for other locations. When choosing a bike rack that will be ideal your climate, some aspects to consider are:
- Sturdy Construction
- Weather-Resistant Materials
- Versatility for Different Bicycles
- Easy Installation and Maintenance
- Proper Spacing for Convenience
Sturdy Construction
Regardless of climate, sturdiness should always be a concern. However, the extent of this aspect will vary depending on how moderate or severe natural elements can be in your area.
Robust construction ensures that the racks remain secure and stable, even in adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, storms, and flooding.
For all applications, steel is the ideal choice for bike racks because it is more durable than other cost-effective alternatives, and far less expensive than other durable solutions.
In general, having thicker tube diameter and square tubing will improve the durability and longevity of a bike rack and should be considered for particularly extreme environments.
Weather-Resistant Materials
For steel bike racks, there are several corrosion-resistant coatings finishes to choose from, which prevents rusting and deterioration.
This level of protection makes them ideal for both rainy spring days and icy winter nights.
High-quality finishes include galvanized steel, stainless steel, and powder coated steel. At Madrax, we offer all these finishes and recommend them each based on unique situations.
Galvanized Steel – When steel is hot-dipped galvanized, it becomes resistant to the elements and is extremely durable. Here at Madrax, our galvanized steel comes with a five-year warranty. This utility finish is our most economical choice, but may not be suitable for coastal areas, as salt can cause the galvanized steel to rust over time.
Stainless Steel – Stainless steel is not abrasive to the touch, looks great, and stands up well in tough weather conditions. It is the best option for previously mentioned salty areas. At Madrax, we typically use Grade 304 stainless steel, however you can specifically request Grade 316 with a sales representative. Like our galvanized steel option, our stainless steel comes with a five-year warranty. One aspect to watch out for with stainless steel, though, is just how hot it can get in the sun. You may want to avoid this option if you live in a particularly hot area that gets a lot of sun.
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Powder coated steel - A powder-coated finish provides an extra layer of protection against the elements, preventing rust and corrosion. It not only stays cool in the heat as compared to other finishes, but is also fade-resistant. It also enhances the overall durability of the bike rack. Powder coating isn't always the greatest choice for areas that will be filled with salt, such as beach applications and areas that are salted prior to snowing.
Having the right materials helps bike racks withstand exposure to rain, snow, and other environmental elements without rusting or deteriorating. It also protects against excessive heat from the sun impacting the racks.
Versatility for Different Bicycles
Bike racks that can accommodate various types of bicycles, including those with wider winter tires or unique frame shapes are ideal for year-round installation. This adaptability ensures that the racks remain useful in different seasons when cyclists may opt for various types of bikes.
This can include, but is not limited to, racks that allow for wide wheel wells and racks that require no lifting to properly secure to.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
To have the best year-round racks, you should install them into concrete, as regardless of install type it is the most secure surface to mount onto. When looking for bike racks for your environment consider several factors:
Do you want removable racks so that areas can be easier to shovel or plow?
Surface mounting is the right choice for you - this method is only ideal for situations in which you are mounting onto concrete. When surface mounting, we strongly suggest that you use tamper-proof nuts to secure the rack, otherwise it can easily be removed with a hand tool.
Do you want racks that will remain in the ground no matter how harsh the weather gets?
In Ground mounting is the right choice for you - a bike rack that has been embedded into the ground. This type of mounting only works with concrete, however, as it is too easy to remove a rack embedded in other types of surfaces, such as asphalt or dirt. Installing a rack in concrete makes it a highly secure option, as the only way to remove the rack is by destroying the ground encasing its base.
Making regular maintenance, such as clearing snow or debris, simple contributed to the overall convenience of these bike racks.
Similarly, doing everything in your power to mitigate the cost of damage repairs on your rack is another cost-saving measure.
Proper Spacing for Convenience
A thoughtful design feature for year-round bike racks is the proper spacing between bike parking spaces. This ensures easy maneuvering of bicycles and helps prevent damage or entanglement, especially when users are wearing bulky clothing in colder weather. Accessibility and user-friendly design are key considerations for year-round functionality.
Madrax bike racks provide a secure and convenient solution for cyclists in all seasons. If you're looking for a bike rack that can stand up to the elements while offering ease of use, consider checking out these options:
If you're looking for bike security solutions that protect bikes from all the elements, check out our Bike Lockers!