I can’t speak for any other area, but here in North Texas cycling seems to be steadily climbing to become one of the most popular outdoor activities (hey, we love soccer now, too — anything can happen). Recently even I started to re-familiarize myself with the West’s new favorite saddle. This, of course, brings the dilemma of shop space: Vehicles and tools/storage get the floor; everything else steps aside.
Amazon is currently selling the Racor PBH-1R ceiling-mounted bike lift for $18.43, more than half off normal retail, and Prime eligible. The specs: one 48-foot rope with a locking mechanism good for ceilings up to 14 feet high, a solid steel hardware pulley system, a rope cleat, and a couple of wood screws. Installation’s up to you (make sure to drag out the stud finder for drywall) and requires only a few basic hand tools — a Phillips screwdriver, drill with 1/8″ bit, and tape measure. Racor says the system will hold up to 50 lbs., though if you ask me, that’s on the heavy side for a bike.
So, help me out here — I’m still unfamiliar with the different qualities that make a good bike lift. The reviews for the Racor at Amazon are generally positive, though a consistent complaint is the chintzy quality of the rope, which sometimes apparently comes frayed right out of the box. But for less than $20, is it worth taking the chance and just swapping in a better rope if you need to? Or should I just shell out for something like the Gear Up Deluxe Bicycle Storage Hoist [What’s This?]?
Racor PBH-1R Ceiling-Mounted Bike Lift Via Amazon [What’s This?]
