We’ve been around for a while now and understand the importance of ensuring clients know that their new racks are more than just a shiny piece of metal. We also know that “space-saving” isn’t a magic buzzword that is enough to get a person to buy. When it comes to choosing a bike storage solution for your business, school, residential site or transport hub, we know durability and practicality matter just as much as design and space-saving. This is why we pride ourselves on producing high-quality, well-made products that are worth every penny you invest in them.
But have you ever wondered what they’re actually made of—and why that matters? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the materials, finishes and build quality of our two-tier racks and explain how these choices ensure your investment stands the test of time.
Built Tough with Hot-Dip Galvanised Steel
The core structure of our two-tier bike racks is made from hot-dip galvanised steel, a material known for its incredible durability and resilience. But what does that actually mean?
Steel is one of the most widely used metals, and for good reason. It is tough, easy to work with and can be recycled indefinitely. It makes for robust products which already score highly on strength and durability. To this we add galvanisation. Hot-dip galvanising is the process of coating steel in molten zinc, which forms a robust, corrosion-resistant barrier. This gives the already strong base some extra qualities because the zinc layer isn’t just for show – it bonds metallurgically to the steel, forming a barrier that makes the metal highly resistant to moisture, oxidation, and rust. That’s a big deal, especially in the UK, where rain is more common than not.
The added benefits make galvanised steel one of the top choices for anything outdoors. The galvanisation makes our racks perform exceptionally well in all seasons, both outside and in, without requiring constant repainting or treatment. Galvanised steel doesn’t need much of a regular upkeep, saving you time and cost over the years. With proper use, galvanised steel structures can last 30+ years, making them a sound long-term investment. Durability and low maintenance? It’s hard not to love it. By using hot-dip galvanised steel to BS EN ISO 1461 standards, we’re giving our racks the durability needed for public or commercial environments—from schools and business parks to train stations and town centres.
And to add to that, as we mentioned above, steel is 100% recyclable, and the galvanising process itself is efficient, with minimal environmental impact. We believe it is equally important to highlight this.
Smooth and Strong Stainless Steel Bearings
Another standout feature in our two-tier system is the use of stainless steel bearings on the upper-tier mechanism. These aren’t just any bearings—they’re built for heavy use and smooth, reliable operation over many years.
Stainless steel is another variant of steel, typically made with the addition of chromium and other elements in small quantities. It’s an extremely popular material, and you need to look no further than around your kitchen to find at least one stainless steel product. What makes stainless steel so special isn’t just its great shine.
Stainless steel earns top marks for corrosion resistance, and, like galvanised steel, it naturally resists rust and corrosion, which is especially important in moving parts exposed to the elements. It gives them robustness paired with low friction. The bearings make lifting and sliding bikes effortless, which means users don’t have to strain themselves or struggle with awkward mechanics.
Another plus is that anything made of stainless steel can be expected to have a very long life, making our bearings reliable year after year. Lastly, stainless steel doesn’t require painting or coating, which reduces maintenance over time.
Optional Powder-Coated Finish
While galvanising is excellent for durability, it does have a specific look which you might not be entirely happy about. The blotched initial look, which fades into a more uniform dull grey when the coating matures with time, might suit you just fine, but sometimes our clients want their bike rack to do a bit more aesthetically and fit a particular vision. That’s why we offer an optional powder-coated finish in a RAL colour of your choice. Whether you’re matching school colours, branding for a business park, or simply want something that complements the environment, we’ve got you covered.
However, we feel obliged to point out that powder coating isn’t just a vanity add-on. This type of paint job doesn’t just add visual appeal, but it adds another layer of protection to the non-moving parts of the rack, improving resistance to chipping, scratching, and general wear and tear.
Smart Design Features That Add Value
Of course, strong materials are only part of the picture. We’ve also carefully designed the racks with features that make cyclists love them after they try them.
Knowing how important security is, we’ve made sure to make our two-tier racks have multiple locking points. They are made with dedicated wheel channels and locking bars, ensuring bikes fit securely and remain stable and safe. The way the racks work is that the frame and wheel can be chained for extra security.
Next comes the gas strut. We cannot tell you enough about this small part with a big impact. It’s one of the main things that makes our racks easy to use, accessible and safe. The gas lift mechanism means cyclists don’t have to exert themselves to get to the top level or lower it. They simply need to tug on the strut and let it work its magic. The bike can then be easily wheeled onto the rack and the strut pushed up without much force to take the top tier back up.
The next feature we love is the sloping lower rack, which means users don’t have to bend awkwardly to store or retrieve bikes from the bottom tier. Bikes slide in and out easily.
Our bike racks are made to fit most cycle types – from mountain bikes to town bikes and everything in between. This takes away the guesswork for our clients since you don’t need to wonder if users’ bikes will fit or not. Our two-tier racks are also easy to extend as demand grows and can be manufactured in single- or double-sided versions to fit various locations, spaces, and layouts.
So, what are our two-tier bike racks made of? In a word: quality.
We use galvanised steel for a long-lasting, strong base, which is weather-resistant and requires minimal maintenance. We manufacture our moving parts from stainless steel for smooth and reliable operation. We combine these with smart, secure, and well-designed features to make our racks a winning product that both you and your users will love and appreciate.
If you’re looking for a bike parking solution that delivers on durability, ease of use, and long-term value, our two-tier racks are hard to beat. Whether you’re managing a transport hub, business premises, or residential development, investing in high-quality materials pays off.
