Storing bicycles in garages often turns into a hassle, with bikes buried behind piles of stored items or taking up valuable floor space. The Kradl, a simple, unpowered ceiling-mounted storage device, offers a clever solution by hoisting bikes up to the ceiling, freeing up floor space without requiring any electricity.
The Kradl was invented by California-based cyclist and engineer Robert G. Ozarski, who saw the need for a practical bike storage system after experiencing frustration with his own cluttered garage. The device attaches to a ceiling joist with just two screws, and its intuitive design relies on a spring-loaded cable system and a release cord, rather than motors or electricity.
To store a bike, the user simply pulls down the spring-loaded cable to bring a rubberized clasp level with their bike’s top tube. Once secured, the user pulls on the release cord until they hear a click, and then gently pushes down on the bike to tension the cable. At this point, the Kradl takes over, smoothly guiding the bike upward.
The bike can be stored close to the ceiling or at a chosen height by pulling down slightly to adjust the position. When ready to use the bike again, the process is just as easy: the user pulls the bike down by its wheels, unhooks the clasp, and lets the cable retract back out of the way.
The Kradl comes in two models tailored to different bike weights: a model for bikes up to 25 lb (11 kg) with a 12-ft (3.7-m) EZ Coiler cable, and a heavier-duty model for bikes up to 40 lb (18 kg), featuring a 10-ft (3 m) cable. Both models are lightweight at less than 5 lb (2.3 kg), making them easy to handle during installation. Priced at $159, the Kradl offers a cost-effective solution to bike storage without the need for complex mechanisms or electricity.
With its straightforward, user-friendly design, the Kradl makes accessing and storing bikes simpler, encouraging riders to hit the road without the hassle of navigating a cluttered garage.
Source: Kradl
