Minoura Japan – Bike Pit

BikePit's lightweight alloy pillar is telescopic type pole, so it can be installed to anywhere the ceiling height is between 1.7 - 3.1 meters. The ceiling must be reinforced with the ribs and horizontal.
It doesn't require drilling to ceiling nor floor, so you are free from worry about room condition, especially if you are living in a lease room.

The upper rubber cup includes a strong spring inside. The pillar is pushed toward the ceiling strongly with this spring, so the ceiling must be reinforced with ribs, otherwise the ceiling amy be damaged.

BikeTower, P-500AL and GravityStand holds the bikes in horizontal style, so they require at least the space width as same as the bike length. It's nearly 2 meters.
However, some people have difficulty to find out such large space between furniture or in the balcony.
BikePit hangs the bikes vertically so you can store two bikes in just 850mm width space (in case of the handlebar width is 500mm).

On the latest BikePit (ver.2.1), the stainless band clip has been modified.

On the previous version, the rectangle nut was separated from the stainless band, so there was a chance to lose the nut while assembling.
And also, once you had removed the nut from the band, you may not be able to insert the nut correctly, because the nut is not square, but slightly rectangle.
On the new version, the nut is welded on the band end to be much easier for assembling.

The previous band was universal on both the upper and lower pillar, but the new band has specific size and it's no longer universal. There are two different sizes; 40mm for upper pillar and 45mm for lower pillar. BikeTower contains each one.

Please be sure about this size difference, especially when you need to order one for replacement.
The larger 45mm size one has an engraved mark as "45" on the band surface. The smaller 40mm one doesn't have any engraving.

The recommended tightening torque for the M6 bolt on the stainless band clip is 5.2 N.m (= 46 lbf.in).

Minoura strongly recommends you to use a torque wrench for tightening the bolt at correct power.
However, if you don't have the torque wrench, you can tighten with the following power;

Apply 7.1 kgs (= 15.7 lbs) to the 75mm (= 3 inch) long hex wrench end.

• Check the ceiling condition before installation. The area where the upper rubber cup pushes up must be reinforced with ribs. If it's just a panel without ribs, BikeTower will break the ceiling.
• There is an indicator beneath the upper cup to check if the pole length is correctly set up or not. Check it regularly. If the pillar length is shorter than the required size, it should fall down.
• Depends on the ceiling and floor material, the rubber may leave stain. To avoid this problem, we suggest you to put a thin paper between the rubber cup and floor/ceiling. Do not use slippy vinyl sheet.
• BikePit holds up to 2 bikes. Not possible to add more bikes.
• Hanging bike on just one side will cause unsymmetrical weight balance. Precisely adjust the pillar length before using, otherwise the pillar may fall down.
• BikePit is constructed with just a single pole, so it could be possible to rotate if you push the bike or cradle. The pillar angle may also be changed and will become unstable. Make sure you set the pillar exactly vertical, and don't place any fragile items around BikePit.
• If you don't use the rear wheel support arm, the bike will not become vertical due to its gravity balance.
• Stainless band clip on ver.2.1 is no longer universal. You need to use correct size (40mm or 45mm) for each pillar.

Stainless Basket New

Metal wire basket with new alloy clamp
Shoes Attachment
Holds a pair of racing shoes
Wheel Attachment
Holds a pair of bike wheels

Discontinued items
Mesh Basket
Vinyl coated mesh basket with stainless band clip
Helmet Attachment
Holds a helmet

Stainless Band Clip Design (ver.2 --> 2.1)
Changed from separated nut style to welded nut style. 2 different sizes (40mm/45mm) available
Pillar Joint (ver.1 --> 2)
Changed from just plastic to a metal ring reinforced type to increase durability

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Some people worry about the damage or stress to the wheel by hanging the bike with wheel. It's found especially on the user who owns expensive carbon wheel. But there is nothing to worry.
The bike wheel is designed to support over 100 kgs rider's weight as well as the hard shock from the ground while riding. It's not stressful for the wheel at all to support the bike's own weight.

Although you must be careful not to hit the valve when placing the wheel on the hook.

Most heavy components are located lower part of the bike, so it won't become vertical and the rear wheel will have to be backward if you hang the bike due to this weight balance.
The rear wheel stay works to pull the bike to make it as vertical as possible in order to save the storage space.

You should hook the stay at the furthest point of the rear tire. If you hook other point, it will be removed easily and won't work.
Adjust the stainless band height as the bike is vertical when hooking the center of the rear tire.

It's not necessary to tighten the bolt of the stay's band so firmly, because you often open/close the stay. It's enough the stay won't come down by its own weight.

Our stainless band is designed to be held in position when it perfectly wrapping the pillar.
If you insert a soft material shim such as vinyl or urethane sheet, it could be possible the cradle will drop due to the bike weight.
We don't recommend to insert anything between the band and pillar.

When adjusting the cradle height, loosen the band widely to make enough clearance between the band and pillar, then slide it.
The alloy pillar has transparent clear coat on its surface, so it could be scratched if you don't loosen the band enough.

The pillar joint on the older BikePit was made of just plastic, so it could be possible to be broken if you have tighten the bolt too much.
It will cause falling down accident, because the spring will push down the pillar and won't keep proper tension to the ceiling.
We strongly recommend you to replace any old type BikeTower to the new metal reinforced pillar joint for your safety.

To replace the pillar joint, loosen both bolts and pull out the upper pillar.