How to Build a Stand to Turn a Bike Into a Stationary Bike

Avid cyclers who live in areas with cold winters either have to brave the weather or risk getting out of shape after a long break from cycling. By turning an outdoor bike into a stationary indoor bike, a cycler can stay in shape and be ready for the spring season without sore muscles. Building a stand to allow your bike to operate as a stationary bike can be completed with basic hand tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Two 2x4-inch by 8-foot-long boards
  • One 1x1-inch by 1-foot-long board
  • Circular saw
  • Drill
  • Wood screws
  • Measuring tape
  • Lug nut extenders
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut one of the 2x4s into two 3-foot-long pieces and two 1-foot-long pieces with the circular saw. These pieces will be used to create the base of the stand. If you are concerned about stability, the base can be made wider than 1 foot.

    • 2

      Position the cut pieces so that the 3-foot-long pieces are parallel to each other and the 1-foot pieces are parallel to each other. All of the 2x4 pieces should be positioned on the 2-inch side.

    • 3

      Use a drill and wood screws to secure the pieces together by placing two wood screws through the side of the 3-foot piece and into the end of the 1-foot piece. Make sure the edges of the boards are flush with one another. Repeat this step for each corner of the stand base.

    • 4

      Cut the other 2x4 board into four 20-inch-long pieces. Cut one end of the boards to a 45-degree angle. Use wood screws to secure to the inside of the base frame with the end cut at a 45-degree angle against the floor. Position the boards so that the top of the boards touch to create a "V". This will create the side supports where the back wheel of the bike will rest. Repeat this process for the other side of the frame.

    • 5

      Use a drill to insert wood screws diagonally through the sides of one support into the other support at the point where they meet. This will help to ensure that the movement of the rider doesn't push the back wheel through the supports. Repeat this for the supports on the other side.

    • 6

      Cut the remaining 2x4 lumber into two 6-inch-long pieces. Place the pieces next to each other so that the 2-inch sides touch each other. Use wood screws inserted at a diagonal to hold the boards together. This is the base for the front wheel block.

    • 7

      Place the two 1x1 pieces 2 inches apart and parallel to each other on top of the front wheel block.

    • 8

      Secure the 1x1 pieces in place with wood screws and a drill.

    • 9

      Install lug nut extensions on the back wheel of the bike. Set the lug nuts on the side supports and position the front wheel in the groove on the front wheel support. The bike will now function like a stationary bike.