How To Make A Stationary Bike

Want to get a great cardio workout at home but don’t have the space or budget for a fancy exercise bike? You can learn how to make a stationary bike yourself with some basic parts. This easy DIY home project turns your regular bicycle into a fixed indoor trainer, saving you money and giving you a custom fitness solution.

It’s a straightforward process that requires minimal tools. You’ll be surprised at how effective a homemade version can be. Let’s get your home gym setup started.

This project centers on creating a stable stationary stand for your existing bike. We’ll focus on a simple, sturdy wooden design that’s adjustable and works with most wheel sizes.

What You’ll Need: Tools & Materials

Gathering everything first makes the build smooth. You likely have many of these items already.

A standard road or mountain bike (the one you’ll be using)
Two 2×4 boards, each 8 feet long
One 2×6 board, 4 feet long
One 1-inch diameter wooden dowel, 3 feet long
Wood screws (2.5-inch and 1.5-inch lengths)
Wood glue
Measuring tape and pencil
Power drill with drill bits
Saw (a circular saw or hand saw works fine)
Sandpaper (medium grit)
Two small L-brackets (optional, for extra stability)

Preparing Your Bike and Workspace

Start by choosing a bike. Ensure its tires are in good condition and properly inflated. You’ll be removing the front wheel, so have a safe place to set it aside.

Clear a flat area in your garage or driveway to work. Measuring and cutting your wood accurately is the key to a stable final product. Double-check your measurements before any cuts.

Safety First: A Quick Note

Always wear safety glasses when cutting or drilling wood. Secure your wood properly before sawing. The finished stand must be on a flat, non-slip surface during use. Test it gently with out mounting the bike before your first full workout.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

Follow these steps in order for the best results.

Step 1: Cut the Wood Pieces

From your 2×4 boards, cut the following pieces:

Four pieces at 24 inches each (these are the vertical legs).
Two pieces at 20 inches each (these are the front horizontal supports).
Two pieces at 18 inches each (these are the rear horizontal supports).

From the 2×6 board, cut one piece to 20 inches. This is the front platform that supports the bike’s front fork. From the wooden dowel, cut one piece to 28 inches. This will act as the rear roller for the back tire.

Sand any rough edges on all cut pieces. This prevents splinters and makes the build look cleaner.

Step 2: Build the Front Support Assembly

This part holds the bike’s front end.

Take the 20-inch 2×6 front platform. Find its center along the 20-inch length and mark it.
Measure the width of your bike’s front fork (where the wheel axle goes). Add about 1/4 inch for wiggle room.
At your center mark, drill two vertical holes this distance apart. The holes should be just big enough for your fork’s axle to drop into snugly.
Next, take your two 20-inch 2×4 front horizontal supports. Attach them to the underside of the 2×6 platform, near each end, using 2.5-inch screws. They should run parallel to each other.

Step 3: Construct the Two Side Frames

The stand’s strength comes from two identical A-frame-like sides.

For each side, you’ll use two 24-inch vertical legs, one 20-inch front horizontal, and one 18-inch rear horizontal.
Lay out the pieces on the floor in a tall rectangle: the 24-inch legs are vertical, with the 20-inch piece at the top front and the 18-inch piece at the bottom rear.
Assemble this rectangle using wood glue and 2.5-inch screws at each joint. Make two of these side frames. Ensure they are mirror images of each other.

Step 4: Connect the Side Frames and Install the Roller

Now you’ll bring it all together.

Position the two side frames parallel to each other, about 13-15 inches apart (this should be wider than your bike’s pedals).
Connect them at the front by attaching the front support assembly from Step 2. Screw through the 20-inch front horizontals of the side frames into the ends of the horizontals on the 2×6 platform assembly.
At the rear, connect the side frames using the two 18-inch rear horizontal supports you cut earlier. Attach them between the lower parts of the side frames for stability.
Near the top of the rear opening, measure and drill a hole through the center of each side frame’s rear vertical leg. These holes should be level with each other and just large enough for the 28-inch dowel to spin freely.
Insert the wooden dowel through the holes. This is your rear roller. You can secure it in place with a screw through the side frame into the dowel on each side, but don’t overtighten—it needs to spin.

Step 5: Final Assembly and Bike Mounting

Your stand is ready for a test run.

Place the stand on a flat, carpeted or rubber-mat surface.
Remove your bike’s front wheel. Install the front fork into the holes on the 2×6 platform. You may need to tighten the fork’s axle nuts a bit to get a snug fit in the holes.
Lift the bike’s rear end and place the back tire directly ontop of the wooden dowel roller. The tire’s weight should pin the roller down.
Give the bike a gentle shake to test stability. If there’s any wobble, check all screw connections. Adding L-brackets at the front joints can eliminate any leftover flex.

Using Your DIY Stationary Bike

Before your first ride, make some adjustments. Set your bike to a medium gear. You’ll need somthing to elevate the front end to level the bike, since the rear wheel is now on the roller. A stack of old books or a small wooden block under the front platform works perfectly.

Get on and start pedaling slowly. The rear wheel will spin the dowel roller. It might take a few minutes to get used to the balance. Always have water nearby and a fan for airflow, as it can get warm quickly.

Maintenance and Safety Checks

Inspect your DIY stationary bike regularly. Look for loose screws in the wooden frame and tighten them. Check the wooden dowel for wear; it can be replaced easily if it develops grooves.

Listen for new squeaks or vibrations. A little noise is normal, but sudden changes mean something needs attention. Ensure your bike’s own brakes and chain are in good working order before each session.

FAQ Section

Can I use any type of bike for this project?

Most standard adult bikes with a horizontal rear axle (quick-release or solid) will work. Bikes with unusual frame shapes or very wide tires might need adjustments to the stand’s width.

Is a homemade stationary bike as good as a store-bought one?

It serves the same core purpose: providing a pedaling resistance workout. Commercial trainers offer more features like adjustable magnetic resistance. But for basic cardio, a DIY bike stand is very effective and cost-friendly.

How do I increase the resistance on my DIY bike?

On a simple roller like ours, shift your bike into a higher gear. You can also carefully apply light pressure to the rear tire with a wooden block wrapped in cloth to create friction. For more consistent resistance, consider buying a cheap second-hand fluid trainer unit and adapting the stand to hold it.

What if my back wheel slips on the wooden roller?

Ensure your tire is properly inflated. You can wrap the center of the wooden dowel with grip tape or even a layer of an old inner tube to increase traction. This usually solves the slipping problem.

How do I store my DIY bike stand when not in use?

One advantage of this design is that it’s relatively light. You can disassemble it by removing the screws connecting the side frames to the front assembly, or simply lean it against a wall in your garage. Taking the bike on and off is quick once you get the hang of it.

Building your own stationary bike is a rewarding project that gets you moving. It proves you don’t need expensive equipment to commit to your fitness. With an afternoon of work and some basic materials, you’ve created a practical tool for year-round exercise. Give it a try, and enjoy your next workout from the comfort of your home.