If possible I would hang them from the ceiling or from the wall. Suppose a Google for bike wall hooks might be in order for ya.

Between us we have four bikes, so for us the ceiling hoist storage works great to get them out of the way when not in use.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ceiling Hoist

I have been looking into the same thing. I found a six bike storage system on overstoock.com. It got great reviews and was only around $55.00. It looks like a traditional bike rack you see in parks, etc. I think this is the best solution for us since our kids are small and I want them to USE their bikes, not STORE their bikes.

I'm with Stephanie: I try to ride daily, so I want the bikes where I can get them at teh drop of a hat. Anything that discourages use [even a little] is not a good thing.

I feel that way about excercise gear that folds up and stores under the bed-- once it's put away, I'd never actually use it.

We have about 10 bikes that we hang from hooks on the ceiling. If you have small kids, I would not hang the bikes from hooks on the ceiling as it is hard or impossible for small kids to get them down themselves but they will still try and you can end up with a bike falling on a car or even the kid. I have heard that the bike hoists work well, but even with the hoist I'd be concerned about a small child trying to take it down themself and failing! For little kids' bikes, I think the best solution is to just lean them against the wall or have a space where they can park them with their kickstands or in a bike rack.

My son the bike fanatic has a gravity bike stand. It leans against a wall and holds two bikes. It's extremely stable.

Here is a link that might be useful: Racor Pro PLB-2R Two Bike Gravity Freestanding Bike Stand

I don't think the hoists would work well with children; for adults, though, it doesn't take as long as you might think. It takes me no more than 2 or 3 minutes to take the bike down - a little bit longer to put it back. I ride at least every second day spring, summer and fall and find the few minutes of extra time worth it to keep the bikes out of the way in the garage.

I purchased a Slide-Lid Storage Shed at www.oneclickdirect.com. They had other options for storage but this one by far was my favorite for storing my bike and even other garage stuff.

Here is a link that might be useful: Slide-Lid Storage Shed by Rubbermaid