I bought this on sale for $19 thinking that if it didn't work for my kayak, I'd use it for my bike and there would be harm done. Well, this thing is perfect for the kayak. Sure, there aren't hydraulic lifts or anything to help you lift it so it takes some effort, but for $19, who can complain?! The only modification for lifting the kayak was turning the hooks 180 degrees so that they face outward.We installed the lift above and perpendicular to the girders so that the kayak could be flush with the ceiling. It works like a charm. I'm sure the same could be done for bike use which would allow for another foot of space below the bike.