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Silly Question - Bike Hooks
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
I got some ceiling bike hooks/claws for Xmas, and I have been hanging the bike up on two of them by the wheel rims up side down. I am wondering if hanging the bike up side down by the wheels may put the rims out of shape by stretching out spokes. Anyone else use these ceiling claws and hang their bikes by the wheels? anyone heard anything bad by using them?
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You'll be fine. Many bike stores hang bikes from their rims when you take it in for service as it takes up less room.
in use the bike hangs from the spokes anyway. If it didn't, the ones on the bottom would be all bent.
Does hanging the bike upside down for an extended period of time do anything to the fork oil?
Could it start leaking into somewhere it shouldn't be?
What about hydraulic brakes?
I remember seeing on a video that it was good for the forks to go upside down to get the oil up to the top. As for brakes, it might be an issue.
I personally wouldn't store mine upside down.
Hydraulic brakes are sealed. Won't make any difference. If they leak something is amiss.
Fork wipers will be oiled if hung from front wheel. (good)
If hung from rear wheel it would be the same if you left parked on it's wheels. Will dry out after a time. (No difference)
If wheel touches wall may leave a black mark.
If bike too heavy may bring roof or wall down and you must be very strong.
@Johnn, I agree brakes are sealed but I was told some systems have small air pocket in the top of the reservoir which doesn't effect performance and isn't an issue until you turn it upside down. This then puts the brake lines and callipers higher and that why its a big no no to pull your brake lever when the bike is upside down. I could see in theory how this works but am not willing to try it as the last thing I want to do is start bleeding my brakes.
If you have air in your brake system then you haven't had it bled properly. A good bleed will mean you can store your bike upside down without issues.
As for forks. Yes it is good to turn it upside down to let the oil soak into the foam rings just under the seals. It may not be the case for Lefty's as it is effectively upside down already.
FWIW - I store all of my bikes upside down on hooks and always have. The worst that I have seen happen is that the expansion air space from the top of the fluid chamber can move upwards into the brake calliper. This takes quite a while to happen though, at least a week as the air has to move past what is supposed to be a air tight seal (the lever piston). A minute of pumping the lever will force the air back to the expansion chamber again and all is good. I've never had to bleed my brakes from hanging upside down, even the worst case lots of pumping or holding the lever in for some time (overnight) with a elastic band while the bike is upright will see the air rise to the top and into the fluid chamber. This might not be the case with all hydraulic brakes (clearly Brian's are able to hang upside down without any air moving) but it has been for all of the brakes I have owned. As mentioned hanging the bike upside down oils the foam rings in the forks is a good thing too.
Jaco, that's a great present - someone either really thought hard about what to get you, or are sick of your bikes taking up so much space
I'm needing to get two hooks for my bike storage solution in my garage. Anyone have suggestions on the best option for this type of product from personal experience?
Thanks Steve
Pop down to Bunnings and check out the red rubber coated hooks, cheap at around $2 each from memory and nice and strong.