Maintenance Tip

[Cyklefanatic]

The front fender on my bike came loose and the only way to fix it was to remove the front wheel to expose the loose screw. I needed a way to to hold the bike while I worked on it.
So I made a very simple handlebar stand and it works better than I expected. I got the fender fixed in minutes. But with the bike upside down I discovered my chain maintenance was woefully poor. Cleaning and oiling the chain with the bike upside down is much easier because you can use the pedals to spin the chain. With proper oiling the bike rides noticeably quieter now.
I also used the opportunity to wash all the underside of the bike and make it look like new again.
Working on the brakes will be easier with this stand too.
If you decide to make one only use one screw in the center of the upright pieces and leave them loose. This allows the two pieces to float and self center on the bars.

 

[Sierratim]

The front fender on my bike came loose and the only way to fix it was to remove the front wheel to expose the loose screw. I needed a way to to hold the bike while I worked on it.
So I made a very simple handlebar stand and it works better than I expected. I got the fender fixed in minutes. But with the bike upside down I discovered my chain maintenance was woefully poor. Cleaning and oiling the chain with the bike upside down is much easier because you can use the pedals to spin the chain. With proper oiling the bike rides noticeably quieter now.
I also used the opportunity to wash all the underside of the bike and make it look like new again.
Working on the brakes will be easier with this stand too.
If you decide to make one only use one screw in the center of the upright pieces and leave them loose. This allows the two pieces to float and self center on the bars.
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Others have posted re Handlebar Jacks; https://www.handlebarjack.com/ .

The manufacturer says they fold up so you can take with you for field repairs. Your solution is more affordable... Like the cardboard to protect the saddle.

 

[bikeman242]

Whats the harm in just loosening all the controls a little and rotating them so they do not contact the floor when flipping over the bike? Not sure of the need for all this. Pardon my ignorance.

 

[Alex M]

Loosening all the controls and fixing them again is more work and can be a bit of nuisance. Some people are very particular with the angle and location of brake levers, shifters, trigger throttle, display. You want it to be "just right" for you personally.

 

[erider_61]

The problem with flipping a bike upside down instead of using a bike stand is if you have hydraulic brakes any air in the lines will migrate to the calipers requiring you to bleed the brakes....easy job if you have a brake bleed kit....or you might just end up wondering why you have spongy brakes after....

 

[Cyklefanatic]

Whats the harm in just loosening all the controls a little and rotating them so they do not contact the floor when flipping over the bike? Not sure of the need for all this. Pardon my ignorance.

There is no angle of rotation that will not cause damage to something. In my case the display is fixed as well.

 

[Cyklefanatic]

The problem with flipping a bike upside down instead of using a bike stand is if you have hydraulic brakes any air in the lines will migrate to the calipers requiring you to bleed the brakes....easy job if you have a brake bleed kit....or you might just end up wondering why you have spongy brakes after....

I rode the bike after my repairs and there was no sponginess in the brakes. If the air can migrate while the bike is upside down I guess it can migrate back when you flip it back upright. Or maybe there is zero air in the system so again no problem. I’ll spend the $380 I saved on a new trunk bag and thudbuster.

 

[Cowlitz]

The problem with flipping a bike upside down instead of using a bike stand is if you have hydraulic brakes any air in the lines will migrate to the calipers requiring you to bleed the brakes....easy job if you have a brake bleed kit....or you might just end up wondering why you have spongy brakes after....

I haven't noticed this. I moved the display on my bike, and tipped it over.

My Gazelle does have a chainguard that makes it a PITA to clean and lube the chain. I think I'll take it off eventually.

 

[Cyklefanatic]

I haven't noticed this. I moved the display on my bike, and tipped it over.

My Gazelle does have a chainguard that makes it a PITA to clean and lube the chain. I think I'll take it off eventually.

On a lot of mid drives when you pedal backwards the chain does not move. This is also a PITA for chain maintenance.

 

[antboy]

I just use a few reams of paper to give the controls clearance.

 

[JimDrock]

Great tip, Thanks for Sharing

 

[Deacon Blues]

I have a pair of Handlebar Jacks and really like them. They're compact and light and easily fit into a saddle bag or even the back pocket on a cycling jersey.

I've had my ebike and my two road bikes (all have hydraulic brakes) upside down for maintenance a number of times and never experience any problems with the brakes afterwards.