gurp13

I just got my first bike with suspension. I wanted to be able to store it between rides in my garage but I have little kids that occassionally go on adventures and I really don't want them to knock it down, hurting themselves or the bike. Is there any reason not to hang my bike on a hook from the rafters? I'm using a single hook on the front tire. The shock is a Fox Float RL, if it matters. Will I damage the shock? Is there a possibility of damage to the rest of the bike?

bikelver

i dont think so because we do it with our bikes, but i would recomend doing a hook for the fornt and back wheels, that would proably equal the weight load, and im not sure but i think it could bend the wheel on 1 hook

gurp13

You mean the rim would bend? The bike weighs less than 30 lbs. Is this for sure or are you just guessing?

bikelver

im just guesing, my friend did it and well they also have a schwin but there rim wasnt bent but the wheel couldnt be retrued (keep in mind though scwins are low end)

Siu Blue Wind

I feel that if a wheel can withstand your weight, and the hits and bumps it takes, and still be okay, then 30lbs of hanging weight shouldn't hurt it. The fork, on the other hand would be a different story. I only hang a rigid that way. I'm ignorant when it comes to possible damage to a front suspension. My bikes are on a bike tree.

iamlucky13

Hanging actually is a different load than the compression it takes while riding, but regardless, the wheel is plenty strong enough to take it. Unless maybe if you had ultra-light XC wheels and you were really rough with it. No worries. I've done it with my bike for a couple years and I've seen Pacific bicycles hung up no problems. Your shock will be fine, as well. The only thing you want to watch is that it can't easily fall off the hook onto one of your little ones and it doesn't swing so much that it can hit stuff if someone bumps into it.

khuon

Even the roadies make fun of people who believe the myth of having the rims ovalised by hanging the bike. What you really want to watch out for is your shocks and hydraulic disc brakes (if you have them). Check with the manufacturer to see if prolonged positioning in "unusual attitudes" will incur any detrement to the seals or produce leakage. I know of some people who have had to rebuild their shocks or bleed their hydraulic brake lines after hanging their bikes.

Siu Blue Wind

How about hanging on a bike tree for a long time? With the forks full expanded, would that mess it up? Or are you talking about it being upside down (fluids and all)?

Svr

There are a great many bike shops that hang bikes by the front or rear wheels, sometimes for years. There is a zero chance of harming the wheels this way.

Suspension? I've never heard of a fork or shock needing service for being turned upside down. How would such parts be shipped if this was harmful? Have you ever seen "this side up" marked on suspension packaging?

Brakes? Maybe. Some of the open systems may be affected, but most times simply righting the bike and allowing it to sit for a few minutes will allow the air to find it's way back up into the reservoir.

Hopper

Forks upside down are ok. They may feel faster for a short period afterwards, this is due to the oil settling at the dop of the fork. Just pump the fork a bit and the oil will settle into the flow circuits and work liek normal. Some companies recommend forks be left upside if storing for extended periods of time so as to keep the seals moist. However some manufacturers recommend leaving them upright.....

gurp13

Lots of good replies, thanks, all.

I'm not worried about the rim, seriously. But, if someone had some proof that it would eventually damage the rim by hanging from it, I'd be interested in seeing that.

My real concern was the shocks. It's a Stumpjumper FSR. I think the whole thing is so sealed up that it's not a real problem but I know there's a lot of bike mechanics around here and I assume they'd know for sure.

Say, what's this "bike tree" thing? Never heard of that. Sounds interesting.

Siu Blue Wind

This is what I call a "bike tree". That's not the proper name. Sorry if I mislead you.

Raiyn

Hanging it by the wheel won't hurt anything, nor will hanging it on a wall rack. I've stored my bikes both ways with no issues.

mtnbiker66

I hang all my bikes up by the wheel with no problems.

gurp13

Not misleading, thanks for the picture! That thing is cool. I'm gonna have to keep my eyes open for one.

gurp13

Cool, good to know. Thanks!

Dannihilator

I hang my bikes up by the pedals. Ok, not really. I use a bike tree as well.

mtb-chop

+1 - I would hang it upside down, but I didn't want to have any brake problems...they're well bled, I just didn't want the hassle. Afterall, I did have the tree sitting there not being used. You can find some for about $100 or so. I've had mine since '97 and it was a great investment - definitely lasted.

Raiyn

I gotmine from the clearance section of Bed Bath and Beyond. The losers there stripped the heads of a couple of screws and couldn't sell it at full price. I quick trip to Home Depot (across the street) and I had all new hardware and a rack at about 75% off BEFORE the 20% discount coupon we had

gurp13

Thanks again, all. I feel better. I'll keep my eye out for a bike tree. Looks cool.

khuon

If you're into the industrial look and willing to spend the time, you can make your own biketree from some pipes and pipe-couplers purchased at Home Depot or the like. Some of us have built repair stands that way. I'm fairly certain I could design and build a bike tree for around $25 to $30.

roccobike

Targets was advertising one about a month ago, I don't recall that it was as nice as the one in this picture, but it was the same concept.