rbloem

Just wondering what kind of stand do you use to wash/repair your bike? I've heard of hanging the bike from the ceiling but sounds like the bike would move around a lot. Also when washing a road bike is it safe to wash the handle bar tape with soup like the rest of the bike, or do you cover the tape when washing the bike? Lastly how many of you actually take the chain off to clean and lube it? I have one of those green plastic things where you snap it on to the chain and pedal while the chain is cleaned through the brushes in the plastic compartment. Seems to work great. On a side note I went from a flat bar road bike to my new Specialized Roubaix elite and hands down it's amazing. If your going to get a road bike than get an actual road bike, drop bars and all. Worth it! This is coming from honest experience!

wallrat

I use my work stand. It's movable. I leave the chain on and use one of those chain cleaners with dawn. For the other parts I use simple green and a rag and towel. After rinsing I blow as much water off with my air compressor.

I'll oil after an hour or so.

wallrat

I also don't wash my tape. I wipe it down every few rides but I use gloves which I wash every other ride.

calgarc

i use the park tool stands at the local co-op or just flip the bike upside down depending on how serious the work is. I get free hours at the co-op from volunteering so i get to oil and get my bike maintained for free

caloso

I lean it up against the fence. I wash the tape with soap. I don't take the chain off; I lube, wipe, ride, and repeat.

bikerjp

Someday I'll get a stand. I want the Feedback elite. For now...

DXchulo

I have the Park Tool PCS-10. It's been a good stand.

KonaRider125

I use a Park Tool PC10 work stand. In my opinion if your half way serious about maintaining your own bicycles, a work stand is a must. Makes giving your bike tune ups/adjustments and cleaning easy.

Park Tool Co. » PCS-10 : Home Mechanic Repair Stand : Portable Repair Stands

macjager

I use the Tacx spider prof. It is pretty good, but while the site claims it is aluminium, I have noticed that there is a bit of rust on the main tube and is also visible on the interior of the main bottom tube...and it's not coming from my carbon fibre bike...That being said, I would probably opt for a Feedback elite if I were buying again...

VeeArSix

Feedback pro elite. Don't know why I waited so long to get one. I use it all the time.

coasting 

i lean it against the wall.

rbloem

Thanks for all the comments!

mrodgers

Did you not wash the flat bar bike? Why not wash the new road bike the same as the flat bar bike?

I wouldn't advise washing the handle bar tape, or any other part of the bike with soup. But if you must, something like chicken noodle or lentil soup would be best. Definitely don't use tomato soup to wash if you have white bar tape. It will most certainly stain the tape.

I just have a hybrid, but I've been taking my chain off and soaking it in mineral spirits. I was amazed the first time at how much grime was in/on the chain and that was only 2 weeks after I bought the bike. From how much grime was in my bowl of mineral spirits which held quite a lot of liquid, I figured you would have to dump and refill with fresh with those contraptions you have several times. Just seems easier in my opinion to snap the link on the chain, toss it in the mineral spirits to soak while you wash the rest of the bike.

StanSeven

That does make for a nice looking chain. The problem is one ride makes all the crud come back, even if it's not apparent on the surface yet. I just spray on citrus cleaner and wipe with a rag. Sometimes I use a brush as well. It's a sixty second effort.

Newt Reno

I'm not a roadie, but I use two canoe straps and hang my bikes from the rafters in my garage..........small amount of swing, but it allows me to work at whatever height I wish, standing or sitting.

seymour1910

I use this, I love it for waching and doing maintenance without having to bend down. I got it on sale for $129.

Spin Doctor Pro G3 Work Stand - Workstands

I do wash my bik with soap from time to time when I feel like really getting it nice and clean. Between the washes I use white lightning wipe and shine to keep the frame clean and use a rag for the chain.

coasting 

chain cleaning tool is a very good tool to have. right now i am using a tooth brush and it is messy! All that yucky oily spray all over the wheel rims and brake surfaces.

seymour1910

take the back wheel off, put this on and the issue is fixed

Pedro's Chain Keeper Bike Chain Frame Protector for Transport Cleaning Pedros | eBay

jralbert

I use a length of cargo strapping hung through two ceiling-mounted hooks spaced about top-tube length apart. Loops on the strap ends hold the bike up by its stem and saddle rails. I've done everything from cleaning to drivetrain tuning to bottom bracket replacements on that setup. Yes, the bike moves around, so you need to use your body to brace the bike when you need to apply torque, but I've never found that to be a significant problem.

OldsCOOL

I have a dual purpose wash stand. It's quite expensive when compared to more portable models but it does keep snow off my vehicles in the winter.

Brian Ratliff

$30 and some scrap wood and a weekend bought me a DIY bike stand. Been working well for the last five years.

Makel

Brick wall

I only use chicken noodle

Depends how dirty the chain and the derailer is.

Thanks for the tip.

alexaschwanden

Pcs-9 work stand. It works great, I have had it for over 3 years.

aubiecat

I use this stand. I used it for my heavy hybrids so it's easily handles my road bike.
I use the Park CM-5.2 Cyclone to clean my chain. That and Simple Green heavy duty cleaner will do a good job on a dirty chain. I'm pleased with it.

bikerjp

Do you have a picture of this? Are the straps adjustable?