Originally Posted by
cyccommute
The tension on the cage return spring is strong enough and the derailer is light enough that gravity would only have a minimal effect on the derailer. There just isn't enough weight there to cause any kind of sag or loss of tension on the return spring. If the derailer were worn out or there was a problem with the spring, gravity might cause the derailer to sag under its own weight but in that case the derailer would have to be replaced anyway.
The rear derailer doesn't care if it is upside down or right side up. It simply doesn't matter.
And the bike clatters when you backpedal because the system isn't properly tuned. It will do that right-side up, up-side down or sideways.
I will not argue with you on this one, and I do agree that modern (new) derailleurs have stronger return springs.
However, I have had an older bike with an old RD (probably worn) way back then that exhibited that problem. So as a general rule, for me at least, I do not service derailleur systems with the bike upside down.
You do realize that the chain goes around and around, don't you? If you put lubricant on the chain when it is at the bottom of the system and you turn the cranks (at any time) the oil on chain at the bottom will eventually become oil on the top of the chain. That's why gravity doesn't matter...sorry, but I have to disagree with you, FB, on that point but what's new?
The oil (or any fluid) is going to flow within the chain and be distributed. If the bike sits for any appreciable amount of time, at least some of the oil is going to flow to the bottom of the chain. If you have it in excess, it's going to drip onto the floor and frame. It doesn't matter where you lubricate, it's going to flow.
You failed to understand my post completely. Lubing on the lower run with the bike right side up after chasing it with a rag
minimizes the oil scatter than with the bike upside down. At most it will only drip onto the chainstay and probably the BB shell. With the bike upside down, it may drip on a lot more areas (saddle, seat tube, chainstay, seat stay).
Because you don't have an answer. Unless you have brakes like on the Fuji del Rey, it won't damage the cables to turn the bike upside down. Even then it's a stretch. It might damage the brake levers but any damage would only be cosmetic.
Please stop assuming I'm an idiot.
I'm assuming the original poster of that comment (trailangel) is somewhat of a retro grouch from his history of previous posts, and therefore was referring to the old-style brakes. The OP did find the answer with the Fuji del Rey.