Ass weight (1) is applied to the hubs, which pull down on the spokes and thus the rim. When hung, the weight of the bike (2) is applied to the hubs, which pull down yada yada... Same deal.
That weight is transmitted through and along the rim and resisted by 1) the ground through the pressure in the pneumatic tires pressing in equally around the rim (I think); 2) the hook which is located in one spot on the rim, but the load of which is distributed by the rim to all the pulling spokes.
The key is the material of the rim. It is metal. Metal doesn't flow like glass in response to an external force. It may deform by either 1) or 2), but in neither case is the deformation limit exceeded so it returns to shape when the load is removed.
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