I bought this simple stand to use for lubing my chain. It holds the bike up using the chainstays. The problem I found when I used it today is that my rear derailleur cable runs under the chainstay, which means the stand puts pressure on the cable. I'm new to biking, but that just doesn't seem like a good idea. Is this okay, or should I return it and get a stand that makes contact in a place with no cables?

Use the stand... on the other side... away from the chain and the derailleur cable.

Dave, it's not the type of stand that clamps to the bike. The bike just rests on it. So there's no way to only use it on one side, at least not that I can see.

I am sorry. I imagined a stand like the one below based on your description.

Now I see the link in your post.

Is there a way to use it close to the axle end of the chainstays, behind where the gear cable is in the rea housing loop? If not, don't fret about the gear wire as long as you're not in low gear. Puhing it in by the stand will shorten it slightly moving the RD in a bit. You can test this with your finger. So, as long as you're not in low, it has plenty of room to give. Unfortunately, it means that you can't ue the tand for adjusting you gears.

It will cause a problem if you want to shift the bike when it's on the stand. A car bike rack that attaches to the rear of the car can make a decent bike stand (if you don't have cables running under the top tube). Put your bike on the rack and do what you would normally do. You just want to be a little careful about not getting stuff on your car, but that probably won't happen.

No problem. I appreciate the input.
Do you have a link for the stand in the picture you posted?

No. The cable runs the entire length of the chainstay.

That's good to know. It makes me wonder, though, if I'll eventually wish I had just spent more money and gotten a regular work stand in the first place. I liked the idea of spending $18 instead of $60, but not if I have to sacrifice too much usefulness. Right now I don't really have any frame of reference for how often I'll need the ability to adjust gears.

Now that's a good idea, and it would work because I do not have cables running along the top tube. Right now my mode of transport is inside my Kia Sportage using a fork mount attached to a 2x4. I think I prefer this to an external rack, as I don't have to worry about weather or security. But if I change my mind after more experience, I'll keep your tip in mind.

At this point it seems like I need to decide whether to spend a little more to get a traditional work stand, or be content with what I have and just lose the ability to make rear gear adjustments.

This is the stand I posted: Nashbar Stand By Me

But if you have the space I'd consider a workstand.

That Nashbar stand looks like it would work much better for what you want. Or, go to Harbor Freight and pick up a couple LONG hooks to put in the wall or ceiling.

What about this one as a compromise between those two?

There you go! I use my work stand for repairs and tuning... of course. But I also drag mine to the backyard for washing the bike, and oiling the chain and such. So much easier to work on a bike that's up high enough you don't have to bend-over and stoop.

That's exactly the type of use I'm thinking of. I made a DIY stand using PVC, but it's just too flimsy and it also doesn't lift the rear wheel for maintenance. I think I'll return the chainstay stand and order the work stand instead.

Thanks for your help!

Good choice, and good price.

Pro tip: when using a workstand,clamp the seatpost,not the seattube. Easy to damage the frame by clamping the tubes too hard.

Good to know. Thanks!

The stand linked to in the OP is very similar to one I have... and it is not designed to hold the bike up by the chain stays, it is designed to be used on the ends of the QR of the rear wheel.

But the manufacturer's product page shows it holding up the chainstays.
Maybe I'll try your suggestion, though, before taking it back.

Let us know how it works out for you - it is certainly an economical alternative if it does OK

Will do. I just placed the order, so it should be here by the end of the week.

One solution might be to attach 2 small pieces of foam about a half inch apart at the bottom of the rubber holding ring. This should allow just enough clearance for the cable to slide.

The stand arrived today, and I have to say I'm very impressed. Granted, it's the only work stand I've ever had, so I don't have anything to compare it to. But it's nice heavy-gauge metal with solid fasteners. The flip tighteners are easy to use and hold tightly. The only negative is that it doesn't fold up, so you have to have space for it. But I knew that going into it. All-in-all, I'm pretty sure this will serve my needs for many years. Here's a picture of it holding my bike: