Storing your bike upside down may seem like a strange thing but it is useful for those with limited space. Many cyclists prefer not to do this, as they fear this might cause damage to their precious bikes. Regardless, there might come a time when it might, for instance, anytime a mechanical issue occurs you would flip over the bike to take a better look.
Moreover, hanging your bike upside down might be your preferred option. On the one hand, it can help keep your bike clean and free from dirt and grime. On the other hand, it can put a strain on your braking system, leading to costly repairs.
Nevertheless, This article will explore the consequences of storing your bike upside down. This will help you to make an informed decision on how to keep your bike in the best condition.
Can I store my bike upside?
In short, yes you can store your bike upside. Leaving your bike upside down is not a problem only if it is temporary. However, the longer your bike is stored upside down, the more likely it is to experience damage. In particular, bikes fitted with hydraulic brakes could have a detrimental effect on those with hydraulic brakes on their bikes.
The consequence of leaving the bike upside down
The only time you want to turn your bike upside down is when you examine a mechanical issue. Flipping your bike makes it easier to inspect the problem on the bike. Despite this, if your bike features rim brakes then hanging your bike upside down should be no problem but if you have hydraulic brakes then hanging your bike upside down can be problematic.
Additionally, another serious consequence of flipping your bicycle upside when you have mechanical issues is the risk of stuffing the saddle and the handlebars. Which over time may ruin the premium leather wrapped around your handlebars.
How do hydraulic brakes work? When you pull the brake lever, it activates a special fluid that is being pressured that will run all along the brake calliper. Those who hang their bike upside normally experience the brake levers feeling squeaky. Equally, this will affect the performance of the brakes If the brakes aren’t working effectively it is usually a sign the brakes require bleeding before using it. This will also prevent more air bubbles from accumulating along the brakes
The objective of Bleeding brakes
There are many reasons why you need to bleed your brakes. This could be tear and wear or the braking system has been spoiled. Additionally, you didn’t know hanging your bike vertically was inadequate for hydraulic brakes.
Bleeding your bicycle is the procedure of removing air bubbles from brake fluid in hydraulic braking systems. This is vital, since leaving bikes left untreated, could result in having little to no ability to stop. Can you imagine going downhill at a rapid rate of speed and the brakes hardly working, it could lead to a disaster.
Therefore, this process will make it easier for your brakes to operate, and give you a more relaxed ride.
What are the alternative options?
Well, you could always ask a friend to help hold your bike or consider using a bike stand. SONGMICS Heavy Duty Bike Mount with it’s intended use as a bike stand, which could use helps hold the bike whilst you doing maintenance or it could be used to store your bike effectively.
If you want to flip your bike I suggest using The Original Handlebar Jack. Since you avoid your bike from touching the floor, it protects brakes, handlebars, and brakes from unnecessary damage. Great product to use especially when you need to keep the bike stablize.
To warp up
There is nothing with putting your bike upside down on the condition that you’re careful since serves it its benefit for those fitting tyres or mechanical issues. With being said, think twice about storing your bike upside down if you have hydraulic brakes otherwise you might regret it.
Regardless of the type of bike you have, whether it is a road, mountain or hybrid you can store your bike upside unless that bike features hydraulic disc brakes