Hanging bikes up by the front wheel

[Banjo]

We are a 5 bike family and shed space is at a premium.

Can bikes be safely stored long term hanging up by the front wheel?

The bikes are A road bike, hybrids and an mtb.

 

[Davidc]

At a previous house I did it for 8 years, 4 bikes of different sorts, kept in the garage suspended from the ceiling.

Big hooks from a builders merchants, screwed into the roof structure. Piece of old inner tube over the hook protected the wheels.

No problems with the wheels, rims or hubs, but do be aware that it was quite an awkward and high lift to get them up there. You also need to think carefully about security, sheds are very easy to break into (I've had a bike stolen from one, one wall was destroyed to get to it).

 

[I like Skol]

Something to consider is if you have hydraulic brakes. I did read somewhere recently that being inverted is a problem as it allows air into the system but I imagine this will only happen if the brake levers are depressed while the bike is upside down?

 

[mickle]

And look out for the valves when you're hanging them too. Especially those pesto valves.

 

[mickle]

Also. If you want to optimise your space hang them 'head to toe' or even turn the bars if they aren't used often.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I hang mine by the rear wheel. They seem to hang more comfortably, if you know what I mean.

You probably don't, but I prefer it anyway. Not that it probably matters, but then again it might.

It's something to think about anyway. If you have nothing better to think about, that is.

Is that the time? I'd better be off...

 

[uphillstruggler]

maybe its just me but i would hang by the rear wheel - more structure .

i'll get my coat

 

[mickle]

More structure?

 

[Banjo]

Thanks for the advice people.

 

[Spinney]

More structure?

I presume he means that if hanging by the front wheel, the forks carry the load. If hanging by the back wheel there is a triangular section of the frame to spread the load a bit.

 

[sheddy]

If possible, arrange the hook height so that one doesn't have to lift the bike up too much

 

[Aperitif]

I hang mine by the rear wheel. They seem to hang more comfortably, if you know what I mean.

You probably don't, but I prefer it anyway. Not that it probably matters, but then again it might.

It's something to think about anyway. If you have nothing better to think about, that is.

Is that the time? I'd better be off...

 

[Bokonon]

What hooks are people using to hang their bikes? I really need to get some up in my store room - I'm looking at putting the hooks on a concrete block wall (the ceiling is too high up.) I was thinking using some basic hooks like these but am a bit worried about how the bikes will hang, potentially with the weight being taken by the side end of a spoke.

 

[mickle]

What hooks are people using to hang their bikes? hooks like these

Yes. Screw them up into the wall rather than horizontally - between 30 and 45 degrees, or screw them in straight and then bend them down. You want the hook to be aiming straight at the hub when the bike is hanging.

Take a front wheel out to make locating the hook easier.

 

[Bokonon]

Ah yes, that makes sense. I'll give it a go. Thanks mickle.