Gravity stand bike rack

[Catrin]

I am moving October 30th into a nicer apartment that is also in a location that will allow me to actually ride from my apt to country roads (across the street from Eagle Creek Court for those familiar with Indianapolis).

The apartment is nice, and will have new carpet that is quite light in color. With winter coming I am examining my bike storage options that might help save the carpet. I will have no entrance way and my front door opens directly to outside.

I am considering this gravity bike stand that requires no attachment to the wall. I am hoping there will be room in the bedroom for this stand and then I could simply place a rug beneath my bike to catch anything - and carry my LHT from the front door to my bedroom.

Has anyone tried this stand? I am also wondering if it is sturdy enough to do minor maintenance to the bike such as cleaning the chain.

[OakLeaf]

I don't have that one, but I have a wall stand, and the arms aren't long enough to rotate the cranks unless you took the inside pedal off. I'd be surprised if any stand is much different, since the longer the arms (levers), the greater the angular force on the stand.

And I don't know how neat you are about cleaning the chain, but I don't much care about my carpet and I would never do that inside. Splatter everywhere...

As far as getting your bike from the door to the stand, how do you feel about a carpet runner? Those are great for high-traffic lanes anyway, if you don't mind the look.

[withm]

I have that stand and it's great for two bikes. Be sure you put your lighter bike up top, and that you actually have the strength and range of motion to do that. When I had my shoulder surgery last year my top bike did not move for about 8 months since there was no way I could get it up or down.

You might be able to rotate the pedals slowly and carefully if you raise the bike up high enough to clear the "feet" which are angled out. With only one bike you could do that. But it would probably be wobbily. It would work to inspect your tires, but as Oakleaf says, you would not want to do any chain cleaning inside. Grease, lube, grime, dirt will fly everywhere. Chain cleaning is a chore best done outside.

Before I got a work stand, I was able to attach my (car) bike rack to my deck rails with nylon straps and bungy cords and work on it there. It's a very old Allen trunk bike rack and quite versatile, but it was a backbreaking height and the work stand is clearly the way to go.

[Catrin]

I had not thought about the mess.... it is true that I've done this on the patio before so will just find a place to do it outside.

Glad to hear that it is a good stand though, and right now I only have one bike... For now

[Blueberry]

I have this one and have for years (actually, we have 2). They have survived a 105 lb dog and his tail, and the bikes can be far enough out that the cranks turn freely. Plus, it isn't exactly up against the wall, so no damage can be done (we have old plaster walls).

Good luck and congrats on the new place!

[oxysback]

We have a couple of these racks in the garage. I like them because they're adjustable.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...t_adv_XSG10001