For cycle enthusiasts and frequent users, maintenance of their bikes has sort of become a part of life. Since they are so hooked on riding, they must have encountered a fair share of problems where they needed to work on their bikes without a stand.
Having a friend who is a mountain biker and an avid bike lover, he doesn’t own a stand. Instead, he tries to improvise around the environment to work on his bike or makes a stand based on the things he has around.
But, it also comes down to what sort of work you intend to do on your bike without a stand. Because you simply can’t disjoint your bike without a stand, you will need the proper tools along with the stand. Cycle riders often find owning or having a stand attached to their cycle a hassle.
Now, let us talk about how you can work on your Bike without a stand.
Can you work on a Bike without a Stand?
Riders who ride through rough terrains or people who own sporty bikes usually don’t necessarily own a stand but instead, work on their bikes without a stand.
There are multiple ways you can work on your bike. I have seen quite a few methods from people I know, like putting your bike upside down, which is traditional and evident in a sense.
As we go forward, I will talk about them so that you can work your bike without a stand at ease.
Why don’t bikers generally own a stand?
Most users don’t intend to purchase a stand because of the hassle of owning one. Unless you are a frequent user in your maintenance, it will be pretty redundant for you to keep one.
Also, many users won’t simply approach buying something for around 30-60 dollars as working on your bike isn’t always needed.
As for kickstands, it is the weight distribution of the bike doesn’t convince most users to get a kickstand. Sporty or Mountain bikes don’t really have a kickstand, primarily because of the kickstand.
If you require one, you could buy one and attach it manually from time to time when needed. You also must be aware of the necessary bolts are there in the bike to attach the stand.
What are the ways we can work around a bike without a stand?
Now let us see how we can work around a bike without a stand.
Traditional Method
The most common method of them all has to be putting your bike upside down. Whenever you’re on a ride, and it suddenly requires some form of checkup, it becomes a no-brainer to put your bike upside down for a checkup. But be aware of the balance and the surface you will put your bike on.
Bike Racks
Now, this procedure is somewhat situational. You can deal with your bike specifically in this way based on where you are. This is if you need to work on your bike immediately and you require to improvise. Then you can put your bike inside the public bike racks of typical urban areas like near the parking lots or inside a park.
Car Bike Racks
You are with your family and friends outside on a pic inside a hilly green area. You have taken your bike, and you look forward to a ride in this calming nature filled with greenery. But, unfortunately, you see that your cycle’s handlebars are overtight or have become very shaky.
So, now you clearly require to fix your bike, but there isn’t really any specific place to stand correctly. Then what you can do is put your bike on the car bike rack and do the checkup.
If you don’t own one, then maybe for your next trip, you definitely should get a Car bike rack.
Ropes
This is something which is done quite a lot and also something I have seen in bike repair shops. It is easily doable for anyone, especially if you don’t own a stand. You need to get two metal hooks with ropes or chains in this approach.
I believe those are called overhead storage lifters. One rope should be attached to your saddle, and the other should be on your handlebars. The distance between the ropes should be tight enough to keep your bike stable. You should now be able to have your troubleshooting done.
DIY (Do it yourself)
If you don’t seek to purchase a stand and want to explore your creativity, then why not go for a DIY method. I know an easy and effective DIY way.
In this method, you need to get a PVC pipe snap T with a U shape so that your Bike’s handle can be attached to it, a 12-inch galvanized pipe, which will be the main component of the stand, and lastly, a galvanized flange to connect the pipe.
So, you will attach the flange to the workbench, then insert the galvanized pipe, and once it is installed, you will join the PVC T snapped pipe for your bike to be put firmly so that you can work on it freely. This method is by far the cheapest and most flexible DIY method for anyone to make a Bike.
Bike-Bike lean
Now, for this approach, you need two bikes that belong to the same size and shape. You basically put them into a crisscross shape so that both of the bikes can stand firmly.
You need to approach this method carefully as the bikes may fall, but you definitely can do the work if you use the Bike-Bike lean method.
Use a railing
This is another way to work on your bike if you are stuck in an area where there’s simply no place for maintenance.
You basically can just put one of the handlebars on top of the railing based on the optimum weight distribution. It should get the job done in time for a quick checkup.
Trainer stand
As someone who absolutely loves their cardio should know this method. If you have those cycles for your workout at home, you can simply remove the cycle t and attach your bike that requires troubleshooting.
It is an easy method if you absolutely need to work on your bike. If you don’t have one, it might be wise for you to have a Trainer stand as it’ll not only let you stay fit and also keep your cycle in tip-top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bike stand worth it?
Yes, it is based on your usage. If you are a frequent user, then it is likely that you will be investing in one at some point.
Do all bikes come with kickstands?
No, they don’t because a bike with a kickstand ruins the balance and weight distribution.
Conclusion
So, by now, I am pretty sure that you are well informed about how to work on your bike without a stand. I think you may even go for the DIY method if the time comes at some point.
It is pretty fun to realize how many ways you can improvise your way into fixing your bike. The methods are also relatively easy to work with and understand.
Thus, I believe the next time you see your’s or someone else’s bike requires sudden maintenance and it doesn’t have a stand. At that time you sure will be helpful.
