I use an Ultimate truing stand when at home. If I need to do a quickie repair on the trail/road, I will use the brakes/eyeball method. To the OP - take the time to learn the skill properly using Sheldon's site and or one of the books mentioned. It is worth it. I don't even take the free tune ups for my bikes that the shops offer. It takes me more time to load the bike in the car and take it to the shop than to just tune it myself. That goes for wheel work too. How often does the shop just touch up the wheel and have it ready NOW. I have noting against shops, I spend a lot of money there. I just like being able to take care of things on my schedule so I can ride.