Bicycle Mechanics - repair stand recommendations?

What do you recommend for a high quality but not over the top repair stand? It seems to me that I'd want a tripod stand, but Park and some other brands seem to offer other options, and there's "pro" v. "consumer" to consider. I checked around on Performance's site and they've got a fairly wide range of prices and stands. I appreciate any advice.

Decide how much you want to spend.

People seem to like their Park's and Ulitimates. A few mention their Spin Doctors as doing well.

For me the biggest factors were the clamp and stability. Foldability was secondary and I would have taken a non-folding stand if clamping and stability were too big of a hit.

If you only work need it occasionally, an under $100 stand may work for you. I only use mine ~4x/month. Not a whole lot of use, but it will increase as my kids get older. Plus I know that I will be wrenching until I can't ride or wrench anymore. So I chose an Ultimate Pro.

I personally found that the wrench force stands are really well made and, in my opinion better than the Park stands. I've had mine for quite a few years now and wouldn't be suprised if it outlasts me. Wrench Force is Treks tool company so if you want to look into one just hit up a trek dealer.

Best of the best (imho):

Shop - Park PRS-3 (http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=23&item=PRS%2D3+OS)

Mobile: Ultimate Pro-Elite (http://www.ultimatesupport.com/s.nl/it.A/id.2967/.f?sc=21&category=60)

They're both on the upper end of the price scale, but if you're looking for the best stand get one of the two. The park is HEAVY and stationary - but there is a reason why if you walk into any bike shop chances are this is what they use. The Ultimate is a great mobile stand, used by many teams including both Mavic and Sram neutral support teams.

I own an Ultimate and work on a Park every day. These things won't fail you. For the price it really is a good investment you will have for ever.

Park PRS 3

I like my Spin Doctor Pro G3, usually on sale for $ 140 at Performance.

REI Outlet has the Ultimate Pro on sale for $129 right now. Free shipping if you pick it up at a store.

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47964428.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA

I was going to purchase a less robust stand because I didn't want to spend a whole lot, but this price was too good to pass up. Get 'em while they're available--going fast!

The Park PCS 4. it is mabe a little overkill but it is sturdy!!!! I have used the Park PCS 1 and it was pretty tipsy i thought. but it depends on if you use it alot. $210 is what i paid
https://www.bikeworld.com/graphics/full/2/4/245.jpg

You can get an Ultimate BRS-70B Consumer Repair Stand for just under a hundred bucks from Blue Sky Cycling (http://www.blueskycycling.com/product1342_16_-Ultimate-BRS-70B-Consumer-Repair-Stand.htm), or have another retailer price match it.

I got mine a few months ago, and I love it.

Thanks for the recommendations!

REI Outlet has the Ultimate Pro on sale for $129 right now. Free shipping if you pick it up at a store.

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47964428.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA

I was going to purchase a less robust stand because I didn't want to spend a whole lot, but this price was too good to pass up. Get 'em while they're available--going fast!

What is the difference between the Ultimate Pro and the Ultimate Elite Pro?

I’ve had thoughts of building my own. Any ideas of where to get one of those clamp parts? I am considering something with a counter weight. I don’t know the brand of the ones that most shops around Portland have, but they all seem to look the same. Not pretty, but super heavy and functional. I don’t like the look of the ones built with tent poles... I like the ones that have a 2" center post with the clamp mounted on that. I guess you could also have a nice base like that with 2 clamps, one on each side to work on 2 bikes at once... I'm pretty sure they would be significantly better quality then the crap that is available from 'name brand' companies with out the ~$200 price.. plus you could give yourself a life time warranty :p

I have the Park PCS-1 and its an OK home-use stand. If you're on unstable ground (like the grass in the backyard) then it's a bit tippy, but it's fine on most hard surfaces like a deck or the floors in your house.

If you're taking it with you, I recommend against because the "L" shaped legs dont' transport very easy (and a tripod stand is better in less even ground, like the dirt behind your car)

What is the difference between the Ultimate Pro and the Ultimate Elite Pro?

Pro-Elite has a nice ratcheting clamp. There might be a few more check their website for the details.

What is the difference between the Ultimate Pro and the Ultimate Elite Pro?

The elite has a nicer clamp. Instead of a turn of the knob to engage the quick slide feature, you press a tab to do quick release. Additionally you only have to push to close the ratcheting clamp.

http://www.ultimatesupport.com/s.nl/sc.21/category.60/.f

A nice feature but it costs I think ~$40 for that. From the specs, the stands have minor measurement differences but the same rated 85# capacity.

I’ve had thoughts of building my own. Any ideas of where to get one of those clamp parts? I am considering something with a counter weight. I don’t know the brand of the ones that most shops around Portland have, but they all seem to look the same. Not pretty, but super heavy and functional. I don’t like the look of the ones built with tent poles... I like the ones that have a 2" center post with the clamp mounted on that. I guess you could also have a nice base like that with 2 clamps, one on each side to work on 2 bikes at once... I'm pretty sure they would be significantly better quality then the crap that is available from 'name brand' companies with out the ~$200 price.. plus you could give yourself a life time warranty :p

Something like this? http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=23&item=PRS%2D2+OS

These are very pricey, I think $400+. You can buy clamps from Park and Ultimate and roll your own. You will pay ~$150+ for the "nicer" repair stands. That is a very good deal at $129 for the Ultimate Pro.

REI Outlet has the Ultimate Pro on sale for $129 right now. Free shipping if you pick it up at a store.

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/47964428.htm?vcat=OUTLET_SSHP_CYCLING_SA

I was going to purchase a less robust stand because I didn't want to spend a whole lot, but this price was too good to pass up. Get 'em while they're available--going fast!

This sounds like a great deal! I was going to get Pro Elite which is maybe $120 more than this sales price. Anyone know whether there are enough differences that I'll really regret not going for the more expensive product? (I plan to use this for many years, I don't want to have to "buy up" later).

I think the Pro and the Pro Elite are fairly similar. As already said, biggest difference is the clamp. Since I'm only working on a few bikes, the difference is minor--put the bike in the stand, clamp it, and work on it. I might notice the difference if I was working on several bikes per day, but since I'm not putting bikes on the stand and taking them down constantly, it's a minor difference that isn't worth $100 IMHO.

You won't regret the Pro over the Elite. I would like that clamp but I'll max my usage at ~10/month when I get into swing. It's just not worth it at that level to me. The Pro clamp is excellent. I don't think Park or the others have a quick movement feature, so consider any feature like it that works reasonably well to be a bonus. Although, I could be wrong about the others and the quick movement.

I have found the tool tray to be handy. I also have the handlebar holder that I picked up used. It's nice but a simple strap will do.

I'm looking at getting the Ultimate Pro at REI. Sounds like people have positive reviews and its at a good price.

I just went ahead and ordered the Pro (for pickup at REI to save the shipping costs).

Sounds good, I hope I don't grumble too much about not getting the latest and greatest clamp.:rolleyes:

I just ordered the Pro Elite from performance. 15% off + free shipping ain't bad

I figure, ~ 50 more than the other models isn't too much of a difference. Considering the fact that I expect this stand to last a very very long time.

I really like the push and clamp mechanism. Seems like it will make mounting bikes a LOT easier.

This sounds like a great deal! I was going to get Pro Elite which is maybe $120 more than this sales price. Anyone know whether there are enough differences that I'll really regret not going for the more expensive product? (I plan to use this for many years, I don't want to have to "buy up" later).

If you aren't doing a lot of bikes a day then the Pro should be fine, especially at that price. The Pro-Elite is nice for people who do many bikes a day (saves my ass at races) just because it is faster, but that is the major difference.

EDIT - but you SHOULD pony up an buy it at your LBS :P

FWIW I bought the Park consumer stand maybe 15 years ago (back when there were only a few to choose from), and after a couple years I wished I had spent the extra cash to get the pro stand. Reason: more adjustability, sturdier.

The Elite comes with a carrying bag :rolleyes:

My wife bought me an Elite a few months ago. It's an awesome stand.

Thanks for the tip on the Ultimate Pro at REI Outlet. I've been meaning to get a real stand for awhile now ... at that price and with no shipping to my local REI I just pulled the trigger.

Keep in mind the ultimate pro is not a pro-elite though. It doesn't have the quick lock mechanism...

Keep in mind the ultimate pro is not a pro-elite though. It doesn't have the quick lock mechanism...

It does not have the same quick lock mechanism, but it does have one. It is not as easy or obvious to engage.