Utility Cycling - Centerstand for the Big Dummy

I couldn't wait any longer for Xtracycle to release their centerstand, nor could I justify paying almost 400 for one when I have the tools to roll my own, so thats what I did.

It is amazing just how much of an improvement this is. Now loading and unloading large loads and kids are total no-brainers.

I borrowed from some design points from xtracycle's interbike model, and improvised the rest myself. It clears the chain and all other obstacles and is easy to deploy and store being spring loaded.

I still need to paint it, but wanted to give it a bit in use before doing so. I also still need to weld feet on it. Ultimately it'll mount via the wideloaders coming in the mail next week. In the interim I took some rigid conduit and put them in as stubbies to hold it in place.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25872288@N06/2643111256/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2643111256_3ec2c60727.jpg?v=3D0

Very nice!

How do you expect to work it with the wide-loaders? Do the pegs sticking out have a smaller diameter than the wide-loader tubing and you want the wide-loader to slide over them?

The tubes on the centerstand are designed for the diameter of the wide loaders, so once they get here I just pull out the stubs and pop in the wide loaders.

What kind of spring did you end up using? Where did you connect it?

I did a stand as well. Just can't find the right spring for it, so it's sitting in the barn gathering dust. Actually haven't messed with it in a few weeks, but I need to.

I'll check to see if I still have the wrapper for the spring on my work bench. I updated the photo on my flickr account with notes for the mounting points that I used for the spring.

The spring was about 3 inches long un-stretched, about 1/4"-3/8" in diameter and the gauge of the spring wire is probably around 12-14awg. Not familiar with spring terminology or sizing. I just went to my local hardware store and went through their selection of springs till I found one that had a long strong and with the right amount of pull. I no complaints with this one whatsoever.

I am probably gonna take a note from Val and rig up some kind of brake lever deployment system in the next week or so to make deploying it with wideloaders and a heavy load a bit easier.

Nice job on the stand. Do you have a picture of it in the up position?

Now if you could just take measurements and draw them up for a DIY project for the rest of us. :D:D

Not bad at all, from what we can see in the pictures. Now that you've had a chance to experience life with a centerstand, you understand why I've been building these for the last few years. It truly makes the bike several times more useful. I think I can figure out what it looks like in the retracted position, but I second the request for a picture. You are obviously someone who is not afraid to tackle a serious project, and do it right (those marvellous child seats are a perfect illustration of that). By now you're probably getting a feel for the reasons for the pricing, as well. Keep it upright!

Val...I heard the word about you deep in the lab...crafting something wonderful for us Rohloff/Nexus freaks. I'm sooo lookin' forward to it: just thinking this week how I could use that Val Good-Lovin' Creation as a wheel work stand in a pinch. How cool would that be, I thought to myself.

Pretty darn cool, I answered to myself.

Keep us posted, Val!

Yeah Val, I definitely drooled over the pictures of your stands, especially the latest iteration. And am definitely planning on taking a further note from your book with brake lever deployment system. Its fine without wideloaders but with any stand on these beasts is awfully hard to get at with a foot.

And to pricing, yup no doubt. Mine is relatively crude compared to your design and it still took the better part of a day to work up to the point you see in the pics.

I'll take a pic of it in the up position for inquiring minds. I offset it forward from the pivot point to form a bit of a self locking position when deployed besides offsetting it downward from the wideloaders when stowed. It works very well in both respects.

And lastly, Val thank you for making a centerstand for all those without welders, cause it is simply remarkable how it transforms the utility of these bikes have an on the go super steady stand for loading and unloading, truly night and day.

Val has a stand that isn't welded? Where can I see this?

Its welded, YOU just don't have to own a welder to have a centerstand for your X.

Val: what's the status, bro? Saw the post on BikeHugger's blog, and just wondering about availability for us Rohloff snobs...?

Thanks!

Current stand status: the most recent post in Bike Hugger shows the latest version, now being fabricated. I spent many hours last Saturday installing almost 400 holes of various precise sizes, and the welding proceeds apace. For something that looks so simple, they are definitely a lot of work. Compatibility with the Rohloff or Paul's tensioner (or other 2 pulley style) should be no problem. Have no fear, I won't leave you in the dark once they're ready to move.

Current stand status: the most recent post in Bike Hugger shows the latest version, now being fabricated. I spent many hours last Saturday installing almost 400 holes of various precise sizes, and the welding proceeds apace. For something that looks so simple, they are definitely a lot of work. Compatibility with the Rohloff or Paul's tensioner (or other 2 pulley style) should be no problem. Have no fear, I won't leave you in the dark once they're ready to move.

Rockin' good news.

Bumpity bump-bump.

Val...just checking in, dude! Is my black, powdercoated, Mother-of-all-Centerstands ready to roll?

:love: