Bicycle Mechanics - Bike Stand Recommendation?

What bike stand would you recommend? I need something sturdy, for working on our mountain bike, Townie, and LHT.

If you want some mobility with the stand I have a Bontrager pro wrench stand that is pretty solid and can fold down into a carry bag. It also has wheel truing built into it.

Ultimate stand has worked for me for 9 years problem free.

http://www.backcountry.com/store/USS0007/Ultimate-Support-Systems-Pro-Bicycle-Repair-Stand.html

or at jenson
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TL501G00-Ultimatefeedback+Brs-80R+Pro+Classic.aspx

I have had several stands. First, I would watch Craigs List in your area, as work stands routinely pop up on Craigs List. I like my Spin Doctor Pro by far the best. It allows me to hold the bike at a higher level if I choose, and is much more stable than the Parks PCS-1 I have. Both were bought off of Craigs List.

The first step is make sure you buy one with a good adjustable clamp. Both the Parks and Spin Doctor have that feature. The next is how stable are the legs. The Parks has a tendency to fold up on me if I am pushing on the bike in the wrong direction, not good.

While the Spin Doctor Pro is on sale at Performance Bike right now for $149, if you can find one used, it will be cheaper. I got mine with the Spin Doctor Wheel truing stand and a tool tray for $100. The stand I bought used had probably been used a couple of times max. I paid $65 for the Parks stand, complete with their wheel truing attachment.

The used market is full of good lightly used/never used items, and the savings can be substantial.

I have always used Park repair stands and have seen a hand full of other. For home use the Park PCS-4. It uses the same clamp as the shop version. The clamp is serviceable and easy to use. We use the PCS-4 for on-site repairs and it's held up very well over the last 2 years of being tossed in the truck and abused. If you need one for the shop, I would recommend the Park PRS-2. A little pricey but well worth it. Ours is going on 7 years old and has only had clamp pads replaced. It can easily have 2 Walmart bikes (uggh) worked on at the same time, very stable. You can find the Park Stands here: http://www.parktool.com/products/category.asp?cat=23 . I have also used an Ultimate stand, very light weight and portable. Stable base as well. I didn't like the clamp though. The Pedro's stand is nice as well. Stable but I question the durability of the clamp with regular use. Hope this helpful.

What bike stand would you recommend? I need something sturdy, for working on our mountain bike, Townie, and LHT.

Do you want it to be portable or not? Latter makes it much easier to get a stable stand.

I'm quite happy with my Park Tool PCS-10 hor home use. It also fits in a bag for transport readily. Set up is easy and the clamp is top-end. I've had no stability issues.

Performance has their "Spin Doctor Essential" stand
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=24377&subcategory_ID=4216
on sale for $59.99 right now.

Not as fancy, nor as durable, or as adjustable, as the "professional mechanic" stands ... but it does work as advertised.

Ultimate stand has worked for me for 9 years problem free.

http://www.backcountry.com/store/USS0007/Ultimate-Support-Systems-Pro-Bicycle-Repair-Stand.html

or at jenson
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TL501G00-Ultimatefeedback+Brs-80R+Pro+Classic.aspx

+1 It is easy to set up and store and is very stable. I would also suggest getting the optional tool tray.

Do you want it to be portable or not? Latter makes it much easier to get a stable stand.

I do need a rerpair stand that is portable. The only place I have to work on my bikes is the driveway, and I can't leave anything out there! So I will have to clean the stand off, and bring inside to put away. Or, when my bike is clean, I can set the stand up, and do repairs/adjustments in the living room (will have to move some furniture around).

I like the Topeak PrepStand, which is a tripod-type stand that is intended for travel (came with a case) but I use in my home shop and it folds up nicely in my closet. It's portable if you ever need it, and I have worked on MTB, road, and heavy 3-speed bikes with no problem. It also comes with a digital scale which is a fun feature. I paid $250 retail at Revolution Cycles in DC

Here's another vote for the Park PCS-4. If you can find one used like I did, Park has parts available to rebuild it. This stand will fold flat and lean against or hang on the wall. It has adjustable height which may be very convenient depending on your back and/or knees. I find mine plenty stable even with a steel mountain bike hanging from it. The one weak link that may be a problem, is that the clamping lever which locks the rotation may break off. If that happens, just cut a piece of pvc drain pipe, cap the end, and push it over what's left of the handle assembly. It will be a snug fit, (heating the pipe with a blow dryer helps), the clamp will work fine, and it'll save the about $30 cost of a new head. It may not be the lightest available, but it is easy enough to carry that I move mine from the garage to the basement depending on the weather and what needs to be done. Shoot, a while back I had it in the kitchen polishing my wife's Mt. Hood while I watched one of Obama's speeches.

Walt

I like the Topeak PrepStand, which is a tripod-type stand that is intended for travel (came with a case) but I use in my home shop and it folds up nicely in my closet. It's portable if you ever need it, and I have worked on MTB, road, and heavy 3-speed bikes with no problem. It also comes with a digital scale which is a fun feature. I paid $250 retail at Revolution Cycles in DC

When you say digital scale, do you mean that you can weigh your bike? How many pounds will the sacle weigh?

Yes you can weigh the bike, I have had the same up to 45 lbs on a heavy bike, but I would expect it to work up to the 55 lbs. rated maximum on the stand (or beyond)

http://www.topeak.com/products/Repair/PrepStandPro

I thought it was expensive when I got it, but it has proven to be a great, portable investment