Work stands and clamp force
 

I did a forum search first, but didn't find what I was looking for. I'm sure it was in there though.

Anyway, as I plod along on this first build project, I've decided to employ the Minoura RS-5000 workstand my little 'sis geneously gave me last Christmas.

So here goes newb question #1000, where is the best place to clamp the road bike. I've heard that the seat tube is a no-no. Is the top tube okay? Frame material is basic aluminum. How do you guys do it?

Clamp to the seatpost and use the minimum clamping force necessary to keep it stable. If you crack the seatpost, it's a less costly mistake. I also wrap the post in a shop rag to prevent marring. If you really want to play it safe, buy a cheap post or something to clamp to, remove your normal seatpost and use the beater-post on the bike when you're doing work.

Also, I don't always clamp the post when working on the bike. I only do it when I need to keep the bike especially secure. Often, I will just hang the bike from the horizontal arm via the saddle.

http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/2..._004.sized.jpg

Yup, seatpost whenever possible...