I'm curious what to look for in a stand. I just want somethign simple that I can use to replace rims/adjust derailleur. I just don't know what I should be looking for and the price of stands seems to vary wildly. Any suggestions?

Park Tools make great stands. I like the ones that can hold your bike or at least an attachment that can hold your bike by the bottom bracket.

I try to buy tools that will last when possible. Most of the cheaper stands had multiple negative reviews at different places. I decided to try the Park, but when I got it home the main bolt for the clamping mechanism was broken in half... still sealed in plastic from the factory that way... I returned it to my LBS and they recommended this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Feedback-Sport...k+sports+stand

I am still very happy with it after a years worth of use. Not trying to bash on Park as I have other Park tools and they are fine, but that issue did make me a little concerned about more significant purchases with them (as this was for me).

I've had this stand for several years: Performance Spin Doctor G3 (link)

Actually, I have the prior G2 version. It's on sale at the moment. Nice and sturdy. Other places offer a similar stand and I bet they're all made in the same place. You can read the reviews. I haven't wanted anything more.

That's the stand I have. I also agree about Park Tool. They make great hand tools and have a great blog.

All workstands other than this one are chintzy, in my opinion. Forget clamping on the down tube or seat tube; it's too floppy. This is adjustable up and down, and holds the bike by the BB and either the fork or drop outs. I'll never go back to anything else.

See it in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HORy5k1OWUI

I recommend one with adjustable height, so you can bring the bike up a comfortable level.
I have a fixed-height stand which means I'm always either kneeling on the floor, or bending over until I get a backache.

Good point Shimagnolo, being a taller guy a bike stand that is tall enough should be a major concern.

I think the electronic music sold me on the Elite Workstand

I have this stand and really like it.

https://feedbacksports.com/shop/Pro-E...-Stand-P1.aspx

They also have a new one that looks to be considerbly smaller.

https://feedbacksports.com/shop/Sprin...and-P74C1.aspx

My wife got me this one as a birthday gift a few weeks ago: https://www.topeak.com/products/Repai.../PrepStandPro/

It may be a little spendy but it's really solid and has been great for working on bikes. You can save a little money by purchasing the model without the scale but that's a handy item to have. And I like that it takes down easily and can be stored in a small area as well as be easily transported.

the spin doctor G3 is nice because you can spin the bike around the stand while standing in one spot. plus it raises pretty high off the ground. makes wash day easier.

+1. Love the feedback stand. Very simple, very quick and easy to use and very sturdy. Clamps on ST...just be careful not to over-tighten on the rare occasions you need it in the stand and the ST out.

If you are a cheapskate like me and you have a trainer, you can often do 90% of repairs/maintenance using the trainer as your stand.