Originally Posted by
HillRider
I have a "Wrench Force" (Trek's former house brand) handlebar holder that came with my Wrench Force labeled Ultimate work stand. It's a telescoping small diameter aluminum rod with a rubber strap at each end. The rod is adjustable for length and the rubber straps wrap around the seatpost at one end and the handlebar at the other. It works well, can fit a variety of bikes and, since the length is adjustable, it can be set to hold the front wheel at any angle you want. I find it very useful.
That's the one I have as well (though it has an Ultimate sticker on it). They're convenient when assembling a new bike, though I rarely use it on an assembled bike. Probably because the front wheel adds enough weight that even a slight forward tilt give the front end a self-centering effect and keeps the handlebars stable.
One thing I've use mine for occasionally is centering saddles. Just lay the rod in the "split" (if it's an ergonomic saddle), then rotate until it's parallel with the top tube.