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Topeak FlashStand - anyone use?

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Old 07-11-07, 06:43 AM
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Topeak FlashStand - anyone use?

Thinking about picking one of these up:



Anyone use one of these? Is it a decent substitute for someone who can't afford a proper repair stand?
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Old 07-11-07, 06:46 AM
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I've used similar stands for storing bikes. They do allow the rear wheel and cranks to rotate so you can do chain cleaning and lubing and some minor shifting tune-ups. Otherwise they are very limited and you have to work while sitting on the floor.
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Old 07-11-07, 07:00 AM
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I have one. I think it's virtue is it's portability and compactness. It's very flexy, and not incredibly stable. Depending on your bike, you may find it interferes with cables or the chainrings, though I haven't encountered this problem. You can't do any forceful wrenching on the bike with it - it'll fall right over. You also have to be very careful not to bump into your bike, or it'll go over.

I don't have a proper bikestand myself, so I use it for minor adjustments to the drivetrain, chain cleaning, rear brake adjustment and rear wheel truing. I wouldn't try removing or installing the rear wheel with it on this stand. Everything else I do with the wheels on the ground or the bike flipped upside down.
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Old 07-11-07, 07:08 AM
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I bought one last year because it fits in my toolbox for trips and races and such. I do have a decent stand at home and it is fold-able but I just thought this would be a good "mobile substitute". I have only used it once due to the limitations posted above. It is not very stable or sturdy. I should have expected that but I thought it looked like a good idea.

You can use it for very minor adjustments but I would reccomend saving the cash for a real stand. You can find them on sale from time to time and there is really no substitute for a sturdy repair stand for cleaning and repairing.
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Old 07-11-07, 07:12 AM
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I have one and i use it just for storage or light work/adjustments such as tweaking the derailuers or installing bartape. Also good for washing the bike.
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Old 07-11-07, 08:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Psydotek
I have one and i use it just for storage or light work/adjustments such as tweaking the derailuers or installing bartape. Also good for washing the bike.
Good advice. I broke mine in half trying to install a bottom bracket with this stand. All that I had avialible at the time. Not for heavy duty work.
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Old 07-11-07, 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Psydotek
I have one and i use it just for storage or light work/adjustments such as tweaking the derailuers or installing bartape. Also good for washing the bike.
Good advice. I broke mine in half trying to install a bottom bracket with this stand. All that I had avialible at the time. Not for heavy duty work.
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Old 07-11-07, 08:58 AM
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Yeah, definitely not a good idea for bottom brackets... But it's perfect for getting the rear wheel up and spinning the cranks when adjusting the derailuers (also great for lubricating the chain).
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Old 07-11-07, 09:46 AM
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I have one and it's the only workstand that I have. It is a bit flexy/fragile for heavy pressure/torque, so the bike stays on the floor for that, but for everything else I go with it.
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Old 07-11-07, 05:27 PM
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I have one. Comes in very handy when fixing a flat on the side of the road or trail. I never have to put the bike down on its side.
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Old 07-11-07, 08:05 PM
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It's in my performancebike shopping cart. Thanks all!
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