I can't help but to remember the old saying you get what you pay for.

I would say, tell that to anybody whos ever bought a used bike for 10-20 dollars that is easily worth in the hundreds. Sometimes you just find deals. I was going to make my own stand by attaching a post with a couple swing arms and a wide vice with rubber clamps. But if I can save myself a few hours by buying a couple of these bad boys, why not. Worst thing that can happen is you're unsatisfied and you've wasted 10-20 dollars. Certainly better than spending 400 and not using it as often as you would have expected.

That totally plays true at HF. That stand appears possibly usable for storage, but I can't imagine trying to work on a bike with it. Better off with the ropes from the ceiling approach.

My take on Harbor Freight- The ONLY things I ever buy there are what I would consider consumables- drill bits, blades, anything I will use up fairly quickly/sacrificially and then toss. I would never buy a piece of equipment or machinery there (unless I PLAN on destroying it), just too damn cheaply made. But, I make my living with my tools, and I can't afford/am not willing to buy crap.

I also think that's a mislabeled bike storage stand, not WORK stand.

HF stuff is usally cheese. But they have their place. I buy expendable hand tools of passing quality to have handy as hand outs, leave a few key tools in each car for emergencies, and those odd and end specialty shaped wrenches and pliers that you'd normally never use, but could get you out of a jam. These types from a reputable source costs too much just to keep sets on hand. Especially for us non-trade folks.

One's main tool set should be top line quality, as should be their bike tools.

That's just what it is. I got a couple of them from Nashbar a few years ago to stand bikes upright in my garage and they do that acceptably. They get the back wheel off the ground enough to let you shift the gears and lube the chain but that's about all. They are NOT workstands.

Oh crap you're right.One of my friends has this from Nashbar.Slightly different tubing but same design.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=3523

POS

Guess I'll go with the DIY plan I had in the first place. Too many bikes laying around not to have a few lifted.

The problem with the harbor freight or Nashbar low end are the following:
A) they rest the front wheel on the floor, so brake adjustment or front wheel work is tough.
b) Turning the crankset TOO hard will topple the unit.

If you don't have the bucks, and have a basement or gararge try a simple jig for about $5.

Tie a robe to your sealing and use a rubber coated "U" hook. Attach to the handle bars and back of the saddle. Can't find rubber coated hook, then take out the Duct tape and wrap the metal u-hook.
Too lazy? Just tie the bike to the rope.

You can now do your cleaning, lubing brake adjustments.

In anycase, I found a Park pcs-4 for $60 on ebay, with pick up

Good luck Rob

I got the Harbor Freight stand as a present. According to the directions, the bike goes upside down. With the bicycle upside down, set the top tube (flat horizontal tube nearest the seat) of the bicycle onto the bottom support assembly holder. Rest the bottom of the bicycle in the top support assembly. Also, it has a maximum capacity of 150 pounds. WTF?

Here's what I've done:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/...e1635b88ed.jpg

I use two ratcheting tie down straps to hang my bike from the garage rafters. Two hooks that hang over the rafters hold the straps. An an eye set in the floor with a bungee to the chain stay steadies the whole thing. Total cost; $26.00 and it works fine for DF's and my LWB recumbent. A little sway, but no problem. Advantage; clear access from both sides of the bike. bk

i use a two dollar rope to hoist my whole bike up and then i can work on both wheels at once,works well and very cheap,just toss a good rope around a rafter or something then tie rope under frame near back of seat

ps,dont do any bungy jumping on that rope haaaaa(one of my very sick jokes man)