Bike Work Stands
 

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a bike work stand. Good quality for a decent price. I am assuming it will cost $100-200. It is actually a present for someone who works on their bike almost everyday. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!:)

Park and Ultimate work stands are well regarded brands. I'd get one of the mid-line models if the new owner will use it a lot. Cheap stands are ok for occasional or light duty use but a better, more solidly constructed stand is well worth the extra cost for a frequent user.

If the total cost is too high for your budget, consider a gift card for what you want to spend and let the recipient add a bit to it to get a really first rate stand.

I have a PCS-9 (I think) that I got on the 'bay for $90 shipped last year. I think the same guy has them for around $120 or so now.

One more point, if your friend is a serious bike mechanic he/she may have definite ideas as to exactly which make and model they want. The gift card idea will let them make the choice that will satisfy them the most.

I've been very happy with my Ultimate Pro Elite. Unlike some of the "shop" stands, it can easily be folded up and transported - a nice feature when going to bike events, races, etc.
http://www.aspirevelotech.com/ebayim..._Pro-Elite.jpg

^^^^^^^
I hope I'm getting the above set-up for Christmas!

+1 Ultimate Pro Elite

For the person who works on their bike every day, the only choice is Park. If you like them, the PCS-4 is the best choice

http://www.parktool.com/images/produ...5729_23185.jpg

If they are really special, the PCS-3 is the bicycle equivalent of a diamond;)

http://www.parktool.com/images/produ...1120_22107.jpg

PCS-4 is about $200. PCS-3...well, they say to spend 3 months salary;)...more like $350 (Lickton Bicycles)

+1 for the Ultimate Pro Elite, best clamping mechanism in the business.

Al

Ultimate vs. Park = Windows vs. Linux = Catholic vs. Protestant

The park clamping method makes me nervous with carbon tubes/posts. I prefer the Ultimate.

I just picked up an Ultimate Pro (not Elite) and like it. The jaw operation mechanism is slightly simpler than the Elite, I believe, but functionally the same. With a Performance 20% discount on a sale price, it was $152USD. Very highly rated at Velonews.

+1 for the Ultimate Pro Elite. Ultimate Race Stand for a travelin' mechanic.

I just received my Ultimate Pro Elite.
Works great.The only thing bad I have to say about it is that some of the anodizing isn't that great.
Functionally..easy to use and glad I got it.

The Park clamp can be adjusted for tension so I don't see why you'd be nervous about it with carbon. I'd almost bet the farm that nearly every carbon bike being ridden right now has been in a Park stand. Walk into 100 shops and look at their workshop. You might find one that doesn't use a Park stand...but I doubt it;) I have yet to see anything else in any shop I've gone to.

For any ultra thin and/or fragile tubing bike (carbon, Al, steel or Ti), a replacement cheap seatpost can be used to provide a safe clamping location for any workstand. Buy the cheapest MTB length seatpost you can find in the right diameter and dedicate it to workstand use. No clamp of any design can possibly damage it.

I picked up an Ultimate Pro last year for $120 at REI when I think they were being replaced by a newer model. It's a great stand and does everything I'd ever want for my personal wrenching. A handlebar holder is a must for any stand, and the tool tray also comes in handy.

I like my Spin Doctor Pro G3 from Performance, they seem to nearly always be on "sale" for around $150, I think I paid $139 for mine. It's a very stable stand:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4216

It's very similar to the various Ultimate stands. I wonder if Ultimate is private labeling for Performance or if it's just a design knock-off.

I don't know......and I think Nashbar is now branding a similar stand, also. But whoever makes the Pro G3 is doing a good job, it's a very sturdy, well-made stand at a good price-

Thanks for all the usefull info. Sounds like the Ultimate Pro Elite is everyone's dream :)

I have the Wrench Force stand, shown here with a really scary BMX I picked up. I liked the first one so much that when I found a second on CL for $100, I bought it. Now I can make believe I'm working on two bikes instead of one.:D

i can't believe no one saw this one

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95365

Anybody ever use this thing? For ten bucks I am about to buy 4 of them.

thats what I was thinking, i'd don't need nothing fancy, just something so i don't have to flip the bike upside down everytime i fix something.