nesdog

I don't perform a ton of work on my bike. It's mostly just cleaning the drive train, washing down, that sort of thing. And probably only 1-2 times a month at best.

For the past decade, I've just been leaning my bikes against a wall, getting down on the ground and doing the jobs. But I've been thinking maybe this would be a lot easier if the bike was actually held up!

First, for the occasional stuff I'm doing, is this even worth the expense? I'm looking at the Feedback Sports Recreational model, which is being shopped around for roughly $100. Second, the stand has a fixed height, not adjustable. Any issues or is the bike at a decent, average height?

Is this one of those tools you buy where you think "wow, what a pleasure not to have to sit on the ground or lean over all the time! Why didn't I do this earlier?"

So just interested in your thoughts....thanks....

FBinNY 

Only you can assign a value to not having to work on the floor. Of course it depends on things like how often you work on your bike, and how much time you spend on your knees, bit that's your call.

OTOH- stands do make certain jobs, like adjusting gears much easier, so if you're planning on getting into more serious bike repair, a stand might be a good investment. Of course, I'm not goint to suggest that this particular stand is the best value, nor that it isn't, that too is up to you.

JonathanGennick 

I have the Ultimate model, which is height adjustable. One of my best cycling purchases ever. I use mine often though. Discovered that wrenching was fun once I got off my knees.

Vintage_Cyclist

REI has all Feedback Sports stands on sale 20% off right now.

REI ? Top-Brand Clothing, Gear, Footwear and Expert Advice for Your All Outdoor Adventures

Kopsis

You'll find a workstand to be a very welcome addition to your tool set. Even if you don't use it often, the times you do it will make he job quite a bit more pleasant. The differences between the entry level and pro stands really center around speed and ease of use. For occasional use, the entry level stands are perfectly adequate. However, if you live near a medium/large city, Craigslist will frequently have used "pro" stands at prices comparable to a new entry level stand. The pro stands are built for durability, so buying used is really not going to sacrifice much longevity.

HillRider

The specs on that stand should tell you how high the clamp is from the floor. Hold your bike as if it were clamped in the stand by the top tube (steel frame) or by the seat post (everything else) and see if that would be a convenient work height. If it's too low or high for your comfort, pay extra to get a height adjustable model.

RonH

I picked up the Feedback Sports Pro Ultralight Bicycle Repair Stand last December. I use it once or twice a month to clean, adjust and repair the bike. Easy to use, sturdy and stable. I like it.

nesdog

Thanks all. Anyone have any experience or opinion on this version, with the two legs, vs the Sport model tripod? Reviews seem to be okay for stability on the former.

no motor?

My GF bought me a Feedback stand for my birthday several years ago and I love it! It's adjustable, and makes working on our bikes a lot easier. I'm 6' tall and all that leaning over to fiddle with some of the adjusters on the derailers a lot easier.

oddjob2

Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic Repair Stand - REI.com

Spend the extra $30 for the height adjustability and portability.

nesdog

I ordered this model...on sale plus free shipping!

elessar007

My personal opinion is that a stand of some sort is as essential as a 5mm hex key if you want to do any sort of wrenching on your own.
I'm not familiar with this stand but I've seen ones similar. The sliding legs to form a tripod is a stable design as long as the triangle the three legs form splay out far enough. If you find your stand is not as stable as you'd like, you can lower the center of gravity by filling the hollow legs with something heavy. Dry sand in sealed ziplock bags works well. I say "in bags" because loose sand will trap moisture which could lead to rust. If the legs are aluminum then you can forego the bags. Loose gravel works well too.

One word of caution is to be careful clamping aluminum or carbon. Clamping the seatpost is a good habit because damaging that is certainly preferable to damaging your frame. I usually put a rag over the jaws of my stand even though they have protective rubber on them.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy working on your bike.

dynaryder

I've got one of these. It's around 6yrs old,and has had over 1K bikes in it/hung off it. Other than scratches,it's in perfect shape. The current ones have a clamp that's easier to adjust than mine. Totally stable,even with boat anchor Euro-bikes in it.