Work stand

[Domus]

Can anyone recommend a good sturdy work stand? I don't want to spend a fortune but then again I don't want a flimsy item either. I'm very new to this game and I want to do all my own repairs and upgrades and to be able to put it on the drive for cleaning and lubing etc. I only have one bike so it won't be in constant use.

Lots on ebay, Amazon and Wiggle but which?

 

[Pale Rider]

The Aldi/Lidl ones are as good as any, and something of a bargain at around £25.

Similar, if not identical, to this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/BICYCLE-RELEASE-MECHANICS-MOUNTAIN-PROFESSIONAL/dp/B0080R1CBG

 

[vickster]

I've just got one of these and assembled it easily enough last night, not used but seems sturdy. £36 with British cycling discount

Was ready to collect in store within an hour so no hanging around for deliveries

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/tools-maintenance/work-stands/bike-hut-repair-stand

 

[Milkfloat]

I have this in blue, so i can pretend it is Park Tools.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/BICYCLE-RELEASE-MECHANICS-MOUNTAIN-PROFESSIONAL/dp/B0080R1CBG

Incidentally it is the same as Aldi and Lidl sell.

Edit: Wow - a double cross post!

 

[DEFENDER01]

I got this one off Ebay and have been very pleased.

 

[Drago]

And where possible clamp on the seat post. Some frame rubes can be as thin as 0.5mm at their midpoint, which makes clamping them a dicey proposition.

 

[Slioch]

I have the same as Pale Rider & Milkfloat have linked to. It is very good for the price - just need to be careful not to overtighten things as the plastic can split. The rod that holds the handlebars steady is also a bit faffy, but is a minor gripe when you consider how cheap this is compared to some of the "branded" stands.

 

[DEFENDER01]

And where possible clamp on the seat post. Some frame rubes can be as thin as 0.5mm at their midpoint, which makes clamping them a dicey proposition.

Which is o/k but tends to put a lot of strain on the stand pivot mount /bracket.

 

[vickster]

My Halfords one seems fine

 

[DEFENDER01]

My Halfords one seems fine

I did try using the seat post but didnt think it was too good with so much overhang certainly wasn't so well balanced.
As long as the clamp isn't too tight the top frame works for me and the clamping jaws are quite far apart so spreading the load.

 

[Tojo]

Which is o/k but tends to put a lot of strain on the stand pivot mount /bracket.

Not if you just let the front wheel settle lower, then you don't need to have the stand so high to work on the rear, that is the way I was told to do on my mechs course..

 

[vickster]

I won't be doing anything with force on my own so can't see an issue. LBS always clamp the seat post. My other bike needing attention is carbon so certainly can't clamp the frame!!

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've had one of THESE for around 5 years now and I'd recommend it 100%

 

[Pale Rider]

I've had one of THESE for around 5 years now and I'd recommend it 100%

The one in Smokey's link has legs which lie flat on the ground.

That type is a bit better than the cheaper ones because the legs on those can be a trip hazard.

 

[Mobytek]

Got Park tool folding - dog kahooners.http://www.parktool.com/product/deluxe-home-mechanic-repair-stand-pcs-4-2

Done me good for 3 years so far.

Adjustable clamp a must for different sizes and please ONLY ever clamp by seat post. I've seen seat tubes bent or snapped (carbon) where people have tried to hold the frame.

No no no no no no no. I;d rather use barrel adjusters than clamp a frame - and I;m alergic to barrel adjusters!