Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on February 23, 2012 at 2:21pm

You can use a lot of different home-made stands made out of wood 2x4's or even metal if you have access to scrap metal and a welder.  There are even ways to loop strings and pulleys to something high and hang the bike.

But for my money the Park PCS-9 is a super-nice stand and you can buy it for $99 delivered from Amazon.   There is nothing like being able to clamp onto any frame tube, be able to raise and lower the bike at will (there is a mod to make this much easier by adding a knob to the PCS-9) and even rotate the bike around upside-down or tip the front or rear up in the air by loosening/tightening the friction lever.   When you are working on a bike all of these things are really handy.  A crappy stand lets the bike wobble or swing, or won't allow you to rotate it or raise/lower it easily to get at the part you are working on at eye/arm level.  The ability to spin the bike upside down on the stand at will makes it easy to do more advanced jobs like rebuilding headsets, but also makes taking off the wheels and putting them back on much easier at times too.

The next model up, the PCS-10 is a bit more but I think I prefer the PCS-9 because the clamp is actually faster to use when you have an unknown size tube to clamp to.  

If I had to do it again I'd buy the PCS-9 again.  For $100 it's pretty cheap compared to the silly farkles some people buy for their bikes. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on February 23, 2012 at 2:27pm

Nice James. Exactly what I was looking for.

There are so many different models, I didn't know which to choose from.

Thanks for the advice.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on February 23, 2012 at 2:33pm

When it comes to bike tools you really can't go wrong with Park Tools.  They have a broad spectrum sometimes between heavy-duty pro tools and some lower-end consumer-grade items for lower prices.  Do some research to make sure it is what you want/need and a Park Tool product will probably be there in the running.

I might sound like a Park Tools salesman/marking guy but about 2/3-3/4 of the tools I own are Park with teh rest being a spattering of Pedro's, Avenir, and a few other minor brands -with a spattering of home-made tools or adapted tools from other disciplines.  

It's good stuff.  You can't really go wrong with any of their tools with the exception of that silly & ridiculous chain-cleaning contraption.  But I'm sure there is someone out there who likes that thing. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Duppie on February 23, 2012 at 3:33pm

Another vote for Park Tool. I have the PCS-10 and it is one sturdy stand

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by S on February 23, 2012 at 4:37pm

Feedback sports have some really nice stands, they're a bit more pricey than the pcs-9 or pcs-10 but I think they have slightly better build quality.  They also pack down a bit more and are lighter although that may not be something that you're worried about.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on February 23, 2012 at 4:42pm

The PCS stands fold down pretty darn small.  They are small enough to fit under a bed or behind my water heater in my tiny utility closet.  Perhaps they might be a bit big in a car but the only time I ever had my stand in a car is when I brought it home. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on February 23, 2012 at 5:00pm

I think the PCS-9 is a best value.  We have two at the shop that we use for events and they are one of the better folding stands that I have used.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on February 23, 2012 at 5:03pm

The downside of the PCS-9 over the PCS-10 is that the legs don't "snap" in when it is folded.  I use a big rubber band off of a bunch of broccoli.  It's even "Park Tools Blue."  It's not an issue.  Just be careful folding it.  The first time I folded it when I bought it to bring it home I ended up pinching my finger as I wasn't really understanding how it would fold and when I lifted it my finger got mushed.  Just be aware of what you are doing and use a rubber band or some sort of velcro strap to keep the legs closed so they don't open up unexpectedly and squash your fingers when they re-close and you'll be fine. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by S on February 23, 2012 at 5:18pm

The feedback sports mechanic stand is about the same price as the pcs-10 and I think has a better design with real tripod legs that let you set it up on uneven ground without problems.  It's a bit more stable than the pcs-10 as well although I think the pcs-10 has a slightly better clamp.  The feedback sports stand is half the weight and has a better finish though.  Feedback's pro elite stand is better than park's equivalent pro mechanic stand (prs-25). I think it has a better clamp and a more stable design especially if the ground is uneven.  Park has a much better warranty on their stuff than feedback though.

However, comparing the two is sort of like comparing a maybach to a rolls-royce.  Both of them are pretty much top of the line and it really just comes down to personal preferences.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Vondo on February 23, 2012 at 5:30pm

Are there any LBS that have any stands in stock though? I've been looking into getting one too, but I'd like to look at one in person before pulling the trigger.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michael A on February 23, 2012 at 5:38pm

2nd on the feedback sports, I have had mine for 2 yrs now and it is as close to perfect as a portable stand can be

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on February 23, 2012 at 5:53pm

All Kozy's locations have both Feedback Sports and they are the same price as online.

I may end up getting the Feedback Sports Mechanic Stand just because they have it in stock.

Vando said:

Are there any LBS that have any stands in stock though? I've been looking into getting one too, but I'd like to look at one in person before pulling the trigger.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page