Q&A: Folding repair stands

Q: Hey Jim,
I'm looking for a lightweight/compact bike stand that I could travel with for use on my tours (for basic assembly and minor bike tuning/cleaning).
I've seen a couple of lightweight folding models that hold the rear wheel only, and will fit in your suitcase. Any ideas or suggestions?

Cheers,
Rob
www.secondsummertours.com

A: That's a good question, Rob. The only folding one I know about is the Topeak FlashStand http://www.topeak.com/t8/products/storage/flashstand.php

I haven't tried it but it looks like it should work okay for this type of stand. The only other ones I know about are the ones that don't fold. I think they're called Multi-Stands, if I remember right. They're just chrome-plated bent wire. Those would fit in a suitcase and work okay, too.

The only bad thing about the little Y stands like this is that it tires your back having to bend over to work on the bike. The way I work around this is putting the bike up on a table, but you've got to find a table.

You might also consider a folding stand like Ultimate Bike Support's models. Those only weigh about 12 pounds and fold up small enough to take with you
as a carry-on or even fit in a big suitcase, but they would take up a fair amount of space compared to the little Y stands. Ultimates are pro-quality stands, though, and if you were working on a bunch of bikes they would really be nice to have: http://www.ussbike.com/Pro-Classic-Repair-Stand.


Hope this helps,
Jim

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