Anyone got a cheap workstand solution?

sirlylos
sirlylos Posts: 234
edited July 2010 in Workshop
Hi Guys,

I've been biking most of my life and I've always had my bike serviced by the LBS. However, I'm getting to the stage where I would rather do things myself in a bid to save some cash and generally learn more about the bike mechanics.

Hower, in order to do things properly I feel I need a work stand and I wondered if anyone knows of a workstand that isn't going to cost the earth? I've seen a couple of DIY efforts and they look pretty good, has anyone made their own?
1993 - Ridgeback 301 G3
1995 - Ridgeback 601 GS
1997 - Specialized Hardrock
2003 - Specialized FSR XC
2008 - Specialized Epic FSR Comp
2009 - Giant Defy 3
2010 - Voodoo Wanga
2012 - Cannondale Supersix 105

Comments

  • Rojales
    Rojales Posts: 26
    Hi,

    Ive fitted two plastic coated brackets to a sack barrow, been using this for last couple of years.
  • Steve I
    Steve I Posts: 428
    Well, with the money you'll save you can easily afford a proper one now :D . Mine's a Minoura thingy. Don't think it's made anymore, but cost me just £75 about six years ago. It's paid for itself many times over. Unless you have lote of spare timber or metal you probably wouldn't save all that much by making your own.
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    ive seen them made from platic drain pipe for peanuts. i try and find the link.
    this site is usefull for allsorts.
    http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Hom ... air-Stand/
    theres a plastic version somewhere.
    http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Bic ... air-Stand/

    pvc.
    http://www.instructables.com/id/Adjusta ... cle-Stand/
    im going to build something like.
  • carl_p
    carl_p Posts: 989
    Have a look in the Buying Advice section as this has come up several times.

    If you think that eventually you like to change a BB for example, then a good sturdy workstand is a must for the heavier jobs. You don't want to be dancing around your workshop with your pile of drainpipes (FFS) with your pride and joy clinging on do dear life by some taped on clamp.
    Specialized Venge S Works
    Cannondale Synapse
    Enigma Etape
    Genesis Flyer Single Speed


    Turn the corner, rub my eyes and hope the world will last...
  • flanners1
    flanners1 Posts: 916
    Just spend the £50 on the one from ribble after 20 years of fffing about without one it is a revelation! It got top marks in cycling plus and is about 30 sovs cheaper than Edinburgh Cycles although is the same I believe.
    Colnago C60 SRAM eTap, Colnago C40, Milani 107E, BMC Pro Machine, Trek Madone, Viner Gladius,
    Bizango 29er
  • stigofthedump
    stigofthedump Posts: 331
    You will never regret buying a real stand. Mine is the same as the Edinburgh Bike shop one.
    However a loop of webbing hanging from the rafters (old toestrap or webbing rack strap) allows you to hang your bike up by hooking the front of the saddle into it. Most jobs can be done like this, although not bottom brackets.
  • bobtbuilder
    bobtbuilder Posts: 1,537
    Can you not just get a sibling/offspring/wife/GF to stand and hold the bike? :!:
  • markos1963
    markos1963 Posts: 3,724
    Edinburgh Bike Co Op do/did a fold down wall bracket for storage. I bought one and then attached it to the outside of my shed and I use that. I think I paid £9.99
    Norfolk, who nicked all the hills?

    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/243 ... 8d.jpg?v=0
    http://img362.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 076tl5.jpg
    http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3407 ... e001af.jpg
  • sirlylos
    sirlylos Posts: 234
    bobtbuilder wrote:
    Can you not just get a sibling/offspring/wife/GF to stand and hold the bike? :!:

    Can't believe I hadn't thought of that :D

    I think I'll go with the one on ribble, it looks like a good choice - just need to convince the other half now!

    Thanks fellas.
    1993 - Ridgeback 301 G3
    1995 - Ridgeback 601 GS
    1997 - Specialized Hardrock
    2003 - Specialized FSR XC
    2008 - Specialized Epic FSR Comp
    2009 - Giant Defy 3
    2010 - Voodoo Wanga
    2012 - Cannondale Supersix 105
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    Carl_P wrote:
    Have a look in the Buying Advice section as this has come up several times.

    If you think that eventually you like to change a BB for example, then a good sturdy workstand is a must for the heavier jobs. You don't want to be dancing around your workshop with your pile of drainpipes (FFS) with your pride and joy clinging on do dear life by some taped on clamp.
    me thinks gas pipe is 10x sturdier than light aluminium ffs. no tape needed :wink:
    he wanted cheap. maybe he should have said quite an outlay.
  • Ollieda
    Ollieda Posts: 1,010
    I lean mine up against my desk to work on it.

    No problems at all, yes I have replaced a BB in this fashion.....I've also done 2 bike builds using this method.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I got the Ribble one last month. It's deceptively chunky; the photo doesn't do it justice. Reccommended!
  • on-oneplus26
    on-oneplus26 Posts: 72
    www.andystand.co.uk

    sorted
    Stuff I have designed
    www.muckynutz.com
  • 4kicks
    4kicks Posts: 549
    How do you change a BB with that? in fact, can you even spin the cranks?
    Fitter....healthier....more productive.....
  • Greggyr
    Greggyr Posts: 1,075
    My Bike Tool by Union stand is one that is sold under various brandings

    . It is the best bit of cycling 'kit' I've bought. I actually look forward to looking after my bikes as it makes it so much easier.
  • sirlylos
    sirlylos Posts: 234
    Greggyr wrote:
    My Bike Tool by Union stand is one that is sold under various brandings

    . It is the best bit of cycling 'kit' I've bought. I actually look forward to looking after my bikes as it makes it so much easier.

    Have you got a link?
    keef66 wrote:
    I got the Ribble one last month. It's deceptively chunky; the photo doesn't do it justice. Reccommended!

    Is that the Boss S1200 Rigid Workstand or the Bike Tool Aluminium Workstand?
    1993 - Ridgeback 301 G3
    1995 - Ridgeback 601 GS
    1997 - Specialized Hardrock
    2003 - Specialized FSR XC
    2008 - Specialized Epic FSR Comp
    2009 - Giant Defy 3
    2010 - Voodoo Wanga
    2012 - Cannondale Supersix 105
  • chriskempton
    chriskempton Posts: 1,245
    Attach 2 loops of old tyre to the ceiling of garage/shed, one longer than the other. Hang bars from long loop, saddle from short loop. Bike is suspended at convenient height for working on.
  • sirlylos
    sirlylos Posts: 234
    chriskempton wrote:
    Attach 2 loops of old tyre to the ceiling of garage/shed, one longer than the other. Hang bars from long loop, saddle from short loop. Bike is suspended at convenient height for working on.

    and bouncing and swaying all over the place.
    1993 - Ridgeback 301 G3
    1995 - Ridgeback 601 GS
    1997 - Specialized Hardrock
    2003 - Specialized FSR XC
    2008 - Specialized Epic FSR Comp
    2009 - Giant Defy 3
    2010 - Voodoo Wanga
    2012 - Cannondale Supersix 105
  • Rouge Penguin
    Rouge Penguin Posts: 347
    I was asking about this one in my thread. Seems like a bargain?

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DRAPER-HEAVY-DUTY-BICYCLE-WORKSTAND-BIKE-WORK-STAND-/200492485768?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Spots_Leisure_Cycling_Tools_RepairKits&hash=item2eae488c88
  • Ollieda
    Ollieda Posts: 1,010
    I still maintain just resting it up against a desk or something......no task that can't be done that way (with the exception of just moving it about a bit or turning upside down for somethings that is!)
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    "Have you got a link?


    keef66 wrote:
    I got the Ribble one last month. It's deceptively chunky; the photo doesn't do it justice. Reccommended!



    Is that the Boss S1200 Rigid Workstand or the Bike Tool Aluminium Workstand?"


    The Bike Tool one. It came in a Raleigh branded box. No instructions, but it's obvious what does what. Folds up pretty compact

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