If you’re tired of your bike falling over as you clean your chain, or have scratched the paint on the side of your car one too many times while adjusting your pedals, you’re a good candidate for a repair stand.

With a bike repair stand, you don’t need to worry about your bike falling over while you try to lift the rear wheel, spin the pedals, and lube the chain at the same time, and you can get access to every part of the bike. Here’s how to choose the right one.

Start By Asking Yourself These Questions

Do I have room to leave a bike stand up all the time? Do I want to bring it to trailheads and events?

Decide whether you’d prefer a permanent set up or a stand you can fold up and toss in the corner and the car. 

What kind of bikes will I be working on?

If you’ll be working on a variety of bikes, like road, mountain, and even kids’ bikes, be sure your repair stand can handle them. 

How much will I be taking my bike on and off the stand? 

There are many ways to mount a bike to stand, some are easier than others. Do you value speed or security?

How much am I willing to spend?

Know your budget so that you don’t accidentally convince yourself you need a pro-caliber stand even though you only wash your bike once a year. 

Types of Bike Stands

Tube Mounted

These stands hold your bike by clamping on to the seat post or one of the frame tubes.

Pros: They’re affordable and easy to use: Just lift your bike up, put your seat post into the clamp, and tighten it down until the bike is secure.

Cons: They can have difficulty with irregularly shaped seat posts and tubes that you might see on more aero bikes, as the clamp is often designed for round tubes.

Race

These stands mount your bike by attaching to the bottom bracket and front or rear fork end. Pro mechanics like them, but they might be overkill for recreational use.

Pros: These stands often allow the user to spin the bike, giving you unencumbered access to every part. They fold down smaller than tube-mounted stands, and they’re great for bikes with odd shaped tubes like aero or triathlon bikes.

Cons: Expensive, and mounting a bike requires you to take the front or rear wheel off. If your wheels attach via axle, you’ll also have to be sure that the stand can accommodate your wheels. 

Portable versus Permanent

Portable

These stands fold up into compact packages that are easier to store and bring to the trailhead or group ride. Unless you are a dedicated tinkerer whose friends are always bringing bikes around, a portable rack will almost certainly work better for you.

Permanent

These bike stands mount to your floor, wall, or work bench, or come with their own base platform. They offer a more secure mount that can handle heavy bikes and withstand hard torquing. But you need the space to have a large and permanent stand.

Features

Pay attention to the details, and working on your bike will be easier and even more comfortable. 

Adjustable Mount Angle

Cheaper stands may have only a single angle to mount your bike. Better stands let you turn the mounting point and adjust the angle. This makes it easier to clean hard to reach places, service hydraulic brakes, and ensure the most solid mount.

Adjustable Height

Having adjustable height makes it easy to put whatever part of the bike you are working on at a comfortable level so you can work on it without stooping. If multiple people are going to use the stand, they can adjust it to their preferred height.

Bike Protection

A poorly padded tube clamp can damage the paint of your bike, or worse, cause damage to the frame itself. Look for a stand with plenty of protection. Misusing the clamp can also cause damage; you’ll likely have to lift the bike and clamp it at the same time, so make sure the clamp is easy to use and secure.

Tool Rack

Some stands have a shelf for your bike tools so you don’t have to run back and forth to your workbench. Many of these will also come with a magnetized tray for small pieces like screws and valves.

Weight Limit and Stability 

Stands often come with a weight rating. This won’t be an issue for road bikes, but for heavier mountain bikes and e-bikes, be sure your stand can handle the weight.

All articles are for general informational purposes.  Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary.  Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.