Reddit mentions: The best bike workstands

The tool sets are appealing because it looks like a one time purchase, but I suggest buying quality tools as needed. For instance, I only need a T25 torx, so buying a set doesn't make sense. I would recommend buying a high quality metric allen wrench set (these are what you'll use the most).

Also, borrow tools from friends. I'm changing my whole drive train this week. I have most of what I need already, but I don't have a chain whip. Asked around my riding friends and one is letting me borrow his. Sure I could buy one for $20, but how often am I going to use it?

Someone else mentioned it, but cable cutters are a fantastic tool if you plan on running/replacing your own cables. I nearly bruised my hand using sidecutters until I went to the LBS and bought Park's cable cutter for $25 or so. Night and day difference.

Also, a bike repair stand is great. If you don't want to shell out a ton of money, I bought this one and so far it has worked really well. Eventually, flipping your bike upside down or trying to wrench on it while it's leaning against something becomes a true pain.

For me, this: https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-PH-1-2-P-Handled-Wrench/dp/B003FPONCI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541802830&sr=8-2&keywords=park+tool+allen+key&dpID=419-T8tUMxL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

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I was too stingy to buy good allen keys for a very long time because I had a ton of really cheap ones, and the cheap ones did work. But every time I use the ones above, I think: "These were so worth it". I say that to myself every single time.

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Not a tool, but since someone else mentioned a tire: 200 miles ago I put on some Maxis Hookworms - best commuting tires I ever had. Wow. I had Vee Chinane and then Vee Speedster before - I got flats every other week, none on the hookworms and the hookworms are much more stable on less grippy surfaces either. Every time I reach a place I think: Wow, those are the best tires I ever had.

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Other tools I use constantly:

- my bike repair stand, i use this one: https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Mechanic-Bicycle-Repair-Stand/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1541802939&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bikehand+bike+stand&psc=1

- my chain link tool: https://www.amazon.com/d/Bike-Shop-Tools/Park-Tool-Master-Pliers-MLP-1-2/B00D9NW32I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541803019&sr=8-1&keywords=park+tool+chain+link+tool

- A good portable multitool with chainbreaker: https://www.amazon.com/d/Bike-Multifunction-Tools/Topeak-Alien-31-Function-Bicycle-Tool/B000FIE4AE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541803074&sr=8-2&keywords=alien+tool

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If you're going to clean it yourself, you'll save on the "getting greasy" bit by cleaning more often. When I'm riding, I'll usually wash my bike every week, if not more often (depending on the weather.) That means that the gunk won't build up as much on the chain, so it's easier to get "clean" without resorting to things like a bottle of kerosene/diesel and taking the chain off the bike.

A "work-stand" also makes it much easier. The bike doesn't roll around or wobble, and with the wheels off the ground, you can spin the chain (using this chain keeper, although there are different ones out there) to clean it faster. I just use an old soft bristle nylon brush, paintbrush, and rags to clean the chain, although the tools do seem to do a great job when you get to know how to use them.

In my case, I use my workstand as a storage rack for the bike as well, and the chain-keeper is useful anytime I have to take my bike anywhere as well. So I didn't feel bad about spending $40ish on the stand and $10 more for the chain keeper.

Here is my work bench. At this point, I can build and tear down bikes. I just replace a headset yesterday, and I have all the tools, for example. So, it's probably overkill for most other people. There are a few things I cannot do, and it's because the tools are too exotic, like BB86 press fit bearing remover, threading the threaded fork, etc.

• I started from a Nashbar's deluxe tool kit but I think this one is way better.
  
• A repair stand is really nice to have, and I'd recommend the Feedback sports' stand.
  
• Torque wrench - I bought one from Nashbar.com. Wait until they do 20% or more off day. I also have a 5Nm torque wrench - similar to this one. For handlebar adjustment, this makes life a lot easier. You can get away with just 5Nm one for most cases.
  
• Stanlay locking adjustable wrench. I use this for so many situation, like installing bottom bracket and headset.
  
• Combination and box wrenches - any brand
  
• Ratchet wrenches 8mm - 12mm. Go find cheap ones on ebay. Makes life a lot easier.
  
• Ryobi 18v inflator with SKS presta adapter.
  
• Park tool master linke plier
  
• Progold grease
  
• T9 oil
  
• Wheel stand
  
  I also have Nashbar's crown race installer, remover, headset cup press and remover, and steering tube cutting guide. Head set cup press is rather expensive so unless you are going to service the headset multiple times, it's better to use LBS or bike coop.
  
  
  
  

I realized I need to buy some stuff to maintain my bike, and was looking for some input on what to get for the 'essentials'.

I need a repair stand. I was thinking about this model from Amazon. Seems to have decent reviews. I have a step-through bike so I guess I just hold it by the seat post and that's fine?

I also wanted to adjust my saddle position and the seat post length, do I need a torque wrench for this? I found this one. Should I just get a fixed torque one? Or just use normal hex keys and save my money?

For cleaning the chain and drive train, is it worth getting one of those special chain cleaning tools and cycle specific degreaser or can I just use "LA's Totally Awesome" cleaner and degreaser from Dollar Tree and a couple of floor scrub brushes held together? The Dollar Tree product I have already because I use it diluted as a general cleaner. At full strength it can soften certain plastics and remove some paints so it's pretty strong.

Is there any other stuff that I'm missing that I need for basic maintenance that I'm missing?

I transitioned into working on my bikes almost entirely by myself (Wheel building/suspension service/bearings excluded) and this is the exact path I went down as well. Here is everything I bought from Amazon:

The same $50 tool kit

Torque wrench

Cable/housing/wire cutter

Chain/quick link pliers


Wet/Dry Chain lubes

Park Tool grease

Degreaser

Blue Loctite

Carbon grip paste

And some additional small things like cables, cable end caps, ferrules, zip ties, etc. A set of needle nose pliers can be handy to help push/pull stubborn cables/housings as well.

Also, to make working on the bike 10x easier, I recommend getting a stand. I use this one because I am space constrained and it folds up nice and small, but there are probably better ones out there.

It seems like a lot of $$ to lay out at first, but it pays for itself pretty quickly compared to taking the bike to a shop every time you need to do something to it. Basically everything you need to do can be found on YouTube as well.

I second the "don't buy a kit" sentiment. Assemble your own kit of the most commonly used tools and get the special use ones as you need them. Buying cheap tools will just frustrate you and they won't last long. For the tools you'll commonly use, Allen keys especially, buy the good stuff.

Allen wrenches you're going to be using constantly. Buy the best ones you can afford. A t-handle set and traditional bend set is a good idea. You might want a balldriver set too to get around corners. Elkind makes a decent and reasonably priced Allen wrench.

You'll probably want at the least a small metric socket set. I like craftsman for reasonably priced sockets.

A set of screwdrivers is also a must. You can probably cheap out on these a bit. You need flat blade and Phillips. You should also have some torx drivers. You can likely get by buying a 10-in-1 screwdriver that'll have all those in one.

Now for the less used specialized bike tools stuff like cone wrenches and Cassette wrenches etc.. I typically buy Park tool if I'm going to use it more than 1x every year or so. If I am very rarely going to use it I might cheap out or borrow a tool.

Lastly if you're going to do a lot of bike repair consider getting a bike stand. This'll cost probably as much as all the tools I listed prior. This is a good one to look at. Park Tool Home PCS-9 Mechanic Repair Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OZFJTI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SeMhzb64DMQPR.

My stand: Feedback Sports Sport Stand I love it. Feels really well built and is very easy to collapse and set up.

Tekton are the cheapest I'd go for click torque wrenches. They're a great brand at a very competitive price point. Beam-style torque wrenches can be had for cheaper if you're into that. They're great as well. Reliable, simple, and don't require recalibration. I just prefer the usability of click personally.

Park Tool PCS-9. The PCS-10 model has a quick-release cam that makes clamping the bike quicker and easier.

Feedback Sports is the also well-known alternative.

Wood will not be a good material for this, and you are going to have to have metal hardware fabrication skills if you're intending to create something that will actually clamp to the bike and support its weight, rather than it hanging on something. There are PVC DIY ones that can be done, but they're a hassle to store and don't let you make adjustments like a true stand would.

Edit: It could certainly be done, but the thickness of the wood would get a rid ridiculous. I wouldn't want to have to create a telescopic, leg-locking tripod, myself, haha.

I am likely in the minority here, but I absolutely abhor Park stands (like the PCS-9, I do use their PRS 2.2-1).

Anyways, if it can pay for itself, I would strongly suggest a Feedback Sports Pro Elite. One of my favorite features is the ratcheting clamp, I can squeeze it hand tight on carbon if I am doing SAG and just need to get the bike off the ground quickly for a drivetrain tweak. I have never had a single issue with this stand and mine is 3 years old this fall.

For a budget version of this stand, the Spindoctor Pro G3 is a serious workhorse but really not for bikes over 35lbs. We have one of these in the shop that is going on 5 years old and everything on it still works perfectly- and if you have ever been around a bike co-op, you know shit gets destroyed pretty regularly.

Good luck finding the right stand for you!

The feedback sports stand(s) get a lot of love.

But some friends and I have this Bikehand one from amazon. Pretty well reviewed and has worked fine for me over the past year:

https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Mechanic-Bicycle-Repair-Stand/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/

What's your budget? There's a ton of options all across the price range. The Park Tool stands are nice, but expensive. I've made a few DIY stands with varying results for a few dollars at the local home improvement store as well. This one on Amazon is $100 and gets good reviews, though I don't have any personal experience with it.

For $99 bucks I bought this one from Amazon. Was a little weary about it not having a brand name and figured I would return it if I didn't like it/it didn't seem sturdy enough. This can hold a bike at literally any angle due to the rotating mount and it incredibly sturdy. I just rebuilt my fork without removing it from the bike and had to invert my bike in the stand to get the oil to pour out of the uppers. I had my bike clamped to the top tube with the rest of the bike above the stand (rear wheel straight in the air) and it was incredibly secure.

On the plus side it's extremely light and folds up decently, it's an amazing stand to go with when you simply can't justify the price of the "name brand" stuff. And it includes a magnetic tool tray, definitely my best find.

I only have two legs and I rarely fall over.

Seriously though, unless you're being careless they are plenty sturdy. I'd recommend this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And I've heard good things about the Aldi stand if you want to go super cheap.

You should definitely get a torque wrench. I've been happy with the Nashbar branded one.

That tool kit is great, I use it for all of my repairs, along with this repair stand. They're both cheap options and aren't of the highest possible quality, but they work great. The wrenches in the Nashbar set are kind of soft, but if you maintain your bike, you shouldn't be bending them up trying to loosen seized parts. It's just missing a good pair of cutters and some picks.

As far as your other questions, I use Simple Green for my degreasing when I clean my bike. I just use regular dish soap to wash the frame. I use Phil Wood waterproof grease for all of my threads and bearings, and right now I'm using a Finish Line dry lube for my chain, but I'm not too fond of it.

I have this work bench mounted one from amazon. I highly recommend it if you have a spot to mount it. I have mine on the corner of a built in workbench in the garage which works great as I can rotate the bike around the corner but there would be room to spin the pedals and work on the drive train even if it wasn't on the corner.

I haven't tried it on the seat post but it clamps solidly on the frame and the rotation mechanism has teeth that engage when locked so it is really solid when locked and will hold my bike at any angle. All of the adjustments have quick release cams which should be easier and quicker to get tight then the plastic knobs on the one you linked.

Most any things on bicycles can easily be trued up, repaired and adjusted just with your multitool you likely have with you, but one thing that is absolutely worth the money is a repair stand, I have too many hours of working one-handed while trying to keep the bicycle steady so I just ordered one myself. I've been recommended a Park Tools stand myself so that's what I ordered, not delivered yet though. Apart from that a good set of wrenches is where I would start, it's easier on the hands if you have a bit of leverage. A floor pump with a gauge if you don't already have one, it made my ride a whole lot more enjoyable when I found out the gauge on my small frame pump was horribly incorrect and the 6 bar in my tyres were actually 4.

Feedback was formerly known as Ultimate Support; the company has been around for a while and the stands are great. You can probably find more reviews on the Ultimate version via google. There are also a dozen or so reviews on Amazon

I really like that particular clamp; it's difficult to over-tighten to the point where you might crush a carbon component (like a seat-post) and the push button release makes it easy to get the bikes out.

The only complaint I have about any of the elite stands is the hardwear that allows the legs to fan out and the column to telescope can be a bit finicky, if you try to adjust it goes from loose to too tight very quickly, the sweet spot can be hard to find.

Other than that, I usually grab one of these from our shop when I do race support.

Not sure what your budget is exactly, but I went with this:

Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle/Bike Repair Rack Stand
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tDCNAbDC2DC6Z

It’s been solid, I’ve had it for over a year and have worked on all our bikes on the rack. It’s light but doesn’t feel flimsy. In the future I’d love to own something more heavy duty like a park tools one, but for now this is a gem.

Note: I’m not in any way affiliated with Bikehand, just a customer who would def vouch for the repair stand!

A decent repair stand. One with quick release clamp and a solid tool tray. Something like this stand would be awesome. It makes doing bike maintenance SO much easier if you have a good stand. I bought a cheap one and I regret it every time I use it.

I've had this one for a few months now. Works like a charm and I saved quite a bit of money. The only downside to it is that it's designed to hold the bike by the top tube, not by the seatpost. Other than that, it's awesome.

I have this Topeak stand and love it! I live in a smallish apartment, so the stand is generally stored in my closet - it's easy to deploy and solid to use. It even comes with a nice travel-bag.

that looks like the exact same stand I bought from amazon, rebranded as bikehand. It came with the tool tray. Works pretty well, and folds up easy.

https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Mechanic-Bicycle-Repair-Stand/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3AHQXDOA1095F&dchild=1&keywords=bikehand+bike+repair+stand&qid=1574355588&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=bikehand%2Csporting%2C143&sr=1-4

Just got this as an easter present, way nicer than I thought it'd be. https://www.amazon.com/VENZO-Aluminium-Workstand-Bicycle-Repair/dp/B00FLU61Z2 went in sale for $80. Super solid, can rotate, easily adjustable, and clamps on top tube so I can use it on my bike with a thick aero seat post too

I actually have a stand very similar to the one you recommended. The difference is my stand does not have the teeth that lock and stop the clamp arm from rotating, but is able to extend and contract the clamp arm. With my stand this can be an issue because I find that I need to tighten the bolt a lot to get enough friction to stop the clamp arm from rotating. Another thing is the base of my stand has supports on all sides which can be extended or contracted to increase or decrease the base area. The one you mentioned does not appear to have those adjustments. Both have clamps that work well and look a bit more solid compared to OP's.

Anyways, I'd recommend my stand because it a lot more versatile, and it can collapse to about the size of a rolled pillow (pretty handy if you are living in an apartment) , not just be taken apart like the one /u/Panda_of_power is looking at.

I have this Bikehand truing stand which is pretty much a TS-2.2 clone from what I gather, so I think that will work.

Thanks for the tips, I'll do some more micro-adjusting to try and get it right... or I might just de-tension re-tension completely because the rim has a bit of a hop as well. Good learning experience I suppose!

I would definitely get a repair stand before a truing stand. Your bike frame and brakes make a decent truing stand in a pinch. If you get a repair stand, make sure it's one like this and not one like this. The latter supports the bike via the bottom bracket and downtube and interferes with brake and derailleur cables, making them difficult to adjust.

With regard to other tools, I think 802bikeguy has a pretty comprehensive list.

I concur on the recommendation of the Park multi-tool kits. I have never regretted investing in these tools. Also I have a portable, fold away bike stand which has more than paid for itself in making repairs and cleaning of my bike super fast and uncomplicated. When you're ready to consider this Park Stand is pretty great.

bike work stands are pretty cheap. I got this one and it works perfectly for maybe about $10 more then building something like op is using.

http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Repair-Adjustable-Height-Bicycle/dp/B0085ADXP6/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1415728615&sr=8-16&keywords=bike+stand

I bought this one on Amazon and I'm pretty happy with it. I've definitely used better stands than this one, but you can't beat the price. I use it at home for quick jobs like you mentioned and also for cleaning my bikes.

+1 on the Venzo. I've had mine a couple years and use it a couple times a week (I have become the neighborhood bike mechanic). I like it because it is 90% metal. Pretty sturdy and the tool tray is awesome.

CyclingDeal VENZO Full Aluminium Alloy Workstand Bike Bicycle Repair Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FLU61Z2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jzsKBbKH9B95H

I'm seeing the Park PCS 9 on Amazon for about $120.
http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-PCS-9-Mechanic-Repair/dp/B000OZFJTI

I have the PCS 10, but I think the PCS 9 is pretty good too.

I have several feedback sports products, but yeah unless you are transporting it a lot, the extra sturdiness isn't worth the cost. The bikehand stand i have was like $90 on Amazon, and has been going strong for 2 years of twice a week use now, and the clamp is superior to all but the most expensive FS stand, which are, what, triple the price?

>Cheap repair stands have crap adjustments, fold poorly (if at all), have weak and hard to adjust heads, and are generally not very stable, which is a serious issue when tuning a drivetrain for example

The bikehand stand definitely has none of these issues

You could spend more but I've been extremely happy with this one from amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005KOKFR4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1398049027&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40). Even with a 50# bike it feels solid.

I agree that feedback makes some great stuff. I have the slightly cheaper one, and I really like it.

I dug a hole 3' down and dropped a 4x4"x8' fence post in. Leveled it off and packed gravel around the post. I then fastened this wall mount repair stand to the post. The stand is nice because it easily slips out of the bracket to take inside. The hooks for the hose and bucket were $.99 each at Menards. Everything added together puts this around $50. Works great!

• [Crank Brothers multi tool] (http://www.amazon.com/Crank-Brothers-Bicycle-19-Function-Silver/dp/B0012Q41HY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418363910&sr=8-1&keywords=crank+brothers+multi+tool)
  
  
• [Topeak saddlebag] (http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Aero-Wedge-Buckle-Medium/dp/B000FIAU8O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418364745&sr=8-1&keywords=topeak+saddle+bag)
  
  
• [Cygolite Metro 400 Headlight] (http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Metro-400-Rechargeable-Headlight/dp/B00LXTOT6I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418364255&sr=8-1&keywords=cygolite+metro+400)
  
  
• [Cygolite Hotshot Taillight] (http://www.amazon.com/Cygolite-Hotshot-2-Watt-Rechargeable-Taillight/dp/B005DVA57Y/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_text_y)
  
  
• [CatEye Wireless Bike Computer] (http://www.amazon.com/CatEye-Wireless-Bicycle-Computer-CC-VT220W/dp/B004RE783W/ref=sr_1_16?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1418364327&sr=1-16&keywords=cateye)
  
  
• [Finish Line Chain Lube] (http://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Bicycle-4-Ounce-Squeeze/dp/B002IDZXRM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting)
  
  
• [Bike Repair Stand] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PQHO8A/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3ACUPJ4C2HX16)
  
  
• [Park Tire Levers] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B6NFH2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
  
  I did not purchase the repair stand but that would make working on your bike a hell of a lot easier. I'm pretty satisfied with the purchase I made although the multi tool is a bit of a pain to use. Always good to have one handy though. Upgrading from a pair of $15 headlight/taillight combo, the difference is incredible. Unless you do off road riding, the metro and hotshot get the job done pretty damn well.

The stand with that pump is basically a glorified kickstand. It's meant primarily to hold your bike while you pump the tires ... I wouldn't say it's likely to be holding the bike steady enough (or high enough) for maintenance work or making cleaning easier. I think this is a LOT of money for what's on offer here.

I recently purchased this proper work stand for $89.00. It's very sturdy and appears quite well made. It holds the bike securely, has a tray for your tools and nuts/bolts etc... It's height and angle adjustable, folds up compactly to tuck away in a corner when you're not using it.

That leaves you $30 in your budget to find a decent track pump with a pressure gauge ... shouldn't be much of a challenge to find one in that price range.

Here is what I ordered:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y3ZV1Q4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you have a thin seatpost or thin top tube (steel frame, for example) the clamp may not be able to get around it. I just wrap an old inner tube around it and then clamp. It's not a bad stand, I probably wouldn't do serious work on it but it works like a charm for when I have to rinse/wash my bike.

Bikehand pro. I borrowed it from my friend and it's doing a great job holding up Project ChEBorow. I'm ordering my own right now.

Well, if it makes you feel better, me and my partner have had very little bike fixing experience, we've had to learn it all ourselves.

The bike comes 95% assembled:

• need to use a hex wrench to fasten the handlebars
  
• you need a wrench to install the pedals
  
  We ended up getting a bike repair stand which does a great job of holding the bike if you take the battery off first. My partner and i swapped out our tires to some semi-slicks and have since learned how to replace flats on our own. We are still pretty slow -- it takes us 30-45 minutes to take off and reinstall a tire but we're getting faster! This is coming from someone who is not very mechanically inclined either.
  
  They also include a variety of tools (tire levels, etc) that you can use for maintenance, so you don't have to worry too much about going out and buying it yourself -- we had to go to our local hardware store because their toolkits were out of stock at the time.

Gotcha. True, I can see that price with the unit being marketed towards pro teams' mechanics.

This is the stand I use, and it's been great. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you have an Aldi near you take a look there. I got one for a little over $30 there and it's great for the money.

Edit: this actually looks like the same stand as mine, but in blue. A bit more than I payed, but it might be good to consider. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0065PHDZE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dunGzbT3FAMH4

Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle/Bike Repair Rack Stand :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RPJeAb27Z8MB0

It has really worked great for me, I highly recommend it. Can fold down to store away too.

I have two questions:

1. Are there any good open-faced (no plastic screen covering) top tube phone mounts for plus-sized phones (Nexus 6)? I'm not crazy about stem cap/handlebar mounts. The handlebar mounts don't seem to fit top tubes, and the one top tube mount I can find is a) covered by a plastic screen which I don't like and b) not suitable for large phones. I feel I may be out of luck on this one.
   
   
2. I'm buying some supplies for bike cleaning and maintenance. Is there anything on the list that I'm missing, or is overrated/not worth getting?
   
   

• Chain wear measuring tool
  
• Chain breaking tool (plier-style or punch-style, can't remember how my chain is put together at the moment)
  
• Chain cleaner tool
  
• Degreaser (is this bike specific/not?)
  
• Chain lube (is this bike specific/not?)
  
• Brush set (any ones in particular? I know I need the sickle-shaped cog scrapey thing, a bottle brush and something finer)
  
• Dummy hub
  
• Bike stand
  
  The bike stand is a tricky one. I know there's a cheap one at some US retailer everyone loves in this sub... but being in Canada the cheapest one I can find that isn't trash is $110. That price point is making me cringe a little - are there any suitable DIY options or cheaper alternatives out there?
  
  Past that, as far as tools go, I checked out the Park Tools YT video series on bike cleaning and these were what came up.
  
  

I have used 2 stands. One is a cheap $50 amazon stand the other is a Park Tool stand I found on craigslist. The Cheap stand work, it is taller but less stable. I prefer grabbing the seat post than grabbing the top tube so the cheap stand will rotate to balance the bike. I cannot get the chain horizontal to run though a chain cleaner. It will always settle to an angle. If it doesnt bother you than a cheap stand works. bike hand has a stand that was $90 now $100 that the head is teethed to prevent rotation. I was going to get that one before I found the Park Tool Stand on Craigslist.

Any stand will be usable but some might be less stable than others or give you a headache. There is a point you pay for what you get before it turns into you pay for the name.

1. Pedro's has a torque wrench for $150. I like their other tools, but I haven't used this because I don't use torque wrenches. Park Tool has a cheaper one (http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-Ratcheting-Torque-Wrench/dp/B0042F8BG4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0WB6GBF046GHCXJ6EEH3) but you don't hear good things about cheap torque wrenches.
   
   
2. Brakleen is what you want to use for brake rotors.
   
   
3. Park Tool has some relatively inexpensive folding stands. such as http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-PCS-9-Mechanic-Repair/dp/B000OZFJTI/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1405950778&sr=1-1&keywords=pcs-9
   
   Rear derailleur: Loosen the cable. Make sure your H screw is set so the upper pulley is in line with the smallest cog. Tighten the cable. Shift once. If it doesn't make it to the next gear, tighten the cable by turning the barrel adjuster counter-clockwise. If it shifts too far, loosen the cable by turning the barrel adjuster clockwise. Continue in this fashion all the way through the gears, making small adjustments if needed as you go along. When you reach the lowest gear, push on the derailleur gently while pedaling to make sure the L screw is set properly. If it hits the spokes, tighten it a quarter-turn at a time until it doesn't. Shift all the way back down to high gear again. If the shifts are slow, loosen the cable. If the shifts jump down 2 cogs, tighten the cable.
   
   That should do it. If this doesn't fix the problem, you likely need a new cable.

I bought this one from Amazon.
Venzo Pro Mechanic Bicycle/Bike Repair Rack Stand
Wanted something with a small footprint when setup. So far it has been working great for me but most of the time I've been clamping it on the top tube of my hard tail which is also the balance point. So haven't tested it out clamping other things, like the the seat post.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KOKFR4

I have one, btw, and am pleased with it :) solid stand for the price

Well if you're looking for the best, then that would be the Park Tool one.

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-repair-PRS-4W-2-clamp100-3D/dp/B01683DMOS/ref=sr_1_16?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1511190518&sr=1-16&keywords=park+tool+work+stand

Just ordered this, haven't received it yet. But the reviews are pretty good.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Good idea. Here is that product from a North American seller. https://www.amazon.com/Conquer-Repair-Bicycle-Mechanic-Workstand/dp/B00KHW88IM Looking at the reviews, you can see how you could mount this to a 2X4. You could mount to wood arranged vertically and gear clamp it to the pole.

Conversely you could just hang a loop of rope or something from the deck above and hang your bike from its saddle. Good enough for simple tuning adjustments.

I got it on amazon. It's a great stand for the price.

MVPOWER Pro Mechanic Bike Repair Stand Adjustable Height Bicycle Maintenance Rack Workstand With Tool Tray, Telescopic Arm Cycle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3ZV1Q4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JkdRzb70HXKAY

I bought this stand from Amazon last Christmas, and it does well, works better than I expected. The only flaw is the vise-style clamp can take a while to loosen or tighten.

Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic Bicycle Repair Stand
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F2S824/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a pretty packed garage, but agree a work stand is next up. I know it's a fairly cheap one, but this really appeals to me because it comes with two mounting plates and the work "arm" is removable. I could probably mount one plate outside and one in the garage!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KXFI1N0/?coliid=ITOCNHP9F5M6S&colid=2DG16WO9WK31M&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I bought a wall mount stand off amazon and it works pretty well.

It seems to work well for lighter bikes but I was working on an old Norco cruiser that would cause it to turn in the mount. It's probably something that could be worked around.

The main reasons I tried it was low cost and it's small to store. It also comes with two wall mounts so I put one in my garage and one on a fence post so I can work outside if it's nice.

I have the Bikehand stand as well and overall I'm very happy with it and it's surprising high quality, except for the clamp itself. Mine has not broken yet but if you look on both the Bikehand and the RAD Cycle bike stands you'll see that both of them have plastic (sawtooth) teeth which allow the clamp to rotate when loosened. The clamp itself has no issues but when you're working on the bike and have to put even a slight amount of force on something - even just turning the cranks to get the rear wheel to spin - those teeth will make stress noises. Sooner or later those teeth are going to break. It's a pretty bad design, honestly. Bikehand makes a "pro" version of the stand that has metal teeth instead of plastic teeth but unless the entire clamp area was made of metal instead of plastic I feel that sooner or later something will give. I'm just really careful with my stand. The Park Tool stand must not have that same issue as I've seen videos of people working on their bike in a Park Tool stand and putting all kinds of force on it and the stand seems to take it without any issues.

I love a quiet chain so, this and this.

I wanted a bike stand, but I didn't want it to take up a large portion of my already crowded garage. I bought a $35 bench-top stand from amazon and decided I could make a t-slot mount that could fit multiple different t-slots on my table stand side and outfeed tables if I spaced the t-slot holes correctly.

It was cheap, easy, and quick. A couple screws and I can hang it on the wall out of the way.

I have the PCS-9 and I love it. It can be a little heavy but that just adds to the stability of the stand. I would spend the little extra for the PCS-10 as it has quick-release so it will be quicker to set up and put away. I would say it is very much worth the money esp. if your are doing your own wrenching.

You could buy cheap like this or expensive like this and make a bracket to attach to the roof racks. There are quite a few of these wall/bench mount styles available, at multiple price/quality points.

The picture showed the two attached. I didn't have a magwell block in either. And I was using a bike stand and my vice. I'm just glad TN Arms has a top notch replacement policy.

I picked one of these $30 bench-mount cheapies a few years ago, and while it'll hold a bike reasonably well, it's not great (https://www.amazon.com/Conquer-Bench-Mount-Repair-Bicycle/dp/B00KHW8A2Q/). General weaknesses: won't hold the bike solidly in a rotated position, won't clamp well on a seat post, doesn't reach out far enough from the bench to clear pedals consistently. When it dies (whether by use or angry hammer blow), it'll be replaced by a good Park or similar quality clamp.

On the cheap (yeah, I've thought about it), you could build a "euro style" (e.g. Park PRS-20) using a truck-bed fork mount and some scrap metal/wood, mounted to a sturdy tripod or your own leg design (get creative with casters, rotational bearings, etc.). Whether it makes economical sense depends on how much "potentially useful spare stuff" (junk) you've got laying around to work with.

I have this one. Works pretty well, though the price has almost doubled since I bought it. Iirc, I paid $60 for it.

I did bike "maintenance" for years using a clamp nailed to my back porch railing. I say maintenance because it was mostly cursing, bruising myself trying to leverage my bike, drinking beer and spending far too long on the simplest tasks.

I got this stand and it is solid as a rock. Has made any project from simple adjustments to overhauls so much easier. Now it is happy tinkering and drinking beer.

I got a benchtop one for about $30, It's been working pretty well except that I need to remove the NDS pedal to be able to use the stand properly.

If you have a work bench in the garage, this One is the shit!

i was having the same problem, not wanting to drop a ton of cash on a repair stand, and then came across this. check it out. great value.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0065PHDZE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It is the "Portable Home Bike Repair Stand Adjustable Height Bicycle Stand" made by Conquer. I had personally never heard of it. The stand had great reviews on amazon and was only 44.95 + $12.67 shipping. I've cleaned/tuned-up both of my bikes with it and don't have any complaints yet. I have no idea why I waited so long to get one.

Link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085ADXP6?psc=1

Just post here mostly. And thank you!

I got this stand clamp and made a custom 2x6 steel tubing that mounts in the garage rafters and has this park tool clamp attached. When it’s not in use I can partially unbolt and swing it up and out of the way.

Park Tool bike repair stand... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01683DMOS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I wasn’t happy with any other stands available and I didn’t want to lose floor space to a stand when not in use ( as with the high dollar park stands) The one I’ve put together is very sturdy and holds the bike without issues.

Looks like you already got one, but there's also this review and recommendation from Sweethome. http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-bike-repair-stand/

They recommend the Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F2S824/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KXFHZUA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_KfX6AbEKGCN12
It's mounted to a small roll around toolbox and am very happy with it

i borrowed my uncle's Bikehand stand this weekend and I think I need to buy my own now. it's amazing.

Bikehand Bike Repair Stand - Home Portable Bicycle Mechanics Workstand - for Mountain Bikes and Road Bikes Maintenance https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_08PBDbXP44YEG

I got this one from amazon for $100 shipped (it's 90 now) and i'm pretty happy with it. it did have an issue with holding it's rotational position, but i just wrapped a bungee around the handle, and it not only fixed it, but now it's self-closing.

+1 for Feedback Sports. I'd consider paying more for the beefier red one instead. I've been using an older version of this one for about 10 years, and my dad has the OLD version (labeled Ultimate Supports, before Feedback was spun off into its own brand) which he uses to this day for weekly road bike maintenance. It's as sturdy as it was the day he bought it, which must have been close to 20 years ago.

Whichever one you buy, you might find yourself using it for decades, so it might be worth spending a little more on the sturdier model.

I like these shorts they are not that expensive and have lasted well over a year and going strong. My floor pump looks something like this but I can't remember the brand name. As far as tools you likely just need a screw driver and an allen key for the adjustments. There are some youtube videos that explain the process. You will want a work stand. <-- is the one I got. It is a little bouncy but it works and it was under $100 so I'm happy with it. You may want to throw in a pedal wrench while your at it.

hey boss man, why is it bad to hard clamp frame tubes? I have https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and i put it in my top tube (cross bar). Is this not good to store it that way? Thanks for your help and time

edit: i also only have a single speed bianchi that is super beat up from 7 years of riding (got it for $300 on craigslist back in the day), but i am just curious what is wrong with clamping the top tube or frame tubes for storage and/or workstations

No personal experience with it, but the Bikehand stand is a near-clone of the TS 2.2 at a pretty reasonable price: http://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Wheel-Truing-Bicycle-Maintenance/dp/B00CW90ZKW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394539358&sr=8-1&keywords=bikehand+truing+stand

I purchased the "Park Tool Deluxe Wall Mount Repair Stand - PRS-4W" about 6 years ago, and have been happy with it since. It's never let me down. I'd absolutely buy it again.

While it's wall mount, I expect the similar bench mount option to be of equal quality.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00D9B7OKQ

This one is surprisingly good considering the price. IMO you won't find better for a new stand under $100

I got a stand for my birthday recently that was fairly inexpensive as far as I remember. It's not exactly "professional grade" but it's sturdy enough to hold a bike and do some work on it. Little light so it moves around a bit, but like I said it gets the job done. Found it, it's this guy.

I haven't bought it myself, but was planning to get something like this:
[amazon.ca](
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00KHW8A2Q/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i1?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00KHW8A2Q&pd_rd_r=AVRG3N5E0KV33PEQ77J0&pd_rd_w=kuksp&pd_rd_wg=REvoQ&pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=FH08RWSBZNDGBWQVG5ZQ&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=53c0a365-a120-447e-b139-d523b521a5e4&pf_rd_i=desktop)

I just ordered http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item
due to the good reviews. Will let you know how it goes.

which is better the 2 leg or 4 leg version of the conquer?

I have this bike stand,

Venzo Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle/Bike Repair Rack Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LMfKBb6584VV5

I dig it.

I don't use a torque wrench. I know I should but everything on the bike is such low torques (speaking from the perspective of someone who works on cars and industrial equipment) that I just make sure everything feels "right" to me... Haven't broken anything or had anything fail on me out on a ride yet... But that doesn't mean you shouldn't get a torque wrench if you want to do it right. As far as torque wrench set go even the expensive ones are cheap compared to the torque wrenches I'm used to using... So cheap/expensive are relative terms. I'd probably buy something mid range with good reviews on Amazon, personally.

I want to buy something like this removable wall mount for this exact thing.

$89 stand I bought on Amazon has served me well, including working on a rather heavy e-bike on the regular.

Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle/Bike Repair Rack Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/

No way you're shipping one of these for less than $15, and you can order these w/ free shipping from Amazon for $40, so...

https://smile.amazon.com/MVPower-Adjustable-Maintenance-Workstand-Telescopic/dp/B06Y3ZV1Q4

For anyone interested, reviews of that stand are mixed (as I imagine the reviews of the DIY model are as well). http://www.amazon.com/RAD-Cycle-Products-Bicycle-Adjustable/dp/B0065PHDZE

I bought this one. I love Park Tool brand and that's what I own for tools to work on the bike, but a stand is a stand. IMO you're only paying more for the name.

One of these helps.

Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle Repair Rack Stand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

This is what I have.

It works well and is cheaper than something like a Park Tool. It holds up my fatbike with no issues, so seems pretty sturdy.

That one does look rather flimsy. I have this one RAD Pro Bicycle Repair Stand

It works pretty well. Not as great as the full on park tools stands, but it does the job if I need to work on my bike at home.

http://www.amazon.com/Halter%C2%AE-Home-Mechanic-Repair-Stand/dp/B005PQHO8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395104687&sr=8-1&keywords=bike+work+stand works great. Nothing super fancy but it gets the job done.

https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Mechanic-Bicycle-Repair-Stand/dp/B00D9B7OKQ

Works well with my road bike and my MTB.

This has served me well for the last few years.

I got this one and its worked well for general maintenance, repair, and bike building.

you can buy just the "head". i have one fastened to some wood that, in turn, clamps onto one of the portable workmate stands. works well.

https://www.amazon.com/Conquer-Bench-Mount-Bicycle-Repair/dp/B00KXFHZUA (for example - not the one i own)

I use the same one but I bought it on amazon. $50 + prime

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PQHO8A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Was also looking at this seems to be TS-2 clone (kinda)

Though Im in no rush, I will camp ebay for a good deal on a real one.

I bought a wall mount one with similar looking joints from Amazon. Both joints that were not meant to rotate, did. I fixed this by drilling the plastic fittings and the metal tubing and pinning them with 1/4-20 bolts. Seems to work fine now but I only work on the bikes in my house, nothing professional.

I got one off Amazon it really surpassed my expectations. Ive had two different bikes on it and it did not fall over. Works for me. It appears youre not in US but nobody replied so figured i would.
https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Mechanic-Bicycle-Repair-Stand/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1517619329&sr=8-4&keywords=bike+stand

I've been thinking about getting this one: http://amzn.com/B00D9B7OKQ . The reviews seem good, it is a reputable brand, it folds up, and it looks sturdy enough in the typical problem spots (clamp rotation, etc.)

EDIT: Also, this is /r/mtb, not /r/bicycling.

RAD Cycle workstand, $50 on Amazon, would not recommend. Broke a clamp and now height can't be adjusted. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0065PHDZE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_M1cKBbF9YRTC2
No carbon, so no torque wrench use on the bikes. Haven't really had a problem with bolt torques yet knocks on wood

DO NOT get this piece of shit. Every time I use it I kick myself for cheaping out. All of the hardware on it sucks, and it can barely hold the bike up without collapsing on itself. Amazon pushes it pretty hard when searching for repair stands. Avoid.

http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Repair-Adjustable-Height-Bicycle/dp/B0085ADXP6/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1407690129&sr=8-13&keywords=bike+stand

Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle Repair Rack Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_nNB8kaNDX5Ewy

I use this one with my JuicedBikes RipCurrent S

MVPower Pro Mechanic Bike Repair Stand

Mine consists of moving the kitchen island cart and plopping down there. Hah!

Finally getting a collapsible repair stand.

I have one of these, though it's always difficult to say how much of a difference +/- ~$50 makes. Reviews on the lower end one seems to mention issues with the clamp often, but the clamp on this one definitely feels extremely solid. Few of the reviews on this one mention issues with collar at the telescopic bit; I'm about 6 months in and moderate use, and haven't noticed signs of it thus far.

Just search "Bike work stand".

Plenty of options. I'm looking at getting this one:
http://www.amazon.com/BIKEHAND-Cycle-Mechanic-Bicycle-Repair/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1408986564&sr=1-1&keywords=bike+stand

$90. The cheaper ones I saw went for $55. I'm not sure what that converts to in Europe money.

The bike Stand is something I wish I bought sooner.
You can order this one:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0065PHDZE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Its cheaper and hold my 58lb ebike no problem. The Luna wrench can be use to remove certain bottom bracket, you'll find out ...
Forget about the soldering gun. Fenders are for wusses. Rear, rack, your battery will end up there soon enought in a luggage rack top bag. For donor bike, now is a super good time since all bike shop are liquidating bikes, go in there and measure Bottom Bracket and ask what type they are etc ...
For the Hydraulic brake, get the magnet sensor that cut the engne that you can glue on the brake levers.
The Gear sensors are almost never working unless they are maintained all the time and difficult to install because you have to cut the derailleur outer cable etc ...

I picked this one up when I ran into the same problem; works well enough for me.

Yup, get the one mentioned above from the seller linked here for $80:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use it once a week to clean and tune my bike with no failures.

I ended up w/ this one from Nashbar. I got it because my bikes are carbon and I was worried about clamping the seat posts. Plus it was cheap, around $100 after coupons. While the quality is fine, it's turned out to be a bit of a pain to have to take off the tire to work on my bikes. Plus, I had to get an adapter for my through axle.

If I had to do it over again, I'd get a Park Tools. Probably the PCS-9. You pay a little more, but everything I've gotten from them has been high quality.

In fact, I'll probably sell mine on CL and get that one in the next year...

I have this one, which is a fair price:

https://smile.amazon.com/Bikehand-Mechanic-Bicycle-Repair-Stand/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498229469&sr=8-1

Got it two years ago and I have no complaints

I got this [Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic Bicycle Repair Stand] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F2S824/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) on Amazon. It is really nice and stable and I will probably never have to replace it. I had the Tacklife Bicycle Repair Stand but it was really unstable and my bike kept falling over so I returned it.

There are some awful reviews. This is something you should only need to buy once in your lifetime.
Check out Feedback or Park brands. Check Craigslist, as I have seen them for sale there. There may be some options on eBay, though I have never checked.
Here's a nice one: http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-PCS-9-Mechanic-Repair/dp/B000OZFJTI/ref=sr_1_23?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1395455365&sr=1-23&keywords=feedback+sports

I can tell you one that you should avoid.

This one is garbage

source: I own one and hate every minute I use it