Park Tool Bike Repair Stand (PCS-9)

Last week I ordered a Park Tool Bike Repair Stand from the Peddler in Long Branch, NJ. Since I do not have quick release hubs on the Langster I need two hands to set the rear wheel whenever I take it off. I figured that a Repair Stand would help. I looked around and I found that Park Tool had several models designed for home use. The PCS-9 model that I ordered is the bottom of the line but I decided that I did not need anything too fancy since I probably will not be doing very much of mine own repair work. Just the basics such as flat and tire repair, oiling and degreasing. Beyond that I will probably leave things to the pros.

I ordered the stand on Saturday and I picked it up on Friday before I went to my daughter's Field Hockey Game. I put the stand together after the game but before I went to pickup pizza. Assembly was straight forward and took less than 30 minutes. Most of the main parts such as the clamp were already assembled and only had to be unscrewed so that it could be attached to the assembled frame. Included is a very small wrench and two hex wrenches so there is no need for extra tools needed.

For what I am going to use the stand for I am not sure one other models would be worth the extra money. All together I spend about $100 (including tax) on the stand. As far as I know the Peddler did not charge me any shipping so they were competitive with the prices I saw on the Internet.

Having order the stand from a catalog and from pictures online I was not completely sure what I was going to get. While the legs do fold it was not really what I was expecting. What happens is the legs swing down when the stand is lifted up which allows for storage in a corner or against the back wall of the garage. It could also be laid across the floor in an apartment or home.

I used the stand on Friday night to re-tension the chain and align the back wheel. I also cleaned and oiled the chain for Saturday's (Today) ride. The stand works as advertised and gets the bike off the ground for easy access. However, rotating the clamp requires loosing using the handle on the back and then twisting. I am not sure this can be done with the bike in the clamp.

Also, it is not as stiff as I expected and the bike seems to bounce when spinning the rear wheel. However, the price is right and I am sure it will more than earn its keep. Especially if I end up with more than the 2 bikes I currently have.