Bicycle work stands
Cycling is fun and a great way to keep fit, but every now and then it means working on your bike. Bicycle work stands are great for the novice and experienced rider alike. Lifting your bike up to a higher level means you can work on it more easily. That'll save your back too! There are hundreds of stands to choose from, including those from leading brands such as Park Tool and Draper as well as unbranded bicycle work stands.
Things to look out for
There are a number of work stands to pick from. Most of them hold the bike with a vice-like clamp. You can also find stands which have a hook on them, where the bike balances off the ground. There are pros and cons to both styles. If you're carrying out light repairs then the hook would be a good idea. Also if you're worried about marking the paintwork of the bike then a hook reduces the chance of damage.
If you're carrying out heavy-duty repairs then a clamp that holds the bike steady is a good idea. The clamp will stop the bike from suddenly moving as you work.
Wall mounted or free-standing
The best way to decide on whether to choose a wall-mounted or free-standing work stand is to consider space. If you have a large garage or workshop then a free-standing rack should be fine. The added advantage is that once the bike is in position you can approach it from all angles.
If you only have a small area to work in then you might want to consider a wall-mounted stand. When not in use, the only space taken up is a small amount of all, leaving floor space free. A free-standing rack can be folded down and moved elsewhere, while the wall-mounted equivalent is stuck in place.
Maximum weight/safety
Before you purchase a work stand, check its capacity. Most of the stands available to buy will support bikes up to 30kg. It's worth double checking, however. The last thing you want to do is drop your pride and joy!