Bicycle Repair Stand Bike
A sarcastic old bike mechanic tells the history of the bicycle repair stand. Learn how this tool changed everything. No more sore backs. Includes Q&A and a link to a good one.
Let me tell you about the dark ages. Before the bicycle repair stand. We fixed bikes on the ground. Or turned them upside down. It was a terrible time.
You'd bend over. Your back would scream. All your tools were in the dirt. The bike would wobble and fall. It was a stupid way to work.
Then, some genius finally had a thought. "What if we held the bike up? At waist level?" Amazing. It only took fifty years to figure that out.
The first stands were clunky. Heavy steel. They worked, though. They clamped the bike by its seat post. Suddenly, both your hands were free. You could actually see what you were doing. It was a miracle.
Modern stands are lighter. They have quick-releases and fancy clamps. But the idea is the same. Hold the bike. Save your back. Make the job less miserable.
It’s the most important tool in the shop. Right after a good set of ears to ignore customer complaints.
Q: Why is a repair stand so important?
A: It keeps the bike steady and at hip level. This saves your back. It also lets you use both hands to work. You won't spill all your screws in the grass. Usually.
Q: Can't I just turn my bike upside down on the handlebars?
A: You can also dig a hole with a spoon. It works, but it's dumb. You can damage your handlebars and shifters. The bike is also unstable. Don't be cheap. Get a stand.
Q: What should I look for in a good stand?
A: Get one that's stable. It shouldn't tip over. The clamp should hold the bike tightly. It should also fold up so you don't trip over it. Unless you like that.
A good stand makes a hard job easy. A bad stand… well, that’s just more complaining for me to listen to. If you want a stand that won't make me roll my eyes, you could look at this one. It holds the bike. What more do you want?
Find a decent one here: sparta.sale
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