Ever fought with your bike trying to adjust the rear derailleur only to have the bike fall over, or cramp your hands trying to keep two parts together while trying to find a third hand to hold everything in place? Well maybe a bike repair stand is a smart next purchase.
Around 8 months ago I ordered up a BRS-70B Consumer Repair Stand by Ultimate Support through my local Norco Dealer. After a good season of use and one minor part replacement, I've been impressed with this tool which should be part of everyone's kit.
The Facts
RELIABLE CLAMP
Quick spinner knob allows fast, secure clamping on seat posts, tight places and different diameter tubes. Strong clutch allows 360° rotation of bikes during repairs
HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE
Sets up from 3.5’ to 6’.
EXTREMELY STABLE BASE
Tripod configuration holds up to 60 lbs. on uneven surfaces (i.e. dirt, grass, slopes etc.). Large rubber footcaps increase stability and won’t fall off.
EXTREMELY PORTABLE
Legs and clamp head fold creating a very most compact stand for travel or storage. Easy set-up/tear down with no tools required.
Initial Setup
My first impressions were of good value for the money. The stand was solid and sturdy when you first set it up, the base spreads wide to keep level on any ground. Knobs are easy to grab with my big paws.
The main structure is aluminum tubes, with high impact plastic for the various height and leg adjustment clamps.
The frame clamp rotates through a full 360 degrees and is strong enough to keep a frame fully upside down. Rubber pads on the clamp jaws keep the frame safe, and it will open to accomodate a great range of frame sizes and positions.
Potential Problem
About 5 months in I found one issue with the stand, the plastic clamp used to adjust the stand height is easily overtightened, and cracked from the added stress of my bike. Using an aluminum or metal reinforced plastic clamp would be better in this situation, and from what I understand is used on the companies professional model bike stands. A call to the support staff at Ultimate Support and a new clamp was on it's way. So far since I've been careful to use only light hand tightening on the clamp.
ConclusionsA full range of bikes have been mounted on this stand from kids and light weight road bikes though my 50+lb downhill monster. Every time the stand has worked great. With the small repair completed replacing the clamp, and a bit of lube put inside the clutch which holds the clamp in the desired rotation, the stand has been very much hassle free.
For anyone who likes to do some of their own home bike maintenance, a stand is a very worthwhile investment and the Ultimate Support BRS-70B is a great choice for the average consumer.
Ultimate support stands are available in Canada from your local Norco Parts & Accessories dealer, and more information on their products including accessories and professional bike options can be found here. www.ultimatesupport.com