Rad Power Bikes Owners Forum

Rad Power Bikes Chat => General Chat => Topic started by: Eric7 on May 02, 2022, 01:41:31 PM

Title: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: Eric7 on May 02, 2022, 01:41:31 PM
My $120 bicycle stand rated for 55 pounds.  This is about the range of movement my body and the bicycle stand can handle.  Good enough for me.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: JimInPT on May 02, 2022, 03:15:47 PM
Those Bike Hand stands are quite good for their prices; I bought the 110-lb version for my Mini, which is pushing 80 lbs with accessories and no battery (https://amzn.to/3FUvykv).  I'm very happy with its materials and construction at much lower price than the Park equivalents. 

Did you just manhandle it into the air to get it into the clamp?
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: Eric7 on May 02, 2022, 05:07:09 PM
Quote from: JimInPT on May 02, 2022, 03:15:47 PM
Those Bike Hand stands are quite good for their prices; I bought the 110-lb version for my Mini, which is pushing 80 lbs with accessories and no battery (https://amzn.to/3FUvykv).  I'm very happy with its materials and construction at much lower price than the Park equivalents. 

Did you just manhandle it into the air to get it into the clamp?

I think you have the same general design and like you said, the more sturdy version.  Your stand looks nice.

Yes.  I just manhandle it - maybe not so smoothly. First I take out the battery. Then  I have the jaws open just wide enough for the seat stem and I hang it like a piece of clothing.  The saddle prevents the bike from slipping out.  Then I clamp it shut.  Since mine is not heavy duty, I just lift the front and put it on a stool to work on the front unless I am spinning the front tire.  Then I lock it and spin the front tire.  If I want to work on the back tire I just let the front drop to the ground - as shown in the picture.  It is useful for cleaning the bike and adjusting the brakes.

How do you get the bike onto the repair stand?
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: Radio Runner on May 02, 2022, 10:52:13 PM
I bolted a Park PRS=4W-2 to a beam on our covered patio.

https://www.parktool.com/product/deluxe-wall-mount-repair-stand-prs-4w-2
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: SemperVee on May 03, 2022, 07:29:16 AM
 got  a great stand onsale from amazon for Abt $68
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: Eric7 on May 03, 2022, 09:13:28 AM
Quote from: Radio Runner on May 02, 2022, 10:52:13 PM
I bolted a Park PRS=4W-2 to a beam on our covered patio.

https://www.parktool.com/product/deluxe-wall-mount-repair-stand-prs-4w-2

Beautiful.  Nice.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: Eric7 on May 03, 2022, 09:19:47 AM
Quote from: SemperVee on May 03, 2022, 07:29:16 AM
got  a great stand onsale from amazon for Abt $68

Glad you can get one for a good price.

I found that my model and a stool is good enough for everything I want to do.  I actually wish the model goes lower so I can stabilize the bike when it is sitting on the ground because I don't need to lift the bike for some things - like putting on a handlebar.  A bike parking stand would be nice too. 
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: JimInPT on May 03, 2022, 09:41:55 AM
Quote from: Eric7 on May 02, 2022, 05:07:09 PMHow do you get the bike onto the repair stand?

LOL, I don't... yet.  Just got the stand a few days ago and set it up to check out, was very satisfied with materials and construction.  My first planned use is for dropping the front wheel to replace the quick-release with a solid bolted axle, also just received.

My current plan is to remove battery, locks and other stuff not fastened on (as you do), then get up on a short stepstool and deadlift the bike up into the clamp.  Not as young, strong and spry as I used to be, so these things take a bit more planning ahead.

I got a Hollywood-brand temporary crossbar for use while traveling on the hitch rack; might put that into place as the grab point if I need more fore/aft adjustment for balancing it during maintenance.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: Eric7 on May 04, 2022, 05:03:43 AM
Quote from: JimInPT on May 03, 2022, 09:41:55 AM
LOL, I don't... yet.  Just got the stand a few days ago and set it up to check out, was very satisfied with materials and construction.  My first planned use is for dropping the front wheel to replace the quick-release with a solid bolted axle, also just received.

My current plan is to remove battery, locks and other stuff not fastened on (as you do), then get up on a short stepstool and deadlift the bike up into the clamp.  Not as young, strong and spry as I used to be, so these things take a bit more planning ahead.

I got a Hollywood-brand temporary crossbar for use while traveling on the hitch rack; might put that into place as the grab point if I need more fore/aft adjustment for balancing it during maintenance.

I have thought of mounting a pully on my garage ceiling to lift the bike but it is probably too complicated.

I am not as strong as I used to be.  I have many pictures of me lifting a bike over my head - but they were sub 25-pound bikes.  I think I can still clean and jerk 70 pounds but I cannot lift the Rad Mini ST2 over my head because there is nothing good to hold on to.  I have been thinking of staging a photo of me lifting the Rad Mini ST2 over my head.  I would need to rubberband the brake levers so the wheels don't spin and tie the front wheel so it does not steer. Then I need to get 2 tall and relatively fit friends.  Have them lift the bike up.  I just hold the bike and they disappear while my picture is being taken.  Afterward, they would come and rescue me and put the bike down.  That would be a good photo.  :)
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: JimInPT on May 04, 2022, 07:29:25 AM
Quote from: Eric7 on May 04, 2022, 05:03:43 AMI have thought of mounting a pully on my garage ceiling to lift the bike but it is probably too complicated.

That's a very good idea, and you reminded me of a pulley system I used to have set up to stow kayaks in the garage ceiling.  Compound pulley design makes the pull-strength manageable.  Don't forget about possible clearance requirements for an open garage door. 

I wouldn't work on a swinging bike in the air, just use it to hoist and hold bike in position to get clamped up in the stand.

I might have to order one now.
https://amzn.to/3LkoY7N
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: jastewart325 on May 06, 2022, 07:35:17 PM
Does anyone use Handlebar Jacks? I have ordered a pair but haven't received them yet. Cheaper and apparently no lifting of the entire bike required.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: JimInPT on May 08, 2022, 09:31:11 AM
Quote from: jastewart325 on May 06, 2022, 07:35:17 PM
Does anyone use Handlebar Jacks? I have ordered a pair but haven't received them yet. Cheaper and apparently no lifting of the entire bike required.

I have a set of them; it's a clever idea and they're very well made.  I put them into the on-bike toolkit for emergencies and other than testing to make sure they'll fit onto the right locations on my MiniST handlebar, I haven't used them with the bike inverted on top.  I'm sure they can carry the load, it's just too awkward to get the bike into that position unless I really need it to be.

I think they're much better than just inverting onto the bars and grips for e-bikes with displays and other stuff on the bars and having corresponded with the company founder/owner, I think the business deserves the support if you think you can use the product.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: Eric7 on May 08, 2022, 02:18:21 PM
Quote from: jastewart325 on May 06, 2022, 07:35:17 PM
Does anyone use Handlebar Jacks? I have ordered a pair but haven't received them yet. Cheaper and apparently no lifting of the entire bike required.

I can do everything without a bike stand when I was younger and poorer and a few books or cinderblocks works like Handlebar Jacks. Flipping a 30 pound bike is great.  I remember fondly flipping the bike over to true the wheels back then.   Flipping a 70 pound may be too much trouble for me now.  Also, I don't want to bend to the ground to adjust the handlebar - getting too old.

A lot of adjustments are easier with the bike right side up.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: avg_joe on May 11, 2022, 12:21:05 PM
Quote from: jastewart325 on May 06, 2022, 07:35:17 PM
Does anyone use Handlebar Jacks? I have ordered a pair but haven't received them yet. Cheaper and apparently no lifting of the entire bike required.

I have them and use them almost weekly on my Rad Rover. They hold the bike securely, very happy with them.

I put a rear rack on my Rover, so when I'm getting ready to flip the bike over: I remove the seat/post, place a cut and slit pool noodle on the rear of the rack and secure it with a bungie, squeeze the rear brake and start walking backwards. Even this +70lb bike is easy to manage this way.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: jastewart325 on May 24, 2022, 09:24:03 AM
Quote from: avg_joe on May 11, 2022, 12:21:05 PM
Quote from: jastewart325 on May 06, 2022, 07:35:17 PM
Does anyone use Handlebar Jacks? I have ordered a pair but haven't received them yet. Cheaper and apparently no lifting of the entire bike required.

I have them and use them almost weekly on my Rad Rover. They hold the bike securely, very happy with them.

I put a rear rack on my Rover, so when I'm getting ready to flip the bike over: I remove the seat/post, place a cut and slit pool noodle on the rear of the rack and secure it with a bungie, squeeze the rear brake and start walking backwards. Even this +70lb bike is easy to manage this way.

That sounds very cool. However, because of the larger wheel/fenders on my City 5 Plus, I have to use a support like a plastic bin or stool to support it using the rear rack. It is a little tricky to keep the bin/stool from sliding, but it's doable--and there is no need to remove the seat/post. See YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZPQTXAwS-Q
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: RadBod on May 24, 2022, 01:06:11 PM
Bike stand for adjusting my brakes.  ;D
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: Eric7 on May 24, 2022, 02:28:50 PM
Quote from: RadBod on May 24, 2022, 01:06:11 PM
Bike stand for adjusting my brakes.  ;D

That is cool.  The superior bike mechanic fixes a bike without buying more junk from our consumer culture.

I was just thinking about doing this except I was planning to use my 2 premade sawhorses and two 8-foot 2x4.  That is not as good as what you have done.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: RadBod on May 25, 2022, 07:55:44 AM
Quote from: Eric7 on May 24, 2022, 02:28:50 PM
Quote from: RadBod on May 24, 2022, 01:06:11 PM
Bike stand for adjusting my brakes.  ;D

That is cool.  The superior bike mechanic fixes a bike without buying more junk from our consumer culture.

I was just thinking about doing this except I was planning to use my 2 premade sawhorses and two 8-foot 2x4.  That is not as good as what you have done.

I have to applaud the Rad design that allows for perfect weight distribution with the bike balancing on the tiny flat bar under the seat.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: Eric7 on May 25, 2022, 03:21:10 PM
Quote from: RadBod on May 25, 2022, 07:55:44 AM
I have to applaud the Rad design that allows for perfect weight distribution with the bike balancing on the tiny flat bar under the seat.

You got me inspired.  I have a Rad Mini ST2.  I can wedge my front wheel against two shelves in the garage, or on my fence.  Then I can lift up the rear of the bike with a paint can, resting the loop under the frame on the paint can.  The pedals are so far apart I can pedal the bike, with the rear wheel off the ground and the frame totally supported by the paint can.  With this arrangement, I can totally adjust the back wheel, test the motor and everything.

And if I want to work on the front, I wedge the rear wheel between the shelves, lift up the front with the paint can at the same place.  That's because the loop under the bike is pretty close to the center of gravity.

Everything can be done with something supporting the loop.  Like a paint can or a cinder block, or some old books to make a center stand.  That's it.

A bike stand is not really needed.  For some big jobs, like working on the bottom bracket, a bike stand would be preferable but not necessary.

Another way is for me to put a strap connecting the handlebar stem and the saddle post and then hang the bike up with a rope attached to the strap somewhere between the saddle post and handlebar.

There are plenty of good options if I give it some thought. I don't have to buy anything if I don't want to. Of course, I already have the bike stand but I don't really need it.
Title: Re: $120 bicycle stand
Post by: RadBod on May 26, 2022, 08:06:45 AM
Quote from: Eric7 on May 25, 2022, 03:21:10 PM
Quote from: RadBod on May 25, 2022, 07:55:44 AM
I have to applaud the Rad design that allows for perfect weight distribution with the bike balancing on the tiny flat bar under the seat.

You got me inspired.  I have a Rad Mini ST2.  I can wedge my front wheel against two shelves in the garage, or on my fence.  Then I can lift up the rear of the bike with a paint can, resting the loop under the frame on the paint can.  The pedals are so far apart I can pedal the bike, with the rear wheel off the ground and the frame totally supported by the paint can.  With this arrangement, I can totally adjust the back wheel, test the motor and everything.

And if I want to work on the front, I wedge the rear wheel between the shelves, lift up the front with the paint can at the same place.  That's because the loop under the bike is pretty close to the center of gravity.

Everything can be done with something supporting the loop.  Like a paint can or a cinder block, or some old books to make a center stand.  That's it.

A bike stand is not really needed.  For some big jobs, like working on the bottom bracket, a bike stand would be preferable but not necessary.

Another way is for me to put a strap connecting the handlebar stem and the saddle post and then hang the bike up with a rope attached to the strap somewhere between the saddle post and handlebar.

There are plenty of good options if I give it some thought. I don't have to buy anything if I don't want to. Of course, I already have the bike stand but I don't really need it.

All those hours watching The A-Team weren?t a waste of my time after all.  ;D