Assembly stand
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An assembly stand , also known as a repair stand, is a device for maintenance, assembly and repair work on a bicycle or motorcycle . The assembly stand holds the bicycle or motorcycle firmly and makes it easier to work in an ergonomic posture with bicycles . In the case of bicycles, it often also allows the wheel to be pivoted into a position that is advantageous for the work process. Furthermore, the drive and, in the case of bicycles, the derailleur can be operated, which is not possible with the bicycles on the ground.
Types for bicycles
Clamping to the frame or seat post
The most popular stands are tubular structures with a clamp that clamps the frame or seat post . They can also often be found in bicycle workshops. With this design, both wheels can be rotated freely and work on the brakes and drive can be carried out, for example . Clamping on the seat post has the advantage that many bicycles with exotic frame geometries can also be clamped. This form of clamping is also well suited for very thin-walled tubular frames and frames made of fiber composite materials that cannot withstand high clamping forces. However, only a few assembly stands are able to fix the thick frame tubes of recumbent bikes . With them, as with relatively heavy electric bicycles, the load-bearing capacity and stability must also be taken into account.
Telescopic stands can be adjusted in height, alternatively the clamping device on the stand can also be arranged to be displaceable. The clamping device is usually rotatable, so the wheel can be swiveled in the clamped state. Recesses in the clamp should enable Bowden cables to be passed through, but depending on the frame type and the Bowden installation, not all clamps can be used without restrictions on all frames.
In addition to the processing, quality features are above all high stability and rigidity. These properties are achieved primarily through a correspondingly stable design of the basic stand. They show up u. a. for force-intensive work or for dismantling and removing heavy assemblies such as the rear wheel. The design in terms of quality and material of the operating and control elements, as well as the clamping claw, also varies between the providers. For example, some clamps have quick release functions that make it easier to clamp and remove the wheel. However, some of these have to be pre-adjusted to the frame diameter.
For space-saving storage when not in use or for transport z. B. to the competition site, many designs are foldable. For the professional sector, the clamping devices are also available individually, for example for mounting on a wall or workbench. Some workshop assembly stands can also be screwed to the floor.
Support assembly stand
In the case of assembly stands in the lowest price segment, the bottom bracket shell and down tube rest on, a clamp is only available on some models or only in the form of a belt. Both wheels can rotate freely. These assembly stands do not offer a very solid connection, so that heavy work (e.g. changing the inner bearing, mounting cranks ) is problematic. Your advantage is the low price. Due to their construction, such assembly stands are only suitable for bicycles with normal geometry ( diamond frames ).
Fixation to the fork or rear triangle
Mounting stands, in which the bike is clamped with the fork or the rear frame and the bottom bracket housing is supported, offer stable attachment. The disadvantage of this design is that an impeller has to be removed, which increases the time required; this is especially true when working on both wheels one after the other. If you want to work on the rear wheel, there must be a fork in the frame. Such assembly stands are often also suitable for recumbent bikes.
Hanging assembly
An alternative to a work stand is to hang the bike on ropes or chains, for example on the handlebars and on the luggage rack. The advantage is the free access from all sides and no studs on the floor, as well as the free space when not in use. The disadvantage is the lack of fixation, which causes the bike to rock when working. The swaying of the bike is somewhat reduced by ropes running at an angle to the ceiling. If pulleys are attached to the ceiling, the wheel can be hung up on the floor and then pulled to the desired height. With an electric winch, even heavy electric bicycles can easily be brought to working height.
Truing stand
Truing stands only hold the bicycle hub or wheel for servicing, assembling, or truing.
Designs for motorcycles
In addition to the assembly stands for bicycles, there are also special versions for motorcycles. Because of its heavy weight, the motorcycle is not hung up manually, but rather lifted with a small lifting platform, usually with a lever. Motorcycle work stands are usually equipped with plastic rollers that can be used to lift and lock the front or rear of the motorcycle a few centimeters above the ground with a long lever arm. In addition to assembly stands, so-called shunting plates are also used for shunting work. These are equipped with four castors with a high load capacity, two of which can be steered. Together with the assembly stand, this results in a comfortable maneuvering tool for the motorcycles, some of which weigh several hundred kilograms.
Since the designs of motorcycles do not allow uniform assembly stands, appropriate adapters, so-called holding jaws, are used. In some cases it is necessary that so-called prismatic bushings are attached to the rear axle screw connection in order to use a motorcycle assembly stand .
literature
- Rob van der Plas: The bicycle workshop - repair and maintenance step by step. 1st edition, BVA Bielefelder Verlaganstalt, Bielefeld, 1995, ISBN 3-87073-147-8
- Richard Hallet: Bicycle Maintenance-Care-Repair. 1st edition, BVA Bielefelder Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, 2003, ISBN 3-87073-308-X
