Feedback Sports has been creating workstands for decades and in that time it would be fair to say that the American brand has become a popular choice among both professional and amateur mechanics.
We recently took delivery of its Pro Mechanic Bike Repair Stand, but don’t let the name fool you because while its capabilities may be vast, it could make for an incredibly smart choice for the at home mechanic, too.
First off, it has to be noted that the packaging for this bike stand is fully sustainable. There are no staples or pieces of plastic or foam packaging which in this day and age is a really nice touch, clearly some good common sense has been applied here. And happily, upon removal from said box, the stand is ready to go straight away, there is no self assembly required, it comes in its collapsed state. This small form factor means this stand can be easily stowed under a sofa, in a cupboard or in the corner of your shed. It’s a really compact unit.
To get the stand into action mode you drop the legs down to create a really wide base. Next, extend the central column up and finally get the clamp arm into position. It’s as easy as that. All of the levers and points of adjustment are made of metal which should mean this stand will last for much longer compared to those that make use of cheaper plastic.
Due to its design this stand is also much more sturdy than others and if there’s one thing we want from a bike stand when you have your pride and joy locked in, it’s that it’s safe and secure.
As mentioned above, the legs create a wide base meaning you can apply some force to your bike without it moving around too much. A top tip would be to also ensure you have a leg right underneath your bike for maximum stability.
Up top at the clamp head, the stand features a patented ratcheting action seatpost clamp which means you can lift your bike up, get it in position, close the head down the majority of the way and then nip it up with the spinning knob at the front. No more endless spinning of handles to get your bike in and out. And when it comes to taking your bike out of the stand, it’s as easy as pressing the quick release button and you’re free.
It is important that the clamping jaws grip onto your bike and of course over time these jaw pads can start to wear down as they’re designed to be kind to bikes, so happily, when the time comes to replace them, you can get a fresh set from anywhere that stocks Feedback Sports products and you can give your stand a new lease of life.
And be prepared, because that lease of life may be rather long. The characteristic red anodisation on many of Feedback Sports products is actually functional as it’s claimed that this will stop corrosion, meaning a stand like this could be part of your workshop for many, many years.
While this stand may be called the Pro Mechanic Bike Repair Stand, it’s clear that this can work for someone living in a high rise apartment who wants to keep their bike in tip top condition all the way to the pro mechanic that lives life out on the road. Thanks to its ability to cater for a maximum bike weight of 34 kilos, there really won’t be many things this stand won’t be able to hold up.
