For the longest time I’ve wanted a work stand so I could work on my bikes. I just couldn’t see myself spending a $100-$200 for some aluminum and a clamp. I did a little searching for an easier method of how to suspend a bike while you work on it.
I based my design on these sites:
http://www.ladyada.net/make/bikestand/
http://www.yourmtb.com/story/want_to_build_a_bike_repair_stand_for_less_than_100
Total cost of the project: About $20 bucks. Most expensive item was the iron pipe.
I am lucky that Roommate Steve works at an industrial machine shop. He actually did the hard-work. First he took this 1 1/4″ t-intersection and cut it with a band saw. The hinges and clamp are pop-riveted into the plastic. You could actually use bolts and nuts, but this way they’re not falling off.
I laid out the hardware on the pipe and marked it out with a permanent marker. Which was a good idea because I initially marked the pipe to be cut down the half way mark. After fitting the buckle, I adjusted it so there was enough space to drill and rivet the clamp down.
Measure twice, cut once.
I used a 1 1/4″ iron pipe with a base stand to mount it to my work bench.
I then stuff the clamp with 3/4″ pipe insulation. I wrap the insulation on the seat post tube then clamp it in. I also trimmed off some excess to make a better fit.
Looks good. The project turned out better than I thought it would. More images.
Can I take my bike to your house now?
Looks great Shoo. I love projects that take things that were made for one thing and use them for something totally different. If I knew how to work on a bike, I’d totally hook up something like that. Mt bike is still under it’s “first year free tuneups” at the bike shop, so I just take it there for now.
AP, looking for accessories? Maybe a pink basket or baseball cards in the spokes?
Dave, thanks.
See GTG, work is being done on the work bench!
Very nice. When you have little ones, they are totally going to love that bar.
And that’s why it is detachable and hideable.
It has a bike hanging off it, Shooey. I have yet to see work being done on said bike.
And, Marie, I do hope you’re talking about Buddy…