You will notice that in the previous post, I did not discuss the repair stand or truing stand mentioned in Part I of “The Tools“. Today I would like to address some alternatives to these professional level tools.

Alternatives To A Truing Stand: This one is actually pretty easy. If you are reading this, you most likely have a great “truing stand” already: your own bicycle!

If you have cantilever brakes, it is easy. Just use one of the brake pads as a referance guide. (I’ll get into truing wheels later) Disc brake equipped bikes and bikes with coaster brakes are a little tougher, but a well placed clothes pin, or similar clamp type device will work out fine for basic truing needs.

Of course, there are any number of consumer friendly home truing stands, and if you have multiple bikes, or want to get into building a wheel some day, a “real” truing stand is indispensable.

Alternatives To A Repair Stand: This is a little tricky, as it usually reuires some assembly to come up with something that will work as a repair stand. Here are some links that will lead you to some “DIY” type repair stands for bicycles.

1. PVC pipe repair stand.
2. Instructables pipe repair stand (Interestingly, there is also a link to a tune up video here too.)
3. Another take on the pipe stand with a different clamp idea.

Most of these ideas will cost you less than $50.00 and maybe a good long afternoon in the garage. Remember, it would only take a couple of tune ups to make the stand pay for itself.

Ideally these DIY repair stands will be put in a shop environment and not be portable. If being a repair stand nomad is in your cards, I would highly recommend going to a manufactured stand from any of several companies, but my personal favorite is my Ultimate repair stand, which is still available at some online retailers. Portable repair stands can be stowed away when not in use, and are a great way to meet fellow mountain bikers at trail heads, if you set up to tweak your bike before your rides. (Mostly because they will want to use it!)

Next post: I’ll discuss the “Alternate Tools” and why they are here on the list. See ya then!