The PCS-4 hasThe same clamp used in ParkTools heavy duty shop stands andThe new leg stabilizing system creates a rock-solid baseThat resistsTipping over. Perfect for heavier duty home use or light duty shop use, adjusts quickly from 55"To 72" withThe lever onThe mainTube. Adjusts quickly from 55"To 72" withThe lever onThe mainTube Folds flat for easy storage. Clamp allows a bikeTo be rotated 360 degrees and locked in any position. Clamps jaws accomodateTubes from 7/8" (22mm)To 1-5/8"
Submitted by
silverpigeon
a Cross Country Rider
from Channel Islands
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2009
Strengths: Solid, heavy steel. Top quaility clamp. Small footprint. Stable
Weaknesses: Not portable.
Bottom Line:
I've not used the tripod style stands but have used several of the 'two feet' stands such as the Minoura or the PCS9/10. In my opinion the feet system on the PCS4 is superior, more stable and upright and does not take up as much space as the the more traditional style. I bought this stand after seeing it being used by the workshop in my LBS.
It is certainly not a portable workstand though, too heavy and although the legs close allowing it to be laid flat, it still isn't what you would call storage friendly.
In terms of use I've stripped and rebuilt two bikes so far on the PCS4 including a stubborn BB and pedals, no problems at all. The clamp and sturdiness of the stand allows for a lot of leverage to be applied without fear of pulling everything over.
Best suited for the serious home mechanic who has the space/home workshop to leave it up all the time. For that it is ideal
Submitted by
Krazy Mad
a Weekend Warrior
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007
Strengths: sturdy (weights 28 lbs), GREAT clamp, able to rotate bike 360* with no problems
Weaknesses: height "adjustment" isn't easy, not portable, takes some effort to assemble and disassemble it
Bottom Line:
I bought mines used and for the price, its a GREAT stand. I don't know others say it isn't sturdy. I've had a heavy 38lbs downhill bike clamped into the stand, rotating it upside down and sideways, spinning the cranks and rotating the rear wheel, stand is solid, never came even close to tipping over or even moving.
Clamp is great and is rock solid. The clamp itself must weight at least 1/5 of the weight of the rack (28lbs per Park's site) and grips the bike well. Truely shop quality clamp.
The stand isn't for everyone. If you don't have the space, it isn't the most storage friendly stand. Storage/disassembly of the rack is just 4 nuts and bolts, but in this day of quick releases and on the fly adjustments, 4 bolts is a bit much in my opinion. Ofcourse it is only 4 bolts and due to the bolts its super sturdy. To adjust the height, you almost have to disassemble the entire rack. But if you're getting a stand, you should be more than comfortable assembling and disassembling things.
Weaknesses: Not really portbale and not really permanent. Should be more permanent with sturdier base, perhaps sand filled bases or hooks along the main shaft for holding cable or housing. It's also not that convient to adjust the height of the stand. I leave it in the maximum position.
Bottom Line:
This is a good stand. As with anything, it could be better. But it it still hard to beat at this price.
i love this stand! it has a much better clamp and "solid feel" than the lower model. it blows the folding "pro" stand away (really flimsy). it is heavy, but that's what makes it so stable. it does fold flat for somewhat descent storage. you really can't take it with you UNLESS you have a truck bed or RV. it has plenty of height adjustability and it was reasonably priced online (i think i paid a little over $200 for the stand and tool tray...including tax and shipping). it shows no signs of breaking and i use it every week. save money in the long run and get this stand. i highly recommend it (unless you need something that you can fold up and easily take along with you).
Submitted by
Rick Fletcher
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2005
Strengths: - The all-steel stand feels like it'll last forever. - The levelling end caps were neccessary on my uneven floor -- I'm glad they were included. - The padded clamp holds tight at any angle
Weaknesses: Before buying (online) I got the idea this stand could be easily collapsed for storage. It can't. Breaking it down at all requires removal of at least a couple of bolts. (I don't see this as a big deal, but I thought some of the other reviews that mentioned collapsing the stand were a little misleading.)
Bottom Line:
It's a little pricey, but you get what you pay for.
Strengths: Solid construction, except for the Y mounts for the legs (could have used 2 more bolts).
Weaknesses: Very unstable, I mounted it on a 4x8 sheet of plywood to keep it from tipping over (this is mostly when mounting and dismounting the bike). No height adjustment!!!
Bottom Line:
Its rock solid except for the above mentioned weaknesses which can be overcome with some additional home handyman features. A product with this price tag should not have such issues.
Submitted by
Rod Angler
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003
Strengths: (+) Well designed (+) Strong enough, considering it's portable, for bottom bracket replacement and other sometimes-wrestling-matches (+) Light enough and portable (+) Good quality paint/powder coating on frame tubing
Weaknesses: Minor weakness: (-) Foot tubing "caps" come off too easily (-) A bit pricey, but it is quality, and quality ain't cheap usually (-) Clamping head friction "lock" is a bit loose, and bike can rotate so that rear tire touches ground
Bottom Line:
Surprised this fine stand hasn't been reviewed yet!
(+) Another well designed tool from Park. (+) Not cheap, and not as stable as a shop stand of course, but it is light and portable, and collapsible so it takes little space in the garage. (+) Easy to fold and take on the road if necessary. (+) Sturdy and stable enough for the occasional bottom bracket job with a bit of savvy in stabilizing the bike while wrestling with a ratchet (which sometimes seems like a 3 handed job). (+) Good quality coating on the frame tubes. Paint, or powder coating, whatever...it's pretty thick and durable, and oil/solvent resistant! Good design choice by Park again.
Two minor complaints, the lesser of the two first: ================================================== (-) 1. Since the stand feet are made of hollow tubing with good strength-to-weight attributes, they need tubing foot covers both to keep dirt/trash out of the tubing but mostly for grip/traction. Park's plastic covers come off too easily. One of mine got dislodged and misplaced during a recent household move... but appeared in another box later. At least it's home. I'll probably glue or contact-cement them on.
(-) 2. Also, the friction "lock" that prevents the clamping head from rotating is a bit loose. Sometimes the bike rotates when you don't want it to and one tire eventually hits the ground (i.e. one of the tires, usually the rear since the obvious clamping point on my bike yields a rear-heavy stand setup). This is a minor thing, minor annoyance when, e.g. , tuning up rear brake or derailleur.
(+) The flip side is that you can rotate the bike fore to aft while working.
Overall, I think it should be 30% less expensive, but overall a very good quality PORTABLE stand by Park. Ya gotta pay for quality, still.
Similar Products Used: None, went with a Park, right out of the box
Bike Setup: Yep, it's setup
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Tristan Jung
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale CA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2003
Strengths: The clamp is easy to use and strong enough to hold my heavy bike. Every parts is made of steel, which means very stable. Paid only $152 include tax and free shipping (back ordered item).
Weaknesses: Wait,,,NONE!!!
Bottom Line:
Purchased Park over Untimate, and I have no regret at all. Love its clamp and the body is so durable and stable.
Submitted by
Brian Rumberger
from Portland, OR USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001
Strengths: Amazing product. Not much more to say. Holds bikes at all angles, easily balanced with full rotation. Collapses easily into a virtually flat position (excluding the portrusion of the clamp and legs). If you don't need to take it on the road often, this is the one for you! A great piece of equipment and well worth the price. Check out ultimate riding sports for great service and most of all a GREAT PRICE! Thanks Rudy.
Weaknesses: Powder coat paint peels off easily during adjustments. Could gloss/clear-coat . . .
Bottom Line:
Park Quality and the Best Price and service available on-line. Check it -b
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Alpharetta, GA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001
Strengths: Solid construction and built to last. No plastic, everything is machined and fits like a glove as you assemble. Clamp is the best in the business, as it's also padded to prevent scratching your bike. Folds for storage.
Weaknesses: Directions could be more "user friendly," yet it only took me 30 minutes to assemble.
Bottom Line:
There are other stands in the market, yet the set up always reminds me of what I see in bike shops; so...I spent a few extra $, and purchased a repair stand that will last a lifetime. If you have invested in your bike(s), then invest in their performance!