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 Could be better.Jul 09, 2010
I have the PCS-12 repair stand for about a year. It has worked OK until recently. Since summer has arrived, my bicycle gets more use, so more maintenance on it is needed. As use of the stand has increased, the `composite top tube' has become increasingly loose on the angled upright metal tube of the `bench mount.' (The terms in single quotes are those used by Park on their instruction sheet. You can download a PDF at the Park web site.) This is allowing the top of the clamp assembly to swing around side-to-side when it should stay rigid.
The `composite top tube' is clamped on to the `bench mount' with two M5 socket head cap screws counter-bored into the composite material. Tightening these screws should increase the clamping force and cause the top tube to stop rotating on the bench mount. The only problem is that when I tried to tighten the screws, the upper one pulled through the composite material and no longer provides any clamping force at all.
Now the top of the clamp rotates freely, making work on a bike inconvenient and frustrating. I have made a reinforcing plate (like a large rectangular washer) out of scrap aluminum I had lying around. The `composite top tube' can now be firmly clamped, but it looks like a jury-rig. Park should have designed this clamp set-up with a more robust design.
I gave 3 stars in my review, because other than this issue, overall function is good. If some swinging, or rotating, of the bike in the clamp will not bother you, then this home mechanic bench mount repair stand is a fairly good value. It allows versatile positioning of a bicycle, but the rotational movement is an issue.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Materials a bit cheap for the priceApr 22, 2010
I've got a very sturdy work bench, so instead of buying the free-standing version that would take up a bunch of floor space, I decided I would try this. I'll come up with a way to mount it so it's not permanent.
To be clear, I have not actually used this item, however I've examined it closely, as I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to construction, even though I'm not willing to pay top dollar. :) I would say that I've got a decent eye when it comes to quality, my hobby experiences range from remote control vehicles to rebuilding vehicle engines and transmissions, so I have my own idea of what a quality tool is, and when a tool is cheap but will get the job done. I'd say this falls in the latter category.
I was quite disappointed to find that the post that mounts to the bench is metal, but the collar that affixes the vise portion to that post is plastic. There are two bolts that pinch this plastic piece to the post, and I assume it will work, it's just cheap compared to metal.
The lever that you use to clamp the bike is metal, but the rear one that allows the clamping portion to rotate is plastic too. Not to mention the fact that the rear lever is NOT a quick release clamp like the bike clamp, so you have to spin it tight, which is a bit of a pain compared to the quick release lever.
All in all, I give it three stars, as it's cheaper than the free-standing version, but the materials used wouldn't seem to justify the price. Hopefully these things really are pricey to make, as I don't mind paying for actual cost, but you would hope you aren't just paying for the name. With this much plastic, I have some doubt. Especially when you can buy a much larger, all steel ENGINE stand that holds 500lbs, and rolls, for $40.
 Park does it againApr 21, 2010
Great product... much better built than I thought at first. The base could be larger to help offset the torque on the mounting screws but other than that it is perfect for me.
 Park ToolApr 09, 2010
Tool is as specified, I am not a fan of the angle. It makes adjusting the drive chain at best difficult. Of course I have only used it twice so far so maybe in time my opinion will change. Park tool is the best.
Very good qualityMar 31, 2010
I have a workshop bench, so I decided to install this rather than a stand-alone bike stand. I'm very pleased with the quality and detail, like spacing to allow for cables to pass under the clamp without getting cinched. Works with my fat aluminum frame mtn bike and thinner frame road bike. Very sturdy product.
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based on 15 reviews
