Introduction: Adjustable & Portable Bicycle Stand
With all PVC extension pieces inserted the bike chain can be some 40" above ground, at this height a lateral support is needed.
Tie the vertical pipe to some fence post, wall etc.
Step 1: The Parts
All parts are PVC 1.5" plumbing pipe with exeption of grey fittings which are electric non-metallic fittings. Mouse over for desciptions of parts.
Step 2: Bike Bar Holder
Image 1. The Bike Bar support created from 1.5" tee cut to create opening for bike bar to be inserted, hinged with a piano type hinge, rivets used. This design is from a past posting Instructable which was very creative.
Image 2. Note the "catch draw" (Ace Hardware) which holds the bike bar tight.
The nubby material is to secure the bike bar tight when closed with the catch draw, the nubby material is from an old rubber tub mat my wife very cleverly suggested.
Image 3. Shows tee in closed position, use rivets if possible.
Step 3: Adjustable Heights
Image 1. Shows lower position, note extension on ground.
Image 2. shows extension used for higher position.
Lower height may not need lateral support, high position will require lateral support from a surface such as fence or wall.
Step 4: Bike Stand at High Position
The taller wood fence is 6' tall.
Note wire tie at fence post for laterial support.
Second image shows pedal rotation clears vertical pipe because of the 1.5" electric conduit 90 degree radius fitting.
24 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
You can always add to the the rigidity of any pvc pipe by injecting foam sealant (like the product Great Stuff) into the hollow space and allowing it to set. It will need to allow it to expand out the end to avoid problems. Let it cure for a day or two and then cut.
11 years ago on Introduction
Nice stand. I made a couple of changes. I only wanted the higher position so I lengthened the vertical pipe. To strengthen and stabilize the stand, I added a 45 degree angle on the vertical and one on the stabilization leg connected with 1.5 pipe. Making sure it didn't interfere with the peddle action it was a bit limiting. Glued everything. I'm sure it helps, but I'm a bit dubious how strong the connections are. I prefer a free standing stand. I didn't glue the top T clamp to the soft bend conduit and drilled a couple of holes so I could rotate and pin it in different positions. This works, but also seems a bit on the weak side. For the small amount of work I do on my family's bikes, it is definitely a keeper. Thanks for sharing.
12 years ago on Introduction
i would be curious about how structurally sturdy this item is. looks like a great idea though, as i try to receive some solid ideas for building my own.
strong stand? or wires to hold it in place a necessary part of the bike?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
wires needed to stabilize this stand - check out other versions I have posted - I like the umbrella stand version, works real well.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Plz post link to umbrella stand version. I could not find it.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
https://www.instructables.com/id/Bicycle-Repair-Stand-2-Portable/
13 years ago on Introduction
love the idea, I think I am going to give it a go with EMT conduit should stiffen it a little
13 years ago on Introduction
Great stand. I made one significant modification: I rigged it with 1/16th steel cable to add a huge amount of stability which allows the stand to stand without being supported. Here's the result. The bike on the stand by the way is a Peugeot I found for $15 at a garage sale.
13 years ago on Introduction
That's a nice stand, and gives me some ideas. One question: does clamping the top tube like that make it difficult to do shift and brake testing...or does your bike not have cables routed there?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
The 90 degree radius electric conduit gives all the clearance for adjustments.
13 years ago on Introduction
Very nice design. For more stability i would try to use cross connectors instead of 45 at the bottom to put stability not only to the front but to the back and sides as well. I have a heavy bike and would need the extra support. Thanks for the great project.
14 years ago on Introduction
has anyone tried filling the base with sand to weight it down?
14 years ago on Introduction
I built the stand but found the big weakness was the tee with the 45 at the base were the vertical pipe meets. My bike is heavier and once installed the stand starts to bend forward. I will have to modify the stand. At first I wanted to disassemble it once I was done but now I will glue it for strength. I think I will install a small plywood underneath it and use straps to hold the tee and its 45 degree bend down.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
All ground support fitting angles including the lower vertical must be glued (I discovered the same problem & found I had to glue all lower fittings.) For a heavier bike the design will not have lateral stability use a solid wall, fence etc and tie back upper vertical to a fixed structure. Good Luck
14 years ago on Step 3
I like the height adjustability, but think improved stability could be attained by simply rotating the two 45 degree legs 180 degrees to make a "Y"shaped base, instead of the "E" shaped base. Great pictures/ great ideas. Thanks
14 years ago on Step 2
Great design. Very clean looking!
(It's so much easier to tweak an existing design,
than to come up with something from scratch!)
Thanks!
I'm gonna build your design with a few tweaks....
Please, share any thoughts on the proposed tweaks...
Rather than clamping to the top (horizontal) tube,
I'd like to clamp to the seat post. I think I can use your
schweeet clamp design but mount it in a vertical orientation.
Reply 14 years ago on Step 2
Sounds like a plan - try instead of gluing the tee to the bent pipe, drill threw the tee one hole and 2 holes in the bent plate one horiz & one Vert fitted to the diameter of a pin or bolt to secure the tee in place. Rotate the tee as you desire, just a thought.
14 years ago on Introduction
Very nice. Once again I have to wonder why certain Instructables are "featured" and good ones like this are not.
14 years ago on Step 2
i did something similar for this part, but it was for holding a u-lock on a bike. i went a little oversize with the pipe diameter and used thicker foam padding (originally made for wrapping copper pipes) on the inside. this way, you can use regular bolts and nuts for the hardware (cut out voids in padding foam for nuts) . Of course, my way sacrifices some grip tightness since more padding is used (okay for u-locks) but maybe you can make up by using less flexible padding -yet something still easily carvable for voids - like silicone gasket material (1/8" thick, orange-red color, hardwarestore, 1 foot wide rolls usually, buy by the foot). Anyway - cool instructable. I'm tempted to make one myself.
14 years ago on Introduction
I like this, and I just might try it at home. Well done!