When my last repair stand finally gave up the ghost after a long service life, I had a number of prerequisites for the replacement. It had to be stable, easily adjustable, and be capable of holding the weight of a downhill bike. The Topeak Prepstand Pro Repair Stand fit the bill here and more, with the addition of an integrated digital scale.
Features & Specs (via Topeak)
- Tripod design folds down for travel or storage
- Built in digital scale (uses 2x CR2032 Batteries)
- Constructed from 6061 T6 Tubes
- Listed Weight: 6.2kg/13.67lbs
- Max weight capacity: 55 lb / 25 kg
- Includes carry bag
Out of the box
The repair stand arrived at Bermstyle HQ shipped in the box it’s packaged in, and was housed within the included carry bag. Setup took only seconds; unzip the bag, pull the stand out and extend the tripod legs. Then set it to your desired height and adjust the head and the clamp before hoisting your bike into the stand and tightening the clamps around the seat post of the bike.
Wrenching with the Prepstand Pro
I’ve used most repair stands available, and one of these days I would like to have a shop-quality stand. (soon as I have a larger garage) My garage is small though, so portability is key for when I need to move things around and create space, so a high-quality, portable stand is the next best thing. And obviously the nice aspect about a portable work stand is the ability to haul it with you everywhere.
Having used models from Park as well as Feedback Sports, the Prepstand Pro would have to be pretty great to hold up in that company. I’m not sure why I doubted it would, as I have had nothing but positive experiences with their tools and pumps. After spending some time with the stand I’m please to say it does.
The Prepstand Pro is quite a nice stand to work on. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the adjustment knob for the clamp head after using others, but it works very well, and is very user-friendly. While it takes a second longer than some of the other clamp heads out there, a quick turn or two and it provides secure and easily adjustable clamping on the posts. (and in some instances, frames)
The 3-legged tripod design is not a unique to the Topeak models but I have found that it is significantly more secure and stable in comparison to 2-legged models. It can take up a bit more real estate on the floor, but it is worth it.
The area the Topeak Prepstand Pro excelled at over the competition is the clamp head rotation. The clamp head rotates 360º with the interfaces being notched, which makes it easily adjustable. I’ve found it to be an improvement on the friction-based design utilized in other brands, as it doesn’t need to be broken free to adjust it, and angle adjustments were quick and easy.
Raising or lowering the height of the clamp and stand is easily accomplished as well, as the two quick-release levers feel stout and hold the stand in place securely.
Integrated Digital Weight Scale
The Prepstand Pro includes an integrated digital weight scale, which is useful for those gram counters out there. The scale is simple to operate; there are two buttons, one for power, and one to toggle between grams and pounds.
It’s also worth noting that the diameter of the stand is in line with the Feedback Sports model. As I have a Feedback Sports Accessory tray, I moved it over and put it to use.
The Topeak Prepstand Pro lists for $399, putting it at the high end in terms of cost for the home mechanic. (If it seems high you could go with the Prepstand Elite that costs $319 but features an integrated small parts bin in place of the scale) The price is reflected in the quality of the construction and features though, as it is a pro-level repair stand designed for portability. I’m also fond of the black anodized finish, which will be easier to touch up as the stand develops battle scars over years of useful service.
Learn more at Topeak.com or support the site by shopping for Topeak gear at Backcountry.com
