IP Merkin wrote:
"If this is off-topic, please accept my apologies in advance. My back is finally dictating that I get a decent repair stand. Price is not an issue. I've pretty much ruled out the "vice grip" type stands like the shop-type Park stand, since most of my bikes don't have a whole lot of seatpost showing and I will need to clamp the top tube."
The seatposts on my collection of OT bikes (classic content) don't always show enough to clamp into a Park stand, but I really like my Park for other reasons. So I keep a selection of beat-up, cheap seatposts around to put in a frame temporarily while I have it in the stand. MTB posts work great because they're plenty long. It's also a great way to make sure you get the post out and re-lubed every now and then, making sure it never gets stuck in there.
With a little legwork you can probably get a "set" from 26.2 to 27.2 for $0 - $40. Be sure to put a discrete mark (or masking tape) on the original seatpost before you pull it out, or you'll have to fiddle with the height when you put it back.
Regards,
Dave "shade tree" Ross
Portola Valley, CA