Topeak Prep Stand Pro
The Topeak Prep Stand has been around since 2004. Since then it has been revised a few times and the latest update finally includes a fold-out handle to tighten the clamp. Unfortunately the handle is stiff and tricky to operate at times especially because of its rather un-ergonomically forward-pointing orientation. This interferes considerably with the clamping action and sometimes you’ll end up turning the whole stand around when cranking the handle – not an ideal situation when you have to hold a heavy bike in your other hand. The construction and finish are generally good, all quick-release clamps are made of robust metal and the single parts are bolted together. Unfortunately a lack of stiffness spoils the overall good impression. Despite its massive construction the main connector between the legs and the central column is flimsy. This causes the whole stand to bend under the heavy weight of an E-MTB – independently from how you position the legs. Here it quickly becomes evident that we’re close to the 25 kg load limit but luckily this doesn’t affect the long term durability of the work-stand – one of the previous models has been standing in our workshop for years and we never had an issue with it. The Pro-Version includes an integrated scale which is pointless in a home-application in our opinion. There is no point in spending the extra € 60 especially considering that the Elite version features a way more useful tray for tools or small parts. All in all an inconspicuous and durable stand more suitable for normal MTBs than for E-MTBs.
Pros
- Very good quality and finish
- Entirely bolted
- Long-term durability
Cons
- Head clamp is flimsy and slow despite the crank handle
- Main column and connection-triangle aren’t stiff enough for the weight of an E-MTBs
- Longest packing size
Price: € 329.95
Weight: 6.56 kg
Additional: includes carrying bag
Infos: topeak.com
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