We knew we developed an excellent bicycle stand for storing a bike, but we had no idea how many cyclists struggled with this each day living in apartments, condos, and co-ops.  What we learned was that our unique engineering and design makes our EZ Bike Stand less a focal point than most other bike stands.  Our EZ Bike Stand’s large base is just an inch off the ground and the “ears” of the bike stand which support the tires, not the spokes, blend in nicely with the black tire color.  Unlike many tall, metal bike stands, the EZ Bike Stand supports a bicycle in an attractive, less noticeable manner.

Another well-liked feature is that the EZ Bike Stand is “easily” mobile.  People can move it to various locations throughout their home, especially when they have guests.  It can also be taken to a group ride, no more leaning your bike against your car preparing to ride, and can easily be put back into place when you get back home.

We’ve also had many cyclists living in apartments and condos purchase two EZ Bike Stands with one EZ Connector.  Our space adjusting EZ Connector allows cyclists to customize their bicycle stand to fit into an area specifically chosen for bikes.  In addition, the EZ Bike Stand-EZ Connector-EZ Bike Stand combination significantly increases the strength and stability of the bike stand which allows for storing heavy duty bicycles, if necessary.

If you’re looking for a bicycle stand that works great in limited living space, we believe our EZ Bike Stand, www.EZBikeProducts.com, is the best solution for cyclists today!

Making cycling easier

Our company,  www.ezbikeproducts.com , develops cycling products to make cycling easier.  Our popular EZ Bike Stand has been well endorsed and accepted by the cycling community.  However, one simple product we offer that gets less attention but well received is our Velcro Brand One Wrap strap.  I cannot think of a better solution for keeping the front wheel of a bicycle stable when traveling with your bike hanging on the rear bike rack of a car. http://ezbikeproducts.com/ez-straps/

I used to use bungee cords, rope, and non-Velcro straps to keep my front wheel from banging into the bumper of my car or into my wife’s bike’s spokes when I was carrying both bikes.  No longer.  With only a small piece of our Velcro Brand One Wrap strap weaved behind the bottle cage and around the front wheel, we have created a simple and quick way to eliminate the “turned wheel” syndrome.

I mentioned I can’t help but stare at every bicycle I see hanging on the back of a car…or in a bike stand for that matter.  At first it was for the beauty.  But now I check it out to see if someone is suffering from “turned wheel” syndrome or the “lean”.  While I may miss my first glance, it sure is rewarding to see cyclists that are cured.

A couple tips, however, should be considered when connecting bike stands together. Will the distance between them allow bikes to park in the same direction? Handlebars knocking into one another can be frustrating. Also, are you getting the best support for your bikes and at the right “touch” points? Is there enough weight and stability with the combination? Do the bike stands easily adjust to customize the fitting of your bikes in the stands?

Besides building your customized bicycle rack at home using bike stands, companies and cities that encourage bicycle commuting, bike shops, and cycling teams can benefit from this type of set up. I’ve found connecting bike stands compared to traditional bike racks are less bulky and cumbersome, easier for children and older cyclists to use, and easier for bike shops to display bicycles.

Personally, I’m a big fan of using bike stands to form a bike rack. However, if I ever change my mind I can simply disconnect the bike stands and use them individually. Now that’s a nice feature!

Interestingly, bike stand has no definition, however, a bicycle stand and bicycle carrier is defined as such:
• Bicycle stand – a stationary fixture to which a bicycle can be securely attached (typically using a bicycle lock) to prevent theft.
• Bicycle carrier – a device attached to a vehicle (e.g. to a car or bus) to which bicycles can be mounted for transport.
As the inventor of the EZ Bike Stand, this is surprising. I had not thought of a bicycle stand as a device to which bicycles may be securely attached. A bicycle rack perhaps, but not a bicycle stand. Even Orville and Wilbur Wright considered bike stands to be portable, easy to use devices to keep bicycles upright, not secured. However, I understand European countries often refer to bike stands as places to secure your bike and that these stands are located throughout their cities to accommodate the high volume of bicycle commuters and shoppers.

Perhaps it’s this confusion that has led cyclists to keep from exploring bicycle stands for their true value. Or maybe the portable bike stand is still in its infancy stage. Personally, I think it’s the most overlooked bicycle accessory today. Here’s a recent video I found on-line from a customer unknown to me.  2009 Specialized Allez Elite w/ EZ Bike Stand  I believe the viral affect of cyclists telling cyclists about quality products using social media and technology will change the bicycle stand landscape in the future. And who knows, perhaps our friend the bike stand will finally get noticed by Webster.

Unlike a bicycle stand which is usually portable, a bicycle repair stand is rarely traveled with because of its size and weight. Granted, I’ve seen bicycle shops and cycling teams bring them to races, but that’s out of necessity rather than convenience. Also, some bicycle repair stands permanently affix to a workbench like a vise, making them impossible to take with you.

Personally, I use a bicycle repair stand when I have to do major repairs or adjustments to my bicycle, but use my EZ Bike Stand for everything else. So, whenever I’m storing my bike, cleaning my bike, pumping my tires, lubing my chain, doing maintenance, making minor repairs, or traveling, I use my EZ Bike Stand which is much easier to set up and use than a heavy bicycle repair stand.

Another difference you’ll find with a bicycle repair stand is the price. They aren’t cheap, but a good investment if you plan to get down and dirty working on your bicycle. Most of them are well constructed, durable, and very stable, which you should expect. Also, read the instructions carefully on the best way to secure your bike, especially when clamping it to the frame or seat post. You want to avoid scratching or denting your bike in anyway. 7MD8NHJN4WXG

Makes Lubing Chains Easy

I have written many blogs about bicycle stands and the benefits of owning one. If you use one, you know the conveniences it provides and the frustrations it eliminates. As co-inventor of the EZ Bike Stand you might feel I have a bias toward owning a bike stand, but the reality is that the feedback I get every week tells me how much cyclists love them.

However, not all bicycle stands are alike and not all of them loved. The tips I provide in my blog at www.ezbikeproducts.com/blog/ explain the differences you should consider. I would also encourage you to ask other cyclists their opinions when you see bicycle stands at group rides or races.

I believe the proverb, “you get what you paid for” holds true with bicycle stands. While your bicycle is the single largest cycling investment you’ll make, you should consider how you plan to store, protect, and maintain it. The cost of a bike stand is minimal when you look at the bigger picture. And if you plan on a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) bike stand, consider the time, cost, functionality, and usefulness before taking on your project.

The key component of a good bicycle stand is that it needs to support your bicycle, not all bicycles, and it should keep your bike from leaning. Otherwise, it’s nothing but a modified kickstand and you’ll likely be unhappy with it. Also, bicycle stands will typically use the spokes, frame, wheel rims, or tires for support. So, decide what you feel comfortable with holding up your bike.

The ability to hold a bicycle upright is more complicated and difficult than it looks, so don’t be fooled by simple bicycle stand designs. You love cycling, you love your bike, so love how you store, clean, and maintain it. Bicycle stands can make your whole cycling experience even better.