I recently got a Trek Checkpoint+ (eGravel bike) and added a Rockshox Reverb XPLR dropper to it (yes, I know it’s only a very small amount of drop, but I got it really cheap so decided to try it). Because of the dimensions, there’s not enough seatpost length to clamp in a workstand (see photo).
I know I can temporarily raise the seatpost, but that turns any quick workstand use into a longer process than I’d like. I can also hang the bike from the saddle, which is ok for some things. And, I could consider the Silca Hirobel, but that again takes time and I’m guessing would be just as slow as lowering the saddle, and probably bring some other issues to bear.
Am I missing any good options or tricks (other than ditching the dropper )?
I use the Hirobel for all my bikes and find the benefits outweigh the additional setup time (which itself is minimal once you practice). I actually thought of it when I saw your topic title and would still recommend it though you’ve thought of it already. Depending on how wide the bike’s top tube is (it looks pretty wide) the petals on the Hirobel may not be wide enough, though.
The Hirobel is a great bit of kit. That’s really your best answer aside from a new stand that supports the bike underneath instead of hanging (like Park’s 22.2, for example).
Agree with the posts above. Topeak used to do a version as well which was cheaper. You could fold a microfibre 4 times and then wrap it around the post. Then clamp it.
My Hirobel has been permanently clamped to the bike stand since arriving several years ago, it’s a nice addition to a home shop and once mounted, it’s super easy to put the bike on and off, and to adjust for other bikes on the fly.
There are also those who say you should never clamp a dropper, or hang the bike from the saddle with one. I was taught that in a shop, though am kinda skeptical - but always gentle with them. As all the others have noted: Hirobel.
I’m aware it’s not an answer to this particular question, however a sprint stand also solves this problem. Sprint stands uses the axle instead of the seat post to hold the bike.
Carefully clamping the stanchion is ok as a last resort, but never the main body (thicker tube). Also fine to hang from the saddle as long as the dropper is fully extended before hanging.
Thanks for all the replies! I didn’t realize how much love there is for the Hirobel. Has anyone used it on a Checkpoint or other bike with similar wide top tube, or have an idea if it will work?
The seat clamp is clamping the thicker part of the dropper more than a bike stand clamp ever would. There is no issue clamping the thicker part of a dropper post. Use plastic clamp jaws as always and just clamp it enough so it doesn’t move, doesn’t need to be any more than that. If you are doing heavy work like BB removal, do it on the ground until it’s loose.
I’d suggest cutting down the clamp of your repair stand. Most are much taller than they need to be. For instance, the very highly regarded EVT repair stands have a 2” clamp height. Before he started EVT, he was cutting down the clamps of Park stands. When I saw that, I cut the clamps of every single one of the stands in my shops.
Why not add some tape around the seat post to mark your saddle height, raise the saddle height while doing repairs, then lower it again to the tape mark?
If you use a microfibre around the post then clamping the thin and thick parts of the dropper together, if there is room, is fine for general light maintenance. Keeps these hassle free for 80% of the time
Not a faster option, but I have a Park Tool ICS-4 (that I now see is discontinued) when I need to put my bike in the stand. Not to highjack your question, but now I’m wondering if Park Tool discontinued it due to low sales volume or if it’s a risky clamping method?
I made this to solve that exact problem. If you have access to someone with a 3d printer, or have one yourself, you’re more than welcome to download it and use it.
If you just want to do some quick work, is it not adequate to simply hang the bike by the nose of the seat on the workstand clamp?
When we’re travelling in our campervan, hanging by the seat is our delux option - otherwise we just have to use the ground.
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