You don’t realize how crucial a bike repair stand really is for bike maintenance until you have one. Even the simplest of tasks – like changing a tire – is much easier when you use a dedicated stand. I really do recommend them for all riders even if you are not planning on doing your own, more intensive bike maintenance.
I have been a long time user of the Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic bike repair stand so when they reached out wondering if I wanted to try out the new HD version…I was really interested to see how it performed versus the standard version.
Pro Mechanic HD Stand Specs
The big takeaways on the Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic HD stand vs. the standard is the increased stiffness and just overall robust nature of the stand and its components. It also takes the working load range from 35 pounds to 50 pounds and the maximum weight to 100 pounds from 75. To go with this increased weight range, you get stronger grip to handle heavier bikes through a new clamping clutch design.
- Oversized, anodized 6061 T6 aluminum construction is ultralight, corrosion-resistant and incredibly durable.
- Ideally suited for heavier bicycles: 145% stiffer than Pro Elite.
- Stiff tripod base and rubber-coated end caps create ultimate stability even on uneven surfaces.
- Total load capacity of 100lbs (45.5kg) accommodates service on all road, cyclocross, mountain bikes, and electric bikes.
- Oversized rear tri knob to fix the position of a 360-degree rotating clamp, providing easy access to all parts of your bicycle.
- Strong clutch design holds bike at any angle for repairs: 45% greater grip than Pro Elite.
- New, ratcheting and rotating crank for jaw closure is faster and one-hand operable: closes 60% faster than Pro Elite.
- Clamp opening up to 2.6″ (6.6cm) accommodates the largest diameter frame tubes.
- New, replaceable rubber pads on forged clamp and micro-adjustment secures and protects expensive components and beautifully painted frames.
- Portable and compact construction creates a remarkably small folded footprint of 5″ x 8″ x 45″ (13 x 20 x 115cm).
- Quick-release fittings make setup and storage fast and easy.
- 1.75″ diameter mast extension above clamp head clutch body can accommodate accessories such as the Pro Truing Stand
- At 18lbs (8.1kg)
- 3-Year Warranty.
Pro Mechanic HD Stand Review
First some observations. When you unbox this stand and get it out for the first time, it dwarfs the regular Pro Mechanic stand. Everything from the tubing diameter, legs, the clamping mechanism…they are all much larger. The stand really does have a completely difference presence…not that the standard version didn’t already. The overall build quality is exactly what you would expect from Feedback which is very good. I am also personally a fan of the red anodized finish.
The Good / Pro Mechanic HD Stand
As mentioned before, this stand is stout…so as you would imagine…it is the most stable repair stand I have used to date. It really didn’t matter which bike I put on it. I used everything from carbon gravel bikes all the way up to my HEAVY Trek Rail e-bike. The bikes were stable at any height and angle which really was important with the e-bike. I can find that you have to be extra careful when loading 45+ pound bikes on some other stands and that wasn’t the case with the Pro Mechanic HD. If you are someone that frequently works on DH bikes or owns an e-bike, the increased stability is a HUGE plus.
The Pro Mechanic HD also feature a new ratcheting system and and rotating crank that makes it much easier to mount and secure the bike. They state that it is now a one-handed operation that I found to be true. This becomes really noticeable when trying to mount heavier bikes as you can get the bike up and tightened down much faster than before. Anyone who has worked with heavy bikes on a stand knows this is a welcomed improvement as struggling with getting a heavy bike up can sometimes be a real pain in the ass.
So the overall experience with using the HD stand is that the new design makes for an easier time working on your bike. You have increased stability and it is easier to mount and adjust. This is multiplied the heavier your bike is.
The Bad / Pro Mechanic HD Stand
If everything about the HD stand is just taking a great stand already and making everything better…are there any drawbacks?
First, there is the price. The regular Pro Mechanic stand wasn’t exactly cheap at $395 dollars. To get into the Pro HD you are looking at an additional $100 up to $495. That can be a really hard pill to swallow if you are just a causal rider looking to work on their bike some.
Then the second thing…you are dealing with an overall larger stand. It is bigger folded up and it weighs more than standard stands. This isn’t a big deal if you are just using your stand in your garage or bike shop but if you travel a lot with your repair stand – it can become an issue.
Who is the Pro Mechanic HD Stand For?
With the $495 price tag, it does bring up the final question – Who is the Pro Mechanic HD Repair Stand actually for?
It obviously isn’t for the causal user that has a pretty standard mountain or road bike. The regular Pro Mechanic stand is more than enough for those riders. There are several cases that I can really see this stand being worth the upgrade in price and stability.
The Traveling Bike Mechanic
Mobile bike mechanics have really grown in popularity. Bikes have become more complicated and people don’t always want to run to the bike shop for every repair. Traveling bike mechanics will see everything from budget road bikes to high end e-bikes. This stand would not only handle the heavier bikes better but it will also take most abuse from the constant use and travel.
Bike Shops that Don’t Want Permanent Solutions
Most bike shops have their stands bolted to the ground. This creates mechanic bays that are easy to organize as well as a stand that you know will not tip over or move under use. You also don’t have to deal with legs that can get in the way and take up more space. However, you are looking for a stand that will come as close to a bolted down option when it comes to stability but can be moved around…this is a great option. This stand can also be taken to races to support riders as a great option.
E-Bike and Downhill Bike Owners
Standard repair stands were not really ended to hold e-bikes. Some e-bikes are tipping easily over 50 pounds and that can make standard stands really unstable or you have to position the bike perfectly to keep it from tipping. This limits your ability to work on your bike. The Pro Mechanic HD is best option if you want to work on your e-bike or heavier downhill bike at home. The experience when working on an e-bike is MUCH better using the HD vs. the standard stand.
Final Thoughts / Pro Mechanic HD Repair Stand
Overall, I love the HD.
I get that it is expensive.
I understand that it is a product that is not for everyone.
That said…I believe it is a great product for those that need it. It is complete overkill for those that don’t. If I didn’t have the Trek Rail, I would have zero need for a stand that is this big so the additional $100 would be a complete waist of money. I also really enjoy doing my own bike maintenance so my stands to get regular use.
What do you think? Is this something you could see yourself using? Comment below!
Buy the Pro Mechanic HD on Amazon
1 comment
You may want to write a review on the FeedbackSports bell Wall Rack D2.
While promoted as a versatile wall rack it only accommodates handlebars that are 13” wide or less. Children’s bikes.
When the company was contacted they suggested turning the handlebars sideways. Really? Poor design and Weak customer service