The ability of a workstand to transform your experience of maintaining a bike is hard to overstate. Attempting to clean, far less complete a delicate procedure demanding a firm hold on the bike with your machine on the ground can be a frustrating experience, not to mention demanding on your knees and back.

Placing your bike at a comfortable height and holding it securely will make almost any procedure simpler. When choosing a workstand, look for a broad base for stability and a sensible range of height adjustment. Both Jon and Andy prefer a column stand with a seatpost clamp, rather than one that places the bike on its bottom bracket.

Two workstands have passed through the gates of RCUK Towers in recent months: the snappily-titled BBB ProfiMount BTL 36, and the Minoura Tancho DW2. Both are the column and seat clamp type. We’d cede the edge to BBB’s offering, which proved to be significantly lighter, more portable, and easier to stow. There are a host of others on the market, with Park, Pedros, and Topeak among the more respected manufacturers.