Originally Posted by Lemond1985

Does it fold up when you're not using it?

Originally Posted by Loose Chain

You need to get a better stand then. A stand with a grip clamp that would clamp the typical amount of seat post sticking out of many classic bicycles and many modern fit (compact frame) bicycles is too short to be used for the frame tubes and would be lacking in support. Clamps on the Aldi stand and my Pro stand are large enough they will not fit the seat post on my bicycles, especially those with Campy seat posts which have an oval or tapered section, and being large spread the working load over a sufficient area not to cause damage.

When clamping to the bicycle tubing, use a microfiber cloth between the bicycle and clamp to prevent damage to decals, make sure the clamp is positioned as close to a butted/junction area as possible where the tubing is thicker. The Aldi clamp and most stands I have seen with proper sized clamps for fixing to the tubing also have a relieved area for accommodating top tube routed external brake cables, so clearly they were intended for that purpose. I will say, clamping to the seat tube, where the seat post is within the tube, if you bend that, then you are doing something wrong and might want to stop doing that. A heavy section of tube, with a seat post inserted down in it, bend that, I do not think so. That would be my preferred clamping location.

It is completely acceptable to clamp to the tubing, you just have to apply some common sense. If one does not have common sense, all bets are off no matter where the bicycle is clamped.

Originally Posted by RubeRad

I more had problems with the pedals hitting the tool tray, or the center post, maybe because I kept the legs too close in and didn't use the full extension of the horizontal arm

Originally Posted by Le Mechanic

The stand I use in my day job is about as good as it gets. I've been working in the bicycle industry a long time. Long enough to see a lot of great bikes get damaged or destroyed from clamping the frame instead of the seat post.

Originally Posted by JohnDThompson

This is particularly a problem with new bikes, where the paint may not have had time to fully harden. Like you, I always clamp on the seat post or the Park ISC-1 internal seat tube clamp.

Originally Posted by JoeTBM

Interesting tool, too bad it is discontinued as well as the ISC-4 .... hmm i wonder why?

Originally Posted by Le Mechanic

The stand I use in my day job is about as good as it gets. . The first possible spot should be the seat post.