| After changing tires in the field, I pity anyone who has to do it without a centrestand. It will work for the front too - just put enough weigh on the back to rock it back and keep it there. Like, er, your better half... One big plus with the centrestand is that a solo rider can break a bead with a couple of methods. One is to raise up the tire, and lean the unloaded bike to the left, balancing on one side of the centrestand, and use the sidestand (down) to compress the side of the tire. You will probably have to put something under the tire to get it up high enough.. For a stubborn bead, you can very carefully lean the bike almost all the way over, and use the leg of the centrestand itself. Kind of hairy but totally possible, it'll get you out of a bind - obviously use someone on the other side for secuity when you can.. Try doing that with a Quick Jack or rock! I own a Quick Jack, and they have their place, but are not secure - don't walk too far away from the bike. Putting the bike on the centrestand also means easier access if you need to work on the left side. |
