Park Tool PCS-9.3 workstand review

The PCS-9.3 is a simple-to-use, solid and reliable workstand from the big blue tool giant, Park Tool.

Coming from a brand well known in the world of bike mechanics, the Park Tool PCS-9.3 home workstand is designed and built to professional standards, meaning it’s an investment that should last a lifetime.

With a very high maximum-load capacity of 36kg, Park Tool says you'll be able to use this on all the bikes in your stable; from kids' bikes and lightweight carbon road machines to the heavier weights of the best electric bikes.

Park Tool PCS-9.3 specifications and details

The durability of this stand comes from its simple design and heavy weight.

The folded length of the stand is 114cm and the head unit is fixed in the horizontal position even when stored, which makes it slightly cumbersome.

The weight of the stand, combined with the width of the base (92x92x121cm), makes it reassuringly stable.

It can be adjusted between 99 and 145cm for working and locks in place using simple quick-release levers. The jaws open from 22 to 76cm and are controlled with a plastic-coated turnkey.

Park Tool PCS-9.3 performance

Out of the box, the stand requires partial assembly, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

The lower part of the workstand locks into place with a large screw and supportive plastic wedge on the central strut of the stand.

The upper part of the stand is raised and lowered via another key-handled screw. You can lift and drop the bike at this joint while it's in the stand.

The weight and wide base of the stand give it great stability, even when you’re using your full body weight to undo a stubborn bottom bracket. This stability would be useless, though, without the clamp-and-jaw system holding the bike secure.

The standard Park Tool clamp, with non-slip rubber jaws, fits neatly on to a range of tubes, from seatposts to fork steerer columns and top tubes, though it doesn’t open quite as wide as other stands on the market.

The turnkey handle on the jaws did the job and the thread pitch means you're not turning endlessly to open and close them. It works well, but lacks the quick-release functionality of other stands.

The head’s angle is adjusted by a plastic lever at the rear of the unit and can be changed easily with the bike in place.

Park Tool PCS-9.3 bottom line

While in part you are paying for the name and heritage of Park Tool, this is a well-made, solid and durable stand that's reassuringly stable.

It can be used on every one of your bikes with its high maximum-load capacity, and therefore is well worth the investment.