A very simple idea, well executed, the Andystand AS.2 is just the job if you need to keep your bike upright in an event field or car park.

Unfold the Andystand AS.2, slide your bike on to it by the bottom bracket axle and – voila! – your bike is stable, upright and ready for cleaning or minor mechanical work wherever you happen to be.

The Andy of the name is Andy Richards, a motorcyclist turned mountain biker who was fed up with leaning his bike against the wall to wash it, and struggling to hold it upright to do small tasks like lube the chain. Inspired by motorbike paddock stands, he came up with the Andystand.

The original Andystand AS.1 is fully rigid, which is fine for a stand that’s going to stay at home, but the beauty of its successor here is that it folds flat so you can store it in a cupboard or bung it in the car.

There is an optional cloth bag for a fiver so you can leave it there without getting the shopping dirty when you dump it on top.

The Andystand AS.2 is made from steel plate and tubing. The tubing is zinc-plated to protect it from the elements and the plate segments are covered in thick orange paint. The word ‘sturdy’ is unavoidable here, and the AS.2 is rated for bikes up to 43lb. Hook a bike on to it and it just sits there, cheerfully holding the bike up while you do minor fettling or get the hose out.

The only significant downside of the Andystand is that it only works with bikes that have cranks with a large, hollow axle that’s open at one end. That’s most good-quality modern mountain bikes but if you have an older bike with a square taper, ISIS or Octalink bottom bracket, you’re out of luck.

There are cheaper ways to hold your bike up – wheel stands, crank holders and the like – but we can’t think of one that can be stored as easily as the AS.2, can hold a bike with or without wheels in place and is as fuss-free and easy to use.

Verdict

Solidly made and dead easy to use, the Andystand AS.2 is the best portable bike stand we’ve seen.

Pro

Holds a bike completely steady
Dead easy to use

Con

There are cheaper alternatives
Only fits bikes with hollow-axle, two-piece cranks

More info: Andystand AS.2
Weight: 2.25kg
Price: £44.99

What Andystand says about the AS.2

Lightweight, rigid and stable construction.
Folds down for easy storage and portability.
100% Made in Britain
Compatible with Shimano, FSA, Raceface, SRAM and many other cranksets.
Clamp free design.
Max load of 43lbs.
Free UK postage and packaging.
Dimensions : 62 × 45 × 7 cm
Color: Textured Black, Orange