PackJack!

[Flashmonkey]

Alex, I'm not sure where to put this, so feel free to move it (apologies in advance!).

Anyway, I wanted to put up a quick review of the PackJack that I just got in the mail today. I remember seeing a video of this thing on here somewhere that someone else posted, and it intrigued the hell out of me so I bought one.

It turns out that the proprietor is Canadian (woot!) and is based out of Calgary. I placed the order from his website (http://www.packjack.ca/) on September 3rd and it came in the mail today. I can't guarantee shipping that quick to all of you, but his corresondence is excellent.

So here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wJvQ_Uipgw

It definitely takes some getting used to, but don't worry, it comes with instructions!



It's a very simple and elegant design. I ordered the spool model, which comes with a little notch in it for the spool.







Here it is holding up my big, fat bike:



And here it is in my trunk:



Notice how it fits in there lengthwise....but then again my gixxer's got a big butt. It's not SRAD big but it's bigger than most.

So there it is. It's very well made, and just by looking at it you can tell right away that the guy selling it actually cares. It's compact, ludicriously simple, and fits in my trunk.

I will say, though, that this thing more than likely has it's limitations. It's best used on a hard, flat and stable surface. I'd also recommend zip tying the front brake lever so the bike doesn't go wandering off on you. It states everywhere possible that this is a temporary support. It would be perfect for lubing the chain, or even patching up a rear tire quickly. I would not, however, try and take the rear wheel off with this....it would be pretty dumb, but I might as well state that in black and white right now.

At $51 shipped to my door (CDN funds....it's $32.95 USD + shipping), the price is very reasonable. Very cool piece of kit. I recommend it to anyone looking for a portable jack.

And yes...I did post an almost identical review up on GTAM

[bob706]

I almost bought one but ended up making my own because I didn't think his would fit in the 250 "trunk". Great review

[Flashmonkey]

Originally Posted by bob706

I almost bought one but ended up making my own because I didn't think his would fit in the 250 "trunk". Great review

If you're proficient with metal working, it would be pretty easy to fab one up. This one's shiney, though.

[Snake]

Looks like a great product. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Rosie]

Nice!

[demp]

That's an awesome little tool, I need one

[mrlmd]

Nice product, great idea, but ridiculously expensive when you can make one, like is already on this site, for only a few dollars.

[Flashmonkey]

Originally Posted by mrlmd

Nice product, great idea, but ridiculously expensive when you can make one, like is already on this site, for only a few dollars.

LOL I don't have the facilities to make one of these myself. I'm willing to bet most don't.

[setasai]

It's made of aluminum. How do you feel about it's durability?

[dubojr1]

Why would you need this? Minimal repairs can be completed while your out riding. Is this just something to use in place of a rear stand?

[Flashmonkey]

Originally Posted by dubojr1

Why would you need this? Minimal repairs can be completed while your out riding. Is this just something to use in place of a rear stand?

It's for long distance sport touring applications. When you need to lube the chain in a hotel parking lot and etc. It beats rolling the bike back and forth haha.

[Flashmonkey]

Originally Posted by setasai

It's made of aluminum. How do you feel about it's durability?

It's pretty stable once it's locked in place, but I sure as hell wouldn't try and take the rear wheel off with JUST this portable jack. It's good in a pinch, though.

[bob706]

Originally Posted by dubojr1

Why would you need this? Minimal repairs can be completed while your out riding. Is this just something to use in place of a rear stand?

I use my homemade one on trips where lubing the chain is necessary. It beats the heck out of lube, push, lube

[dubojr1]

Originally Posted by bob706

I use my homemade one on trips where lubing the chain is necessary. It beats the heck out of lube, push, lube

But wouldn't the chain ideally be lubed for the trip? Guess it is possible to travel further than the service interval for the chain to be lubed.

[Flashmonkey]

Originally Posted by dubojr1

But wouldn't the chain ideally be lubed for the trip? Guess it is possible to travel further than the service interval for the chain to be lubed.

Or if you ride through a significant amount of rain. That'll dry your chain out pretty fast actually.

I actually just bought it because I was curious haha. At least now I have this thing for when I do go long distance.

[kkim]

... or if you need to fix a flat tire. people do still fix flats on their bikes, roadside, ya' know.

[dubojr1]

Originally Posted by kkim

... or if you need to fix a flat tire. people do still fix flats on their bikes, roadside, ya' know.

But wouldn't that be a tire plug (best case scenerio). That could be done without removing anything or lifting the bike right?

[kkim]

ever try plugging a tubed tire? very rare, but people still use them, too.

[setasai]

W00t, Just ordered one for the hell of it too. Could be useful on long trips or just helping out a buddy.