MXA TEAM TESTED: MOTION PRO TIRE STATION

WHAT IS IT? True to its name, the Motion Pro Tire Station is a tire-changing stand that can house an air tank within the stand for convenience when fixing a flat or changing a tire.

WHAT’S IT COST? $124.99.

CONTACT? www.motionpro.com or (650) 594-9600.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Motion Pro Tire Station.

(1) Air tank. The most interesting feature of the Tire Station is its ability to house an air tank inside the tire-changing stand’s metal rings. Having air available just inches from the tire simplifies the tire-changing process. It is designed to house 5- to 10-gallon air tanks (14-1/2 inches to 24-1/5 inches in length and 9 inches to 12-3/4 inches in diameter). Take note that we are talking about an air tank, not an air compressor. The air tank is not included, but tanks are available at auto parts stores for $30 to $100. Sorry, backyard mechanics, but pancake-style tanks won’t fit.

(2) Assembly. Without the air tank, the Tire Station takes 10 minutes to assemble. Positioning an air tank within the stand’s rings is a bit more time-consuming. Be careful not to over-tighten the bolts, as doing so can damage the air tank. Our only issue during assembly came while installing the center rod (the one that the hub slips over). During manufacturing, Motion Pro forgot to cover the threads before the powdercoating process. As a result, the center rod refused to thread into the upper ring until we used serious elbow grease. Note that the Tire Station isn’t designed to be taken apart for transit. At 25 inches tall, it’s short enough to fit in a truck bed; however, at 16 pounds (without an air tank), the tire stand is hefty.

(3) Adjustment. What you see is what you get with the Motion Pro Tire Station. The height cannot be adjusted. Several test riders wanted the stand to sit higher. We recommend installing a 10-gallon air tank, which adds over 6 inches to the overall height. Fortunately, given its static stature, the stand is incredibly sturdy. The circular, 15-inch base does need a flat surface for stability but comes with three mounting posts so the stand can be affixed to a larger base (like plywood) or a shop floor.

(4) Performance. Once we got over the low height, we felt comfortable using the Motion Pro Tire Station, which is half the battle when changing a tire. The center rod kept the tire in place. We could easily leverage a tire onto a rim, aided by the spoke-supporting upper ring. The Tire Station didn’t come with a wheel-securing wingnut, but this wasn’t a major issue since the wheel stayed in place without it. For added torque, we stood on the lower ring while installing the tire.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Three complaints. (1) The stand needs to be taller. (2) Threading the center rod into the upper ring was a challenge. (3) Given the weight and narrow base, the Tire Station is best kept in the garage.

MXA RATING: Anything that makes the arduous task of changing a tire easier is a win in our book. We like that the Motion Pro Tire Station can hold an air compressor; however, if you’re a bicycle-pump guy looking for a portable tire stand or are taller than 5-foot-8, there are better options out there.

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