GEAR ON TEST – Acebikes SteadyStand Multi Fixed
If you’ve got a bike trailer, it’s safe to assume you’ve only got a rudimentary system for securing your bikes to it – maybe just a few pieces of angle iron welded to the floor. That may be fine for smaller and lighter bikes, but for bigger adventure bikes, sports bikes and full-size cruisers, there’s a much better – and much safer - option in the form of the ‘SteadyStand Multi Fixed’ from Acebikes.
The name’s a mouthful, but the product itself couldn’t be simpler. The SteadyStand Multi Fixed has its origins in other products developed by this Dutch company; namely the SteadyStand and related SteadyStand Fixed. The SteadyStand is a portable unit, designed for securely hold bikes upright in the workshop or home garage. The SteadyStand Fixed is, obviously, a fixed version of the same product that can be bolted to the floor, a bike lift, the base of a trailer or other solid surface. This version is also adjustable, to suit different wheel diameters and tyre widths.
The SteadyStand Multi Fixed is a development of the Fixed, designed for larger bikes, and offering a greater range of adjustability.
Thanks to Whites Moto, I recently fitted SteadyStand Multi Fixed mounts to my three-bike trailer, and can honestly say they’ve transformed the way I load, secure and transport my bikes. For anyone who regularly moves motorcycles, especially heavy adventure bikes, these stands are an absolute gamechanger.
Seesaw Simplicity
Common to all SteadyStand mounts is the front cradle section. This sits on an elevated, rotating pin at the leading edge of the stand. When a motorcycle is rolled on to this, the front cradle tips like a seesaw. Once the wheel is over the point of balance, gravity does the rest, tilting the front cradle forward, which then combines with the rear cradle to securely hold the wheel, and thus the bike, upright.
Of course, you’ll still need to use tie-downs or ratchet straps on the front and back end to transport your bike, but having it held securely while you do this is a big plus in terms of safety, especially if you’re loading bikes on your own. With a heavy machine like a BMW R1250 GSA, being able to load single‑handed is a huge advantage.
Impressive Adjustability
The SteadyStand Multi Fixed allows for wheels from 15 to 21 inches in diameter, and tyre widths from 90 to 200mm. For me, this range of adjustment was a stand-out feature.
While the SteadyStand Multi Fixed suits most bikes, it won’t suit all. As such, Acebikes offer specific stands to suit scooters and dirt bikes. Each uses a similar tilting cradle principle to lock the front wheel in position.
Just as impressive as the stand's range of adjustability is the fact that it can be done without tools. To adjust the two-piece front cradle, simply tilt and slide each unit sideways, then place into the desired slot in the rotating pin to suit the bike’s tyre width. The rear cradle is six-position adjustable fore and aft, secured in each slot by a removable shaft and cotter pin.
What you Get
Each SteadyStand Multi Fixed that I received included the following:
- Galvanised steel wheel chock frame
- Adjustable front and rear cradles
- Pre‑drilled mounting base
- Fasteners for installation (bolts, washers, nuts)
- Instructions for installation and adjustment
Everything you need is included, although you may want reinforcement plates, depending on your trailer surface (more on that below).
Installation
For me, installing the SteadyStand Multi Fixed was quite straightforward, although the thin chequerplate floor on my three-bike trailer meant I had to reinforce the mounting points in some areas.
- Positioning the Stands
I started by marking out where I wanted each stand to sit, ensuring enough clearance for handlebars and panniers with three bikes in position. A staggered alignment – the middle mount positioned forward and the outer two further back – achieved this. - Aligning with the Trailer Frame
Coincidentally, most of the bolt holes on each SteadyStand Multi Fixed base lined up perfectly with my trailer’s steel frame. Drilling through the chequerplate floor and frame for mounting gave the installation extra rigidity. - Reinforcing where Required
On areas where the base’s mounting holes went through the trailer floor only, the chequerplate wasn’t strong enough on its own to hold bolts under load. To create sturdier anchor points in these areas, I added steel reinforcing plates underneath - Bolting Everything Down
Using the supplied fasteners, I then secured each stand firmly. With everything bolted down, each unit felt rock‑solid.
Once installed, each SteadyStand Multi Fixed measures 65.5 x 28 x 38cm (LxWxH), so bear that in mind if you’re mounting these units in a van, enclosed trailer or other confined area.
With each stand in position, it was then a simple matter of adjusting the front and rear cradles (detailed earlier) to accommodate the front wheels of bikes I usually carry.
To suit my specific requirements, I fitted three of these stands to my trailer. When transporting my BMW R1250 GSA on its own, I use the middle stand. If I need to move two adventure bikes, the outer stands come into play.
In Use – Impressive!
Once installed, I found the SteadyStand Multi Fixed performed exactly as advertised.
Rolling my big BMW onto the front cradle, it tilted as described and locked the wheel in place instantly. With the correct width/depth settings for the front and rear cradles (this will take some trial and error to get right), the bike stands upright, leaving both hands free to attach ratchet straps.
After a few goes with different bikes – and getting the right settings for the cradles – I soon found that securing the bike became a relaxed, controlled process. And thanks to the underfloor reinforcement I added, the trailer felt balanced and stable, even with three bikes loaded.
It should be noted that components in the SteadyStand Multi Fixed are made from sturdy galvanised steel, so they’ll stand up to wet weather and rough use.
In my experience, the Acebikes SteadyStand Multi Fixed proved to be an outstanding solution for transporting motorcycles, especially heavy adventure bikes. Its adjustability, build quality and ability to hold a motorcycle upright makes loading much easier, and more importantly, much safer, too.
If you’re setting up a motorcycle trailer, I’d consider these units to be essential equipment.
Available from Whites Moto, the Acebikes SteadyStand Multi Fixed is $349.99/each. Whites Moto also stock complementary Acebikes products, like tyre fasteners and tie-down straps, as well as the dirt bike-specific SteadyStand.
To see the full Acebikes SteadyStand range, go to: whitesmoto.com.au
