Design Responses > About Parking Furniture > Typology
> Industrial: Public / Semi-Public
Sheffield / U-Stands

The U-stand (aka Sheffield stand) is the most popular stand in the UK due to its ease of use, locking opportunities and cost. Its typically tubular steel construction is utilised in a multitude of designs.
They come in a variety of finishes and colours.

Typical Context of Use
Open or Restricted Access. Most urban areas Commercial Pedestrian or Street Areas, Shared Spaces, Residential zones etc. Installation: fixing bolts or ‘Sunken Shaft’ set into concrete.

Typical Length of Stay
Short-Medium-Long (0-8 hours+).

Number of Bikes per Unit:
1 or 2 bikes per unit.

Approximate Cost per Bike:
from £41 - £160+.

Locking Opportunities/ Lock Compatibility:
Good – both wheels and frame/ All types of locks.

Ease of Use/Time to Lock:
Typically very easy to use. Locking times can vary from < 30sec to a couple of minutes if stands are crowded and more than one lock is being used.

Strengths:
• Relatively cheap cost
• Maintenance costs are virtually nil
• Popular as they provide multiple locking positions
• Supports a wide range of bicycles
• 5-25 years, depending on finish and context of use

Weaknesses
• Stands allow users to resort to poor locking techniques, i.e. only locking the wheel. It is very easy for a bike to be locked incorrectly