Kickstands are a nice way to keep the bike upright when you get off your bike temporarily.
If you are keen, you have probably noticed that the latest bikes do not come with kickstands attached to them. Manufacturers are slowly moving away from the traditional design, so you will probably only see them on children’s bikes or some commuter bikes
Why are kickstands going out of style?
1. Extra Weight
If you love to cycle as fast as you can, a kickstand will hold you back. This is because they add weight onto the bike thus affecting air resistance.
The weight of a kickstand can feel insignificant, but it actually affects the weight and overall stability of the bike.
2. They are dangerous
Their design can be a danger to you when you get caught in plants or anything on your path. If your bike is suddenly trapped this will cause you to fall over.
Even worse, if you trip and accidentally land on the kickstand,you are in for a great deal of pain.
3. They are costly
Another reason why bike manufacturers are steering away from making bikes with kickstands is that the cost of production will be high, and therefore the bike will also cost a lot to buy.
It is considered an unnecessary expense to incur especially with the rise of people not wanting kickstands on their bikes.
4. They are noisy
The kickstand’s position on the bike can cause annoying rattling sounds when it is in contact with parts of the bike such as the pedal or the frame.
5. Possible damage
Apart from the damage the kickstand can pose to you as a cyclist, the kickstand could possibly damage the frame of the bike by scratching it.
Having a kickstand doesn’t mean your bike won’t fall, and if it does, there will be damage to the derailleur and possibly scratches on your bike’s frame.
Not an ideal situation, is it?
So-
How can you keep your bike upright without a kickstand? 10 Kickstand alternatives
- Put it upside down
This probably sounds strange- but it works.
When your bike is upside down it will rest on the handlebars and the saddle and the weight will be distributed just enough to keep it stable.
Don’t knock it till you try it!
- Bike lifts
This is a storage option for keeping your bike upright. Bike lifts are devices attached to the ceiling used to suspend your bike.
Some great options are from RAD Sportz and Wallmaster.
They are generally inexpensive, with most of them going for between $10 and $30.
Bike lifts are great for storage because they are sturdy and easy to install. More importantly, they save you a lot of floor space.
However, the bike lifts that hold multiple bikes are more expensive.
- Lean it against the wall
This option is great when you are on the move or in a hurry. Just find a wall and lean your bike on it
The best way to put your bike against a wall is not to do it by the handlebars, but by the rear wheel.
The only disadvantage of this method is that if you leave it against the wall in a public place, it might be stolen.
- A bike rack
This is an obvious one.
Most areas are embracing the upsurge of bikes in towns and installing bike racks along the path and outside stores.
When using a bike rack, don’t forget to secure your bike using a lock.
- Lay it on the ground
You have probably seen people do this- a d it actually works.
When you lay your bike on the ground make sure the derailleur is on the upward-facing side, to avoid possible damage.
- Against pole or railing
This will work just as well as a bike rack.
The only downside is that locking your bike onto railings is prohibited by authorities in most areas.
If it is not illegal in your area, just make sure it is not in the way of pedestrians or any construction, and lock it properly with one or two locks if you can.
- Prop it against another bike
This is another great way to keep bikes upright. If you are in a group, you can try to achieve this by trying to balance your bikes against each other until they are still.
After a few attempts if the bikes do not cooperate you can put them on the ground or against the wall.
Can you put a kickstand on any bike?
Kickstands are actually not a one-size-fits-all. Some are tailored to be used on standard bike sizes while others are not.
Fortunately, there are some universal bike stands on the market such as the Wald Universal bike stand and IPENNY Universal Bike Kickstand.
Can I add a kickstand to my bike?
Yes, you can!
If you feel like a kickstand would work for you and there is space on the bracket to add one, go ahead. Make sure you bolt it properly and that it is in the right position.
Do not shy away from asking for help or watching a few tutorials.
Do mountain bikes use kickstands?
Mountain bikes are very expensive, so the likelihood that a kickstand might damage the frame and finish is a frightening thought for any owner.
The terrain that mountain bikes use and the snagging that comes with kickstands will pose a lot of danger to the cyclist as well
People who have mountain bikes also consider kickstands outdated, so they do not want them on their precious expensive bike.
Why do expensive bikes not have kickstands?
The shape and design of most expensive bicycles don’t leave room for installing a kickstand.
Expensive bikes are also supposed to be on the lighter side, while kickstands actually add weight so they are not a good addition.
Which is better, a centre stand or a side stand?
Both of them have their strengths and weaknesses.
For instance, side stands are light and very easy to use but they do not keep the bike completely upright.
Centre stands are more stable but they are not as quick and easy to use as side stands.
Are double-leg bike kickstands better?
One kickstand is great but a second one will increase stability by far.
Final Thoughts
As I said earlier, kickstands are not as common anymore but that does not mean that there is no way to keep your bike upright.
Whether it is outside or in your garage, the above methods will work and it is up to you to choose which method is the best for you.
Happy biking!