Bicycle Mechanics - So I just picked up a Novara Buzz V from REI.. and I need a kickstand!

http://www.rei.com/product/760872
Here's the sucker I picked up, at the official site:

It's my first "Real bike" purchase to date, being a newbie who's only really bought the Dynamix/Magna and junk from Target/Walmart stores in the past.

I did a good deal of lurking and reading around here before I made sure this was my choice. And it seems to be that it is, as I tend to do a lot of commuting within 3-5 metropolitan city miles each trip M-F.

Now, my question is -- I realize that everything good always seems to be lacking in one aspect, so I gave Novara/REI a silent benefit of doubt for not having a kickstand -- I need a kickstand. I have to put the bike on the floor or something drastic like that in order to make it sit still.

I don't really have a local bike shop, or actually I do but it's very slow to my knowledge, anyways I haven't gone there yet. But I thought I'd ask the favor of the forum before attempting to garner opinions from the LBS, as in the past they've seemed to be more intent on the money than the bike (personal opinion). Is there a good kickstand out there that is recommended, and does the bang for the buck effectively? It seems that on the Novara Buzz ver. 5, there's no real places you can place a preexisting kickstand from another bike (I have a few of those magnas frames laying around), you can see very good details of the bike at the original link I first posted. So I thought might have to look at an alternative type -- which is why I'm asking you guys.

Anyone care to share their 2cents? This bike is going to be parked on pavement and cement for the commutes, if that matters.

Don't mean to be too simplistic but it will be asked, can the REI where you bought it sell/install a kickstand?

In the meantime, just lean it against something, usually against the saddle and the handlebar's rubber grips as that won't nick and chip your frame's paint.

My '03 Big Buzz (quite a different animal) would not be happy with a kickstand.

If you lay the bike down on the ground/floor, do so on the side without the derailleurs. Laying a bike on the derailleurs can put them out of adjustment. To your question, just Google bicycle kickstand.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/KI406A01-Greenfield+Ks2+Series+Kickstands.aspx

I'd think that any bike store would have a box of Greenfield kickstands in back. Your bike has a steel frame and reasonably long chainstays. I can't see any reason why that wouldn't fit. Should be under $10.00.

By reputation the Esge/Pletscher kickstand is excellent but expensive. A dual leg center stand. Here is a link to it from Harris Cyclery.

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/accessories.html#kickstands

I wouldn't be caught dead with a kickstand on any of my bikes. Lean it against something, put it on some hooks for storage, and lock it too a bike rack, tree, or fence or what ever is handy and legal on your commute.

Things like kickstands and significant others are deeply personal choices, so if you feel the need for a kickstand I'll only judge you silently.
Greenfield makes a kickstand that attaches to the rear of the bike, right next to the dropouts. It doesn't work quite as well as the center mounted kind, but it can fit on just about any bike ever made.


http://www.o2gearshop.com/catalog/images/KI1002-kickfield-xl.gif

They also install really easily, unlike the center mounted kind, which can be really finicky on the wrong bike

Get it from REI. In stock at my REI.

http://www.rei.com/category/4500876

REI, Bike Shop, WalMart, ebay. Just don't set your bike down on the drive side.

I use a rear mounted Greenfield Stabilizer model kickstand. It works very well. I bought it at the LBS but I have seen them for sale on line as well.

Whatever you do, don't get a Schwinn kickstand from Target. Mine was so positively dangerous I was happy when it fell apart on the way home less than a week after I bought it.

I got the single leg Pletscher from Rivendell and I'm very pleased with it.

I saw some in Walmart and Kmart,my Trek didn't come with one either, the shop installed one free of charge,my 5 cents (inflation).

I always lean my bike against whatever I lock the bike to. However for a centre kickstand you have to make sure it doesnt interfere with the rear shift cable, so a stand at the LH rear dropout may be what you need.

I wouldn't be caught dead with a kickstand on any of my bikes. Lean it against something, put it on some hooks for storage, and lock it too a bike rack, tree, or fence or what ever is handy and legal on your commute.

Myself, I'm quite happy using a pseudonym, preventing me from placing my true name next to the characteristic posts like the one above.

In any case, currently the best kickstand is Hebie bipod, to be found here:

http://www.rockthebike.com/node/10113

and here:

http://www.yubaride.com/utilitybike-store_usa.html

You need to use your bike extensively, though, to realize how excellent value that stand actually is.

Nice nice, thanks all for the replies. I appreciate you taking the time to share a few opinions. Time to go shopping.

That's what I'd use, if anything, should my old Flick-stand die off. Nice. Thanks for the link.