The Terminator

When I picked up my Alite 1000, the shop owner said that he could sell me a kickstand, but I really did not need one. Ditto for a mirror. Well, after a week or so, I got tired of leaning the bike and worrying about it falling over, I bought two kickstands today. I got the rubber inserts that wrap around the frame so as not to damage the frame/ paint. I like it a lot better this way.

orguasch

That is very cool, The Terminator, but you should have develop the art of leaning your bike with out falling or tumbling, one very simple way of leaning your bike on a wall or a street post, is that you lean the rear wheel and let the handle bar go to the incline side of the bike, I am pretty sure, your bike will remain standing, unless the thieves has gotten to your bike first.....

bentbaggerlen

Kickstand and mirrors on mine. I use my bikes mostly for touring and really dont like to lay the bags down in the dirt.

supcom

I put one of those kickstands that bolts onto the rear triangle near the rear axle. It may not look stylish, but I like my bike to be standing up. I am always amused to see multi-thousand dollar bikes laying on the ground at charity ride rest stops.

I think the rear mounted kickstands hold up the bike more securely than the center mounted ones.

Psykik

I have the same rear-mounted kickstand. Sure, it isn't a purist move, but when I ride on the boardwalk,, my only choice is to lie the bike down on the sandy planks or against the pipe railings. Function over fashion for me!

MediaCreations 

I'm sure it's personal preference but I feel that my bike is more secure leaning against a wall or tree than on a kickstand.

I've seen lots of bikes with kickstands go over in a breeze while those against trees stay standing.

Kev

Why are you getting off your bike********** hahahahaa

The Terminator

I have to "let my son rest". Really though, we ride for about an hour or so, and go back home and rest a bit, and then go again. I also like to use the kickstand when I go in a store or something. I also need to get a lock or two tomorrow so that one of us does not have to watch the bikes while the other goes in to get something cold to drink. - Ted

Waxbytes

I wouldn't put a kickstand on my road bicycle and I wouldn't use a commuting bicycle without a kickstand. Everything has it's place and use. The weight of a decent kickstand defeats the purpose of a road bike. Trying to pack a load evenly onto a commuting bicycle that is leaning up against a wall is almost impossible for me.

AndrewP

When I leave my bike I always lock it to a fence or post, so what would I want a kickstand for.

nikLucas

when i first bought my bike i had lots of stuff installed on it, fenders, lights, stand, etc. but over time i got rid of it all, as my riding changed from commuting to moderatly (sounding modest now ) intense XC riding. part of the reason was i wanted to lighten it, but most of it fell away or apart anyways. Plus, all thats left of my old bike is the frame. Bottom line is, if you are using your bike to move around the city stands come in handy, but if you want to go on trails, lose it.

roadbuzz

:confused:
Did you have another bike you wanted a kickstand for, too? What am I missing?

The Terminator

Well, sometimes I want to lean it to the left, and sometimes I want to lean it to the right. OK?

One for my Bianchi 12 speed road bike, and one for my KHS Alite 1000.

MichaelW

With a kickstand, there is a temptation to leave your bike standing, without being locked to anything. I always lock my bike to something solid, even if Im just poping into the shops.
Ive never had a problem attatching pannier bags to the bike, or loading shopping. My bike has only fallen over once, when it wasnt locked, but was caught by a freak gust of wind.
The only time you need a kickstand is when you have a child carrier on the back.

davehorne

Here in the Netherlands most bikes (since they are commuter models) come with a kick stand. There's a variation on that theme with the 'grandmother' bike.

This particular generic model comes with a very low instep (for grandma) and the stand is a rectangular piece of metal that folds out from _above_ the rear wheel (where your friend might bum a ride) and locks in place under the rear wheel. It's looks a little like those add ons to convert your bike to an exercise bike. I tried to find a photo, but couldn't locate one.

RHNiles

Hey Terminator, I thought you might be using two for curb feelers!

No Seriously, I wouldn't ride my bent' with out one. Have you ever tried to find a good place just to lay one down? Boy, are they ever tricky to get it to lay just right! It didn't take me but 2-3 days to decide to install one!

Rick

deliriou5

yeah for commuting, beater bikes for transportation and around campus, i'd definitely have a kickstand on there.

Avalanche325

For a commuter - Why not?

For a road bike - no way!

For a mountain bike - it could get you killed!!!!!!

Inoplanetyanin

Actually, no...

shokhead

No kickstand=less weight=looks better.

Portent

My thoughts entirely.

Crazy Cyclist

I have a kickstand on my mountain bike, and I have never had any problems with it. I think it is better than having to put the bike down on the ground or leaning it up against a tree. The rear kickstands are the way to go.

James Webb

kickstands are cool if you need them

smelly

I'd put one on my MT bike, but it flops arounds when biking off road at 35 mph. At those speeds, everything is shaking like crazy.

lsd87

I've considered taking my rear mounted off my sequoia. After reading this thread, I'm more confused! I'll just try both ways and see.