Knotdodger

Greenhorn here .
Looking at a lot of pictures of your bikes, noticed that most have no reflectors in the spokes.
And no kickstands . Most of the kickstands I do see, are way back on the chainstays

Just wondering why**********??



Rob B..

SPiN 360

No kickstands because:
1. They boing up and down when riding and this is super-annoying
2. Added weight
3. If you are going over rough terrain, it's possible the kickstand could accidentally open on its own, leading to disaster
4. Unlike typical "comfort bikes," hybrids and especially road bikes have a more aggressive frame geometry - this allows you to go farther and faster, but often times kickstands will get in the way of your pedal stroke. I actually ordered my bike with a kickstand but during fitting, my heel kept hitting it during the pedal stroke, so I had them remove it.

People don't like reflectors in the spokes because they don't really do much good, and can also cause vibration and noise. In the day you are plenty visible, and at night reflectors don't really do much - you need an actual lighting system.

Notgrownup

My LBS said, a Kickstand? nobody has a kick satnd on a nice bike,,,,I say put one on if you want... Spoke lights are stil in my CAAD8 wheels...I guess it's a Etiquette thing??? Do you really give a rat's A$$
Flip side is if you ride you are already upright... don't stop...

GaryPitts

Kickstands are perfectly alright on a hybrid. Taboo on a road bike.

daihard 

I've been told reflectors on the wheels are a sign of being a newbie. I still have mine on, but again I am a newbie...

jon c. 

Kickstands only work when used on hard paved surfaces. Use them on unpaved ground and you run the risk of the bike falling as the kickstand slowly works into the ground. It may feel stable when you park the bike, but 10 minutes later the bike has fallen on the ground possibly damaging something in the fall.

Knotdodger

Yes,,, That happens to me all the time.

MRT2

My wife insisted on getting a kickstand on her new road bike, so the mechanic at my LBS put one on. Not my personal preference, but she likes it.

Robbiegirl

I just came home with a trek 7.3 and was surprised to see no kick stamd as well. 14.99 for a kickstand.

Notgrownup

Maybe on a Hybrid yes...One will not go on my CAAD...LOL...

m1aman

I got a kickstand on my new bike. $7 installed.

daihard 

Did you not notice it at the shop?

teicher

I have a kickstand and use it all the time. When I recently upgraded bikes, one of the factors I used in choosing my new bike was the ability to use a good quality kickstand that mounts onto a kickstand specific plate or mount built into the frame. My new kickstand is the type that mounts on the rear chainstay, but my last bike had one that mounted next to the bottom bracket.

We all know why most people don't use kickstands--they don't think they are cool. I never understood why some people would buy expensive bikes only to lay them down on the ground (or lean against something) and risk scratching the frame or banging up the derailleur or disc brakes because they don't want a kickstand. But hey, it's their money not mine, so I keep my mouth shut.

The spoke reflectors tend to fall off after a while, I think the better option is to buy some tires that have a reflective strip on the sidewall. They work better and that's one less part to have to keep tight.

MikeRides

My Detour has a kickstand and reflectors in the spokes. I agree on the above comment that spoke reflectors are pointless, but it didn't cost me any extra and they weigh next to nothing so I left them on. I prefer kickstands though, less scratches and overall roughness to the bike than lying the bike on the ground or up against something, not to mention I can stand it up any place without looking for something to prop it up.

Rootman

I too got a kickstand put on my Roam 2 I just bought, it just makes it easier when storing in the garage. They are very lightweight, although if you race or get into rough terrain they can get in the way or become a danger to others if in a crash with another biker.

I do notice that modern lightweight bike might not reliably stand on a kickstand and can fall with just a light breeze or a small bump. The frames are so light that it makes the center of gravity so high it makes them top heavy, older steel bikes didn't have this problem. I also use a handlebar holder as the wheel can turn to the side easily and cause what little traction the bike has in the front to be lost and topple just that much easier.

Robbiegirl

I think they took it off when they took it in back to check it out and put my water bottle and cage on.

daihard 

Did you buy a kickstand separately? I don't think the FX comes with one by default.

I never lay my bike on the ground. I don't think I've seen anyone do that, either. When I lock it to a bike rack, a kickstand wouldn't do anything.

But I do agree... I personally think kickstands are uncool.

bbbean 

I couldn't find one in aero carbon fiber to match my frame.

BB

SPiN 360

Honestly I don't leave my expensive bike leaning anywhere or lying around. Kickstand or not, it's at too much of a risk to be stolen! I keep the bike between my legs and I have a small stand at home for it. So why have a kickstand? I would almost never use it.

Robbiegirl

I bought a helmet and had purchased a topeak rack and bag ( from amazon, where I should have purchased the helmet from) The kickstand will wait or i can take it off of my Raliegh.

MickeyMaguire

Kickstands are notorious for loosening with time and damaging the frame. If you mount one, inspect it regularly and make sure it is snug, but, don't over-tighten it either. That can also damage the frame.

giantcfr1

I've never needed a kickstand, ever. My bikes always lean against a wall (or similar), or on the ground as they can't fall. Especially if you have carbon on your bike you never want to trust a cheap kickstand to ensure your bike stays upright.

Reflectors on spokes fall off often and most people don't even notice them gone. A good front and tail light is far more important to me than hoping a reflector will alert drivers.

dpeters11

As long as the light has a reflector component to it. Some municipalities require reflectors and say that a light can be used instead of a reflector if it has a reflector in it. Otherwise, technically for night riding you're supposed to have both.

DocsDad

I have no issues with having a kickstand and use it daily. I took off the front and rear reflectors and replaced them with lights, but I left the wheel reflectors on to be better seen at night. My 7.2 is set up as a commuter/tourer, I am 48 years old, perfectly OK with it.

aubiecat

If you have a kickstand you will be looked down upon by the biking Illuminati.