Originally Posted by
fdimike
Seeker, the problem with a traditional side mounted kickstand is weight of the loaded bike. I used a 2 legged one for quite some time before switching to my version of the Click-stand which works much better. Their explanation is that the chainstays are much too thin to handle a sidemounted kickstand. I figure they built the bike so must have some idea as to what will and will not work. I underetand they have a special plate for mounting a kickstand. The Click-stand which I described is easy to deal with and can be used on any kind of touring bike (loaded/unloaded). The Bikebrake is an easy to use and convenient silicone band which just slips on your handlebar grip ready to engage your front brake. However, as you say you can also use just about anything to lock up the front wheel.
Surly's
original blog on LHT+kickstand focused on the issue of users damaging their frame by using excessive clamping force when installing or adjusting a chainstay mounted kickstand. The
kickstand adapter introduced years later prevents this from happening, or as stated in the description, "The plates consist of two halves that, when clamped on your frame in conjunction with a kickstand, protect your chainstays from hamfisting by sandwiching the frame between the plates." Surly didn't warn against using a chainstay-mounted-kickstand in 2009 because of the bike's gear load, they opposed it because a number of LHT owners tried unsuccessfully to warranty self-inflicted frame damage as a product defect.
I am glad you are happy with your kickstand. This is one of the more contentious topics on Bike Forums, right up there with threadless headsets, disc brakes, chain maintenance/lube, tensioned-leather saddles, etc.