I use a Y stick to prop the bike on and a string tied around the rear brake if I need to stabilize the set up - such as on an incline or if it is windy. Otherwise, it sits OK the way it is with just the stick. It is very stable when set up - the long stick gives the set up a low center of gravity. With a short kick stand you have a much higher center of gravity. That could be an issue in windy conditions. When loading up a bike the object of the game is get the heavier stuff as low as possible. If you have weight up high that really screws with the center of gravity - and will also greatly decrease the stability of the bike on a kick stand.