Originally posted by RollingGeek
This goes in the list of silly bicyclist beliefs that I have heard hear before - along with:
Actually there are some practical reasons for these "silly bicyclist beliefs".
Originally posted by RollingGeek
-Kickstands are bad (too heavy, unlike my beer gut). Ok, yes - you mad dog racers will notice the difference, no one else will.
Kickstands on MTBs and especially if you're actually MTB'ing is VERY bad as they tend to accidently deploy and can catch rocks and other obstacles. There is also a danger as a result of the above happening of causing the kickstand to get pushed into your rear wheel with the obvious disastruous results. Some bike frames will not accept a kickstand reliably
Originally posted by RollingGeek
-CamelBacks are uncool (Too, um, uncool). Actually I stopped using mine, but because I couldnt suck enough water out of it between heaving gasps after climbing a hill 
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I always use one for MTB'ing unless I'm just heading out for a short hop on the trails behind my house. For road rides, it depends. I find my back gets hot with them so I don't carry them unless I really think I'll need them. I find there are plenty of places to stop to refill my waterbottles and it gives me an excuse for a break. I'm able to stuff almost everything else I need into my jersey.
Originally posted by RollingGeek
-Reflectors in the wheels - Aack, how tacky, safety. Yeah, I know, they are not as good as a light, but they are an additional function.
When MTB'ing these things usually end up as trail litter from brand new bikes and cyclists who haven't been clued in to taking them off to begin with. Sometimes they can be dangerous. I've had one turn sideways and lodge in my forks which of caused me to endo and wiped out quite a few spokes in the process. On the road, they're probably less of a concern but I also see too many of these end up as just more trash/litter along the side of the road. Bright reflective clothing and proper lights is a much better solution.