jyl

I would like to put a two legged kickstand - that is, a centerstand - on my Raleigh Sport.

There are a couple brands. Soma, Pletschner, maybe others.

What do people recommend?

(Reason: the existing kickstand is a bit short so the bike falls over with anything much in the pannier.)

RiddleOfSteel

Whatever you can find at the coop? I got lucky on one for my winter bike a few seasons ago. Looked like Harley side pipes when in the 'up' position (BTW I can't stand HD exhaust notes. Ugh). I assumed you've tried hunting at Portland's quality used parts establishments?

Road Fan

I prefer the ones where the two arms do not fold over to the same side, i.e. not modern ESGE or vintage Pletscher.

Classtime 

I got the esge that folds to one side. I didn't cut the length because I sometimes park in soft sand and the legs will sink in and still hold my bike up. I go the plastic cradles for it and fashioned another pair out of pvc for the top. And with all that, I needed a longer bolt from the hardware store.

thumpism 

I use the Pletscher double and like it. It's heavy but it works. However, on my Raleigh Sports I use a rear axle kickstand.

tiger1964 

I just picked up one recently at Velo Orange (I'm lucky enough to live within a short drive of them); nice finish and the leg length is adjustable. No name brand on it, just a part # of CL-KA56.

My only impediment to installation may not apply to you. It's going on a close-coupled Falcon and there is so little space between the BB shell and the chain stay bridge that I'm going to need to hack away part of the upper securing plate to get it to fit.

They have two types, this one has both legs retract to the LH side of the bike when in the UP position.

Velocivixen

@jyl - Mr VV has the ones where both legs go the same side. Plescher I believe. He gives them 2 thumbs up.

jyl

Yes, the goal on this bike is to source as much as possible from the used bins. So far I haven't found a two legged stand.

USAZorro

I recently acquired a bike that I purchased for the Brooks saddle and it also has a wonderful TRYGG double-sided kickstand. It is light, stable, and operates very easily.

jyl

Picked up a two legged kickstand at Velocult for $27.

OMG where have you been all my life.

The Sports is very happy.

gaucho777 

Glad you're liking your new two-legged chainstay smoosher. I've honestly never once thought of adding a kickstand, even to my commuter/grocery-getter bikes, and I do stuff those panniers. Convince me why I should reconsider.

noglider 

Bicycle products make us so happy.

jyl

I find that a kickstand adds a bit of convenience. When loading or unloading the pannier, I don't have to roll the bike over to something that I can lean it on and then try to access the pannier that is between the bike and that object.

For most of my bikes that convenience isn't worth the weight and unsleekness of a kickstand. But my Sports is heavy and not sleek so it doesn't matter. Heck I even put a rubber bulb horn on it.

gaucho777 

I guess I just tend to lean the bike against my legs if there’s nothing else around. However I do recall your mentioning that a new job has you in more formal attire for your commute, so I can understand the advantages of using a stand instead. I think a big part of my aversion to kickstands is that the one-legged variety I’ve used are generally not very stable.

jyl

The glory of the two legged kickstand!