It is very uncommon that you buy a road bike, and it comes with a kickstand fitted. But no one likes to spend their time picking up an expensive road bike from the ground or placing it up against a wall when you want to leave it for a while.
So, is there a reason why road bikes no longer come with a kickstand? And can you fit a kickstand to your road bike without damaging or scratching your frame?
Generally, road bikes don’t come with kickstands because they have a narrower frame that isn’t optimal to hold a kickstand, and in some cases, carbon fibre frames have been known to crack. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference if you want a kickstand or not.
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What Is A Kick Stand?
Kickstands are designed to keep your bike upright when you need it, such as during rest or repair periods. They also provide stability so that riders can easily get on and off the bicycle without fear of falling over and not damaging their pedals or chainrings during dismounting.
The kickstand, as we know it today, was first patented in 1869 by William Sutton. It has been an integral part of bicycles ever since then and continues to be used today for all types of bikes, including road bikes.
Road bikes are more narrow than hybrid and mountain bikes, so they use a different style of stand called a centre-stand or a centre-wheel stand. A centre-stand typically has three legs, two on the ground and one in the air to support the bike’s weight.
This type of stand will also work with most touring bicycles because these types of bikes often have both front and rear panniers installed to carry gear during long rides.
The main disadvantage is that this style requires more maintenance, and dirt can get into the mechanism, making it unstable and difficult to store away.
Do I Need A Kickstand On My Bike?
The sole reason for kickstands on bikes is to help them stand upright when you aren’t riding them. This can be a great asset if you are a bike commuter, especially in the city.
A kickstand is a personal choice for your bike, and if you want to fit one to a road bike so you can avoid leaning it against walls and fences, then it’s a great addition.
However, the kickstand may provide convenience for some, but the hazards associated with having one on a road bike or mountain bike make it somewhat risky and should be considered.
The faster speeds that road and mountain bikes travel increase the risk of the kickstand loosening and becoming a significant hazard to the cyclist. However, you can secure your kickstand with a strap or cable tie when your ride more speedily.
Best Kickstands For Road Bikes
It is essential to have a sturdy kickstand on your bike if you’re either using it to store your bike in your garage or using it during a ride. Road bikes are generally more expensive than most models of bikes, therefore damaging your bike unnecessarily can be avoided with the correct kickstand.
1. BV Adjustable Bicycle Kickstand – Best Value
The BV Adjustable Bicycle Kickstand is a non-slip, reinforced steel stand for all riders who cycle in any terrain. It’s an adjustable length kickstand with a wide foot that makes our lives easier.
You can tell it’s held up well over time, as nobody has managed to break the thing yet. It installs nicely and gives you a solid footing on uneven ground. Furthermore, it is reasonably priced at under $15.
2. GORIX Bike Kickstand – Best Double Kickstand
The GORIX is the kind of kickstand you want on your bike because it will never get in your way when you’re riding. The sturdy yet completely flexible design leaves room for wobbling your bike from side to side.
It comes in all varieties of colours to choose from, which means this stand could go naturally well with whatever colour your bike might be. This kickstand is for when you need to stop and take a break. Hang onto your bike and use it as a stabiliser.
3. WLLP Rear Bike Kickstand – High Quality
This awesome WLLP Rear Mount Bicycle Kickstand attaches quickly onto the bottom bracket behind your bike, so you won’t have to strain yourself balancing it by hand or leaning it against walls.
Thanks to its cleverly placed double-jointed kicking action, this super stylish kickstand will keep any bike standing upright and stable. The kickstand is strong, robust and hardwearing.
Are Kickstands Bad For Bikes
Kickstands can be bad for bikes if you leave them down when they should be up and secure. A kickstand should only be used when your bike is parked and standing still.
It’s not ok to use a kickstand as a way to lean the bike against something so it doesn’t fall over, as that will damage your kickstand. When you come back, you should always kick the kickstand up before riding off.
You shouldn’t use a kickstand on loose terrain like dirt or sand; this can cause more damage than good. You also shouldn’t use a kickstand if you’re going to be stopping and frequently starting, like in stop-and-go traffic or at intersections where cars might not see you quickly.
If you’re just starting to ride, it’s really important to find a kickstand that fits your bike and locks in place securely. Not all kickstands are created equal; some may wobble or even fall off entirely because they don’t lock or aren’t compatible with your bike.
Many kickstands are adjustable, so you’ll want to make sure you adjust them properly before riding off. It’s also important to kick the kickstand up when you’re done so it doesn’t scratch your bike or catch the ground below.
Can You Put A Kickstand On A Carbon Bike?
A kickstand can be fitted to a carbon bike, but installing a kickstand onto a carbon bike’s frame can sometimes lead to small cracks. The carbon frame is strong as one complete unit, but the addition of a kickstand can quickly weaken the carbons strength if it’s fitted tightly.
Attaching the kickstand to a carbon steel frame may not damage it initially. Still, it permanently weakens the frame and makes it far more prone to breaking upon impact, especially over time. Therefore, if you have an expensive carbon-framed bike, it might not be worth fitting a kickstand.
How Do You Stand A Bike Without A Kickstand
There are certain techniques to get a bike standing up without having to tie it off to something. This can be very helpful when hanging out in places like Starbucks or at the beach where there’s no rack for your bike.
Here are some tips on how to make sure your bike doesn’t topple over.
1. leaning the handlebar against the wall or tree: Just prop one side of the handlebar up on something and adjust it until it is balanced, then do the same with the other side, and your bike will be set.
2. Remove the front wheel: You can still have your bike standing up when kickstands are not an option. If it has quick-release axles, all you have to do is unscrew the nut on each side of the axle and remove the wheel (make sure to hold onto the axle, as a cable will still attach it).
3. Turning the bike upside down: Flipping your bike upside down and resting it on the seat and handlebars is another method of standing your bike. However, this method isn’t great if it’s raining or the ground is wet and muddy.
4. Hooking the bike’s bar over a fence or railing: Hooking the handlebars over a ledge of some sort is an easy way to stand your bike upright without a stand. You can do this anywhere there is a ledge, such as a fence or a railing.
5: Laying your bike down on the floor: the most used method is to lay your bike on the ground on its side. If you can select soft ground such as grass or sand, it will protect the bike.
6. Leaning two bikes against each other: the most challenging method and the one that could go wrong. If you’re cycling with a friend, you could lean both bikes against each other, and it should balance the bikes in an A-frame.