Here's how easy it is to divide cyclists. A bike stand – a small piece of metal that some consider an absolutely necessary accessory, while others consider it unnecessary ballast, or even (horror of horrors) an embarrassment. The kickstands themselves aren't much to write home about. We recommend those mounted in the middle of the bike – they best support its weight, especially if it's windy or you have a basket mounted. But let's get back to the original question.
Will a bike stand be useful?
In the city or on the road? Quite possible! Of course, a lightweight road or mountain bike simply doesn't need one. Just lean the rear wheel against any wall or ledge and you're good to go, or simply place it on the ground with the drive side up. No problem! It's worse if you have a stylish bike with a large basket and don't feel like removing everything from it. In such cases, a bike stand will undoubtedly come in handy, as long as it's properly adjusted. Properly, meaning its length allows you to stand comfortably near vertical, but also provides wind resistance. It's also a good idea for all kinds of Dutch bikes (though we're generally not fans of them). If you plan to ride long distances with panniers and a generally loaded bike, it's worth considering a double stand, which allows you to position the bike symmetrically. But be warned! In extreme cases, it can be difficult to find models that are stable enough!
Sometimes it's definitely a bad idea
You might think that, aside from offending purists, a bike kickstand can't hurt anyone. But it does! On sports bikes, it's a hazard. Off-road, it's easy to snag one on something (I know what I'm talking about – I had a "mountain bike" from the supermarket and a forest near my school) or hit it with your foot. And then you're ready to fall. It's not the most dangerous thing in the world, but it's simply a nuisance. And let's be honest – it doesn't look good in this case.
When it comes to our offerings , a kickstand is standardly installed only on the women's bike. For the rest of our bikes, we prioritize minimalism, lightness, and simplicity. We recommend this approach as a starting point – it's best to only install accessories on your bike if you're actually going to use them.
Leave a comment