Is it worth installing a kick stand?

[Tourista829]

Years ago someone made a small device that attach to the down tube and "flicked" out and held the front wheel steady. It would be great for non kickstand and dual kickstand bikes. Does any one know if they are still available and where to purchase it? I used it back in the mid 1980's. Thanks

[John Nettles]

You're talking about a "Flick Stand".  I loved those on my club bike but they could not keep the wheel locked on a loaded touring bike.  On my tandem, I have another item like that.  It is basically a piece of stair-stepped plastic that inserts between the brake lever and the brake lever housing so that you have to have the brake on to insert it.  It doesn't keep the wheel from turning sideways but does prevent forward or backward motion so the tandem rarely falls over. I wish I could find another one of these also.

[whittierider]

You can get much of the benefit of the Flick Stand by putting a velcro-strapping the front wheel to the down tube.  I think I've seen a toe strap used for this too.  For a parking brake for the tandem, we just use the drag brake with its bar-end shifter control

[Tourista829]

Who says American enginuity is lost. These are two great ideas, Thanks!

[wildandcrazy]

The convenience of a kickstand makes up for the little bit of weight.  The kind that mount on the rear triangle "GreenField" are the best.  They also let you walk the bike backwards without interference by the pedals.  The normal kickstands that mount near the bottom bracket are not very stable for a fully loaded tourer. 

[AZ Rider]

I have a kickstand on my commuting/touring bike which is a  Rivendell Atlantis....it is just
handy to have when you are unloading or loading the panniers.

[BikingViking]

Someone else mentioned Click Stand. My wife and I both use them for touring and love them. Light, easy to use and nothing attached to your bike. I have used other kickstands, but this is the best.

http://www.click-stand.com/Home_Page.html

[cyclebum]

I've toured both ways and way prefer a simple kickstand. Mine's from WM. The biggest problem is wind blowing the bike over. I like the jar lid idea for stabilizing the bike on soft ground.

I tried the double stand, and all the poster said is true. However, it is heavy, expensive, and you have to be careful cutting it to length. Too short and it's worthless. Too long, and the front end is too high. Front wheel should clear the ground about an inch or two. Oh, the bolt mysteriously stripped out of mine at the end of a 1200 miler and the stand fell off. Have no idea what caused that. Be careful with the attach bolt.

[jimbeard]

You can get much of the benefit of the Flick Stand by putting a velcro-strapping the front wheel to the down tube.  I think I've seen a toe strap used for this too.  For a parking brake for the tandem, we just use the drag brake with its bar-end shifter control

Or-------use ball bungies -
 I like the double kickstand .
http://www.biketrailershop.com/catalog/270-esge-double-kickstand-p-53.html?gclid=CNXWienSlpkCFQwNGgodk1dIag

[James]

I guess I am in the minority here, but I prefer no kickstand.  It is simple, and I don't ever seem to be at a loss to find a good sturdy place to prop my bike up, or at the worst lay it gently on the ground.  Sure beats it toppling over unexpectedly.

[shepherdhike]

I wouldn't be without my kickstand. I hate laying my bike and gear on the ground. I haven't had any problems with my single kickstand, but the double one would be awesome for working on the bike, as I'm touring alone and don't have an extra set of hands to help. Wish I'd thought of it before I started out.

Nancy

[John Nettles]

I guess I am in the minority here, but I prefer no kickstand.  It is simple, and I don't ever seem to be at a loss to find a good sturdy place to prop my bike up, or at the worst lay it gently on the ground.  Sure beats it toppling over unexpectedly.

I used to be like that and it worked quite well.

However, more and more places don't like you to lean the bike against the window and so I can still keep an eye on it but it is not hurting anything.  I have only had it topple twice....once due to a kid playing with the bike and once my fault.  I just take the time to place it right and it is fine.  It is great on club rides when everyone is stopped and only a few places to lean.

It also allows a more variety for locking a bike to a pole.

[nobachi2000]

I purchased a new GT Outpost with disc brakes and installed my Greenfield Stabilizer Rear Mount ATB Kickstand.  I keep hitting the stand with my left feet while pedaling because it is moved away from the my rear axel disc brake.  I changed the angle but it still sticks out too much.  What kind of kickstand do I need?