Do Mountain Bikes Have Kickstands?
One of the best things about owning a bike is that you can “park” it anywhere. You only need a small space where you can eject the kickstand and set the bike. But do mountain bikes have kickstands?
Mountain bikes don’t have kickstands. Mountain bike manufacturers intentionally don’t include kickstands in the design. However, older versions of mountain bikes and units designed for younger riders may come with kickstands.
In this post, you’ll find out more about why mountain bikes don’t have kickstands, their alternatives, and everything you need to know about kickstands.
Why Mountain Bikes Don’t Have Kickstands
Mountain bikes are not like regular bikes in function. They are tough bikes meant for trails, uneven paths, and cycling challenges. As a result, mountain bikers often engage in jumps, make essential maneuvers on steep slopes or rough terrains, and put the bike through tougher challenges than it faces on the road.
An additional metal rod like a kickstand is dangerous for these activities since it can disengage from its position and cause the biker to stumble. This is why most mountain bikers see kickstands as limitations.
Furthermore, mountain bikes have sturdy frames and bigger tires. Some can balance on the floor without support, while others can easily lean on a tree, or boulder, lie on the ground or rest on any surface nearby.
Disadvantages of Mountain Bike Kickstands
The absence of kickstands in mountain bikes is intentional. I’ll cover some of the reasons they no longer get featured on these bikes below:
They Add to the Weight of the Bike
Mountain bikes are weighty with big tires and complete suspensions. The last thing they need is the extra weight that kickstands bring to the table. A kickstand weighs between 0.5lb and 1.5lb (0.2 and 0.7 kg) which seems like a small figure, but the goal is to have zero added pounds to the weight of the mountain bike.
The extra weight also contributes to wind drag, so the extra bike stand weight can actually slow down the bike.
Kickstands Are Dangerous
Kickstands can accidentally deploy themselves to the ground when you ride on rougher terrains. This might cause you to topple and sustain serious injuries.
Rock sediments and stones can also attach themselves to the kickstand and cause accidents. In bushy trails, kickstands also pick up leaves and anything out of the vegetation to limit the rider. Thus, manufacturers don’t include kickstands for the safety of riders and to avoid snags in bushy trails.
They Add to the Cost
Manufacturers are looking to minimize production costs down to a cent, but kickstands cost almost three dollars to add which is an additional cost they don’t want. Although the cost factor might not seem like enough of a reason to skip the addition of kickstands, most brands see it as one.
Kickstands Are for Kids and Inexperienced Bikers
Most experienced mountain bikers don’t care about kickstands. They see it as a feature meant for new bikers or kids.
Kids will appreciate having kickstands to stand their bikes close to their parent’s car, motorcycle, or similar bike. Other approaches will be too complex for them to use, so the kickstand makes storage and parking easier.
Additionally, there’s no point in having kickstands when the mountain bike can conveniently sit on the ground. Riding in the mountains involves a lot of falls and uphill rides, and it’s only natural to find these bikes down when they are idle.
They Can Cause Severe Injuries
In the unfortunate event of an accident on the mountain trails, kickstands can stab the rider on the thighs or any body part, leading to severe injuries. Worst-case scenarios tend to require surgery, and the victim can lose a thigh. For this reason, it’s best to avoid implementing them in the design.
Alternative Options to Kickstands
Without the kickstand, how do you support your mountain bike when the ride is over?
There are a few alternative methods to stand your bike when you return from the mountains or when your ride is over for the moment.
Here are some ways to do it:
Lay the Bike Down
Most bikers lay their bikes on the ground when they want to rest or when they are done riding. It’s easier this way, and you don’t have to worry about the bike falling and damaging some of its parts.
However, you must consider the nature of the ground on which you want to lay your bike. If it’s muddy, be ready to clean your bike when you pick it up.
Laying your bike down will also consume parking space and make you seem inconsiderate of other bikers. So, the best way is to lay your bike down in a nearby field or explore the other options I’ll cover here.
Lean the Bike on a Wall or Tree
Another easy way to rest your bike is to lean it on a wall or tree. You can attach either of the handlebar edges to the wall, rest the main body of the bike on a tree, or lean it on a fence.
The goal is to have your bike in a comfortable position and off the floor to save space for others. While in the mountains, don’t lean your bike against a tree close to a trail.
You should always aim to avoid obstructing the path for others.
Lay the Bike Upside Down
You can stand your mountain bike upside down, and it will be stable. The seat and the entire handlebars will rest on the ground and achieve balance. If you choose this position, be careful of the surface. Rough pavements can scratch the bike when you pick it up, and muddy grounds give you additional cleaning tasks to handle when you are about to leave.
Hook the Handle to a Fence or Railing
The hook method is one of the most stable ways to position a bike. You simply use the handlebars to hang the bike on a fence or railing. However, study the fence or railing before you hook the bike.
It shouldn’t be too high. Otherwise, the mountain bike will lose stability on the ground. The height must be at the same level as the bike or slightly above it.
The width of the fence should also be smaller to enable the handlebar to have a proper grip on it. If you get this right, it can be a consistent method of standing your bike wherever you go.
Uses/Advantages of Mountain Bike Kickstands
Most mountain bikes don’t have kickstands, but this doesn’t mean they’re not useful. Kickstands still come with a wide array of advantages, and some people prefer to feature them on their bikes. In this case, they shop for aftermarket kickstands and install them for the following reasons:
Storage
With kickstands, you can safely store your bike in the garage, basement, lobby, patio, or anywhere you please without the fear of it falling.
When bikes fall, they may damage their body parts and other items around. If you decide to lay a mountain bike on the floor since it has no kickstand, it’ll consume more space in the garage, and garages could use some space since they are always occupied.
Washing and Maintenance
While washing or cleaning your bike, a kickstand stabilizes it on the floor, especially the double-leg stands. You can effectively clean the bike, lubricate the necessary parts in need of it, and keep your bike in good condition without worrying about how or where to stand it during the entire process.
Mountain bikes also require regular maintenance to function properly. The stand comes in handy when you decide to work on the bike. You don’t need anyone to help you hold it while you check the chainrings, the gears, the tires, and other damaged parts that might need replacement.
However, there are still other methods to stand a bike (listed in this article) that you can use to clean and maintain your bike if you don’t have a kickstand.
For Regular Commuting
If you use your mountain bike regularly on the road, you need a kickstand to support your bike anywhere you go. A kickstand will save you the hassle of looking for a wall, tree, or any other place to lean the bike when laying it on the floor is not an option.
Things To Consider When Getting a Mountain Bike Kickstand
With the advantages and disadvantages of a mountain bike kickstand all laid out, it’s easier to decide whether you need one or not. However, you need to consider a few factors before getting an aftermarket kickstand to install.
These factors include:
Size
Kickstands are similar in shape, but they come in different sizes. You have to be sure that the one you’re looking at is the right fit for your bike.
You can check the size on installation guides or ask the seller if the kickstand is the right fit for your bike. Kickstands come in different sizes, so find out the height of your bike and look for a kickstand that matches it.
Types
There are three main types of bike kickstands which are double-leg, single-leg, and removable kickstands.
The double leg kickstand, also known as the center mount stand, takes its firm position in the middle of the bike’s frame and accounts for more stability in lighter bikes. It comes in handy for cleaning and maintenance since the center position holds the entire mountain bike firmly on the ground.
Single leg kickstands are also known as rear mount kickstands. They are mounted at the rear frame of the bike using bolts and holes, which most mountain bikes don’t have. They are best for heavier bikes as the entire weight of the bike can lean on the rear side.
You can get a removable kickstand, which is a great option for mountain biking. It allows you to use your mountain bike for commuting, which makes it necessary to stand the bike anywhere you are without looking for trees and fences.
When you switch to the mountains, you can remove the kickstand and enjoy the adventure of rough rides on trails. You can also use the kickstand at home to store your bike in your garage or anywhere around the home.
Weight
Some kickstands are heavier than others. As you shop for aftermarket stands, look for lightweight options, so you don’t make your bike heavier than it is. A clue to getting lightweight kickstands is to find out about their parent materials. Carbon fiber and aluminum are lightweight yet sturdy materials for production.
However, if you want to use the stand for storage purposes alone, you don’t have to worry about weight. You only worry about weight when you want to ride on the streets. In this case, the lighter the stand, the better your cycling experience.
Adjustable Stands
Adjustable stands are better than other alternatives because you can pick any of them and adjust it to the size of your bike. Adjustable kickstands save the day when you can’t find the right size for your bike. Therefore, even if they’re a bit pricier, they might be worth the investment.
Durability
To get more value for your money and enjoy your kickstand for a long time, you have to keep durability in mind when searching. Kickstands made of aluminum and carbon fiber are the best overall. These kickstands are sturdier and durable yet lightweight, making them an ideal choice.
How To Install a Removable Kickstand on your Mountain Bike
If you’ve purchased a kickstand, installation is easier than you think, and you can do it in minutes. If it’s your first time doing something like this, it might seem hard, but by following the steps below, you’ll find it a piece of cake.
To begin your installation process, you’ll need the following tools:
- A screwdriver
- A 14-millimeter wrench
- Additional bolt (optional)
The Process:
1. Find a Position for the Kickstand
Assuming your kickstand is ready, look for the best position to attach it. Since the design of your mountain bike made no room for kickstands, it can be tricky to find a suitable spot for it.
However, you can find a suitable location by spending a few minutes observing the frame of the bike.
Some bikes are built in a way that allows you to mount the kickstand at the center of the bike’s frame, while for some, the only option is the rear. Whichever is the case, ensure you fix the kickstand on the lower frame to allow it to touch the ground after installation.
Additionally, ensure there’s no contact between the kickstand and the tires, especially when attaching the stand to the frame close to the rear wheels.
2. Attach the Kickstand to the Bike
Now you know the best position for your kickstand in the frame. You can proceed to attach the kickstand to the bike using a bolt. Most bikes will come with a bolt hole on top of the rear frame housing the rear wheels, which you can use to install a kickstand. However, this is a mountain bike, and there’s no provision for that.
Now, place the kickstand bracket or plate at the top of the rear frame. While you hold it in that position, attach the kickstand under it with its bracket to match the one at the top. After this, use the bolt that came with the kickstand to fasten the kickstand to the frame.
Finally, use the 14-millimeter (0.6 inch) wrench to further tighten the bolt, and your kickstand installation is complete.
3. Stand Your Bike
After installing the kickstand, stand your bike on the floor and check if the installation is correct. If the kickstand is too long, the bike won’t balance properly on the ground. If you experience this problem, the kickstand isn’t the right size for your bike.
Don’t give up yet. There’s a way around it. Check the bottom of the kickstand. You’ll discover that you can loosen it if you try to rotate it in an anti-clockwise direction. Now, loosen it and attach the optional bolt mentioned earlier to the resulting hole.
The removable bottom adds to the length of the kickstand. If you don’t have another bolt, the kickstand can still work that way. However, an extra bolt makes the kickstand neater and covers the hole, ensuring it doesn’t always pick up dirt whenever you stand up your bike on sandy areas.
If you’re not cut out for some DIY work, you can take your bike to the local shop and request a kickstand addition. You’ll pay $50-$100, but at least you’ll be sure of a high-quality installation.
Conclusion
Mountain bikes don’t have kickstands because they are dangerous for mountain riding.. These stands can make your riding experience far riskier than it should be. A mountain bike kickstand is fine for inexperienced mountain bikers and kids, but as you advance in mountain riding, you’ll see why it’s a limitation.
However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to having a kickstand; the best way to use them is to attach removable stands. When you do this, you experience the best of both worlds: riding freely on the mountain and the streets.
