1. Background of bicycle kickstand discussion
In cycling circles, the topic of whether bicycles need to be equipped with kickstands often sparks heated discussions. The reasons for and against seem sufficient, making it difficult for novices to make a decision. Are you also confused and don't know how to choose?
2. Nine reasons for not installing kickstands
△ Impact on appearance
Installing kickstands on carbon fiber road bikes is undoubtedly a challenge to "fashion". Many cycling enthusiasts spend tens of thousands of dollars to build lightweight vehicles, but if they are equipped with kickstands, it is simply unbearable to look at. Installing kickstands creates visual disharmony on road bikes that pursue lightweight and aesthetics.
△ Safety hazards
In team road cycling, rear-end collisions often occur. Once the front car is equipped with a kickstand, the wheel of the rear car can easily get stuck in it, resulting in serious consequences such as rollover or even fractures. When riding in the mountains, the risk of the kickstand hooking on tree roots or vines is even more unpredictable. Once it happens, the consequences will be disastrous. Kickstands may cause unexpected situations in team riding, especially in mountain environments.
△ Weight reduction needs
In the boom of lightweight bicycle movement, every gram of weight is crucial. For lightweight riders, the weight of the footrest affects the riding experience.
△ Frame damage
Riders who use aluminum alloy frames often worry that the footrest will rub against the paint of the frame or even hit the frame itself when driving on bumpy roads after installing the footrest. For riders with carbon fiber frames, their concerns are more serious, because the rear fork of carbon fiber material is relatively delicate. Once the footrest is clamped, it may directly cause deformation or breakage. Aluminum alloy or carbon fiber frames are at risk of damage due to the force on the footrest during bumps.
△ Various parking methods
Riders can always come up with various clever parking methods, such as leaning against the wall, leaning against a tree, leaning against teammates, or even lying directly on the ground. These methods are both practical and convenient, making the footrest seem a bit redundant in this situation. There are various creative parking methods, and the footrest is redundant in terms of practicality and safety.
△ Heavy-load riding load
During long-distance riding, the rack is often filled with various equipment. At first, the kickstand can barely support it, but over time, it will eventually bend like a weak noodle. When it is heavy-loaded for a long distance, the kickstand cannot bear the burden and is easy to bend and deform.
△ Riding attitude and choice
Some riders choose not to install kickstands for no reason, just to pursue a free riding attitude. They think, "I like it, what's your business?" The other side insists on installing kickstands, thinking that this is a guarantee of safety. Not installing kickstands shows a free riding attitude, which is the opposite of the view that installing kickstands represents safety.
△ Financial burden
"I have spent all my savings to assemble this bike. The top-level front fork, wheels and kits make me short of money. Where can I buy extra money for kickstands?" This dilemma is not fictional, but a real problem faced by many novice riders. The first assembly of the bike has already spent a lot of budget, and the kickstand has become a burden among the optional options.
△ Habit problem
Some riders, especially those who have been riding for more than ten years, have long been accustomed to parking without kickstands, and think that parking by the side of the road is their "standard" skill. For them, installing kickstands seems redundant, and even a little uncomfortable. "Kickstands? Those are only used by novices, and we old drivers park by technology!" Experienced riders are used to parking without kickstands, and think it is a more skilled way.
After listing these nine reasons, do you also think that "not installing kickstands" does seem to be reasonable?
