Why Nice Bikes Don't Always Come with Kickstands

If you've ever wondered why many expensive racing or training bikes don't always come with kickstands, there's a reason for that. While some bicycles do indeed come with kickstands, the majority do not. Let's explore the reasons why and when they might be beneficial.

Lightweight Racing Bikes and Kickstands

When we talk about expensive competitions bikes, we are usually referring to bikes built for racing. These bikes are designed with performance in mind and often sacrifice practicality for a lighter weight. Holding onto a lightweight bike and trying to set it on a kickstand can be risky, especially if there's a slight breeze. In fact, it’s often easier to practice the pedal-against-curb trick, which can be more reliable.

Why Standard Kickstands Aren't Useful on Light Bikes

Standard kickstands are not particularly useful on light bicycles. It takes very little to knock them over, and in many cases, having a bike leaning against something is actually more secure than on a kickstand. This is especially true for bicycles that are used for commuting or touring. Even a couple of seconds of time saved per hour can make a difference, especially when you're carrying a heavy load.

Bicycles with Kickstands

There are indeed some bicycles that come with kickstands, especially cargo bikes like Bakfiets (city-oriented bicycles) and touring bikes. Cargo bikes are designed to carry goods, and the added weight of a kickstand is not necessarily an issue if you need to load it up.

Motorcycles and Kickstands

Even though you posted this question in the Motorcycles and Motorcycling section, let's take a moment to discuss motorcycles as well. Most motorcycles come with kickstands, and there's a good reason for this. Whether it's a street bike, a touring bike, or a sport bike, the primary purpose of a kickstand is to keep the motorcycle upright when parked. Very few motorcycles (such as motocross race bikes) don't have kickstands. In fact, every motorcycle I've owned has had a kickstand.

The Bottom Line

The premise of your question is not entirely accurate. Some bicycles do have kickstands, while others, especially those built for competitions or training, might not. The decision to include a kickstand in a bicycle is often based on the intended use of the bike. If the bike is meant for commuting or touring, the benefit of a kickstand might outweigh the added weight. However, if the bike is primarily for racing or training, the added weight of a kickstand is often unnecessary.

If you want to add weight to your bike for other reasons (such as improved stability or aesthetics), you can certainly do that. Installing a kickstand is not particularly difficult, but it's a personal choice based on your specific needs and preferences.