A kickstand is an appliance that permits you to keep your bicycle in an upright position without any support. You will find a kickstand on most bicycles but they are not commonly found on mountain bikes. The reason for that, is kickstands provide extra weight to mountain bikes. Also, it can change the center of gravity, cause accidents, and affect various complications related to a riding.
To realize more hidden information about kickstand details, their types, advantages, and disadvantages of mountain bike kickstands, the installation process, and other stuff, please scan the entire text carefully.
Types Of Kickstands
- Center Kickstands
- Side Kickstands
- Retractable Kickstands
- Folding Kickstands
- Pneumatic Kickstands
- Spring Loaded Kickstands
- Adjustable Kickstands
- Cantilever Kickstands
- Double Leg Kickstands
- Single Leg Kickstands
- Rear Mounted Kickstands
- Front Mounted Kickstands
- Electric Kickstands
- Magnetic Kickstands
So, Why Don’t Mountain Bikes Have Kickstands?
There are several reasons that mountain bikes do not have kickstands. At this stage of the article, I will inform you in detail about all those factors.
Add Extra Weight
A kickstand adds unnecessary extra weight to your mountain bike. Generally, it weighs between .5 pounds to 1.5 pounds and some other materials are heavier than that.
Although this amount of weight is very small, it still affects the performance of your bike in particular. Mountain bikes generally need to be lighter and manufactured for very fast off-road cycling. Thus adding a kickstand can slow your bike down by placing unnecessary weight. And most mountain bike riders care about every pound on their bike.
Cause To Lose Balance & Accident
Most of the kickstands are located at the bottom of mountain bikes which makes paddling difficult at times. If you do not pedal properly, then there is a possibility of losing balance. And the loss of balance means the chance of various types of accidents.
Difficult To Find & Adjust
Mountain bikes don’t have any kind of kickstand attachment from the start. So later when it is adjusted, it will be very difficult to choose the kickstand that is compatible with your MTB. Moreover, you may face various difficulties in adjusting.
Not Stable Always
MTBs are relatively heavy compared to other bicycles. That’s why kickstands cannot be stable by carrying all the loads. Also, when you are cycling at high speed with a mountain bike, sometimes the kickstand may come down while riding. Now you may understand that it is very likely to become unstable. For this particular reason, mountain bikes are designed without Kickstands.
Get Stuck On Roots and Rocks
Mountain bikes are primarily designed for cycling in off-road areas. You may already know that off-road areas usually have many types of roots, rocks, dirt, mud, water, etc. If kickstands were provided on mountain bikes, all these things would get stuck on the kickstand. Which can make your riding journey miserable.
It Is A Waste Of Money & Time
All the different parts of a mountain bike are expensive. As a result, manufacturers have to spend a lot more time and money if they attach an extra kickstand. Since they are completely comfortable riding without a kickstand, there is no need for it.
Fall Over With a Kickstand
I already told you that the kickstand cannot handle the extra weight of the MTB. And for the disruption of that stability, your mountain bike can fall.
Ruins The MTB’s Style
A kickstand is enough to ruin the entire style of your mountain bike when you are using a smart, dashing-looking frame. If there is a kickstand, then usually it will not look good at all.
But Can’t I Put A Kickstand On My MTB?
Of course dear, you can put a kickstand on your MTB. And you will find different types, lengths, and designs of kickstands in the market. But from there, you need to choose a kickstand that attaches perfectly to the frame of your mountain bike. Moreover, you have to pay special attention to the installation. For your convenience in the next portion, I have given the complete installation procedure step by step.
The matter of laying a kickstand is depend on your riding style and path.
- Suppose you just use your bike in hilly areas, gravel riding, steep terrain, off-road, etc. In that case, putting a kickstand will not be correct. Because it may cause various dangerous accidents.
- But if you use your mountain bike for commuting, pavement riding, general road cycling, schooling, or workplace going, then you must install a kickstand. And it is a good decision to put a kickstand on MTB based on your riding style and personal preference.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Mountain Bike Kickstands
A variety of advantages and disadvantages are observed when kickstands are installed on a mountain bike. Let me tell you about some of the important things among them.
Conveniences Of Mountain Bike Kickstands
- A kickstand can handily keep your mountain bike in an upright position safely, when not in use.
- It is very easy to install and a matter of short time. Also if you feel like you don’t want to use the kickstand. Then it can also be uninstalled effortlessly.
- Think you’ve gone on a long-distance bike ride. During that time, your mountain bike kickstand can support you especially. It can also provide convenient space in your pause times.
- No matter what model or frame of bike you use. the kickstand adjusts to fit and is easy to attach.
- It is possible to park the mountain bike by maintaining a considerable distance from the ground without leaning. As a result, there is no possibility of dirt materials damaging the bicycle.
- It can conserve your MTB from being damaged or scratched in transport or storage.
- When you use the mountain bike for general commuting or cycling in small off-road areas, then it can furnish stable and safe support for your bike.
Disadvantages Of Mountain Bike Kickstands
- It is difficult to install or adjust for beginners. And if not installed properly, it can damage your mountain bike.
- Kickstands are relatively heavy, adding extra weight to your mountain bike. And this excess weight hampers your forward momentum.
- Since mountain bikes are mostly manufactured for use on rocky terrain or other off-road surfaces, there is not much need for these kickstands. Moreover, using a kickstand is difficult and hindering when riding on such terrains.
- Finding a kickstand that fits your MTB, that’s quite difficult. In this case, you will have to spend a lot of money and time to find the right kickstand. But all kickstands are not properly adjustable with all types of mountain bike frames.
- Kickstands are mostly located at the bottom of the bike. So it makes pedaling difficult.
- Extra maintenance is required for MTB kickstands. Otherwise, they may be prone to rust or decay.
- It can be damaged or bent very easily and in a short time.
- You may be afraid of your mountain bike falling from the kickstand. And if they fall, your bike will suffer a lot of damage.
Installation Process Of A Kickstand On A Mountain Bike
Things You Need:
- Kickstand
- Allen Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Bike Grease
- Bicycle Mount
Step-by-Step Process:
- First, review that you have all the necessary equipment to install the kickstand on your mountain bike.
- After that, you should select a kickstand that is fully compatible with your mountain bike model. Because every different model and frame of mountain bike has a different kickstand to match. That’s why it’s so important to keep this in mind. Nevertheless, you will find some universal kickstands in the market which apply to all types of bicycles.
- At this stage, place the kickstand in the correct position on the bike frame. And ensure that the entire alignment is flat and centered.
- You can use an Allen wrench to attach the kickstand to the MTB. It should be adjusted accordingly as per the height of the bike.
- You can use a screwdriver to tighten the screws. This authorizes the kickstand to be more firmly attached to the frame of the mountain bike.
- Now push lightly on the kickstand to check that it holds the mountain bike appropriately.
- When the entire process is complete, lubricate the mounting bracket and kickstand bolt.
- You should use good-quality bike grease for lubrication. This will prevent rusting or corrosion.
That’s all. Now enjoy your new mountain bike kickstand.
Last Words About Kickstand Of MTB
The kickstand is an important part of the bicycle. But most mountain bikers are not compatible with using it. Since mountain bikes are mostly designed for riding on hilly tracks, uneven paths, and off-road areas, there is no need to use a kickstand. Rather, using it increases the weight of your mountain bike which causes problems for cycling in off-road, hilly, gravel, and slippery areas.
