If you got a new bike and noticed that there was no kickstand, you might find yourself asking, why don’t mountain bikes have kickstands?
It’s frustrating to stop mid-ride and be unable to leave your bike standing upright after you come down. Most people think that manufacturers don’t add a kickstand on their MTBs because they want to save money, but that’s not the main reason.
So, why don’t mountain bikes have kickstands?
Kickstands are not on mountain bikes because they make them heavier and will snag plants and vegetation on the way. Mountain bikers always worry about the kickstand catching vegetation when riding through trails. Kickstands are also not on road bikes either because they make them heavier.
Reasons Why Mountain Bikes Don’t Have Kickstands
There are different reasons why mountain bikes are not fitted with kickstands. From the heavier weight and the bike’s geometry to the danger it can cause in an accident, you might be better off without a kickstand.
Kickstands Add Weight
When it comes to mountain bikes, lighter is always better, and kickstands will add weight to them. A kickstand can weigh up to 1.5 pounds, and although this is a small amount of weight, it matters a lot to cyclists. Mountain bikers usually wear tight clothing and carry a few accessories so they can shave as much weight as possible.
It Can Cause Worse Injuries in an Accident
This risk is one of the main reasons why you should be careful about riding on a mountain bike that has a kickstand. During a crash, a kickstand can be dangerous and even impale you, causing worse injuries.
If you crash and land on the kickstand, it can go deep into your skin and cause a nasty wound, even to the point of getting stitches. Kickstands are narrower than handlebars and will cause an even worse accident if you land on them, and this is a good sign that kickstands and mountain bikes don’t go well together.
It Can Snag Things
Another important reason why kickstands cannot be found on mountain bikes is the fact that they can snag things while you’re on the trail. While riding on a trail, the kickstand can pick up a branch, vegetation, plants, and other things. You can end up crashing because the kickstand caught vegetation or a branch on the descent.
It is convenient when you’re resting to use the kickstand to keep your bike standing upright. But, when you consider the risk of crashing and getting into an accident because of the kickstand, you’ll agree that it’s not worth it.
It Can Be Unstable
When considering the geometry of a mountain bike, you can see that having a kickstand can affect its stability and ability to stand upright. Our bike can topple over even with a kickstand. Most cyclists rely on kickstands to support their mountain bikes, but when you consider the size, frame angles, and performance, having a kickstand can mess up the geometry.
Also, kickstands are in the rear area of the bike, and this means you don’t get a perfect balance. If you bump into the bike, it can crash and get damaged. If your bike falls over, you might have to repair the frame and derailleur or paint the finish.
It Adds Cost
Some manufacturers don’t add a kickstand to mountain bikes because they want to save costs. They try to pinch every single penny to save on production costs, although it might seem weird when kickstands only cost about $3 while mountain bikes go as high as $500 or more. Your mountain bike will probably be costlier if it has a kickstand.
Along with the increased cost, kickstands affect the appearance of your bike and will make it look ugly. You can mess up your mountain biking experience, so it’s better for you to find new ways to support your bike rather than installing a kickstand.
Other Ways to Support Your Mountain Bike
There are other ways you can support your mountain bike aside from a kickstand. These include:
Lay Your Bike Down or Lean It Against the Wall
The easiest way to support your bike is by leaning it against a tree, fence, pole, or anything sturdy and upright. It’s usually easy to find something to lean your bike against when you’re on a trail. But, if you don’t find anything to lean it against, it’s always a good idea to place it gently on the ground.
Keep in mind that laying your bike on the ground can scuff the frame and leave scratches on it. So, if you have an attractive bike and you want to keep it that way, you should look for an alternative.
Use a Parking Rack
Another way you can support your mountain bike is with a bike parking rack, although it’s not easy to carry this from place to place along with your bike. You can keep the parking rack in your home or install it on your usual trail so that you can easily use it at any time.
If you ride your mountain bike to commute, you can also leave it at your office. A bike parking rack isn’t easy to transport, so you can’t carry it while you’re pedaling for an errand or on a ride.
Suspend Your Bike
If you are storing your bike in your shed or workshop, you can use a hoist and lift instead. A hoist can help you suspend your bike from the roof of your workshop or shed with ease.
Getting a hoist and lift is budget-friendly, too, and will take the weight off a heavy bike. You can easily purchase this from any store selling bike supplies.
Can I Put a Kickstand on my Mountain Bike?
Yes, you can install a kickstand on your mountain bike if you don’t mind the disadvantages that come with it. You can consider using a traditional kickstand that is cheap and easy to install, so you can put it on your bike without worrying.
When choosing a mountain bike kickstand, you should check the fit and the customer reviews. It’s also important to check whether it is lightweight and durable so that it fits well into your bike.
FAQ
Are double-leg kickstands more stable?
Double-leg kickstands reduce the chance of your bike falling over and will provide you with extra support. But, they are only suitable for lighter bikes because they are heavier than kickstands with a single leg. Keep in mind that double-leg kickstands are not always good at keeping heavier bikes stable.
Are bike kickstands universal?
No, they are not. If you decide to get a kickstand for your mountain bike, you need to get one that fits your bike size. Purchase a kickstand that is suitable for the specifications of your bike. You also need to learn how to install the kickstand on your bike properly.
Is it okay to use a kickstand on a mountain bike?
Kickstands are necessary if you ride a mountain bike to school, work, or just for riding around town. But, if you constantly ride your mountain bike through rough terrains and trails, kickstands can cause an accident.
Conclusion
Now that you know the answer to the question, ‘why don’t mountain bikes have kickstands?’ you don’t have to feel upset that there isn’t one on your bike. It’s quite frustrating not to have a kickstand to park your bike, especially when you’re on a trail, but it’s much better to look for an upright place to rest your bike than get into an accident because it snagged a branch on the road.
