Are you curious about why road bikes don’t come with kickstands? Well, you’re not alone! Many avid cyclists have wondered the same thing. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why road bikes don’t have kickstands and explore the benefits of this design choice.
From weight savings to aerodynamics, there’s a lot to learn about why road bikes are built the way they are. So, if you’re ready to discover the truth behind kickstand-less road bikes, keep reading!
Mountain and hybrid bikes have different needs than road bikes, so manufacturers include kickstands on these bikes ( or at least add a place to put one ).
But what’s the real reason why road bikes do not have kickstands?
Let’s find out.
What is the reason for road bikes not having kickstands?
Road bikes are made for speed, so manufacturers do not want to add weight or drag. The lack of kickstands makes it easier to keep road bikes clean and debris-free.
Another common reason is that road bikes look much better without a kickstand. Pro cyclists don’t have kickstands, so amateurs worldwide want to look precisely like pros and don’t install one.
Read more: 10 Amazing Entry-Level Road Bikes for Beginners in 2022
What are the benefits of kickstands?
The manufacturers of road bikes say that nothing makes them want to include a kickstand with their bikes. However, there are some benefits to having one on your bike, even if it’s unnecessary.
You’re out for a ride, and you get tired, but you don’t want to stop and leave your bike just lying on the ground. This has happened to all of us – we stop for a break and can’t find anything to lean our bike against so it doesn’t fall over. Plus, a kickstand will keep it upright and stable if you need to keep your bike locked up for a while.
Kickstands are the perfect tool for holding your bike up when you’re not riding it. They can be handy if there’s nothing nearby to lean against or lock bikes. A less flashy but still important use would involve being able to put away your ride wherever you please without worrying about it.
Road bikes are easily scratchable. If you’re not careful, your road bike can get scratched easily. This is one of the biggest reasons to have a kickstand on your road bike.
Is it not cool to put a kickstand on a road bike?
You can’t put a kickstand on any bike and think it looks fantastic. Even though you don’t see them often, they exist for road bikes. However, they aren’t as popular as they are with mountain or hybrid bikes because the manufacturers focus more on speed and weight than the convenience of riders. But the truth is you could look cool with a road bike with a kickstand.
Read more: Can a Man Ride a Women’s Road Bike
Can I add a kickstand to my road bike?
Yes, if you feel the need to add a kickstand. Remember that most serious cyclists never add a kickstand to a decent road or gravel bike. Some expensive models don’t even have a place for a kickstand. But on a serious note, you should do what you feel like doing.
Can I put a kickstand on a carbon fiber bike?
Yes, it is possible to put a kickstand on some carbon bikes. However, it would help if you made sure the stand was made specifically for your bike, which means you will have to get help from someone who knows what they are doing.
Your kickstand might damage the carbon fiber frame and create a lot of headaches. Besides carbon fiber, road bikes are made to be ridden, not stood. It doesn’t make sense to buy a lightweight carbon fiber beast and put a 200-300 gram kickstand on it. Most cyclists with carbon bikes don’t use their kickstands enough to justify the added bulk.
Read more: Why Are Road Bikes So Expensive?
