Bicycles

Kickstand alternatives stay off your bike when you don't need them

Kickstand alternatives stay off your bike when you don't need them
The Click-Stand is one of two products that serve the same purpose as a kickstand, but aren't permanently attached to the bicycle
The Click-Stand is one of two products that serve the same purpose as a kickstand, but aren't permanently attached to the bicycle
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The Click-Stand's rubber-coated cradle
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The Click-Stand's rubber-coated cradle
The Click-Stand, folded down
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The Click-Stand, folded down
The Click-Stand Maxi is designed to support heavier loads
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The Click-Stand Maxi is designed to support heavier loads
The Click-Stand is one of two products that serve the same purpose as a kickstand, but aren't permanently attached to the bicycle
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The Click-Stand is one of two products that serve the same purpose as a kickstand, but aren't permanently attached to the bicycle
The Upstand is made from carbon fiber
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The Upstand is made from carbon fiber
The Upstand, folded down
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The Upstand, folded down
The Upstand attaches to the bike's rear wheel via a magnet
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The Upstand attaches to the bike's rear wheel via a magnet
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Of all the things that many serious road and mountain cyclists do not want on their bikes, kickstands have got to top the list ... they add weight, they rattle around, they’re one more place for dirt to collect and darn it, they’re just not cool. They are useful, however. Here’s a look at two products that offer the kickstand experience, without the kickstand.

First up is the Click-Stand. Looking very similar to a modern folding tent pole, it’s made from connecting segments of 7000 series aluminum tubing, joined together by a length of shock cord. A rubber-coated cradle on one end rests under the bike’s top tube, while a rubber foot on the other end grips against the ground.

The idea is that it can be folded up and carried in a backpack, jersey pocket or somewhere else when not needed, then taken out and opened up when it’s time to park your steed.

The Click-Stand, folded down
The Click-Stand, folded down

The Click-Stand is available in Mini and Maxi (9.5 mm and 11 mm) tubing diameters – Mini is for basic unloaded bikes, while Maxi is for heavy things like tandems or loaded touring bikes. Each stand is made to order according to the frame size of the customer’s bike, plus clients can also choose between four, five and six-segment versions – the higher the number of segments, the shorter the stand will be when folded down. Folded lengths vary from seven to ten inches (18 to 25 cm).

Weights for the two versions range from under 60 grams for the Mini to about 100 grams for the Maxi. Prices start at US$31 and $42 respectively, for the basic four-section versions.

The Upstand attaches to the bike's rear wheel via a magnet
The Upstand attaches to the bike's rear wheel via a magnet

The Upstand is similar to the Click-Stand, in that it is also made of connected sections of tubing connected with shock cord. That tubing is made of carbon fiber, however, and it has a neodymium magnet on the “bike” end instead of a cradle. When the stand is in use, that magnet joins up with a metal tab installed beside the quick release lever on the bike’s rear wheel skewer. As with the Click-Stand, the “ground” end is covered with a rubber foot.

The magnet-attachment tab adds 15 grams to the weight of the bike, with the stand itself tipping the scales at 25 grams. The Upstand folds down to a length of eight inches (20 cm) and is priced at $39, with free shipping within the U.S.

Sources: Click-Stand, Upstanding Bicycle Company

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7 comments
7 comments
Bryant Drake
While I see the advantages of not having a kickstand (although i personally don't care and have one anyway) isn't the first point of removing one being weight reduction? If so then if you carry a replacement in your backpack your not removing the weight, your just relocating it. My bicyclist friends do not have a kick stand, they will lean it against a wall or flat out lay it down if one isn't available.
TheSplund
Propping up your bike with a pedal on a kerb is a lost art these days (and no good if you're off-road), but I'd suggest nearby post/tree/hedge/gate/wall etc or simply lay it down as the previous poster has suggested. And what if these devices are used on a slope - do they come with a strap to hold your brake on?
StWils
These are both fairly poor solutions to a problem that was solved best by the invention of kickstands. Get over the not too cool Whine.
HerrDrPantagruel
Anyone remember the Flickstand? It wasn't really a stand at all - it was a tiny little bent wire thing that flicked down from the brake caliper (as I recall) and simply hit the tire to stop the wheel from rolling. Then you lean the bike against something. A parking brake basically. But if you really shoved the bike forward it would release on it's own and flick back up. Clever.
The reason it worked as a 'stand' is that, if you lean an unbraked bike against something, and this is even true with a lot of kickstands, it tends to roll away and fall down. Especially with heavy or heavily loaded bikes, and on ground that's not level. With a parking brake it just stays put.
If all bikes had a parking brake you probably wouldn't need a stand much at all. Thick rubber band on the brake lever? A rubber block pencil eraser shoved between the brake pad and rim? . . .
Richard Corso
Save yourself $30-$40 and simply use a fallen tree branch that you can pick up for $0.
jeffrey
It would get stolen the first time you used it.
Robert Beal
I think some people may be missing the point of the stand. You may remove a kickstand to save weight, but still use a click stand as it's a hell-of-a-lot lighter. That way you still have a stand and a lighter bike. And kick stands have been around for ages, but aren't fitted on all bikes, nor would I want one on a loaded tourer as it'd put additional weight on your chainstay. The only thing that puts me off the click stand is the price.