If you want a kickstand, get a kickstand. I have a kickstand on my tourer and I love it.

You don't need that gel cover though. Last year when I got my road bike, I didn't like the saddle. My tailbone hurt all the time, even when I just got up from a chair. So I got a couple of Terry's to try (I'm not good at remembering which ones). I still use them both, one on my road bike and one on my mountain bike. If your tailbone doesn't start to feel better after losing the gel cover, you might want to try another saddle. (There are numerous threads.)

I also have a Brooks leather saddle on my tourer and I live IT, too.

Karen