Kickstands. Yes or no?

[Geonz]

When I got my hybrid, I heeded the literature and disdained the kickstand.

I went back a few days later and had 'em put one on. I am the Sue and I transcend cool (i.e., I'm dorky )

Don't have one on the Trek FX... do on the Dahon and the Gazelle (oh, MY, does the Gazelle have an industrial strength kickstand).

Assert your individuality. If you ride more, you'll get stronger faster than the difference in weight will make you slower, and besides, you'll ride stronger to *prove* the kickstand isn't slowing you down.

[Zen]

Don't have one on the Trek FX...

My FX came with kickstand

[badgercat]

My FX came with kickstand

eeeeenteresting. Mine (2008 7.2) didn't. The bike shop guy asked me if I wanted one installed when I bought the bike though, so while it came home with me with a kickstand, it did not "come with" a kickstand.

[ehirsch83]

My FX came with kickstand

Usually it is up to the shop to put it on. Bikes do not usually come boxed with them, so if the shop is out of kickstands or short on them it will depend which they put them on.
Kickstands are also a safety hazard at higher speeds. If it was to fall down while you were riding it could be a potential bad crash waiting to happen,which in turn could turn into a lawsuit.

So besides not looking cool,there is a very serious safety issue related to kickstands and higher speeds.

[channlluv]

Okay, so kickstands are the cycling equivalent of pocket protectors, only they can be hazardous, depending. Thanks! That helps a lot. I don't do any trails on my mountain bike. I chose it because I can sit more vertically than leaning forward while I ride and it's just better on my back. I'm not the most flexible willow in the wind here. I'm strictly a pavement girl, although that may change as the weight comes off.

Aint Doody, those Click Stands look genius! I think that just may be the answer to my dilemma. It's got "cool cyclist gadget" style that even my century-riding DH will approve of. Maybe. And it's a lot less than a new paint job for the car, or the bike.

Woohoo! Now to go pick out a nice bell and see if I can get "Better Fred than Dead" put on a t-shirt. <g>

Thank you all for the input. I really appreciate your help and your suggestions and solutions!

Roxy

[Zen]

So besides not looking cool,there is a very serious safety issue related to kickstands and higher speeds.

I don't think i have anything to worry about

[Biciclista]

my shop bike has a kick stand that falls down. You just kick it back up. People who use kickstands aren't likely to be going 25-35 mph!
The same goes for raincoats. If they get caught in your drive train, you might end up on your head! I guess you had better not wear a raincoat.

Folks, kickstands are great. if you want one, get one.

[sundial]

Hubby has a kickstand and loves it.

I, on the other hand, catapoult enough without the assistance of an appendage.

[MomOnBike]

My bikes are for Going Places and Doing Things. A kickstand come in handy, so I have them on both bikes. If, however, I were to race I'd be looking to save every scrap of weight possible. No kickstand.

It all depends on the bike, and the intended uses. The biggest issue is if the kickstand (bell, flag, bucket panniers, etc.) make YOU smile. It IS your bike, after all.

That said, I like the folding stands, I'd be good with one.