I want a kickstand. DH, an avid cyclist who hangs with triathletes, literally grimaces every time I mention it. It's not like I'm asking to put clicky-card thingys on my spokes or one of those clown horns or those pretty dangly tassles on my handlebar grips.

He says it's extra weight and will affect my speed. I laugh at this. I weigh 240 lbs. I don't think a 3 oz. kickstand is going to add a whole lot of drag, you know? And it might help protect the paint on my car from getting scratched because right now I have to lean my bike against the car while I'm getting my helmet and gloves on and all that.

Are kickstands really uncool? My daughter has one. She stands her bike up easily. I'm constantly futzing with mine, worried that it might fall over or shift and scratch the paint.

What do you guys think? (Assuming my Palomar mtb will even take a kickstand - this whole question may be moot.)

Thanks, all,

Roxy