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Kickstands aren’t necessary on all types of bikes, but they can certainly come in handy—err, feety? Some cyclists think they look dorky, and if you’re riding mainly on asphalt in a city where there’s plenty of bicycle parking nearby, you may choose to forego adding a kickstand.
However, if you use your bike for deliveries, carrying groceries, or transporting a child, a quality kickstand can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Kickstands are ideal for loading and unloading your bike, for when you want to stop and capture a photo or video, and for when you need your bike stable enough for small repairs on the fly.
They are reasonably priced and detachable, so you don’t have to buy another one when you upgrade your bike. And they don’t add much extra weight to your ride.
So if your bike has tipped over one too many times and you can’t stand to see it taking those scrapes and scratches, you’re probably ready for a kickstand.
But with so many kickstands out there, which one should you choose? We’ll cover a bunch of them in detail below, but first, let’s look at our top picks for each category.
Top Pick for Best Single-Leg Kickstand
- Tool-less adjustabe length. Spring-loaded latch for adjusting the length of the kickstand.
- Non-slip sole and wide reinforced plastic foot prevents slipping and sinking in mud.
- Steel hexagonal bolt prevents the foot from sliding off the kickstand and deters vandals.
- Any angle stance (great for balancing bikes on uneven ground).
- For bicycles 24 to 29 inches.
Top Pick for Best Double-Leg Kickstand
- Adjustable: push button latch for quickly adjusting double kickstand length.
- Non-Slip Sole: wide reinforced plastic feet to prevent slipping on wet surfaces or sinking in mud.
- Quality: durable construction and easy installation. Includes an adapter for bikes without a mounting plate.
- Dual Leg Design: twin legs keep bike upright. Perfect for repairs or display.
- Compatibility: suitable for most non-motorized, lightweight, midweight and cruiser bicycles with 24 to 28 inch tires and 11.5 to 13 inch ground clearance.
Now let’s help you find the best bike kickstand for your type of bike. The first step is determining whether your bike is compatible with a kickstand and where it would go.
What to Consider When Choosing a Kickstand for a Bike
Center-Mount vs. Rear-Mount Kickstand
Of all the types of kickstands, center-mount kickstands are the most common. On bicycles that are kickstand-compatible but not sold with a stand attached, the center of the frame is where kickstand plates are located.
Adding a kickstand is simple when the holes are already present, but if not, have no fear! There are kickstand options designed to be mounted on your chainstay. If a kickstand is what you want, there’s a kickstand out there for you. Just be careful when attaching it so that you don’t damage your bike frame.
Rear-mount kickstands are ideal when you carry the majority of the weight over your bike’s back wheel. As the name suggests, they attach to the back of your bike frame between the back wheel and crank chain. This positioning means that rear-mount kickstands are less likely to obstruct your pedals and get in your way while you ride, which is a common concern among cyclists.
Once you know where you’re going to mount it, there are a few more factors to keep in mind when considering your bike kickstand options.
Weight and Type of Bike
A touring bike loaded with panniers is going to need a more robust kickstand than a casual city cruiser. On the other hand, a road bike built for speed doesn’t want much extra weight.
How heavy is the kickstand? Is it worth adding the extra weight? Your tolerance for extra weight will depend on whether you do short-distance city commuting or longer rides.
Weight Limits
How much weight can the kickstand hold? Kickstands have recommended weight limits. Make sure you know how much it can handle so that you don’t exceed the limit when you attach it to a heavy bike.
Durability of Construction
How durable is it? Is it made from quality material that will hold up to the elements? How many pieces and attachments are there? Are they easily replaceable?
Foot Grip
Many models are now designed with rubber feet that help prevent slips on muddy, greasy, and uneven terrain. Is this a feature you want?
Adjustable Bicycle Kickstands
Many new kickstand models offer adjustability as a bonus. City and road cyclists probably don’t need to pay extra for adjustable bicycle kickstands, but anyone who navigates off-road terrain might find it useful to be able to extend their kickstand for parking on uneven surfaces.
Different Styles of Kickstands
Kickstands come in two main styles—single leg and double leg—but there is an interesting third alternative emerging in the market.
The traditional kickstand is single-leg, center-mounted, spring-loaded, and non-adjustable. But kickstands have evolved over time to accommodate different bike designs and riding styles.
When choosing a kickstand, keep in mind where you will ride your bike and how heavy the load will be. Some will be better suited to your needs than others. There’s no point in spending more money on a heavier model when you don’t need to.
Single-leg kickstands and double-leg kickstands come in variations that can be mounted to either the rear or center of your frame.
The UpStand represents the new type of design, offering an alternative to the kickstands you’re used to seeing.
The following are our picks for the best bike kickstands, broken down by style, purpose, and suggested use.
Best Single-Leg Bike Kickstands
These traditional kickstands are light in weight, easy to install and operate, and can easily fit on most bike frames. They are stable enough to support most commuter, road, and mountain bikes. More often than not, they are found on the left side of your bike.
1. BV KA76 Adjustable Bicycle Kickstand
Material: aluminum alloy/reinforced plastic
Height: 14″–16.5″
Bicycle size: 24″–29″
Weight: 0.56 pounds
The BV KA76 Adjustable Bicycle Kickstand takes the top spot. This widely praised kickstand is favored for its patented spring-loaded latch that allows you to easily adjust the stand’s length. This is perfect when you park on uneven ground and want to maintain the suggested 15-degree angle for stability.
The stand easily installs on your bike’s chainstay neck with a bracket mount. All the tools you need come with it.
Its aluminum alloy construction makes it incredibly lightweight at 8.96 ounces (254 grams). It has a wide foot and non-slip sole with reinforced plastic, so slipping is not a concern.
This is a traditional center-mounted kickstand, so make sure you have enough space on your bike frame for it, or you’ll risk hitting it with your feet when you pedal.
Pros
- Very sturdy
- Easily adjustable height
- Lightweight
Cons
- Might not fit on your bike
- Potential feet bumping
- Hard-to-reach screws
- Installation tools not included
2. BV KA70 Rear Side Bike Kickstand
Material: alloy
Height: 14″–16″
Bicycle size: 24″–28″
Weight: 0.70 pounds
The BV KA70 is an earlier model from the same company that’s just as effective. If your bike doesn’t have a center-mount plate, this kickstand is the way to go. It fits over both oval and rectangular tube chainstays, and you don’t have to worry about obstructing your rear brakes. A protective grip prevents damage and maintains a secure connection to the ground. This is a quality kickstand for trekking bikes or dirt bikes.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Protective grip
- Five-minute installation
Cons
- May slide down the chainstay over time
3. Greenfield KS2 285 mm Bicycle Kickstand
Material: aluminum alloy
Height: 285 mm
Bicycle size: for bikes 22″ and under (305 mm available for larger bikes)
Weight: 9.8 ounces
The Greenfield is another lightweight (9.8 ounces) kickstand that is center-mounted. It’s designed for bikes with a 22-inch frame or smaller. It comes with everything you need to mount it, but it’s not adjustable. If it doesn’t fit your bike and you are up for cutting it down to size, the rubber tip is detachable and can be re-attached after you trim.
This American-made model features a dual spring pressure plate, snap-action, non-slip clamping surface, and is certified anti-corrosive. Its design is simple and slender, yet still sturdy. Having just a single moving part really limits what can go wrong. It’s available in either steel or black, so it will blend in with just about any bike’s frame. It’s the most affordable kickstand on our list. This highly reviewed and recommended kickstand is known as a great option for road bikes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Affordable
Cons
- Non-adjustable
- Only fits smaller bikes (305 mm available for larger bikes)
4. Lumintrail Center-Mount Bike Kickstand
Material: aluminum alloy and reinforced plastic
Height: 13.5″–16.5″
Bicycle size: 24″–28″
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Another great central mounted option, the Lumintrail includes a standard bottom bracket mount but not the tools to do the job. All you need is an 8 mm Allen key, though. It will fit bike frames between 24 and 28 inches, and you can adjust its length easily from 13.5 to 16.5 inches.
This is the lightest traditional kickstand, weighing in at 8.8 ounces but without sacrificing any quality. Similar to the other great stands, it’s made with aluminum alloy and reinforced plastic. The Lumintrail is available in black or silver. It’s a great option for light and medium-weight cruiser and city bikes.
Pros
- Lighter weight
- Quality material
- Adjustable
- Versatile
Cons
- Installation tools sold separately
5. Topcabin Bicycle Kickstand
Material: aluminum alloy/reinforced plastic
Height: 12.2″–14.2″
Bicycle size: 22″–28″
Weight: 12 ounces
Most BMX riders would opt out of a kickstand, but if you were going to attach one, the Topcabin would be the one to get. This rear-mounted kickstand includes a kit with everything you need for installation and adjustment. It has an incredibly high resistance to harsh weather conditions thanks to its rustproof screws and replacement feet that come with it. It can fit on bike frames from 22 inches to 28 inches and is also height adjustable, ranging from 12.2 inches to 14.2 inches. Made from aluminum alloy and reinforced plastic, it is very light (12 ounces) but durable. Throw in the 12-month warranty, and it’s hard to argue against this stand.
Pros
- Highly resistant to harsh weather
- Adjustable foot
- Easy installation
- Everything included
Cons
- Some complaints that it needs frequent tightening
Best Double-Leg Kickstands
Double-leg kickstands are usually center-mounted and have additional stability, so they’re preferable if you have heavier loads. They are well-suited to touring, delivery, electric, and motorized bicycles. Some mountain bikers like double-leg kickstands as well because there is less risk of bike chains getting caught when the legs are lowered.
Double-leg kickstands lift the back tire off the ground like a motorcycle kickstand, providing additional support, minimizing lean, and making them perfect for bike repairs.
1. Lumintrail Center-Mount Double-Leg Adjustable Bike Kickstand
Material: aluminum alloy
Height: 11″–13.5″
Bicycle size: 24″–28″
Weight: 1.16 pounds
The Lumintrail Center-Mount is our favorite double-leg kickstand. This lightweight (1.16 pounds), easily installed stand doesn’t skimp on any features. Its push-button design makes height adjustments between 11 inches and 13.5 inches.
The stand is made of aluminum alloy, with a large reinforced plastic foot and a no-slip sole for stability and durability. It’s available in silver or black at a reasonable price and is a great choice for city and touring bikes alike.
Pros
- Affordable
- Legs adjust separately
Cons
- Legs stick out
2. BV Bike Kickstand
Material: aluminum
Height: 11.3″–13.5″
Bicycle size: 24″–28″
Weight: 1.2 pounds
The BV Bike Kickstand’s adjustable height makes it compatible with frames between 24 and 28 inches. It’s handy for raising the height of the rear wheel for repairs. Long-lasting aluminum alloy construction keeps it in working order even after frequent exposure to the elements. However, its lightweight (1.2 pounds) and plastic adjustable piece make it incompatible with e-bikes.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Folds to one side
- Vertical stance
Cons
- Heavy
3. Ursus Jumbo Double-Leg Kickstand
Material: aluminum with steel
Height: 7″–18″
Bicycle size: 24″–28″
Weight: 2.8 pounds
This beast is the strongest kickstand on the market. Weighing in at 2.8 pounds (1,270 grams), the Ursus Jumbo is also the heaviest, but we’ll give it a pass because it can support weight up to 176 pounds (79 kilograms). This extra-sturdy kickstand is made in Italy from aluminum and steel components. It’s compatible with a 24-to-28-inch wheelbase. The stand itself has a leg span of 18 inches when extended but only seven inches when folded. It’s also the most expensive on the list but certainly the most reliable when it comes to heavy-duty bikes like e-bikes.
Pros
- Very strong
- Extra sturdy
- High-quality material
Cons
- Very heavy
- Expensive
4. Velo Orange Copenhagen Double-Leg Kickstand
Material: aluminum
Height: 11.75″–16″
Bicycle size: 26″–29″
Weight: 1.1 pounds
The Velo Orange Copenhagen isn’t as well known, but it’s a great option for touring. It’s stylish and made from sturdy aluminum, with side-folding legs. That means you have one leg on each side when it’s down, but they snap into place on the same side of the bike when you fold it up. The stand is mounted to the bike frame with only one bolt, so it’s important to tighten it regularly to avoid pivoting problems.
Pros
- Scissor side folding
- Adjustable
- Stylish
Cons
- Possible pivoting
5. Pletscher Double-Leg Bottom Bracket Mount Bicycle Kickstand
Material: aluminum casting
Height: 12.6″
Bicycle size: 26″–28″
Weight: 1.4 pounds
The Pletscher Double-Leg Stand gets mixed reviews. Some praise it for its weight-bearing sturdiness, but others complain it doesn’t have a wide enough stance to provide stability. The stand itself is not adjustable, but it does come with marks on the body if that makes it easier to cut it down to fit your bike. Its rubber feet are also sold separately, which is reflected in the cheaper price when compared to most other double-leg models. This kickstand requires only a wrench for installation, but at 1.4 pounds (635 grams), it’s not particularly light.
Pros
- Legs fold to same side
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not adjustable
- Heavy
- Rubber feet sold separately
Alternative Bicycle Kickstand
The UpStand
Material: carbon, aluminum, and steel
Height: 8″ (folded)
Bicycle size: 24″–28″
Weight: 0.09 pounds
The UpStand is the latest evolution of a kickstand style that is more like a tent pole. You also see it in models like the Click-Stand, which is much longer than a regular kickstand and designed to support a loaded touring bike by propping it up at the crossbar. The UpStand finds a middle ground by connecting magnetically to a metal tab that you install on your rear axle. You can pull it right off and stow it in your pack while you ride.
If your bike is not equipped with a kickstand plate and there’s little room on your rear frame, these types of stands are a good solution. The innovative design is strong and very stable.
Pros
- Lightest available option
- Folds down for easy packing
- Quick, easy installation
Cons
- Have to remove it when you’re ready to ride
