Best Bike Kickstands

Buying guide for Best bike kickstands

Written by Bob Beacham

Updated May 2022

If you’re tired of having to find a wall or fence to lean your bike against every time you stop, a bike kickstand is a simple, effective, and affordable solution. There are dozens of different models to choose from, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one no matter what kind of bike you ride.

There are a number of considerations when it comes to materials, mounting position, and other factors, so BestReviews has put together this quick and easy buying guide to help you choose. Our recommendations showcase several popular alternatives and cover a range of prices.

Some bicycles have a built-in mounting plate for a kickstand, which is great for double-legged models. If yours doesn’t have one, check the size requirements carefully. You might be better off with a single-leg kickstand.

Considerations

Although the idea of a kickstand is straightforward, there are several things to think about. Each is relatively minor, but added together they can make a big difference: style and positioning, material and finish, size and adjustability, mechanism, and foot.

Style

There are two styles of bike kickstand: single- and double-legged.

Single-legged kickstands always lean the bike at a slight angle. These kickstands can either be the central mount type like double-legged models or clamped to the chain stay or other frame rails.

Double-legged kickstands keep the bike upright, which is also handy when you’re performing general maintenance on the bike. These models need a central mounting position between the two frame rails (known as the chain stay) and just in front of the rear wheel. Some bikes have a pre-fitted plate for this, but most don’t. An adapter may be provided with the kickstand to fit bikes that don’t have a mount, but it’s very important to check sizes to make sure it will fit your bike. Another challenge can be tire size, particularly on fat tire bikes. It’s possible the kickstand might rub, so you need to make sure you’ll have sufficient clearance.

Material

Bike kickstands are made of either aluminum alloy or steel.

Aluminum has the benefits of being lightweight and corrosion resistant. Aluminum kickstands may be left as bare metal, but they are frequently painted.

Steel is cheaper and stronger, but it’s considerably heavier and will rust if the finish is damaged. Steel definitely requires a coating, which varies from paint on the cheapest kickstands to nickel plating or powder coating on more expensive ones. Both of the latter are more durable.

Features

Size

The size can be confusing because different manufacturers use different methods. Some base it on the bicycle’s wheel size, while others base it on the frame size. With those that clamp to the frame, there can be some variation in position, so manufacturers often give maximum and minimum heights as well.

Many kickstands are adjustable to compensate for different bike designs. Those that offer tool-free adjustment are handy if you have to park on a slope.

All of these things need to be checked before you order. If you choose the type of kickstand that clamps to the frame, you’ll also want to make sure the clamp can accommodate the frame diameter. Most will, but there are always exceptions.

Mechanism

It’s obviously important that the mechanism keeps the kickstand in the up position when you’re riding along. It’s difficult to tell just by looking whether it’s effective or not, so it’s well worth reading online owner feedback. If it’s a problem area, people will usually complain!

Foot

A plastic or rubber foot is a nice addition. It gives a little extra grip on wet pavement so your bike stays where you put it, and it prevents the kickstand from marking delicate surfaces (wooden walkways or decking, for example). If you need to stop on soft ground, the foot should prevent the kickstand from sinking in.

A steel kickstand offers great strength, but it will rust eventually. For maximum durability, look for a nickel-plated kickstand.

FAQ about bike kickstands

Q. Can I find a kickstand for my electric bike?

A. Yes. As with an ordinary bike kickstand, you’ll need to check where it will fit and what size you need. We’d also pay attention to strength. A lightweight aluminum kickstand may not be suitable, while a steel model offers greater rigidity. The modest increase in weight isn’t such a factor on an electric bike.

Q. Will a kickstand fit a mountain bike?

A. A number of models will do the job, but fitting one may not be a good idea. If you use your mountain bike on the road, no problem. If you frequently go off-road, there’s a chance it could snag on low brush or another obstacle, particularly if the kickstand bounces about, and it could cause an accident.

Q. Will a kickstand damage my bike?

A. There’s no reason it should if you attach it carefully and give it a quick check when you’re doing normal maintenance tasks like oiling the chain. If it works loose, there’s a chance it might scratch the frame, but it won’t do serious damage. Having said that, we would probably advise against fitting one to a carbon frame.

One advantage of an adjustable kickstand is that if you change your bike, you can move the kickstand to the new one, and any slight variation in size shouldn’t be a problem.