Kickstands

[Franckster]

Hi everyone. I'm researching kickstands for my tourer at the moment and I'm wondering if anyone has experience of Cannondale's Eileen kickstand?

I know that kickstands aren't exactly stable and I don't intend to leave the bike unattended whilst on it. However, I'm sure that stands do come in useful for those quick stops whilst touring. I generally travel with fully laden rear panniers and none on the front, so the weight is all at the rear of the bike. At the moment, whenever I stop to take photos, check the map, toilet etc, I've got to find something to lean the bike up against. There aren't always any such options and last time I was touring I decided to invest in a decent rear kickstand when I got home.

I'm aware of some of the other main contenders on the market such as the 'Click-stand.' This is going to be too big and bulky for me and I just want something that I can instantly kick open rather than having to dig it out and assemble it before each use. I've also looked the Pletscher 'multi-zoom,' but there are many reports of it crushing the chain stay.

So. I've stumbled across the Cannondale Eileen kickstand on the web and it looks a decent enough bit of kit. From what I can see it fixes to the aft end of chainstay and also to the lower end of the seat stay. Does anyone have one fitted? Does it work? Does it damage the bike? Is it heavy?

 

[numbnuts]

Hi I have a e-bay copy of the Cannondale mine is OK, if you put some rubber strip on the brackets it won't damage the bike. With a full load I try not to use it, but for quick stops it's all right.

 

[Gareth]

I am not a touring cyclist, but a utility one, and have used both the rear mount and centre mount kickstands on my fully laden and unladen Hybrid.

The rear chainstay kickstand tends to allow the parked bike to swing in arc with the stand acting as a pivot, and these can happen at anytime the bike is parked, and usually the bike goes over on it's side. Similar occurences have happend with the single leg centre mounted kickstand that is currently fitted to my hybrid.

When I eventually get around to it, I will be fitting a twin legged centre stand to my bike similar to this one: http://www.bicycling...-1709-0,00.html

 

[HelenD123]

I've taken the rear kickstand off my touring bike as I think it's a liability. It's fallen over a few times and I suspect that's how the rear derailleur got slightly bent. I don't struggle to find anywhere to park it. There's always the option of just lying it down resting on the panniers.

 

[Franckster]

Yes, I think the general consensus of opinion is that the front wheel needs to be stabilised when using a rear stand. A bungee around the front wheel and the down tube maybe.
Thanks for your views Numbnuts. Have you tried using the stand with a full load? I suspect you have and that's why you only use it without now?

 

[hondated]

If you do decide to experiment with one go to the £1 shop as they have them in there.

 

[Franckster]

If you do decide to experiment with one go to the £1 shop as they have them in there.

Yeah but those will be the centre stands that fix to the bottom bracket area won't they?

 

[cargo-cycles]

Yes, I think the general consensus of opinion is that the front wheel needs to be stabilised when using a rear stand. A bungee around the front wheel and the down tube maybe.
Thanks for your views Numbnuts. Have you tried using the stand with a full load? I suspect you have and that's why you only use it without now?

I have a friend who has fitted a rubber coated "P Clip" to the down tube on their hybrid which connects an expansion spring to the mudguard bolt on the forks. This pulls the the wheel into the line ahead position when the bike is parked, and does not interfere with steering the bike.

 

[frank9755]

Yeah but those will be the centre stands that fix to the bottom bracket area won't they?

What they often have is a stand for anglers to rest their rods on which is remarkably like a click-stand! I bought one once and never used it outside the garage.

 

[Franckster]

I have a friend who has fitted a rubber coated "P Clip" to the down tube on their hybrid which connects an expansion spring to the mudguard bolt on the forks. This pulls the the wheel into the line ahead position when the bike is parked, and does not interfere with steering the bike.

Brilliant idea! It's always one of those really annoying things whether you use kick stands or not, when you're off the bike and rummaging in your panniers or rack pack and the handlebars slew around so that you have to grab them quick before the bike falls over.
Does the spring go to just one of the forks? I suppose it would be the fork opposite side of the bike to the stand...?

 

[con gibbens]

Brilliant idea! It's always one of those really annoying things whether you use kick stands or not, when you're off the bike and rummaging in your panniers or rack pack and the handlebars slew around so that you have to grab them quick before the bike falls over.
Does the spring go to just one of the forks? I suppose it would be the fork opposite side of the bike to the stand...?

We obtained Hebie centre stands and stabilizers (spring thingy) from Velorution. Go to "Velorution", click on "accessories" then "propstands" to see both items. Works fine on our heavily loaded Orbit expedition tourers.