Comparing city bikes and road bikes, there's something found on inexpensive city bikes but not on expensive road bikes.

One of these is a "kickstand."

I've considered whether a road bike needs a kickstand, when it would be used, or if it's unnecessary for road bikes.

When to use a road bike stand

First, I'd like to consider whether a stand, specifically a "kickstand," is necessary for a road bike.

These days, bicycle parking facilities are often provided in apartment complexes, so a kickstand is usually not necessary.

If you live in a detached house, you can prepare a preferred stationary stand, so there's no need for one attached to the bicycle itself.

At work or school, the chances of being able to make changes on your own are reduced, so if there's no mechanism to park your bike there, I think a kickstand is necessary.

So, if there are stands at home, school, and work, is a kickstand unnecessary for a road bike?

Unfortunately, people make detours and go to places other than their usual destinations.

Specifically, you might stop at convenience stores or supermarkets, or take a break in a park.

If you lay your bicycle on the ground then, the frame could get bent or experience other problems, and the side of the saddle or the ends of the handlebars could get scratched or damaged.

Reasons why road bikes don't have stands

Conversely, I'd like to consider the reasons why road bikes don't need a kickstand.

The first reason that comes to mind is "weight reduction."

Road bikes are designed to be easier, faster, and travel further by reducing their weight by even 1 gram.

For this reason, expensive materials are used, and unnecessary parts are eliminated.

If it's not used, you'd want to remove it.

Even if you attach one, you'd want to use the lightest possible option, and so on; there are many such demands.

That's why some complete bikes don't come with a stand.

Next, there's the aspect of frame protection.

Some road bikes use carbon, which raises concerns about whether concentrating stress in one spot by attaching a kickstand is advisable.

Types of road bike stands

There are roughly four types of stands for road bikes.

For indoor use, there are "vertical display stands" and "folding display stands."

For (mainly) outdoor use, there are "portable stands" and "fixed kickstands."

A "vertical display stand" is like a vertical pole indoors, with hooks to hang the road bike frame.

It allows for vertical storage of up to two bikes, offering the advantage of saving space.

A "folding display stand" has a shape like connected U-shaped parts and supports the rear wheel axle.

Since it's foldable, it's convenient to fold away when not in use.

A "portable stand" is a stand that can be carried around, often supporting the lower central part of the frame.

It's inexpensive and has the advantage of not damaging the bicycle, but the downside is that it's cumbersome to carry, vulnerable to side winds, and can cause the bike to fall over.

A "fixed kickstand" is a common type of stand that is inexpensive and good, but it has the potential to damage the frame, and there's a view that adding weight to a lightweight road bike is nonsensical.

The answer varies depending on purpose and usage.

Ultimately, whether a road bike needs a stand depends on the individual.

For those who have some kind of stand at home, school, or work and rarely dismount their bike while riding, it might be better to go without a stand.

Since there are almost no opportunities to use it, there's no need to intentionally add extra weight.

Those who frequently participate in long-distance races or tours might also find it unnecessary.

For frames made of carbon, where strength is maximized to the limit, it would probably be best not to attach a kickstand at all.

Conversely, those who use their road bike for daily commuting might need a kickstand.

If you stop at a supermarket or convenience store on your way to school or work, you'll need to park your bike there.

Even for those on tours, you'll likely stop to rest or take photos, so a kickstand would be convenient for such uses.

A kickstand is also necessary when using bike parking at train stations and similar places.

While some places now provide dedicated spaces for road bikes, they're not everywhere, and sometimes they're already full and unusable.

In such cases, you'll have to search for a safe place to park your bike, and it would be inconvenient without a kickstand.

You too should prepare a stand that suits you, based on how you use your road bike and your purpose.

Conversely, if it's not needed, deciding not to attach one at all is also a valid approach.