When comparing mamachari (city bikes) and road bikes, there are some things that come standard on inexpensive mamachari but are missing from more expensive road bikes.

One such item is the "kickstand."

I've considered whether a kickstand is necessary for a road bike, when it might be used, or if it's simply not needed at all.

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■When to use a road bike kickstand

First, let's consider whether a kickstand, specifically a "kickstand" in this context, is truly necessary for a road bike.

These days, bicycle parking at home, such as in apartment buildings, often has dedicated spaces for bikes, so a kickstand is frequently unnecessary.

If you have a detached house, you can prepare your preferred floor-standing bike stand yourself, meaning the bike doesn't need to have one attached.

At work or school, where you have less control over the environment, if there's no mechanism to prop up your bike, I believe a kickstand is necessary.

So, if your home, school, and workplace all have stands, is a kickstand on your road bike unnecessary?

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

Specifically, you might stop at a convenience store or supermarket, or take a break in a park.

If you lay your bike on the ground at such times, there's a risk of problems like the frame bending, or the side of the saddle or handlebar ends getting scratched or damaged.

■Reasons why road bikes don't have kickstands

Conversely, let's consider the reasons why road bikes might not need a kickstand.

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

Road bikes are designed to be lighter by even a single gram to make them easier, faster, and able to travel further.

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

If a part isn't used, people want to remove it.

Even if it's attached, there are various demands, such as wanting to use the lightest possible option.

That's why some complete bikes are sold without kickstands.

Next is the aspect of frame protection.

Some road bikes use carbon fiber, and there's a concern about whether concentrating stress at one point by attaching a kickstand is advisable.

■Types of road bike stands

There are roughly four main 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 a vertical pole-like structure for indoor use, with a hook that allows you to hang the road bike frame to prop it up.

It can store up to two bikes vertically, offering the advantage of saving space.

A "folding display stand" has a U-shaped structure that supports the rear wheel axle.

Being foldable, it's convenient as it can be stored away when not in use.

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

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

A "fixed kickstand" is a common type of stand; while it's inexpensive and convenient, there's a concern it might damage the frame, and the idea of adding weight to a road bike designed for lightness is considered nonsensical by some.

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■The answer varies depending on purpose and use

Ultimately, when considering whether a kickstand is necessary for a road bike, the answer likely varies from person to person.

If you have some kind of stand at home, school, or work, and rarely dismount your bike during your commute, a bike without a kickstand might be better.

Since you'll hardly ever use it, there's no need to add extra weight.

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

For carbon frames where strength is optimized to the limit, a kickstand should probably not be attached at all.

Conversely, a kickstand is necessary for those who use their road bike for everyday commuting.

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

Even those who go touring will likely stop to rest or take photos, so for such uses, a kickstand is more convenient.

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

Recently, some places have started providing dedicated spaces for road bikes, but not all locations have them, and even when available, they might already be full and unusable.

In such cases, you'll have to search for a place where your bike can stand safely, and without a kickstand, it becomes inconvenient.

You too should prepare the stand that suits you, according to how you use your road bike and your purpose.

Also, if it's unnecessary, opting not to attach one is also a valid approach.

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