trek bike no kickstand

7 Reasons Many Bikes Don’t Have Kickstands (And What to Do)

If you’re a novice cyclist or someone who’s just beginning to upgrade, you may be surprised that a lot of high-end bikes don’t have kickstands. After all, if you’re upgrading why lose a feature?

I’ve personally used bikes with and without kickstands, and in this article I’ll explain why some bikes have them and other don’t.

Below is a list of the topics I’ll cover. Let’s get into it.

7 Reasons Many Bikes Don’t Have Kickstands

1. kickstands increase the risk of crashing.

Kickstands add a sticking point on the bike, which increases your overall risk of crashing. Anything protruding from the bike can be an issue, depending on how and where you’re riding.

A kickstand can also open up while you’re riding. Whether it’s jogged loose by impact or accidentally knocked when you’re off the pedal for a second. Either way, it’s risky and could cause a wreck.

Mountain bikers are even more wary about kickstands compared to folks that ride on the road. The last thing you want on a tight single-track trail is to get your kickstand stuck on something, causing you to take a spill.

Protrusions should be minimized, and a kickstand is a major one that can be taken out of the equation entirely .

2. Kickstands Add Unnecessary Weight

As someone who has done extensive bicycle touring , this is probably the biggest reason I personally don’t use kickstands, other than the fact that my bike simply came without one.

People pay thousands of dollars to cut a few ounces out of their bike frame. Road and racing bikes, in particular, demand a premium price for shaving off a few grams here and there.

Why would someone investing seriously in a lightweight bike add that weight back with a kickstand?

Extra weight is unwanted for a bicycle, and kickstands add a significant amount while only adding a little bit of convenience. In the end, the extra weight is just another annoyance associated with the stand.

3. Kickstands Increase The Risk of Bike Damage 

In addition to crashing your bike due to snagging, you can also damage the frame with a kickstand.

The area where a kickstand connects can damage the frame. In most cases, this won’t hurt the structural integrity, although that’s a possibility. On the other hand, it can flatten the tubing on your chainstays and scratch the finish.

And, as counter-intuitive as it seems, kickstands are less stable than any other way of setting your bike down. Most cyclists without kickstands on their bike, will park it up against something (e.g. a building, tree, etc.) or just place it on it’s side on the ground. If you’re in a city/town, then bike racks are often pretty easy to find.

All of these alternative methods are pretty much foolproof, unlike a kickstand, which can buckle, wobble, or sink into soft ground (all of which can cause your bike to fall over).

4. Kickstands Make the Bike Less Aerodynamic

Kickstands hang off the chainstays of your bike and block air, meanwhile, most riders spend extra money on more aerodynamic parts. Once again kickstands prove to be a bit counter-productive.

That’s a big no-no on a high-end bike, where every piece is designed to reduce wind resistance. The majority of kickstands just block air and make the bike slower, even if you don’t take into account the weight of it.

5. Kickstands are Ugly

Let’s face it: kickstands look terrible on a bike.

They can ruin the clean lines of a great frame. Somehow they just end up making the bike look less impressive as a whole.

Call it vanity, but no one thinks their bike looks better with a kickstand attached to the frame.

6. Kickstands Could Contribute to Injuries

Kickstands may not be the main contributor to injuries, but they’re in a good spot to complicate a crash. They’re called kickstands because they’re within foot range from the pedals after all.

It’s unlikely to be the main source of injury during a bike wreck, but no one appreciates a smack in the shin or ankle.

BMX riders are put at risk more than other riders with a kickstand. Doing tricks with an extra point to catch on to things is a bad idea.

7. Other Cyclists Might Judge You

As much as I frown upon “cycling snobbery”, a lot of cyclists consider kickstands a sure sign of a “newbie” . So if you want to blend in with the crowd, and avoid sideways glances from other riders, I’d leave the kickstand off your bike.

One reason for this, is that most high-end bikes from brands like Trek, Specialized , or Giant, don’t come with kickstands pre-installed.

And if you ask a crowd of cyclists why they don’t use kickstands, you’d probably end up getting a mix of all of the reasons above.

However, there is one group of cyclists where the value of kickstands is debated, and that would be among bicycle touring and bikepacking cyclists , who sometimes do like to use kickstands (though I personally don’t use a kickstand on my touring bike).

What Kinds of Bikes Don’t Have Kickstands?

Most high-end bicycles don’t have kickstands installed. That includes every category of bike, from road bikes to BMX to mountain bikes. In short: if you put down a good chunk of change for a bike, it’s not likely to come with a kickstand.

Those cyclists who feel the need to move beyond retail and entry-level bikes are often surprised that a more expensive bike doesn’t have a kickstand. As bikes get more expensive, it’s often hard to justify the drawbacks. They’re just a hindrance to most styles of riding.

What Kinds of Bikes Do Have Kickstands?

The majority of retail-level bicycles, like those found at Wal-Mart, do come with kickstands. Many mid-range bikes in the $400-700 range still include them as well, but those serious about riding usually take them off once the bike is home.

You’ll also find kickstands on children’s bikes.

And to be fair, a kickstand isn’t a sign a bike is terrible , they’re just not associated with high-quality bikes.

You will sometimes see kickstands on touring and bikepacking bikes, which can be rather expensive in their own right. They’re usually installed after purchase, and it’s best to use a two-footed stand that goes under the bike. These bikes usually carry plenty of weight, so a single foot isn’t a good idea due to the torque it can apply to your frame.

Do You Need a Kickstand for a Bike?

A kickstand isn’t necessary. The benefit of a kickstand is the small convenience of propping your bike up, so that you don’t have to find a rack, or somewhere to lean it or set it down. However, kickstands are not essential and you can easily get by without one on your bike.

And honestly, how often are you going to stop your bike and need the kickstand anyway? Most of the time your bike will be at home, where a stand or wall rack would be a better idea. A bike up on a kickstand takes a significant amount of valuable garage space.

And when you arrive at a cycling destination, where are you gonna go? Odds are, you’re probably going to want to lock the bike up to prevent theft. Anywhere you can lock a bike you can stand it up, and anywhere that’s safe enough to just rest the bike on the kickstand is usually also somewhere you can gently lay the bike down.

That said, they’re convenient for some people, and it’s your bike. You’ll never need a kickstand but go right ahead if you think that the convenience is worth the drawbacks.

How to Stand-up a Bike Without a Kickstand

If you’ve decided to ditch the kickstand, you may need some help with how/where to stash your bike without the kickstand.

You have a few options. Here’s a quick break down:

Lean the Bike on Something

Probably the most common way to stand up a bike is just to lean it on a pole, wall, or other convenient vertical surfaces. A lock will keep a bike standing when you use something thin like a pole or sapling.

You might be surprised at how little you end up needing a kickstand, particularly if you’re an A-to-B commuter.

Lay It Down

The damage done to a bike by laying it down is minor and cosmetic if any at all. It’s pretty simple to just gently lower the bike to the ground for a moment. Especially on grassy areas, which tend to be pretty soft.

When you lay your bike down, however, you should always leave the drive-side up. That means laying it on its left side in most cases, just to avoid any possible damage to the cassette, chain, and derailleur.

You can also flip the bike upside down, resting it on the seat and handlebars. Unfortunately, you’ll inevitably end up scraping up some parts of your bike if you rest it this way, but I confess, I’ve put my bike in this position many times.

Be mindful of which parts are making contact, but in the majority of cases, cosmetic scuffing of the shifters and seat is the outcome.

How to Install a Kickstand on a Bike

If I can’t convince you not to use a kickstand, then I may as well help you.

Here’s a quick guide to installing a kickstand on a bike that doesn’t have one already installed.

There are a couple of different mounting types, in the video above the bike has a spot between the chainstays where you screw the kickstand in. These are easy to install with hand tools, just push the bolt through the hole and tighten it up.

Others attach to the chainstay bars. They’re an inferior option as far as stability, but not every bike has the bracket used in the above video. In particular, high-end bikes lack a mounting bracket for a kickstand.

In that case, you’ll want to refer to this video:

A bike trailer can also be attached to the chainstays. Read our article about attaching bike trailers if you want to learn more.

Some kickstand setups come with extra brackets designed to help prevent frame damage as well, and if you have the option you should always opt to use them.

Kickstands are easy to install at home, but you need to make sure the height is right to minimize the chance of the bike falling over. Adjust the length until the bike is as stable as possible, try moving the front wheel around to make sure the weight distribution is safe.

Installing a kickstand is simple enough for most cyclists to manage if you decide to take this route.

Now, let’s quickly cover a few FAQs related to this topic:

Do Mountain Bikes Come with Kickstands?

Mid-to-high-end mountain bikes generally don’t come with kickstands. But cheaper mountain bikes, especially those sold at big box retailers, often do come with kickstands. However, if the bike is going to be used for trail riding, the kickstand will usually be removed. They cause to many risks for mountain biking.

For the most part, a kickstand is a massive detriment to mountain biking. For light trail riding, they may not interfere, but if you’re new to the sport, it’s best to remove your kickstand when off-road.

Do Road Bikes Come with Kickstands?

Road bikes almost always come without a kickstand. The added weight and less aerodynamic profile are counterproductive to a road bike’s design goals of fast and smooth riding on pavement.

For road bikes, a kickstand doesn’t make sense. Most people go on long rides or use them as a commuter. In both cases, a kickstand is more of a liability than a benefit, since you’re probably locking your bike on both ends of the ride anyways.

Do BMX Bikes Come with Kickstands?

BMX bikes, as a rule, don’t come with kickstands at any price point. Since they’re made for racing and performing tricks, the kickstand would interfere and become an injury risk to the rider.

You’d be hard-pressed to find any BMX bike with a kickstand, even one installed by a rider after they bought the bike. A BMX bike is arguably the worst type of bike to use a kickstand on, due to the injury risk when used for tricks, races, etc.

Do Trek Bikes Come with Kickstands?

The majority of Trek bicycles don’t come with a kickstand, but there are some models that do. As of 2021, they appear to have 39 models listed that do include a kickstand, primarily bikes on the lower end of Trek’s price spectrum.

Trek actually serves as a good example of which bikes have kickstands. The low end of their line mostly has kickstands since they’re aimed more towards casual riders. Meanwhile, bikes higher up in their pricing don’t have kickstands at all.

JJ here - I've spent a lot of time on a bike, including completing the 3,000+ mile Southern Tier Route (CA to FL). I started Cycling Beast to "demystify" cycling topics, and to help people overcome roadblocks and level-up their skills.

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What? No Kickstand Included On New Trek Bikes?

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I purchased a new Trek Navigator WSD 1.0 for a relatives birthday present today, and when I got home, I couldn't believe that the kickstand was missing. So I quickly called the salesman to tell him about it. And I was told kickstands are not included on new bikes. That's crazy. Anybody else know about this issue with new Trek bikes?  

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Recently purchased a 7.4 for my wife. The kickstand was included. I am not sure if it was supplied by Trek or my LBS. I did notice that the entire area displaying the Hybrids had kickstands regardless of make and model.  

Some Trek bicycles don't come with pedals!  

You're kidding, right? Most bikes don't come with kickstands, and they haven't for years. Raleigh and Diamondback still put them on some bikes, but most brands have made them an optional accessory to keep their costs down. Just like options on a car.  

Giant still puts kick stands on all but their road bikes, although I have heard of some local shops that remove them and sell them back to you.  

Great info everyone. Schwinn has kickstands. And Diamondback. I've been in many shops and many other brands have kickstands.  

TrailViewMount said: Great info everyone. Schwinn has kickstands. And Diamondback. I've been in many shops and many other brands have kickstands. Click to expand...

PlatyPius said: Kickstands are cheaper than $1500 bike displays. I always put kickstands on bikes that I think should have them. Click to expand...

Neither my GT hybrid, nor my wife's Schwinn came with them. Was a $10 add from our LBS to add them (which we elected to take). I get not doing it in a city like environment, as most places you can travel to around here have some sort of rack, and most people who routinely bike have some sort of solution in their homes too.  

Yes. The bike does not come with a kick stand. The majority of bikes do not, thankfully!! With rare exception if a bicycle comes with a kick stand it's because the bike shop put it on there. When I worked at the shop the only bikes I remember coming with kick stands were a few of the hybrid and sport comfort bikes. A kick stand costs a couple bucks, if you want one buy one. But they're like 5 lbs of pure evil IMHO.  

Yes -- i Just got a new trek madone 3.1 - no kickstands for weight issues  

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Mountain Bike Kickstand Or No Kickstand (The Pros And Cons)

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Updated: April 24, 2024

Disclosure: I may receive referral fees from purchases made through links on BicycleVolt. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Kickstand for full-suspension bike.

As with anything in life that is the slightest bit controversial, there are two schools of thought when it comes to using kickstands on mountain bikes. This is mainly because some folks, frankly, have too much time on their hands.

To save you the hassle of having to delve through bike forums yourself looking for the answer to this one, I’ve summarised the main pros and cons below.

Despite what people will have you think, the decision whether to use a kickstand or not is entirely your choice. In my opinion, they’re a good piece of kit and I’ve got one fitted to my mtb. So, before I list the pros and cons, I’ll give you a quick run-through of a few of the best kickstands available.

Shall we take a look?

Bike kickstand types

Broadly speaking there are three main types of kickstand: Center-mount, Rear-mount, and a new type known as Removable.

I’ve got a recommendation below for each of these, let’s take a look at them now.

Center mount kickstand

This is the traditional style of kickstand. It fits securely to the bike frame and won’t get in the way of disc brakes or derailleur mechanism. This stand has one bolt to fit it and a twist lock to adjust the height of the stand to make it suitable for bikes of 24”-29”.

Rear mount kickstand

This is my personal favorite style of kickstand. This looks like the center-mount stand but attaches further back on the bike frame around the mid-point of the chainstay (between the crank and the rear hub).

You can use this stand whether you have the bolt hole mentioned above, or not. So it is more versatile.

I also find that the pedals have a tendency to catch a center-mount stand as they turn. Not so with a rear-mount stand which is kept safely out of reach of the pedals. This one attaches easily with three bolts and is adjustable to suit bikes of between 24”-28”.

Removable kickstand

This is quite an intriguing style of kickstand, isn’t it?

Fit the bracket on to your rear hub, then pop the stand onto your bike frame using the included bracket (which tucks out of the way beneath your bottle holder). When you need to prop your bike up, just slide the stand into the bracket and voila! Your bike stands up all by itself.

It has the advantages of a kickstand and also the (apparent) advantages of not having a kickstand. Nice piece of kit.

View Details on Amazon

Why no kickstand on mountain bike?

Okay, let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of kickstands on mountainbikes.

• Less chance of damage when your bike isn’t laying flat on the ground for someone to trip over
• Easy to load/unload the bike when it’s standing up
• Useful for carrying out simple maintenance tasks
• Great for when you’re cleaning your bike down at the end of a ride
• Adding extra weight – as with adding anything to a bike, a kickstand will add a (small) amount of extra weight. Would this be noticeable? I don’t think so
• Catching on objects – if you’ve had a kickstand before you’ll know that they have a swept-back position when stowed, so this is unlikely to happen. Also, speaking from personal experience, I haven’t yet caught anything on my kickstand in 6 years…

How to stand up a bike without a kickstand

Fancy a bit of a laugh about life without a kickstand? Then check out this video below. I think that the last method would give me nightmares!

Mountain bike kickstand alternative

Thanks for joining me to look at mtb kickstands today. I hope that this selection gives you a few ideas for choosing the perfect stand for you and your bike. As with anything controversial (even kickstands!), there are always arguments for and against something. To my mind though, the pros outweigh the cons and I’m happy to keep the kickstand on my mountain bike.

Have fun on your mtb and stay sharp.

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11 Genius Ways To Stand Up a Bike Without a Kickstand

By: Author Martin Williams

Posted on Last updated: March 19, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.--

Many serious bike enthusiasts are not keen on having a kickstand built onto their bike. It adds extra weight, manages to catch dirt, and will generally get in the way.

So, some riders will even remove a kickstand if their bike comes with one.

When that’s the case, you need to know about the other options out there that can prove to be just as effective as a kickstand.

There are 11 ways to stand up your bike without a kickstand. Some of them you’ll have to pay for, but others are completely free.

Anyway, let’s take a look…

11 Ways to Stand a Bike Up Without a Kickstand

Option 1: turning the bike upside down.

The first option, if you really have nothing else available, is to turn your bike upside down. Now, this is really basic, but it works like an absolute charm.

Keep in mind that the parts of your bike that are touching the ground will be the handlebars and the seat. Nothing else will be making contact, and that’s good enough for us.

Also, don’t worry about the chain or brake cables when hanging upside down. A problem with them is more likely to rise when you have your bike on its side as it changes the tension and pull on those parts.

Turning your bike upside down will certainly result in it standing up, even though it’s the wrong way up.

If you really have nothing else available…turn your bike upside down. Now, this is really basic, but it works like an absolute charm.

Option 2: Using a Click Stand

One cool option is to use a click stand. If you have never heard of this, or seen one, then it sort of resembles a tent pole. 

This device includes a series of aluminum tubes held together by a shock cord. One end has a cradle, and the other has a rubber foot. The rubber cradle sits under the top tube of the wheel, while the stand then comes down and the rubber foot is placed on the ground.

It’s a basic device, but its design is so clever and intelligent that it works.

Also, the click stand is actually capable of being folded up. That means you can put it in a backpack and it’s not in the way when you are riding along.

But one important point to remember is that a click stand comes in different lengths. This is due to there being different dimensions of the frame. 

With this, make sure you know the size of your frame, and double-check that the click stand corresponds to that size. If it doesn’t then there’s a good chance your bike will simply fall over as it cannot support it in the correct way.

My favorite Click Stand is the BV Alloy Adjustable Rear Side Non-Slip Bicycle Bike Kickstand. This offers many benefits, such as:

• It is the leading click stand on the market
• Highly versatile, and can be used on pretty much any bike
• Good stability
• Relatively easy to secure

You can check out the current price on Amazon here.

Option 3: Using A Bike Lift

This is a fantastic way of storing your bike in even a tiny space. A bike lift secured to the ceiling of a garage, or even a room in your house, will help you quickly hoist your bike out of the way, and make it easy to both put-away and get back out fast.

My favorite bike lift is the RAD Cycle Products Bike Lift Hoist. This has several major benefits, including:

• Its hooks are protected with rubber coating, to stop your bike getting scratched
• It is able to deal with very heavy bikes (if required)
• You get a lifetime warranty

I’ve also written a full review of the best bike lifts on the market. You can check out that post here.

Option 4: Resting on a Tree

If you are out for a ride in the country and need to stop for a rest, then the humble tree can end up being one of the best kickstands you will ever use. 

Of course, the tree is going nowhere, and it has no problem in you resting your bike against it, so why not take advantage of that? Any tree of any size will do, even a relatively young one is not going to struggle with you resting your bike against it.

Option 5: Using an Upstand

An upstand is not that different from a click stand, but with a few small differences which makes this out as being a completely different item.

Once again, it uses foldable sections with a shock cord running through the middle. However, this version uses carbon fiber rather than aluminum, and there’s one other difference.

The bike end of an upstand also has a neodymium magnet, and this plays such a key role in how this entire item works. You see, instead of having a rubber cradle, you use the magnet to attach the upstand to your bike. 

The bottom part is the same as a click stand. It features the same rubber foot I mentioned with the click stand, and that’s because it works exceptionally well. 

Releasing it is also very easy to do. It comes with a quick-release lever that disengages the magnet and allows you to quickly fold everything up and get back on your bike.

The rubber stops it from sliding, so it’s an effective way of holding your bike upright without too much hassle. Once again, it can fold up and be carried around in your backpack. 

A good upstand to go for is the Upstand created by the Upstanding Bicycle Company. (You can check it out on Amazon here ). This uses a strong magnet and does the job well for a versatile number of bikes.

Option 6: Hooking Your Bike on a Fence

So if you don’t have a tree to use, then what are your options? Well, one option is to use a fence, but we aren’t going for the conventional way of doing things.

Instead, you can use the fence to effectively hook your bike against it.

You want to use the bar of the bike and use that as the hook on the fence. This does make the bike exceptionally stable, and it’s going to keep it in an upright position for as long as you need.

The same approach can also be used with railings. You may have even observed bikes hanging on railings in cities with them then being locked into place. That alone will show you just how effective this is as an option.

Option 7: Leaning Against a Wall

A wall is another excellent option, and you can rest either the front or rear of your bike against the wall. Once again, this is a strong and sturdy kickstand that is going nowhere. 

With a wall, you can stand your bike at all sorts of angles, and it won’t let you down. 

Option 8: Using Two Bikes

If there are two bikes, then why not use them as a form of a stand for one another? Both bikes can offer a substantial amount of support for the other, and they effectively cancel one another out resulting in both bikes then standing upright.

This approach works best when there is a slight angle to each bike. It allows you to use that angle to create a firmer base for each bike. 

This is perhaps the option that confuses people the most as it feels like it defies physics, but that’s not the case. 

As you can see, as long as you have the ability to lean your bike against something that is stable, then you can stand your bike. Also, we gave you a couple of examples where you have to use some ingenuity.

But those are not the only options available.

Option 9: Using a Line-Up Stand

A line-up stand is another good option, and it’s perfect for use in your garage as it will support your bike and keep it upright. As the name suggests, you line up your bike and place one of the wheels of your bike in the groove provided.

These stands can work for a number of different sizes of wheels, so there should be no real issue when it comes to it working out if it’s going to work. 

These stands are still lightweight, and they are easy to set up. However, don’t think they are unstable as that’s not the case. Simply place one wherever you wish to park and store your bike, and it will perform its job well.

Option 10: A Bike Rack

A bike rack, or even a multi-bike rack, is another way to stand up your bike without the need for a kickstand being incorporated into your bike.

These bike stands come in all shapes, sizes, and configurations, as well as price tags. You can even see about hanging them on the wall of your garage, and at least it keeps your bikes off the ground with absolute ease.

But if you have two bikes, and they are quite lightweight, then a two-up bike stand could be the ideal solution. It means you have one bike sitting above the other with them hooked onto the bike rack via their frame.

This is all easy to do, and the initial installation of the bike rack takes next to no time to complete.

Also, if you manage to put it on the wall of your garage, or wherever you plan on storing your bike, then at least you don’t take up extra floor space.

A simple bike rack for up to five bikes is the SimpleHouseware 5 Bike Bicycle Floor Parking Adjustable Storage Stand ( You can check the latest price on Amazon here ).

Option 11: Using a Scorpion Stand

The final option I plan on looking at is called the scorpion stand, and this small item packs a punch when it comes to being able to be used in a variety of locations.

This device is lightweight and also portable. It can be used both indoors and outdoors without any problem, and yet it’s still very effective at what it does. 

It’s called a scorpion stand due to the way it effectively has a ‘tail’ that sticks up and this is the part that ‘hooks’ onto your bike and helps it to stand up. Thanks to the design of the base, the scorpion stand can help balance your bike, and it’s surprising how well it works.

A scorpion stand is easy to buy online, doesn’t require any setup, and undoubtedly makes a difference when it comes to helping you to stand up your bike without a kickstand.

And that is how you manage to stand up a bike without having to incorporate a kickstand in the equation. As you can see, there are multiple options available, so you should never really find yourself in a situation where you feel stuck by all of this.

Of course, you don’t have to go down the click stand or upstand route if you don’t want to. There should always be other options out there for you to try out before you perhaps want to carry around a click stand.

At the end of the day, this is all about correctly caring for your bike. Knowing how to stand it up when not in use, or when having a break when riding, is important. Good luck standing up your bike!

Why Don’t Bikes Come with Kickstands? Uncovering the Mystery

• By Dan Taylor
• Published: August 17, 2023 //
• Last Updated: August 17, 2023

There are a few reasons why kickstands are becoming rarer on bikes. First, weight reduction has become a primary focus in bicycle design, particularly for road and mountain bikes. Many riders consider kickstand as an unnecessary weight that affects their performance. Second, safety considerations have also led to the decline in kickstand popularity. Some riders have concerns that a kickstand can cause accidents if it deploys unexpectedly during a ride or if it becomes dislodged in rough terrain.

Lastly, modern bike designs and frame materials necessitate a different approach to the traditional kickstand. Newer bikes, made with lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, often lack the strength or mounting points needed for a conventional kickstand. Moreover, the minimalist design trend among cyclists has also contributed to the decline in the use of kickstands. So, while kickstands are still useful for many recreational cyclists, their absence on newer bikes reflects changing trends and priorities in the cycling world.

History of Kickstands

Kickstands have been around since the early 20th century. They were initially introduced as a convenient way for cyclists to park their bikes without needing to lean them against a wall or other support. It’s believed that inventor Eldon J. Henderson patented the first kickstand in 1926.

In the early days of kickstands, bikes were typically heavier, making the additional weight of a kickstand less noticeable. As bike designs evolved and they became lighter, kickstands started to be seen as an unnecessary accessory. Bike manufacturers began focusing on reducing bike weight and improving performance, often at the expense of convenience features like kickstands.

At the same time, different types of bicycles emerged, each targeted at specific nichés of the cycling market. Racing bicycles prioritize weight reduction and aerodynamics, while mountain bikes focus on durability and off-road capabilities. This specialization led to a decline in the use of kickstands, as they were not seen as essential for every type of bike.

However, some bikes such as city, cruiser, and touring bikes still come equipped with kickstands. These bikes prioritize convenience and utility, making them better suited for everyday use and long-distance travel, where a kickstand is a helpful addition.

In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in kickstands, particularly in the development of innovative designs that appeal to a wider range of cyclists. For example, adjustable kickstands provide varying lengths for different bike sizes, and folding kickstands save space when not in use.

Despite these developments, many bikes today still don’t come with kickstands since it’s quite a polarizing topic among cyclists. Some riders consider them unnecessary weight and an eyesore, while others appreciate their practicality. But the history of kickstands shows their continued presence in the cycling world and the ongoing debate over their usefulness.

Types of Bikes and Their Usage

Mountain bikes.

Mountain bikes are designed for off-road activities and rugged terrain. They have wide, knobby tires for traction and shock-absorbing suspension systems. It’s common for mountain bikers to encounter obstacles such as rocks, roots, and steep inclines, so kickstands may not be practical or safe on these bikes. Additionally, kickstands add extra weight, which isn’t ideal for mountain biking.

Road bikes are built for speed and efficiency on paved surfaces. They have thin tires and lightweight frames, making them perfect for cyclists who prioritize speed on smooth roads. A kickstand may be seen as unnecessary weight and an obstruction to the bike’s aerodynamics, so it’s usually not included on road bikes.

Rental Leisure Bikes

Rental leisure bikes are designed for casual riders and tourists. They typically have a more comfortable, upright seating position and wider tires for stability. Since these bikes are often used for short trips or sightseeing, kickstands are usually included to provide convenience when parking or stopping to take photos.

High-End Bikes

High-end bicycles cater to serious cyclists and racers who prioritize performance and weight reduction. These bikes are engineered to be as fast and efficient as possible, and adding a kickstand would be counterproductive, as it adds extra weight and affects the bike’s performance. That’s why you’ll rarely find a kickstand on a high-end bike.

Children’s Bikes

Children’s bikes are designed to be safe, stable, and easy to use for young riders. Most of these bikes come equipped with a kickstand to make parking and stopping more convenient for children, while they learn to ride and develop their balance. However, as kids grow and transition to larger bikes, they may encounter bikes without kickstands, especially if they move on to mountain or road bikes.

Reasons for Excluding Kickstands

Weight and performance issues.

Bikes without kickstands are generally lighter, which improves the overall performance. A kickstand can add extra weight to a bike’s frame, affecting its balance and handling. For competitive cyclists, every ounce matters, so the exclusion of a kickstand is a conscious decision. On trails or rough terrains, a lightweight bike is vital to maintaining control and reducing the risk of a crash.

Safety and Hindrance

Kickstands can pose safety risks, especially when they’re not properly secured. If a kickstand becomes loose during a ride, it’s possible for it to snag on obstacles, causing the cyclist to lose balance and potentially crash. Additionally, some riders find kickstands hinder their ability to park or navigate tight spaces, so manufacturers have to weigh the potential risks against the benefits.

Cost and Production Factors

Cost and production efficiency play a significant role in whether a bike includes a kickstand. Sometimes, it’s cheaper for manufacturers to exclude a kickstand, keeping the overall cost of production down. Moreover, designing and installing kickstands takes time, and manufacturers may opt for a more streamlined production process that doesn’t involve this extra feature.

Aesthetics and Design

A bike’s appearance is important to many riders, and some believe a kickstand detracts from the overall aesthetic. Excluding a kickstand allows for a more streamlined, sleek design, appealing to those who value aesthetics. Aerodynamics may also come into play; a kickstand-less bike might offer better airflow and reduced drag, which benefits competitive riders.

Consumer Preference

Ultimately, many cyclists simply prefer bikes without kickstands. Some riders find they don’t use or need them, so the added weight and potential safety risks aren’t worthwhile. When manufacturers cater to consumer preferences, they create products that people will love and choose to buy, so excluding kickstands can be a strategic decision based on market demand.

Alternatives to Kickstands

Bike parking racks.

Bike parking racks are a great alternative to kickstands, especially when it comes to public or commercial spaces. They’re designed to hold multiple bikes at once, making them an efficient solution for bike storage. Bike parking racks come in various styles and sizes to accommodate different bike types and locations, making them a versatile option. Installing bike parking racks can encourage more people to use bikes for transportation, reducing congestion and promoting a greener lifestyle.

Wall Mounts

Wall mounts are perfect for indoor bike storage and can save floor space in homes or offices. They’re available in a range of styles and sizes, catering to different bike types and wall materials. Installing a wall mount is generally easy, and it keeps your bike secure and out of the way. It’s essential to choose a suitable wall for mounting and ensure it can handle the weight of your bike. Wall mounts can also help protect bikes from potential theft or vandalism as they’re stored inside and out of sight.

Bike Stands

Bike stands offer a stable and secure way to store your bike without using a kickstand. They come in various designs, including upright, horizontal, and vertical options to suit your preferences and space constraints. Bike stands are portable and typically easy to use, making them an excellent solution for bike storage at home, in the garage, or at events. Some bike stands even feature adjustable height and angle options for added convenience.

Attachable Kickstands

If you prefer a kickstand but your bike doesn’t come with one, attachable kickstands are a viable option. These can be easily installed on most bike frames, and you can find different styles to match your bike’s design. Attachable kickstands provide the classic convenience of a built-in kickstand while allowing you the flexibility to remove or change it if needed. It’s essential to choose an attachable kickstand compatible with your bike’s size and weight to ensure proper support and stability.

Installing an Aftermarket Kickstand

When it’s time to install an aftermarket kickstand, make sure you choose one made of durable materials, such as aluminum or steel, as these tend to last longer. It’s also essential to pick a kickstand compatible with your bike’s components, ensuring a proper fit and performance.

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools for installation. Often, you’ll need a wrench or Allen key, depending on your bike’s attachment point. The kickstand may come with its own hardware or require separate bolts and washers.

Here’s a simple installation process for an aftermarket kickstand:

• First, locate the attachment point on your bike frame. It’s typically near the bottom bracket or on the rear chainstay.
• If your bike has a mounting plate, align the kickstand with the plate and thread the provided bolt or screw.
• If there isn’t a mounting plate, place the kickstand’s top plate against the bike frame, ensuring that it’s level with the ground.
• Insert the bolt or screw through the top plate and bike frame, attaching it securely with a washer and nut on the other side.

After installing the kickstand, double-check that it’s securely fastened and doesn’t interfere with the functionality of your bike. Test the kickstand by placing your bike on a flat surface and engaging it. If it offers stability and supports your bike as expected, you’re good to go!

Other Factors to Consider

When examining why many bikes don’t come with kickstands, it’s essential to explore other factors that contribute to this decision. One significant aspect to consider is a bike’s stability and safety. A kickstand can sometimes present a risk of malfunction, which could lead to the bike tipping over and possibly causing injury.

Additionally, professional bike riders often prioritize control and strength in their bikes. In races, where every little detail counts, a kickstand can be seen as an unnecessary hindrance, detracting from a bike’s overall performance. High-end bikes, which are usually designed to cater to professional riders, tend to forgo kickstands for this reason.

Another point to consider is that some riders might find it more convenient to use other methods of keeping their bike upright, such as leaning it against walls or using bike-specific stands. These alternatives can offer a more stable and secure way to park a bike. In some cases, the option to add a kickstand to a bike separately is available, giving riders the choice based on their preference and needs.

Of course, there are practical concerns when a kickstand is added to a bike. It can get caught in chains or impale a rear tire while riding, posing a danger to the rider and increasing the risk of crashing. Safety concerns about potential malfunctions also play a role in a rider’s decision to opt for a kickstand or not.

In conclusion, the reasons why bikes don’t always come with kickstands are varied and include factors such as stability, safety, performance, and rider preference. Understanding these diverse elements helps shed light on this seemingly simple question and contributes to a better comprehension of the factors that influence bike design and use.

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Why Don’t Bikes Come With Kickstands Anymore?

Once a staple component of any new bike, kickstands are very rarely shipped in the box these days. Let's take a look at why.

If you recently purchased a bike, it probably won’t have a kickstand to help you prop it up. While leisure bikes are more likely to have a kickstand, it’s a less common feature on mountain bikes and road bikes.

With bikes being challenging to store due to their size, a kickstand is a great tool to help you do so efficiently. That said these days, many manufacturers decide not to use kickstands on their bicycles.

Reasons to Avoid Using a Kickstand

So you might be wondering why kickstands have been ditched on factory bikes. As an efficient way to store your bike standing up, it would take pretty strong reasoning to go against using one. Let’s take a look at why bike stands are no longer used on bikes.

When it comes to kickstands, they need to be sturdy enough to last and to take the weight of the bike comfortably. Due to the strength requirements of kickstands, the compromise is that they will be sure to make a bike heavier.

In a day and age where technology aims to make things faster and more efficient, kickstands have found themselves getting left behind. Not only does the weight affect performance, but the shape is also reasonably anti-aerodynamic.

The bulkiness of a kickstand can make it tricky to fit on the slim frame of a mountain bike or road bike , and the rider has to avoid knocking it with their foot when boarding.

Kickstands are almost always placed on the left side. This means if the bike falls over, it will fall to the right. As a result, derailleur hangers, chainrings, and derailleurs can get damaged.

Many professional bike riders discourage having a kickstand due to personal preference. Some may not like the added weight while others believe it is safer to place to the bike lying down to prevent damage.

It also makes sense to drop kickstands from a production standpoint. By not installing a kickstand factory production time can be reduced, meaning more bikes can be assembled each day.

What if Your Bike Doesn’t Have a Kickstand?

So with the reduction in kickstands, what alternative options are available?

Rest it On the Ground

Resting the bike on the ground is seen as a safer way to ensure the frame doesn’t get damaged as there is no opportunity for it to fall. However, this takes up a considerably larger amount of space, and you may want to consider an easy alternative to a pre-installed kickstand to rest your bike upon.

Buy an Attachable Kickstands

Just because you bike didn’t come with a standard-issue kickstand, doesn’t mean they’re not an option for you. Manufacturers have capitalized on the fact they’re not a standard feature of bikes anymore, making them widely available to buy separately and attach to your bike. In fact, we’ve got a guide dedicated to excellent kickstands available for buying as attachments. Just be sure to check that the kickstand can be attached to the frame of your bike before you purchase one.

With all factors considered its quite easy to see why fewer and fewer bikes are produced with kickstands. Does this mean that they’re a redundant feature of bikes? We believe the answer to this question is no.

Kickstands in one form or another, are always going to be a useful accessory to have on your bike. Kickstands are an excellent way to store a bike without resting it on something or putting it on the floor. They significantly reduce the risk of damage to the bike, which might be why they’re often a standard feature on rental leisure bikes.

All of cycling information sources

Home » FAQ » Question: Why Don’t Trek Bikes Have Kickstands

Question: Why Don’t Trek Bikes Have Kickstands

The vast majority of bikes designed for actual MTBing or road riding will not come w/ a kickstand because most people who buy them don’t want them due to the aforementioned additional weight and potential for getting hung up.

Do Trek bikes come with kickstands?

Yes. The bike does not come with a kick stand.

Why do people not use kickstands?

It goes with the US idea that bikes are sports equipment rather than means of transportation. Road racers don’t like kickstands because they add weight. Mountain bikers don’t like kickstands because they can get caught on vegetation on the sides of the trail, and also they can rattle, which they find annoying.

Why do BMX bikes not have kickstands?

serious answer: BMX bikes don’t have them for the same reason motorcross motorcycles don’t have them. They will get in the way and may cause you to crash. They are meant to hold a bike up that doesn’t have a rider.

Should I put a kick stand on my bike?

In conclusion, when deciding whether or not to use a kickstand, you should do whatever works best for you without worrying about fashion or what other people think. As long as a kickstand does not impair you or your bike and you want to use one, then go for it!Jan 24, 2011

Why are there no kickstands on bikes?

Are kickstands safe?

Safety. The kickstand is usually a relatively cheap piece of metal, bolted on wherever it will fit. Its shape and style lend themselves to ending up in your wheel or otherwise damaging the bike, if they are not secured to the frame so they can’t accidentally deploy themselves while riding a rougher trail. Weight.

What is the best bicycle kickstand?

Review of the Best Kickstand for Road Bike Greenfield Kickstand. BV Adjustable Bicycle Kickstand. Lumintrail Center Mount Bike Kickstand. TOPCABIN Bike Kickstand Alloy Bicycle. Upstanding Bicycle Company The Upstand. BV Bicycle Adjustable Center Kickstand. Lumintrail Center Mount Bike Kickstand Double Leg.

Can a kickstand be added to a bike?

As long as there’s enough bracket on the bar to hold the kickstand, you’re fine. Insert the bolt, from the top, through the top kickstand bracket, through the hole in the bike frame bracket, and into the main kickstand part.

Do road bikes have kickstands?

Kickstands aren’t as useful to or wanted by cyclists on road bikes. So, while they have their place on mountain or touring bikes, manufacturers don’t bother putting them on road bikes.

Is it OK to lay a bicycle on its side?

If you’re stopping for a mid-ride break and can’t find anything to lean your bike against, never lay it on the ground drive-side down, lest your derailleurs misalign. If you catch a riding buddy doing this, threaten to install a kickstand if it happens again.

Can I put a kickstand on a carbon fiber bike?

Carbon frame bike not cheap, nice to have it stand up on it’s own as opposed to laying against something or on ground A kickstand doesn’t keep a bike from falling over, but laying it on the ground does. Definitely don’t put one on a carbon bike, you can damage it. Carbon frames DO NOT like to be clamped.

How do you stand up a bike without a kickstand?

How to Park Your Bike Without a Kickstand By leaning the handlebar against the wall or tree. By turning the bike upside down on the floor. By hooking the bike’s bar over a fence or railing. By leaning the back wheel against the wall or tree. By leaning the bike’s front and rear part against the wall.

Are kickstands lame?

A kickstand is a practicality accessory which comes in handy more often than not. Kickstands are lame, which is why I don’t have one on my bike. However, your bike is not my bike — so use a kickstand if you want a kickstand. I’ve never had one.

Should you put a kickstand on a mountain bike?

While some avid mountain bikers say a kickstand is unnecessary and that you can lay your bike down flat or lean it, that depends on where you’re riding. Sometimes you don’t always have a surface in which to lean your bicycle.

Does the trek Marlin 4 come with a kickstand?

This Trek’s Alpha Aluminum frame is seen on more expensive bikes and features high-tech solutions such as internal cable routing, rack and fender mounts, a kickstand mount, progressive geometry, and more. This Trek’s frame comes outfitted with an SR Suntour fork with 100 mm of travel.

Do gravel bikes have kickstands?

Gravel/road bikes don’t have a place for a kickstand and there is, AFAIK, no way to put a kickstand on them. You don’t have to chuck your bike on the ground every time you get off of it, you don’t have to lean it on things and scratch it. You just put a kickstand down and it stands.

Are clipless pedals dangerous?

One of the biggest lies told in the cycling industry is that clipless pedals are not more dangerous than flats and that they do not increase your risk of serious injuries. New riders are told that they are just “different” from flats and that neither is safer.

How can I ride my bike without a stand?

How to position a bike for work without a stand What exactly do you mean by “tweak my gears”? – Adjusting my front and rear derailleur limits, see if the shifts are smooth, small adjustments on the cable tension – Just hang the front of the seat on any convenient “peg”, or rig hooks or a rope to suspend the bike from.

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• Why Road Bikes Dont Have Kickstands
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• Question: Do Trek Bikes Have Kickstands
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NCM Moscow - Has anyone tried an URSUS jumbo double kickstand

• Thread starter Mithel
• Start date May 5, 2021
• May 5, 2021

Hi I'm new to the forum. i will do intro when i get some pics. I have built a heavy duty pack rack and basket on my bike and now need a more stable kickstand. From my research the URSUS Jumbo double fits my bill. It looks as though the jumbo will fit and have all the clearances i need. But before i buy i wanted to see if anyone else has had experience.  

Well-Known Member

• May 6, 2021

Mithel said: Hi I'm new to the forum. i will do intro when i get some pics. I have built a heavy duty pack rack and basket on my bike and now need a more stable kickstand. From my research the URSUS Jumbo double fits my bill. It looks as though the jumbo will fit and have all the clearances i need. But before i buy i wanted to see if anyone else has had experience. Click to expand...

Active Member

Double Central Stand - Btwin - Decathlon

Bitmugger said: I far over-exceed it's weight limit but the double stand from Decathlon has been great for me. Handles the loads I put on it and is wide enough to keep the bike stable, feels very solid. I think the URSUS one is super wide which will be nice but I can say that even a regular width one from decathlon has plenty of strength and width for my needs and fits a Moscow perfect. Double Central Stand - Btwin - Decathlon Designed for parking a bike weighing no more than 50 kg (including baggage). www.decathlon.ca https://decathlon.com.au/products/two-leg-bike-stand-157773#product-videos Click to expand...

• May 7, 2021

J.R. said: That stand has an impressive wide stance in the down position. When I needed a wide double leg stand in 2014 the only one available was the Pletscher . I do like it a lot, it is wide. Most aren't as wide, but the Ursus looks even wider in the down position. The only concern is will the Ursus accommodate the tires on your bike when the stand is folded up. Most of the pictures I see in reviews show fairly narrow hybrid bike tires (2"??) and the Moscow has 2.25" mtb tires. If the Ursus fits it looks like a great choice. Best of luck! I'll be following this for a review. Click to expand...

Mithel said: According to the spec drawings there is 97mm between the legs in the up position. The only concern i have is that it clears the chain. Click to expand...

john peck said: That´s what i have as well. Click to expand...

Bitmugger said: That's funny I landed on the same model of double stand as you since it was you who gave me the idea to get one myself! Once I saw you had one I remembered how nice it was on bikes I rode in Denmark and the Netherlands and realized how awful side kickstands are when my old bike was loaded down with gear. I'll never go back. If someone could figure out how to mount a frame lock on a Moscow now I'll be delighted. I have a very small cable lock ( https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B085Y4FV3F ) but would prefer a frame lock but couldn't get it to mount. I want a frame lock for running into country corner stores, I just lock the bike, set the alarm (I think I have the same alarm as you John as you inspired me there too) and run in for my water or whatever. I have a regular lock for longer stops. Thank you for both ideas, the stand and the alarm. Click to expand...

J.R. said: I think the 97mm (3.8") is the space between each foot. This 5 star review shows the area of concern. View attachment 86813 View attachment 86818 View attachment 86822 Looks like average hybrid bike tires. Click to expand...

john peck said: My concern is keeping the dbl bolted down tight. They do tend to loosen up, swinging right or left & the bolt is in a difficult place to access. Click to expand...

I use that as well. Using the red has consequences  

• Aug 20, 2021

My apologies for the long delay. After waiting for replies from manufacturers and dealers of the ursus stand, and not getting any, i went ahead and got the stand anyway. John Peck pointed out that i may have an issue with the 2.25" inch tyres and referenced the 5 star review from another bike. And i thank him for his advice/warning. i didn't have a problem as the Moscow has a proper centre mount as part of the frame. The bike in the review had to use the mounting plate. The mounting plate places the stand several inches further back towards the tyre. This is what makes the difference. I will do a proper review with pictures once i am done with the stand but here are the key points. The ursus stand fit the NCM Moscow pretty much out of the box. One side was was almost touching the whiskers on the tyre. Being a little ocd'ish i found on examination that the stand has a spring plate on one side in the stand. The opposite side to the leg that was close to the tyre. To ensure clearance I took a 1x5x25mm piece of rubber and double sided tape and slid it into the recess where the leg folds up. This gave me plenty of clearance. Even though the stand is advertised as 24-28" compatible, it sits around 10mm off the ground when the legs are down. The only issue this creates is the bike tends to "walk" if you have the stand out on a hill. My solution to this is to make a 10mm extension plate to fit into the frame bracket and capture the stand. I am currently looking for someone locally that still does metal milling. i apologise for mixing the measurements but i am old and mentally work better with inches, but take measurements in centimetres. Final word is that this stand is worth the extra effort to get a perfect fit. It is stable and sturdy in construction. Oh, and it doesn't hit the ground on cornering, but you can still manage pedal lock if you aren't careful. Thank you to those that offered input. I will publish a formal review with pictures when i complete the work.  

• Apr 7, 2022

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Tank G100 review: This epic thing is the most motorcycle e-bike I’ve tested yet

In the e-bike world, we often joke that some of the beefier and more massive US-market electric bikes are more like small electric motorcycles. Well, a brand called Happyrun must have heard us and pulled the ol’ “hold my beer!” The result is the Happyrun Tank G100 , which may wear a pair of bicycle pedals but is all motorcycle from the ankles up.

Yep, this is one of those special e-bikes that comes along in a rare yet epic moment in the constantly evolving North American electric bicycle market. I don’t mean it’s a great bike, but just that it fills a great spot in the market.

There’s a lot to love about it, but there are also some obvious compromises and a few legal grey areas to jump over, Evel Knievel-style.

But as usual, this an e-bike you’ve got to see to believe. So take a look at my review video below before continuing on with the rest of the article.

Happy run Tank G100 video review

Happyrun Tank G100 tech specs

• Motor:  1,000W continuous (2,000W peak) rear hub motor with 95 Nm of torque
• Top speed:  Tested to 34 mph (54 km/h) stock
• Range:  Claimed up to 130 miles (209 km)
• Battery:  Dual 48V batteries (18Ah and 20Ah for 1.8 kWh of capacity)
• Weight:  107 lb (48.5 kg)
• Tires:  Chaoyang puncture-resistant 20″x4.0″
• Brakes:  Dual-piston DYISLAND hydraulic disc brakes
• Front   suspension:  Dual-crown suspension fork
• Rear suspension:  Dual coil-over spring shocks
• Extras:  Looks like a motorcycle, color LED display, NFC card unlocking, included fenders, large LED headlight, tail/brake light, turn signals, horn, kickstand, and an extra heaping serving of swagger.

A LOT of bike!

Let’s just address the obvious here first. The G100 looks like a motorcycle. Yes, it’s got pedals, but they’re what I like to call vestigial pedals. They’re basically left over from the previous generations of e-bikes it evolved from, but are no longer necessary in its current state.

Instead, we’ve got a motorcycle-lookin’ thing that feels much like a motorcycle when you hop on it. Not only is the battery shaped like a gas tank, but the tall front fork gives the entire bike a chopper-like feeling that slopes back toward the rear. When you add in the other features like motorcycle-style turn signals, the bench seat, and the dual coilover shocks in the rear, you’re left with some serious moto cosplay.

And don’t forget the bike weighs a hefty 107 pounds, meaning all of that heavy kit contributes to more than just the look. Though to be fair, you get some performance with all of that weight, too.

For example, a bunch of the bulk comes from the two batteries. That’s right, there are two batteries on this e-bike. The gas tank battery is the obvious one, but there’s actually an underslung battery sitting right beneath it. Together, they pack in 48V and 38Ah of pure, unadulterated lithium-ion joy.

Then there’s the chunky rear hub motor, rated for 1,000W of nominal power but a serious 2,000W of peak power. That’s part of the reason you need those two batteries, to supply the power drained by that chunky motor.

But what about the performance?

Interestingly, the e-bike comes right out of the box in “off-road” mode, meaning I didn’t even have to unlock it to access the faster-than-legal-in-most-areas speeds. They claim a top speed of 38 mph (61 km/h), but I found that I truly topped out at more like 34 mph (54 km/h) on flat ground.

I also found that while the acceleration was pretty good up through around 20-ish mph (32-ish km/h), the power seemed to slow down past that level. To keep going to the bike’s top speed took a bit of waiting with the throttle pegged. However, making up for the slower top-end acceleration is the fact that the bike can hit these speeds in throttle-only operation. That’s a good thing too, since you’re definitely not going to want to pedal this thing to try and unlock the higher speed like a true Class 3 e-bike.

That brings me to the e-bike classes. Out of the three legal classes, Class 3 is the highest at 28 mph on pedal assist and 20 mph on throttle. And the Happyrun Tank G100 can be limited to Class 3 operation, but the off-road mode it comes in doesn’t give a flying flip about your local laws and just gives you all the power and speed that it can right out of the box. That’s perhaps a bit irresponsible since you never know who is going to be opening that box, and I’d rather see them at least make the rider go through some semblance of an unlocking procedure that would make it harder for kids to reach such high speeds. On that note though, the bike does have NFC cards it uses to unlock the bike, so if you don’t want your kid borrowing your motorcycle with pedals, you can just keep the card safely in your wallet. If they want to take the G100 out of the garage, they’ll be stuck pedaling that heavy bike at 3 mph.

How does it ride?

It weirdly feels like a motorcycle. I say “weirdly” because you just don’t expect it to. Yeah, it looks like one. But when you pop a squat, the way your feet are splayed still makes you feel like you’re on a bike. And yet, when you ride it off-road or learn hard into the turns, it definitely has more of a moto-feel than a bicycle feel.

I’d call the suspension acceptable but not great. Riding off-road is possible, but I found that the saddle would come up and give me the ol’ one-two perineum punch sometimes, as if the rebound was just dialed up way too high. Of course, this isn’t very refined suspension, and those piggy-back reservoirs are definitely fake, leaving just simple spring shocks in the back. I often find that e-bikes with dual rear shocks are overly sprung anyway, but I’m a light rider and perhaps you’ll sink into that suspension more than I did.

What about the components?

As much fun as the bike is to ride, it’s important to remember that these are basic bike components here. The tires aren’t super high-end; they’re just basic Chinese Chao Yang tires. The derailleur is a cheapo Tourney derailleur. The brakes are DYISLAND hydraulic disc brakes, but they aren’t particularly upper-shelf ones, either.

So, basically, you’ve got a rocket of an e-bike that weighs a ton and is riding on mediocre gear. It’s not exactly a recipe for long-term success, that’s for sure.

It works just fine right now, and I never felt like the bike was underbraked or anything, but none of these parts are known to last for years of carefree riding.

But then again, this is a $1,699 electric bike . It’s not a motorcycle, and it’s not a high-dollar ride. It’s a budget-minded electric bike that looks like it probably deserves a rap sheet but at least comes in at a budget-minded price. So, no one expects high-end parts here.

Top comment by Noah Mayer

Boy I can tell you that I would not ride this thing every day to work, and would only take on very light trails. Those components will not last. Expect broken components of you ride this hard and fast, it's just the nature of the beast. If you are handy, and can make your own repairs... Go for it

I definitely would advise a serious word of caution regarding both the intensity of riding and the location/style of riding. This is a fast bike rolling on non-motorcycle parts, and it’s also either questionably legal or definitely not legal in many areas due to its higher power and speed specs. So keep those issues in mind.

But if you’re riding in an area where it’s acceptable and you want to have a seriously fun time on a bike that looks like a one-of-a-kind moped, you’ve found the answer right here.

One more thing

While I did my review on the yellow and black Bumblebee style e-bike, they also make a version that is all ‘MURICA!

I couldn’t help but borrow one real quick for the photo op, either!

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Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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