Alternative side stands for bicycles - solutions for aesthetes and purists

Reading time approx. 9 min

Like other activities, cycling is a constant battle between practice and theory. In theory, cycling would be easy if it weren't for the tedious pedaling. This contradiction has already been resolved with the e-bike. But what if the cyclist doesn't want to spoil his bike with an ugly side stand?

Sport bikers and purists reject side stands as an unaesthetic decoration. This proves to be problematic when parking the bike: if there is nothing to lean on, the bike falls over according to the laws of gravity. If there is something to lean on, you quickly end up with scratches on the bike or scratches where you lean it. But the accessories market offers solutions here too.

The side stand mounted on the pedal

An additional part with two small folding arms is mounted between the pedal and the crank. This thing is available from Taiwan, the Gearoop CoolStand. Can be bought on eBay for around 40 euros. It seems fairly solid, and is also available in different colors. The same model is also available from other manufacturers, e.g. Kohyum. A similar model is available from Jet Cycle, but with only one arm. Can be viewed at jetcycle.com.sg, costs 35 dollars.

The Gearoop Coolstand. Is mounted between the pedal and the pedal arm. Will the thin arms hold? ( Image source: manufacturer)

The stand from Jet Cycle. Costs $35 online. ( Image source: manufacturer)

The pedal as a standing aid

This idea is copied from the old practice of parking the bike on the curb, held up by the pedal. It still works today, but you need to practice. It works better with special pedals that have a built-in stand. There are various models. In general, it is a bit fiddly to use. Ideally, you should put the bike in a high gear before parking so that the resistance of the crank is high. Now you position the crank arm so that it points slightly backwards. This way, the weight of the bike presses on the chain and the bike stands. After a few attempts, you'll get the hang of it.

The manufacturers are called Massload, Promend and Wellgo. In these models, part of the pedal folds down to allow the pedal to stand. These flaps are made of aluminum, which has very limited durability. If you handle these parts carefully, you will probably be able to use them for some time. However, in rough everyday use, you can expect them to fail soon. The fact that the following pedals are hardly available anywhere also says something about their quality. If you want to buy them, you have to look for them.

The Massload folding pedal. With its delicate design, cheap screw and soft aluminum frame, it will only have a short lifespan. ( Image source: manufacturer)

Wellgo C193 pedal for 85 euros. Much more durable than the Massload model, but only suitable for sporadic use. ( Image source: manufacturer)

The model from Promend. The color scheme is nice. Otherwise everything has already been said about such pedals. ( Image source: manufacturer)

Massload CL-PD5 for 92 euros: The base of the pedal is folded, very thin solution with dubious durability.

Wellgo C193 for 85 euros: There is an additional frame above the pedal base that folds up. Better than the Massload model.  

Promend PD 59 M72 for about 80 euros: As with the Wellgo model, additional frame.

Portable stand

These are parts that are stored in a backpack or bag. This can be annoying if you have the wrong bag with you. Whether this is a viable solution in the long term is something the user has to find out for themselves. First, the Klicta model.

The Klicta stand made of plastic. Expensive at 40 euros and of dubious value. ( Image source: manufacturer)

A plastic strut that clips onto the chainstay.   It works, but if you use it frequently you can expect damage to the paintwork. Considering that it is a cheap plastic part, the price is pretty high at 40 euros. Order from www.klicta.com. A non-sustainable product of dubious necessity.

The Minoura Tool Kit. Resembles a pocket knife, with tools. With the hook on it, it can also be used as a stand. ( Image source: manufacturer)

The HPS-9 toolkit from Minoura for around 30 euros is the jack of all trades to take with you. A kind of Leatherman or pocket knife with various tools. You can also use the thing as a kickstand. On closer inspection, this is not a very viable solution.

Paul Dobson is offering this aluminum stand on etsy for 20 euros. It's not expensive and Paul is the only one who thought about securing the bike. But do you want to take the huge thing with you in your backpack? Still, it's a well-considered and practical solution. ( Image source: manufacturer)

Paul Dobson offers an aluminum stand on Etsy for around 20 euros. The price is great - but you have to pay shipping costs - and the thing is relatively large. Despite its size, it's a much better solution than the Klicta plastic strut. Whether you carry one of these things with you is another matter.

Topeak FlashStand Slim: The recommended model for the occasional racing cyclist. ( Image source: manufacturer)

Topeak FlashStand Slim when folded. ( Image source: manufacturer)

The Topeak FlashStand Slim, which costs around 45 euros, is as big as a pocket knife when folded up and is pushed over the pedal arm. Since the FlashStand is really small, it is conceivable to carry the thing in your pocket.

The conventional side stand on the rear axle

Hebie rear stand AX for 35 euros: Admittedly, this is more or less a conventional side stand, but it has the advantage that it is not mounted on the frame, but on the rear axle. It is suitable for most bikes, especially racing bikes. This stand has the advantage that it works permanently, which may not be the case with other models listed here. The purist will buy this stand, disassemble it and have it painted in the frame color by a specialist.

The more conventional rear stand Hebie AX. Still bearable thanks to the axle mounting. Has the advantage that the part works and cannot be forgotten at home. ( Image source: manufacturer)

So what should you do? Most of the solutions listed here are not very practical for everyday use. If you only ride your racing bike occasionally, you can still choose one or the other part. The only affordable and functional ones are the Topeak FlashStand Slim or the - more or less ugly - Hebie rear stand AX.

Many of the products presented here turn out to be nice-to-haves when examined closely, but with a short shelf life and a high price. And: do we need them? No. (Christoph Preussler)