Kickstands on road bikes

elz1582

I'm a student entrepreneur and keen road cyclist looking to try and design a kickstand for a road bike. Internet research mainly focuses on the cons; weight, drag, lack of style etc. however I propose to design a stand which rests parallel to the rear wheel in order to divert air away from the rear wheel spokes, subsequently reducing drag.

The stand aims to amplify the performance of a road bike whilst increasing its practicality in day to day use such as commuting to work.

If anyone has any feedback or suggestions regarding this idea I'd be very thankful.

imposter2.0

My suggestion would be to focus on developing a product which might actually sell....which would typically rule out kick stands for road bikes....

Mark_P

Perhaps detachable fairings that reduce drag might have a niche market, but a kickstand? I can't imagine a situation where one was required. I don't think people park their bikes in the middle of fields, but usually against something immovable to which it can be locked.

Perhaps a tamper-proof lock that blows the limbs off any chav trying to cut through it?

IanRCarter

How about a stand which is light and folds small into a saddlebag? Personally the only time I've feel like I needed a stand is when I've punctured, especially a rear, I don't like putting the bike upside down and I don't like the chain being on the floor where it picks up a load of dirt. Something which I can whip out with the spare tube and levers to hold the bike up would be ideal (not sure if such a product already exists).

ForumNewbie

Most roadies would say they wouldn't want or need a kickstand. They are more popular on touring bikes and on commuting/city bikes in continental Europe rather than here in the UK. I think that would be your best target market if you designed a good kickstand.

I actually have one on my steel Audax bike, and I find it useful even although they are not fashionable here in the UK. I also have a light carbon road bike but wouldn't consider a kickstand on it unless it was very light and good looking, but I think I'm in the minority here in the UK.

danlikesbikes

I don't think I would rush out and buy one as an addition to my bikes, however it might benefit some people so if fitted at purchase point it might add to a bikes appeal

bobmcstuff

I think calling yourself a student entrepreneur makes you sound a bit pretentious.

Other than that, I don't want a kickstand on my road bike although I may consider one on my tourer (when it arrives) or my commuter (if I had one), but then I wouldn't be bothered if it looked cool or not. Although I do have a weakness for shiny things so never say never.

gethinceri

Chocolate fireguard.

owenlars

Why????

t4tomo

Have you thought about paper wellies?

mfin

OP, adding the 'reducing drag' thing to it is a bit like trying to sell a rubik's cube as being 'good exercise for your fingers'. Dual inventions generally fail or don't do very well, look for example at the pen with a watch in it, the hat that doubles as a brolley, or my favourite, 'Spampax'.

t4tomo

mfin wrote:

OP, adding the 'reducing drag' thing to it is a bit like trying to sell a rubik's cube as being 'good exercise for your fingers'. Dual inventions generally fail or don't do very well, look for example at the pen with a watch in it, the hat that doubles as a brolley, or my favourite, 'Spampax'.

Processed meat that doubles as sanitary wear? Or edible Tampons?