Can You Add A Kickstand To A BMX Bike? (Explained)
Kickstands have become a regular feature that comes with most bikes. It enables bikers to leave their bikes standing without leaning on surfaces.
However, if you’ve researched BMX bikes, you will notice that their bikes don’t come with kickstands. So, many users wonder if it is okay to add a kickstand to their BMX bikes.
Yes, you can add a kickstand to your BMX bike. However, there are specific reasons why BMX chooses not to include a kickstand on their bikes. The option of putting a kickstand on a bike comes down to if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and the preferences of the biker.
In this article, I will explain why BMX bikes don’t come with kickstands. Furthermore, you will get first-hand instructions on installing a kickstand on your BMX if you want one.
I will provide you with a step-by-step process that you can use as a guideline while installing your kickstand.
Can I Add a Kickstand to My BMX Bike?
Yes, you can. However, adding a kickstand to your BMX bike has advantages and disadvantages.
However, you can add a kickstand to your BMX bike if you prefer having one.
BMX bikes have hooks to which you can hook a kickstand to the bike. Hence, you can use your kickstand to keep the bike standing when it’s not in motion.
Furthermore, kickstands are useful during repairs, display, storage, and tuning.
More traditional bikes come with kickstands because they are adapted for transportation, but that’s not the case with BMX bikes.
BMX bikes are racing and stunt bikes, and the manufacturers don’t see the need to include a kickstand.
In addition, kickstands are useful for kids who have yet to get the hang of riding bikes on only two wheels.
Kickstands help them stop their bikes quickly without getting hurt by putting one foot on the floor and the back tire as an anchor.
Furthermore, kickstands also help them park their bikes rather than lifting them from the floor.
How Do You Put a Kickstand on a BMX Bike?
There are different locations where you can install a kickstand on your bike. However, not all positions are convenient.
The most common position is to install the kickstand near the cranks. Although this method is popular, it can get highly inconvenient.
Especially if you have the kickstand down and want to move your bike, the crank will push up against your kickstand.
Trying to get the kickstand out of the crank’s way can be a real pain. So instead, I recommend fixing the kickstand close to the rear tire on the frame.
This style of fixing a kickstand should be suitable for all bikes, especially BMX bikes, since you’re fixing it on the frame.
Below are the steps you can follow to install your kickstand on the frame of a BMX bike:
- Place the sleeve where you want to fix the kickstand. Sleeves are usually in the installation box that kickstands come with.
However, if your installation kit doesn’t have a sleeve, you can cut a piece of rubber and place it where you want to install the kickstand.
- Screw both brackets into place against the sleeve. Don’t tighten the bolts, as it will make it hard for you to fix the remaining bolts.
- After you have screwed in each bolt, tighten all the bolts and ensure the bracket is secure and upright.
- Fix the kickstand and tighten the bolt holding the stand.
If you find it difficult to tighten the bolt, you can flip the bike upside down to get more room.
If you follow these instructions correctly, you can install your kickstand in no time.
However, if you disagree that this method is the most convenient, below is a table that details the shortcomings of each method of mounting a kickstand:
| Method | Shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Next to the crank | The kickstand will get tangled up with the crack |
| On the frame | The kickstand will scratch the paint job |
| Strapped to the tire | The paint job is harder to mount |
Why Do BMX Bikes Not Have Kickstands?
It may be uncommon for bikes not to have kickstands. However, before you point out how disadvantageous that may be, consider why they omitted kickstands on their bikes.
Considering why BMX bikes don’t come with kickstands may give you a little perspective on why they come without them.
This section will highlight why BMX bikes don’t have kickstands.
#1. Safety Concerns
BMX bikes don’t come with kickstands for safety concerns. If you recall, BMX bikes are race and stunt bikes.
When a biker goes soaring through the air, the last thing you want to happen is the kickstand coming loose.
Since it is significantly closer to the ground, it will be the first thing to hit the ground when the bike returns to ground level.
Hence, this will cause severe injuries to the biker and damage to the bike itself.
Furthermore, a kickstand can get caught on an obstacle and cause the bike and its rider to tip over.
In addition, if the biker takes the BMX bike through a mountain path, the biker will crash if the kickstand catches a rock or a branch.
#2. Weight Difference
Kickstands add weight to bikes on one side. This weight addition causes stunt bikes to experience a lot of wind drag and imbalance during stunts.
Since BMX bikes are stunt bikes, it is illogical to add kickstands to them.
A kickstand will add weight to the back tire, which isn’t suitable for traction. On the other hand, removing kickstands will increase your bike’s speed potential during stunt runs.
The average weight of a kickstand is between 0.5-1.5 pounds. These values may not seem like a lot but they play a significant part when you’re doing stunts and tricks.
#3. Necessity
Racing and stunt bikers rarely stop during sessions. Hence, they don’t need kickstands on their bikes.
In any case, they need to take breaks during their sessions, and they can easily lean their backs against a wall or a pole.
Since BMX bikes aren’t meant for carrying goods, there’s no need for a kickstand.
#4. Branding
Over the years, it has become a regular thing for BMX bikes to come without kickstands.
Some bike manufacturers are trying to adopt this as well. Bikes that don’t have kickstands are usually BMX bikes.
Hence, if you see any stunt bike without a kickstand, BMX is the first manufacturer to come to mind.
#5. Unstable
Kickstands aren’t the best to support BMX bikes since most of them are on the back tire.
If your bike falls over while it’s on the kickstand, you risk damaging the frame and paint finish.
In addition, if the kickstand is close to the crank, it can get entangled with the crank and cause you some severe damage.
Can You Add a Kickstand to Any Bike?
Yes, you can! Although BMX chooses not to include kickstands on their bikes, ultimately, the decision to fix a kickstand is with you, the owner.
You can opt to add one if you use your bike for transportation. Once you’re not using your BMX bike for stunts or tricks, fixing a kickstand is ideal.
You can purchase a kickstand from a local dealership around your area.
If you’re more of a DIY person, you can go through the process of fixing a kickstand which I detailed in one of the sections above.
It is essential to note the material from which your bike frame is made. For example, if your bike frame is made of carbon, you should take it to a professional to fix it.
That’s because carbon is fragile when you compare it to metal frames.
If your bike frame is carbon, the world hasn’t ended yet. However, you can leverage a few tricks to help you stand your bike without a kickstand.
Hence, below are a few tips you can leverage to keep your bike in a standing position:
- Turn the bike upside down. Doing this will let the bike rest on the seat and handle.
- Hook the bar over a fence.
- Rest the bike’s pedal on a raised surface.
- Learn the handlebar against a fence, tree, or wall.
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