What kick stand to use for fully loaded??

[Aushiker]

http://surlybikes.com/info_hole/spew/kickstands_on_long_haul_truckers

We recommend the use of two leg kickstands such as the Pletscher. Such a design helps reduce the potential for chainstay flex compared to that which a loaded bike leaning on a kickstand single leg can impose

Pletscher double kickstand ...



Hebie Bipod Stand 605 NL and a retro fit stand plate 699 40 which is what I use ...



So far so good and I wouldn't hesitate using the Pletscher on my Surly Long Haul Trucker either.

Andrew

[531colin]

I was thinking more of the paragraph that starts..........

"You can crush the chainstays.............."

Because people can and do crush their chainstays with kickstands. Then they get very upset, and start screaming abuse at people who work in bike shops.
You like kickstands, and can use one without damaging your bike, and thats fine.
I'm just pointing out the other side of the coin......a wrongly used kickstand can break your bike.
I think it needs pointing out so that people can make an informed decision wether the benefit of a kickstand is worth the potential risk of writing off their frame.......and thats Surly's position, too.

[Malaconotus]

Aushiker, have you ever removed your stand and inspected the paint and or the tubing? How tight is the retaining bolt. And have you used anything to protect the tubes or paint from damage? (Old inner tube etc.)

[Aushiker]

Aushiker, have you ever removed your stand and inspected the paint and or the tubing? How tight is the retaining bolt. And have you used anything to protect the tubes or paint from damage? (Old inner tube etc.)

To quote myself ...

I did put a piece of folded over 30 mm+ bike tube between the stand and the bottom of the frame tubes to hopefully avoid paint damage. The retro fit stand plate is made of plastic so it provides protection to the top of the frame tubes.

I haven't removed it since it was fitted; haven't felt the need to. I do keep on eye on the visible parts and check for movement when I do a service. As to tightening I tightened it firmly, i.e., sufficient to stop it moving but no more. I really struggle to see the need to tighten it so much that one crushes the chain-stays. The retro plate probably plays a part as well.

Andrew

[bikes4two]

I have been using the Pletscher ESGE multi-zoom prop stand (typical price £21 inc p&p) on my Galaxy 531 tourer for a couple of years now.
Some Observations:
1. It gives good stability when loaded but I have had one snap whilst carry about 12-15kg luggage
2. It fits on the back end of the chain-stay with a stabilizing arm attached to the seat stay with the prop leg extending rearwards. Two points to note:
a. The stand has indented the chain-stay tube, not to a level that causes concern, but this does bear testimony to other poster's observations of tube crushing
b. If you have big feet (I'm size UK11), watch out for heel clearance.
3. I note from the SJS site listing that a max weight of 18Kg (bike plus luggage) is quoted http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/pletscher-es ... prod17246/ . I'm not sure how such a figure translates into practice (for example if the bike is near the vertical whilst propped, then only a fraction of the bike's weight goes through the stand compared to if the bike leans more solidly into the stand?). This is the first time I've seen a max weight given and this helps understand why I had one snap?

In summary - out of ignorance of the potential tube-crushing and max weight limit, I have been very happy with this prop-stand. Would I in retrospect have fitted this stand if I'd known what I know now? Probably yes for a steel frame but not otherwise.