| When people talk about bikes, they often forget about | | | | Heavier bikes normally do not use conventional stands |
| bike stands. You may have heard countless | | | | since lifting the weight of the bike on to the stand can |
| conversations about every aspect of bikes, but you'll | | | | call for the muscle requirements of a Hercules or an |
| have to rack your memory for the last time you heard | | | | Arnold Schwarzenegger. Side stands are a lot easier |
| two people discussing bike stands. | | | | to operate since all you have to do is pull the stand out |
| And yet, since no bike can do without these stands, | | | | from under the bike (this can be achieved quite easily |
| they happen to be one of the most critical | | | | using your feet) and let the bike lean on it. |
| components. Though ignored by most people except | | | | However, when parking your bike using a side stand, |
| the manufacturers, the bike stand has come a long | | | | make sure the surface is hard enough to support the |
| way. | | | | bike. Park it on slushy mud and you can forget about |
| There is quite a variety of bike stands available. | | | | getting it back upright on your own. |
| Conventional and side stands are the most commonly | | | | Manufacturers these days add a few simple features |
| used. Most on-road conventional and utility bikes, | | | | for extra value. One example is a small indicator on |
| including pedaled bikes, use the conventional stands. | | | | the instrument panel that glows when you have the |
| Side stands are generally used by bikes that are | | | | side stand pulled out from under the bike. |
| heavier than conventional ones. Conventional stands | | | | So the next time your conversation turns to bikes, talk |
| help the bike stand upright, as opposed to side stands. | | | | about bike stands. You'll be sure to impress everyone |
| Side stands allow the bike to lean on them, thus | | | | around with how much you know about these humble, |
| supporting the entire weight of the bike. | | | | yet essential parts of a bike. |