Did you know that bike-geeks seem to have a thing against kickstands? I don’t get it. Kickstands are cool; I know they weigh a few ounces and real bikers probably care about those couple of ounces, but having an attached stand sure beats having to find an empty piece of lawn to lay your bike down on or a light pole to lock it to. Unfortunately, I pack too much junk on my bike for a kickstand to hold it up well.
On Ragbrai, walls abound during the day. Towns have a myriad of places to prop your bike against. At night, however, bike storage is a bit more difficult. Of course, it’s possible to prop your bike up against someone else’s, if they’re ok with it. The 2-bike prop works well, but not if one of the bikers decides to go for a ride or head to the store for something. So what’s a guy to do?
Well… Today the mail brought my “Pyramid Bottom Bracket Display Stand.” It’s a bit big and somewhat ungainly, but it’s a beast – it’s solid with all metal (no plastic!) Best part about it? It works like a motorcycle kickstand and doesn’t attach to the bike. I think I could load my bike down with 50 pounds of gear and this little beastie wouldn’t bat an eye. Sure, it doesn’t fold (like a few similar, but flimsier stands). It’s probably not suitable for carrying around all day. But pack it in my bag and it’ll be the perfect stand for nights – no worries about anyone stepping on my bike… and the best part about it? $8.49… yea.. that’s less than $10 – the cheapest bike gadget out there! (not counting S/H)
(oh yea, my bike needs a bit of cleaning… ignore that!) 
Grace and Peace,
`tim
