How to Measure for a Bicycle Kickstand

Kickstands are rarely included as standard equipment on new bicycles. However, if you don't have a bike stand at home or you get frustrated watching your bike fall over when you try to lean it against a wall or tree, consider installing a kickstand. Although they add weight to your bike, kickstands can protect your bike from the damage caused when it falls over. The first step in selecting a kickstand is to find out what size kickstand you need.

Step on the scale to weigh yourself. Record this measurement.

Hold your bike along the top tube (the part of the frame that runs from the handlebars to the seat). Keep the bike as centered as possible as you weigh yourself with the bike. Record this measurement.

Subtract the weight in Step 1 from the weight in Step 2. This is the weight of the bike. This number is important because kickstands are designed to hold a certain amount of weight. Write down this weight and keep it with you when you are shopping for your kickstand.

Measure your bike frame if you don't already know its size. The frame size is the length of the seat tube from the seat post to the center of the bottom bracket. The bottom bracket is the point where your pedals attach to the bike. Knowing your frame size narrows down your selection of kickstands, since some kickstands are designed for larger frames and some are meant for smaller frames.

Hold the bike on a hard surface so it leans slightly to the left. Measure from the center of the bottom bracket down to the floor. This measurement (in millimeters) is the shortest kickstand you should buy. Have a friend help you with this step.

Tips

To convert centimeters to inches, divide the number of centimeters by 2.54. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the number of inches by 2.54. Some kickstands are metric and others are English, so you'll want both numbers handy when shopping. Buy a longer kickstand if you intend to park your bike on a soft surface like dirt. The length of the kickstand should be no more than 1.5 cm longer than the measurement in Step 5. A kickstand that is too long won't hold your bike steady on hard surfaces.