You just finished your ride and you reach for the kickstand to set it upright.
Then, you notice there’s no kickstand!
What gives? I know you want to know the answer to the question, “Do mountain bikes have kickstands?” So, let’s answer that immediately.
The answer is, no, most mountain bikes don’t have kickstands. Obviously, it depends on the mountain bike. Some bikes, especially lower-end models, may have them. If the MTB is meant for a younger audience, you may see a kickstand on them.
Recommended Kickstand: So many people have asked me what kickstand I recommend simple Rock Bros Kickstand for Mountain Bikes (Link to Amazon to check price and reviews) This kickstand installs fast, is easy to adjust and fits snug to the bike frame.

However, higher-end MTBs for adults don’t have them.
The main reasons include:
Kickstands Weigh the Mountain Bike Down
Mountain bikes are built to be lightweight. Because of this, any part that can weigh the bike down is considered to be pointless. A kickstand would just weigh you down and make it more difficult for you to get to where you’re going. Especially if you’re going up the mountain.
Before I installed the Rock Bros I slipped it on the scale and it weighted 14 ounces.
Kickstands Add Unnecessary Complexity to a Mountain Bike
Most mountain bike manufacturers are focusing on making the parts as high-quality as possible, and because of this, the kickstand is considered an added cost.
Bikes with kickstands built-in tend to be jacks of all trades when it comes to parts, meaning that the bike may be less durable or deliver a clunkier ride.
They Can Be Dangerous
A kickstand, dangerous? Yes! You’re cycling on rugged terrain in the wild. It’s easy for something to get caught up in your kickstand. With a mountain bike, having ground clearance is essential. The kickstand can get caught in rocks or other parts with ease.

Mountain Bikes WILL Be Falling Down Anyway
A mountain bike is going to take a lot of falls, so the idea of a kickstand seems pointless to begin with. Not to mention, these bikes are sturdy. If you’re going to need to set up the bike, it’s quite easy for you to do so without many qualms.
Of course, there are some reasons to use kickstands. They give you some extra peace of mind when you’re storing them in the garage, or if the weather is looking a little rough. Sometimes, you may want one just because you like them. Nothing wrong with that!
There are some bikes that include them. However, you can also buy a separate kickstand. This may be a good option if you want to use the kickstand for storage, but not have one weighing you down when you’re riding.
Either way, happy biking.
15 Reasons Mountain Bikes Don’t Have Kickstands
- For quality reasons. Mountain bike manufactures want to focus on the other parts of the bike.
- For safety reasons. Rocks or other hazards could get caught up in the bike as well.
- A kickstand weighs the bike down. The point of a mountain bike is to be as light as possible.
- With a mountain bike, you’re going to fall, anyway. You’ll get used to it!
- These bikes are sturdy and can usually sit upright without any qualms. For many riders, a kickstand is just pointless.
- You can buy optional kickstands to attach for storage. They are easy to put on and off, making a built-in kickstand pointless.
- Mountain bikes are meant for more experienced riders who may not need it. Most bikes built for kids or newbies may have a kickstand included.
- For more inexperienced riders, cheaper bikes tend to have them. You can find them in bikes at Walmart and other stores.
- They tend to bounce around on the trail. This can cause damage to the bike and increase the chances of a crash.
- They may touch the rocks when you ride them as well. In the event of a crash, the kickstand could impale you.
- Mountain bikes are easy to customize. This means it’s much easier for you to put one on if you need it.
- Many kickstands sold separately manage to be lightweight. This makes it easier for you to buy one and carry it with you when you need it.
- You will only need it to store the bike as well as wash it. Even then, these bikes tend to stand upright.
- Kickstands are more commonly used for regular bikes. For mountain bikes, they may be less common.
- Overall, they just don’t affect the riders’ experience that much. Some bikers may not even notice they have them at all.
How to Rest Your Mountain Bike Without Damaging It
If you want to rest your bike without hurting it, then you have some option.
- Use a solid surface to balance it. Put the rear wheel against something like a sign, tree, or a wall. Mountain bikes have a rear wheel that lacks a side to side rotating mechanism like the front wheel does. It should stay on their sturdily.
- If all else fails, you can purchase a kickstand for cheap and install it whenever you need to rest it.
- Using a bike repair stand may be a good job for you to store the bike when you’re no using them. I love my Bikehand Bike Repair Stand (Amazon link this thing is an amazing value)

Mountain bikes, despite the fact that they are light, are quite sturdy. They should be able to stand up on their own, but there’s also nothing wrong with putting one on if you need to.
Can I Put a Kickstand on my Mountain Bike?
Yes, you can!
A custom kickstand can allow you to store your bike with ease, or make it easier for you to clean it. You need a 5mm hex wrench, or a multitool, as well as the stand itself. We’ll talk about what kickstand works well for your bike later on.

You may also want to get yourself a bike repair stand, which can make the process much easier. Put the bike on the repair stand, then locate the bolts that are in the front and back mountain pieces. These are located on the kickstand.
Take the front mountain piece and line it up to the triangle located on the rear. Then, put the back-mounting piece and put it inside of the triangle located on the rear. Screw on all the bolts, make any adjustments you need to make, and then adjust the kickstand’s length to your liking.
With any kickstand, you should follow all instructions included in the manufacturer’s case. Some kickstands may be a bit harder for you to install, while others make it easier. Follow all instructions to remove it as well. You may want to remove it when you’re out adventuring, as you do not want to be weighed down.
Check out this Video
Selecting a Kickstand for my MTB
With a kickstand, you need to pick one that works well for your mountain bike. Sometimes, that can be hard to choose, as there are many. With that said, have a few criteria in your head.
First, make sure that it has some good reviews. Obviously, you don’t want to buy a kickstand that has mixed or negative reviews. Read the reviews and see what people like or don’t like about it. Stay as informed as possible by reading opinions from customers like you.
Then, make sure it’s meant for your mountain bike and see if it’s made for your make and model of bike. You don’t want to be stuck with a kickstand that doesn’t fit your bike. If your kickstand doesn’t work, make sure there is a good return policy.
Also, is it light enough, and durable enough, for your mountain bike? Check the weight of the kickstand, as well as what it’s made of. Obviously, a more expensive stand will have better quality materials, but some manage to combine value with durability.
Recommended Kickstand for a Mountain Bike
One I recommend for is the ROCK BROS Mountain Bike Kickstand (link to Amazon for prices and reviews)

This kickstand is affordable, easy to install and made with durable materials Another reason we like it is because it’s compatible for most mountain bikes with tires that are 24-29”.
Its height is adjustable as well. All you have to do is press the red button and to adjust from 46-50cm or around 18-20in. With single 5mm hex wrench you can have this kickstand on in a couple minutes. Another reason we recommend it? It’s so easy for you to install. It has the wrench already included and it just requires adjusting a couple bolts.
Despite its affordability, this mountain bike is made of high-quality materials that will keep your bike standing tall. Of course, there are many different kickstands. I recommend to shop around and see if there’s one that is better for you and your situation.
Pros and Cons of MTB Kickstands
In general, mountain bike kickstands have more cons than pros.
However, there are still valid reasons.
Pros
- Mountain bike kickstands can be good if you use your mountain bike outside of mountain riding. For example, if you commute to town, a kickstand may be useful.
- Kickstands are good if you don’t want to damage your bike. This especially applies if your bike is more expensive.
- If your back is injured, or you have another disability, a kickstand can be valuable as well.
- It can be useful for washing the bike.
- It may also be useful for beginners.
Cons
- It makes the bike heavier.
- Kickstands can cause injury if it’s caught up in something while riding.
- Kickstands tend to be found in cheaply-made bikes.
- Most mountain bikes stand up just fine without these stands.
Get out and Roll
A kickstand isn’t needed for a mountain bike, but there may be some cases where you will want one. From protecting your bike to storing it for a long time, these are just a couple reasons.
The good part of a mountain bike is that it’s quite customizable. You can add a kickstand, or remove it if you wish. Buy a kickstand if you need one, as there is no shame in making your bike to your preference.
Learn more about Pedals, Handlebars and Brakes
- Handlebars on MTBs are wide, find out why – Why are MTB Handlebars so Wide?
- Should you upgrade your handlebars? Read – Are Handlebars Worth Upgrading?
- Universal pedals? Read all about it here – 9 Universal Pedals for Your MTB
- Learning how to Jump? Learn more with – How to Jump a MTB with Flat Pedals
- Keep your disc brakes clean – How to Clean Mountain Bike Disc Brakes
- Is their a difference? – Mountain Bike V-Brakes vs Disc

David Humphries is the creator of DIY Mountain Bike. For me a relaxing day involves riding my mountain bike to decompress after a long day. When not on my bike I can be found wrenching on it or making YouTube videos at 👉 DIY Mountain Bike Read more about David HERE.