First off, credits due to the 90's comedians (the "What's the Deal With" opening line).
rant on!
My latest build uses a small production run steel frame marketed by a U.S. company. Like some other bike companies (cough, Surly), it lacks a reasonable way (read: a plate) to mount a kickstand.
Why? Because, these companies seem to believe that the plates are 1.) unsightly or 2.) affect the bike's ride, or 3.) weaken the BB/chainstay region, or 4.) some other bull excrement reason.
And, they then piss and moan about the clamp-on stands crushing the chain stays.
Ok, yes, I'm not a frame designer, structural engineer. I'm just a user of hopefully well thought out, practical bikes. And, yes, I can understand the reasoning on a featherweight, ultrathin tire frame. But, on a fatish tire or round-the-world touted frame? Please ...
I'm thinking, if the frame has a zillion mount points for racks and so forth that you mean to be used (for racks and so forth - as in added tippy weight), a stand plate ain't gonna kill ya. Decorate the danged plate if you have to, or come up with some other gimmick.
rant off!
rant on!
My latest build uses a small production run steel frame marketed by a U.S. company. Like some other bike companies (cough, Surly), it lacks a reasonable way (read: a plate) to mount a kickstand.
Why? Because, these companies seem to believe that the plates are 1.) unsightly or 2.) affect the bike's ride, or 3.) weaken the BB/chainstay region, or 4.) some other bull excrement reason.
And, they then piss and moan about the clamp-on stands crushing the chain stays.
Ok, yes, I'm not a frame designer, structural engineer. I'm just a user of hopefully well thought out, practical bikes. And, yes, I can understand the reasoning on a featherweight, ultrathin tire frame. But, on a fatish tire or round-the-world touted frame? Please ...
I'm thinking, if the frame has a zillion mount points for racks and so forth that you mean to be used (for racks and so forth - as in added tippy weight), a stand plate ain't gonna kill ya. Decorate the danged plate if you have to, or come up with some other gimmick.
rant off!
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