So, this 18-inch bike. My kid’s. It was always on its side. Always. Leaning it against stuff just didn’t cut it. Looked awful, and probably not great for the bike either, always getting knocked about. I decided, yeah, it needs a kickstand. Like, yesterday.
You’d think finding one for an 18-inch bike would be easy. It’s not like they’re rare. But no. Shops mostly stock for the super common sizes. Took a bit of looking, but I got one. Just a basic one, nothing fancy. It’s a kickstand, what more do you need?
Okay, Let’s Do This
Got the bike. Got the stand. Got my tools – just a wrench, really. This isn’t rocket science. Or so I thought. These simple jobs, they always have a way of, you know, not being simple.
The spot for it is usually obvious. That flat bit of frame down by the pedals, near the back wheel. The kickstand I bought had this little plate and a bolt. You clamp it on. Supposedly.
The Fun Part
So I offered it up. Lined it up. Tried to get the bolt started. This is where it gets interesting. First time, it just wouldn’t sit right. It was either too loose, or the angle was all wrong. If it’s loose, the bike does this slow, sad fall. Pathetic.
Had to fiddle with it. Push it this way, that way. Make sure when it’s down, the bike actually leans. Not straight up so a gust of wind knocks it over. Not so far it’s practically lying down again. You know that sweet spot?
Then, tighten that bolt. And I mean tight. Not break-it tight, but enough so it’s not going anywhere. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way on other things. Things that fall off. Not good.
- Had to check the pedal. Does it clear when I pedal? Yes. Good.
- Chain. Is it going to hit the chain? Nope. Also good.
- When it’s folded up, does it stay up? Doesn’t drag? Check.
Mine was a fixed length, supposedly for 18-inch. Some you can adjust. Little screw on the leg. If you got one of those, you get to play with that too. More fun.
Moment of Truth
Alright, moment of truth. Flicked it down with my shoe. Stood the bike up. It… stood! It actually stood there, all by itself. Success. Felt like I’d conquered Everest. Well, a very small, metal Everest.
No more lying on the ground looking defeated. Now it stands proud. It’s a small thing, a kickstand. But man, it makes a difference. No more tripping over it. No more “Dad, my bike fell over again.” Peace.
So, yeah. If you’ve got a bike without one, especially a kid’s bike, just get one. It’s usually not a massive job. Sometimes a bit annoying, like anything you try to fix or add. But worth it. Definitely worth it. Now it’s someone else’s problem if it falls… just kidding. Mostly.
