NJAK - NOT Just Another Kickstand

I have never liked the standard kick stands that are found on most bikes. They just aren't dependable support except on dry, flat, hard surfaces. Standard kick stands are especially unreliable on a long bike like the Xtends Cargo Bike (http://www.instructables.com/id/Xtends-Convert-Your-Bike-Into-A-Long-Cargo-Bike/). So here is a shot at designing something at least a little bit better.

This kickstand is pretty ugly so it may be more suited for cargo bikes. I would hesitate to do this on a good bike if the kickstand wasn't one you could remove and replace. If your kickstand is welded on and this design doesn't work out, you are stuck.

The kickstand needs to be a steel one. Some are aluminum and can't be easily joined to EMT.

All of the dimensions may be slightly different on your bike. Be prepared to do some trial and error fitting to make it work for you.

You will be welding EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) conduit so please check out the safety tips in this Instructable (http://www.instructables.com/id/Welding-EMT-Conduit/).

Step 1 Cut Off the Curved Tip of the Kickstand

You may or may not need to cut off the tip of your kickstand. I did to make it easier to weld on the tubing. In my case, with 26" wheels, the kickstand rod ended up being 10" long.

Comments

[steam_cannon]

Great idea! Regarding the welding, I think this would be a better project if you used an aluminum kick stand and aluminum rods. A lot of kick stands are aluminum and you can braze aluminum very easily with a cheap hand torch and an hts-735 no-flux brazing stick. No welding skills required. I haven't posted an instructable on that yet, but they work great! Those welding sticks are a little pricey, but much cheaper and easier then a stick welder. Plus they work for any other non-ferrous metals like magnesium. Anyway, I think that would make this project much much easier.

[bikeframe]

I didn't know about the brazing sticks. I will check them out and look forward to your Instructable on their use. Thanks for your comments.

[steam_cannon]

Here you go! Quick and easy brazing aluminum, copper and nonferrous metals

[jdege]

I found that if I simply removed the kickstand, I never had a problem with the bike falling over.

[bikeframe]

Don't you get tired standing there all night holding your bike up? (smile)

[steam_cannon]

LOL