Hi Lew,
Re: centerstands - just a counterpoint
For many folks, obviously a centerstand is great addition.
Being off-road oriented, I am no more a fan of centerstands than I am
of asphalt (so take this with a grain of asphalt.....).
>I am in hopes that
>it will give more stability to the loaded bike than the side stand,
>particularly on soft ground.
Typically you cannot use a centerstand period on soft ground.
Centerstands are for hard ground only. Be sure to retain your
sidestand for soft ground. Often you have to put a rock under a
sidestand though, but you at least have that option. It's very
difficult to put rocks under a centerstand if you must park on soft
ground, and it's almost impossible solo.
Never pitch your tent close to the bike where if it fell over..... I
rode several days with a guy who had ONLY a centerstand, and his bike
fell over several times. Once it busted up all kinds of expensive
stuff, and narrowly missed knocking mine over too.
>I have read a number of stories where
>loaded bikes with side stands kept falling over.
Often a loaded (sidestand) bike will fall over the other way, away
from the sidestand. This is because the suspension is compressed,
not because the stand is too small.
>It seems to me that
>welding bigger feet on the legs would be beneficial too.
The bigger foot you see welded on sidestands is usually for folks
riding to Africa (or dolling up to appear as such). The big foot is
to park on sand although it would help on any soft surface. But it
can get in the way too, when stowed.
>The
>centerstand should be a help with flat tires (don't know enough about
>donuts yet)and chain lubing as well. Feedback please.
Bien Viaje!
Tom
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