BikeBiz

While the Pletscher kickstand is used on some bikes it is by no means becoming a standard. To be honest, as someone who designs bicycles the thought of adding that much material/weight to a drop out simply to include an expensive kickstand is not desireable. That said a rear mounted kick stand does not provide better function than a BB/CS mounted kickstand. In some cases it is actually worse. Adopting the drop out mounted kickstand simply because it is novel to the public is not a reason to follow this path.

I use one of these on the old Pashley butchers bike that we use for local errands and even with the large box on the front it still holds the bike up safely

BB mounted kickstands are fine on an unloaded bike - put the weight at the rear - i.e. panniers or a saddlebag and its another kettle of fish entirely. I applaud Pletscher - an end to paint scraped off by unsightly clamps!!!

This system was developed by Pletscher at the request of major OEM manufacturers. As well as OEM manufacturers wishing in increase product integration on the technical side the widespead use of Aluminium tubing has let to many consumers crushing frame tubes due overtightening a traditional kickstand. Also as pointed out already rear stands provide more stability when the bicycle is loaded with luggage. Fitting a rear kickstand to bikes designed for disk brakes is in most cases not possible so a new mounting system was required. This solution is perfect as there is minimal cost for manufacturers and a stand can be quickly and securely fitted. As most manufacturers are supplying their bikes with the holes but not the kickstand a dealer can up sell the consumer with a quality kickstand knowing that they can mount them in seconds without the bike being returned to the workshop!