I have recently been on a quest to swap out the kickstand between my ’64 and ’68 Racers. The problem is that I need a special tool to make this transfer so much easier, and safer, to do. Unfortunately Park Tool discontinued the (KS-1 Kickstand Removal Tool) in 2008. Not only is it hard to find but many shops don’t think a kickstand removal tool even exists.
I went to Rapid Transit yesterday looking for rear racks and thought I would ask about the tool and if they knew of an easy way without one to remove the stand. Both mechanics told me that not only did they not know of a tool but that the only way to remove the kickstand would be to cut it out. I was in shock at the answer and left the store a bit confused. Were they f-ing with me?
Then I went to Smart Bike Parts to look at some racks and again for shits and giggles asked about the kickstand tool and again no one had any idea what I was talking about or had a solution that wasn’t destructive. Seriously? Am I crazy?
So today I called Uptown Bike Shop and low and behold they have the tool. I thought I described my situation well to the man on the phone because he told me to come on by no worries. I ride on over ghost riding the old racer all the way to the shop. I introduce myself to the guy behind the counter who I have talked to many times before. “That will be $5 to swap out the parts for ya” he says. I then asked if it would be possible at all to do it myself, they could even charge me for using the tool? “Sorry” he said. “No can do!” So I drop my head, stare at the floor and leave with my tail between my legs, defeated again. Thanks a lot insurance companies for making it impossible for people to be cool to each other anymore!
So, does anyone have a KS-1 tool I can borrow for like 5 min? I know West Town has one but I have no way to get both bikes down there so I can do the job then get both bikes home. If I have to I will make my own damn tool but that’s time I just don’t have.
BTW, I’m not trying to snub the bike shops, I am just a bit confused as to my whole experience. Although, it’s not the first time I’ve had issues with misinformation from the LBS’s. It’s one thing not to trust a car mechanic (who are on my top ten list for pure evil) but if you can’t trust a bike mechanic than we are all doomed ☹
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