Submitted by
nagatahawk
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: October 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything off road
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World Culver C
Strengths:
this is my follow up after one year. Strong build. Crashed big time on a rocky downhill, I still recovering, the bike was unscathed! The bike still shifts like new, all bearing are good.
Weaknesses:
wheels feel a little on the heavy side. I don't like the platforms, I switched recently to spds/platforms. I can really tell the difference pedaling and overall control of the bike. I destroyed 3 shocks, they should be installed inverted to prevent the shock from hitting the linkage as I recently found out. I went to a Fox DHX Coil 5.0, its super plush and can be adjusted to any type of riding conditions. I run it with the lowest propedal settings and there is no pedal bob and gives you that smooth coil cushion. I can't get the forks to really work the way I like them. I will probably go to air/coil fork.
Similar Products Used:
Giant NRS air, Specialized M4 hardail(hated it)
Bike Setup:
All stock except the Fox DHX Coil 5.0 and saddle
Bottom Line:
I like the color, flat gun metal grey with subdued graphics.
great all around bike and bang for the buck. I even use it to do neighborhood run. I'll be looking for some curb jumps!
After one year of trail riding on Local SoCal trail. the bike is holding up well, so far I broke out some spokes when a branch jammed into the rear wheel, bent a rear hanger when I fell in a rock garden. Crashed on a rocky downhill, the bike survived with out damage.
the Manitou Pearl rear shock had to be replaced three time because it hit the linkage, I should be inverted. I now have a Fox DHX coil which run at 5.5 travel. It felt to cushy at 6 inches of travel.
The front forks are Marzocchi AM2, I can never get the air foks to feel right. but they have not leaked or broken anything.
The stock Weineman rims are narrow and heavy, but have taken all the abuse I have thrown at them so far.
The Hone components work as well as any Shimanos I have ever ridden. the Hubs are good, shifts well,
I didn't like the platform pedal, but that's personal preference. I have swithed to a set of Spd platforms. I can pull out and use the platforms on downhill or super technicals. I feel I have more overall control over the bike when clipped in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood, CA USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Bob's bike
Strengths:
This is a 2007 AM2000 frame.Peddles very well for a 30lbs plus bike. Frame is well made and honestly can not tell the difference with other boutique bike besides the color. rides very similar to Turner 6 pack. Well made.
Weaknesses:
Rockshox 3.3 is a decent shock but lack butter smoothness of DHX 5.0. With floodgate half way closed, it's too harsh and I would only recommand only during climbing uphill. Fly seatpost collar will not work on this fram due to possible contact with rear linkage when bottoming out.
Similar Products Used:
Turner 5.5, Turner 6pack, Kona stinky,
Bike Setup:
usual stuff. Nothing fancy.
Bottom Line:
A solid bike if you're not too concerned about its branding. Ascends really well and decending is ok but not great even with the floodgate opened all the way. I will swap the rear shock soon with Fox dhx 5.0 coil 7.75/250. I think changing the rear shock will definitely give this bike a new life. Not that it's bad now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Joseph
a Weekend Warrior
from South Lake Tahoe CA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2008
KHS customer service. Weinmann rims are fairly generic. Hone components are not compatible with other industry standard Shimano or Sram parts. Linkage bearings wear out very quickly and the frame begins to rattle if they are not replaced. KHS advertises this bike as coming with the Marzocchi ALL MOUNTAIN 2 fork (made in Italy), it ACTUALLY comes with the AM 2 fork (made in China) and is an entirely different, lower quality fork. Also noteworthy: The Rockshox Pearl shock has to be installed so that the valve side is inverted when the frame is in the 6" travel position or the air valve will be sheered off by the linkage!
Similar Products Used:
1998 K2 Beast, 2003 KHS FR2000
Bike Setup:
Added ODI Rogue lock-on grips and switched out the WTB Power V Comp saddle for a narrower WTB Pure V Race. Everything else is stock.
Bottom Line:
A decent bare bones, poor man's all mountain bike for the price. That being said, this will most likely be my last KHS bike. Dealing with KHS customer service is ridiculous. When your linkage bearings wear out after only 100 miles of use, you shouldn't be charged to replace them! If you ever have a warranty issue DEFINITELY have the bike shop where you bought it, even if it was mail order, deal with KHS. You will have much better results. KHS doesn't seem to care about the individual consumers. Also, note my "weaknesses" section. Thee are a few too many entries in that section for me to be a 3rd time customer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
timothy klopper
a Cross Country Rider
from queens NY USA Date Reviewed: April 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
nassau-suffolk greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
piece by piece on ebay
Strengths:
great on downhills and uphills! the rear wheel sticks while climbing and the manitou nixon super and rockshox rear shock soak up everything on the descents!
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
never road a duelly till i got this
Bike Setup:
full xt, manitou nixon super nixon front 145mm, pure v saddle, azonic 2" riser bar, wtb velociraptors, azonis shorty, wtb laser dh on wtb dual duties, avid bb7's 185mm
Bottom Line:
this is an awesome bike! i was worried about all the talk about bob and biopacing but set up right this frame shows none of that. i'm 210-215lbs and the frame and fork feel plush and nowhere close to bottoming out. i used to ride a mongoose rockadile 95 model(when mongoose still made a good bike for a good price) and this bike feels just as nimble and climbs just as well as my hardtail. i thought it would take a while to get used to riding a new bike but its like i've been ridin it for years! cheers to the guys at bills cyclery on roosevelt for settin it up for me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ice 9
a
from Philipines Date Reviewed: April 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strong frame, very versatile bike.. can strike anywhere. xc, aggresive trail, downhill, 4cross..
A real deal for a black diamond bike. Can strike anywhere... From newbie rider to an expert rider. From cross country to aggressive trail.. from four cross to downhill.. THE ONE BIKE, FOR ALL KINDS OF RIDER.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Weekend Warrior
from south island New zealand Date Reviewed: February 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
bike hq
Strengths:
i have the 2007 model with a horst link strengths:rock shox pike 426 fork frame ,rear shock (rock shox 3.3)
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
giant reign
Bike Setup:
rock shox pike 426fork rockshox 3.3rear shock hayes hfx-9 withe 7inch rotors xt shifters and rear derailer truativ husslfelt cranks sun single track rims so basically stock
Bottom Line:
good value for money handles jumps really well downhills well for not being a full on dh rig not the lightest for xc but does nearly as well uphill as my old hardtail
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wayne nagata
a Weekend Warrior
from los angeles Date Reviewed: December 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
sycamore canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1099.00
Purchased At:
wheelworld culver city
Strengths:
Strong frame, climbs well for a 33 lb bike. climbs as well as my NRS carbon at 10 lbs lighter. I did not put enough air into the rocksox Pearl and it was bottoming out. so I turned around and rode back to the trail head so not to damage the shock. this is my second bike, the first one i returned because the shock was sticking and and a bad scratch on the shock shaft. the bike was very stable on the downhill. I did not like the stock seat, it was to wide and hurt. I will try some drop offs and rough stuff this next week end. so far the balance on this bike is better.
Weaknesses:
The wtb stock seat was too wide, it hurt. I replaced it with a wtb rocket v. smaller and lighter. the rocksox pearl isn't as good as the fox shock equivalent. I will replace it later with a better shock.
Great bike for all conditions, mine is set up for more freeride. You can set this bike up for your specific riding style. Great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ Date Reviewed: May 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Adrenaline bikes
Strengths:
This bike does exactly what it's name implies. It does everything very well. Jumps, climbs, blasts through rock gardens, and you feel in complete control on downhills. Nice and sturdy frame, to progress your skills on. Has a smooth quality feel to it
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler, 7.7, Riegn
Bike Setup:
All my existing parts from my hardtail. Good solid all mountain build: Hussy cranks and bar, singletrack wheels, Thompson seatpost and stem, Pike 426 dual air, Roco air, Sram x7 drivetrain, and IRC trailbears
Bottom Line:
My only other extensive experience with a long travel trailbike has been on a Coiler deluxe, which I rented up in Sedona. That bike was awesome, so I knew it was time to go full suspension. I had planned to get a Coiler frame, but found this frame for half the price. I know, I've heard all the baggin that people say about KHS, but this frame seems to be built every bit as good as a Kona. Catalogue frame or not, this bike is awesome! (And just so you know, it is the very same frame as a Harvey cycles PNF ). The Coiler was more towards the Freeride side of all-mountain, so it was more aggressive in the sense that it made you seek out things to drop off. This bike sits right in the middle, being a little bit better climber than the Coiler, and with a longer cockpit to give it a slightly more cross country riding position. It is still every bit as capable at handling drops and stuff, within reason of course. I weigh 240# and this bike doesn't flinch under my weight. It was also nice to discover how balanced the bike feels in the air. it's no dirt jumper but it launches very smoothly, and doesn't feel heavy in the air. I really don't buy all the hype surrounding VPP, and all the brands that use a version of it. I've ridden an Iron horse 7 point 7, and Giant Riegn, and don't feel that they pedaled any better than this KHS. Weather the bike bobs or not, it doesn't really matter if it's still moving you forward efficiently. Nothing is plusher than a four or faux bar back end, and this bike pedals and climbs awesome for a 36.5# bike. Anyway, this frame makes a superb do all mountain bike. If you have reservations about being seen on the trail on a KHS, forget about it and swallow your pride! This frame will do everything a bigger band name, or boutique bike will do, and for this price you could buy another to have as a backup!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve torres
a Weekend Warrior
from visalia,ca us Date Reviewed: November 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
sky line
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
adrinalin bikes
Strengths:
love this bike I got sweet deal frame only,downhills nice,climes good.love the pro-pedal dhx shox
Weaknesses:
dhx spring 300 too light for me had to upgrade 700
Similar Products Used:
khs dj 100
Bike Setup:
marzocci am 05, sram shifters,lopes bling-bling tires,turvative bars and cranks
Bottom Line:
this is a great race bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Williams
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingsport, Tn. USA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Warrior's Path State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Athletics Unlimited
Strengths:
Price! Level of components that are stock on the bike. Tires hook-up. Excess travel.
Weaknesses:
That annoying popping in the front fork. I've just about got it tuned out, but I've had to play with the adjustments quite often.(Weakness, NO, learning to tune forks, YES) Platform pedals are meat grinders.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 90, KHS XC 204
Bike Setup:
This set up is from months of riding and tuning from the above review. I'm now down to 20 psi in the front, and may come down more. Compression is 0. Rebound is 4.5. Rear is still 90 psi. I rolled the bars forward because of hand problems and this seems to be the biggest "comfort" adjustment I've made. I'm currently removing the big ring up front and installing a bash ring. I've purchased a Saint rear derailluer, but am having problems mounting it up to the Hone hub/axle.
Bottom Line:
Still one sweet bike. For my weight and frame build, it is great. Rides great, no problems with suspension bob from forks or rear shock. Hone components are great. Rear brake squealed for a while, but now is pleasantly quiet. It must have taken longer to break-in. I recomment this bike to anyone wanting more suspension travel that the XC bikes. It will still do all you need it to do and more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Gunderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Bismarck, ND, USA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Tough, Pedal Freindly, Great All-Around Bike, Hone Group tough as hell
Weaknesses:
Getting use to dual-control and rear derailer settup
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock cept 150mm Marzocchi Z1 instead of 130mm Droppoff
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the value. Can take almost anything if setup right. Can be used for anytype of riding within limits. Fox DHX shock has nice Pro-Pedal and is nice and plush.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Methuen, MA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Hampstead TF
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Chuck's Bike's VT
Strengths:
Smoothness, Pedals great, Awesome components, comes with a great build (no need to upgrade anything)
Weaknesses:
None found, possibly weight if you want to be like that, but really nothing that holds this bike back.
Similar Products Used:
'02 KHS XC304, Kona Dawg (just demo)
Bike Setup:
'05 KHS AM2000 with a Marzocchi Marathon Fork
Bottom Line:
This bike can't be beat for a true All Mountain bike in this price range. The full Hone component group is awesome, no skimping even on the front derailleur. I did keep my old fork only because I mostly ride single track. But there no place on this bike that comes up short. This bike does it all, tight and twisty, rocky and rooty, it climbs it descends, with no real short comings. There's not a whole lot out there that can be had at this price range that is spec'ed and performs as well. The only flaw I've found is when descending under hard braking with heavy bumps a bit of brake jack can be felt. The solution is simple though, let go of the brakes, the bike descends great. I was happy with my last KHS and am Extremely happy with this one. I really don't think they can be beat in the value department. This is the perfect bike for anyone who wants a go anywhere do anything bike. Buy this bike you won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Williams
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingsport, Tn. USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Warrior's St. Park, Tn.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Athletics Unlimited, Gate City, VA
Strengths:
Good components, lots of adjustments, once setting is found, forks and rear shock hold that psi. Tires grip great. Still getting used to the dual control shifters/brakes.
Weaknesses:
Other than cable stretch, which happens to all bikes, I haven't found any.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 90, KHS XC-104 (wife's bike)
Bike Setup:
50psi each front, 90 psi rear, Oury grips, everything else is stock. I ride this bike on advanced trails to railroad beds. If you're looking for a FS that will do it all, this is for you. I'm 5'11" and weigh 270. The medium frame fits me well.
Bottom Line:
Overall a great bike. The rear wheel is not quick release, but I haven't had to remove it yet. One person has had problems with the rear axle coming loose and even his rear wheel falling off once while picking it up, on his bike, but I haven't experienced that. I keep check on the tightness of the axle. No problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Rogers
a Downhiller
from Ipswich MA Date Reviewed: January 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Ipwsich Cycles
Strengths:
Great all around handling. carves unbelivably well. very responsive suspension. not heavy at only 36 lbs. the full hone group is unbelivable.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Giant DH1
Bike Setup:
Full hone, Marzocchi Drop Off, wtb weirwolf tires.
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for cross country, all mountain and free ride. comes with great components and is a great bike. I have been riding it non stop for about a week and the shocks are well broken in already. 6" of plush travel will handle about anything. and being light enough to maneuver like a cross country bike is a great thing to have in a bike like this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: January 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
North of The Border Bicycles
Strengths:
It is a good pedaling bike on the climbs. The Fox DHX makes sure of that.Very quiet bike,no creaks and groans from the pivot points.The Hone Hydralic disc brakes rock.Marzocchi Drop off fork works very well.WTB WeirWolf tires roll easy and give good traction.
Weaknesses:
The Hone dual control shifters are a little clunky for my tastes but I have gotten used to them.I like the trigger type of shifters better,going to change out the Hone's later.It doesn't have a quick release for the rear wheel. I have had a flat and it is not hard to take the wheel off,make sure you have a 5mm allen wrench with you.
Similar Products Used:
Haro Extreme 7 2006 model.
Bike Setup:
Shimano Hone group.Marzocchi Drop Off.Fox DHX 3.0.Alex Rims.WTB WeirWolf tires(2.3).Hussefelt riser bar.Truvativ seat post.WTB seat.It has platform pedals,I will changing to clipless,not sure what kind yet.
Bottom Line:
This is a great all mountain bike. Pedals good on climbs and is very stable on fast and rough downhills. The slack head angle is great for steep downhills,don't get that feeling you are going over the bars like I get with my cross country hardtale.The bike inspires confidence over the rough downhills and terrain. I run a couple of pounds of air in the Marzocchi to help the pedaling uphill yet it is still supple enough to soak up the small bumps.It is a good bike that will give you more confidence on all terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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