Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
tiger mountain
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
universal cycles
Strengths:
Price, very well spec'd, light, strong....isnt that the best case scenerio when reviewing ANY trail bike?
Weaknesses:
Absolutely None after 4 years and over 10,000 miles of riding!
Similar Products Used:
They arent really similar, but my previous bikes were a GT avalanche and before that a specialized rockhopper.
Bike Setup:
Completely stock other than the following upgrades: Rhyno lite/xt disc wheelset(at 210lbs, I kept having to true the 317's), easton monkeylite carbon bars, ODI lock on grips, cane creek bar ends, Salsa QR seat post clamp, egg beater pedals.
Bottom Line:
After all these years I am still in love with this bike. The low maintenence rear shock is just the ticket to take the edge off, while the zoke z2 up front is light, and soaks up everything an aggressive trail rider can throw at it. It rides like a steel hardtail on sedatives. It's very responsive, climbs well, descends like a champ and is more forgiving than I expected. Thank you KHS for making an affordable top of the line product that rides like a much more expensive bike. You have earned a loyal customer and I intend to purchase an 04 FR1500 very soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Honduras Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The TACAN - 12 mile ascent 4,500 ft.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Value. The XT disc brakes rock. When me and the gang go mudding, I have no problems with them gunking up or stopping. The other guys with the V's have a much harder time with them. The suspension I think is just right for all around use.
Weaknesses:
Welds on the Kore stem make clicking noises. Rear shock is very simplistic- gets dirty very easily and even when it is clean and lubed I can feel it binding through my seat. The Marzzochi X-fly 100 z2 fork has some lateral play - which annoyes me. The brake cables rub against the fork and frame - I used plastic wire insulators to solve that problem, but I still had to use zip ties to affix the cable to the frame. What have others done to secure the brake cables? The dorky down tube with it's Delta construction looks weak.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 930 singletrack
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this bike is a tremendous value and it is a solid performer with decent components. It has it's flaws but nothing that a few upgrades couldn't take care of. This bike is ideal for the weekend warrior as well as XC racer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lk
a Weekend Warrior
from washington dc Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Amazing all around deal.The steel frame is very supple , coupled with the rear shock and marzocchi z2 gives a very smooth ride over rough terrain .
Weaknesses:
Rear shock is a bit creaky untill you take it apart and lube it up .
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
xtr/xt , xt disc etc...
Bottom Line:
Quite a fantastic deal , especially the 15" model which is a $100 cheaper still. The fork is really stiff , yet smooth over the bumps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harry
a Cross Country Rider
from Brookline,MA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
Fairly light and simple. Very well built frame. Incredibly cheap (must be employing fetuses in China)!
Weaknesses:
Creaky, primitive rear suspension.
Bike Setup:
XT deraillers and crankset. Arch Rival 50 brakes. White industry wheels, MARS shock.
Bottom Line:
1999-2000 Frame bought at Price point for $180-- totally unbeatable. I built this bike to be my beater but often end up riding this bike on the trails. This is an amazing frame for the price-- built with nice welds, incredibly light for a low-buck chrome-moly, and nice but fragile paint job (get a lizard skin chain stay protector). The soft-tail suspension does take the edge off hits but I have to say that it is really, really rudimentary. I can FEEL (not hear) it creak through the saddle when it compresses and it kicks back b/c it has no rebound damping. Also there is no disc brake mounts but no self-respecting person would put disc brakes on a frame that so cheap (except me). This frame is springy and absorbs shock well (the wonders of steel..) and tracks well. A beater bike that I am pretty proud to pound down the local trails-- imagine that!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Too Many
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Awesome components, responsive, tough, good climber, soft tail, excellent value
Weaknesses:
A little heavy at 26 pounds, would rather have time pedals.
This bike kicks a$$. I found an awesome deal at pricepoint.com. The components alone would run $2000. IT is smooth over the rough stuff thanks to one of the best xc forks available and the soft tail with almost 1" of travel. Keeps tires on the ground and climbs better than a hardtail in my opinion. It is quick and tough....and if you haven't been on a steel frame in a while, try it, it is much smoother. The disc brakes were broken in after about 10 miles, now they stop on a dime. Seem to take more punishment than hayes (especially the levers).
Upgrade the three LX components and the bike has no weaknesses. Just like another review, the rear dampener must be taken apart right away, lubed very well, and then covered. Two lizard skin headset covers work great. My rear shock was creaking...but after I took it apart it's like butta.
Don't pass up this bike. My racing improved dramatically, and it keeps getting better. I couldn't be happier. 5 flamin' chilis for this bad boy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Eng
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything FREE
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
KHS Canada
Strengths:
LIGHT, NO FLEX (except the softail), SEXY, GREAT HANDLING, I LOVE THE GRAPHICS, AND PRICE!!!
Rock Shox Psylo SL, Race Face real seal headset/Turbine crank/system stem/bottom bracket, XTR levers/brakes, XT pods/rear deraileur/wheel set, lx front, Thompson seat post, easton monkey bar, and specialized BG seat (PHEW!!! ha ha)
Bottom Line:
WICKED deal for this bike (bought the frame only and had all the parts bought b4 hand). Thank you Scott at KHS for hooking me up with this sweet deal. I've taken it out on the trails and LOVING IT. I appreciate the 3/4-1" of extra travel in the rear end, it takes the edge of some of the little bumps on the trail. I recommend this bike for anyone that wants the light weight of a hartail but with some forgiveness in the rear. If anyone is thinking of buying a Ti softail... FORGET IT!!!!, save your hard earned money and buy a KHS TEAM SOFT TAIL!! Much better on the wallet!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from canberra, australia Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
steel, handling, value for money
Weaknesses:
ordinary tyres, no v brake option, ghost shifting (see below)
Bottom Line:
In a world dominated by aluminium it's nice to see a cool but affordable steel bike being proudly promoted by a big company - and you happily ride Taiwanese in this country given the absurd prices we are charged for framesets made in the US. I got my st after riding full suspension for a few years; the softtail is definitely NOT full suspension, more like an enhanced level of compliancy. As for the issue of weight, I kind of like the feeling that my bike will last more than one season.
I only have two real problems:
1) why no conventional brake mount option on the frame? I love the XT discs but I'm not a huge brake fiend and would prefer the lower weight of vees;
2) unless the rear mech has just been perfectly dialled in, I get some ghost shifting on fast, bumpy singletrack. Anybody else noticed this? It drives me a little crazy given the otherwise great performance. Could it be caused by flex from the soft tail action?
If not for these, this bike would pretty well rate a five.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX USA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
All around INCREDIBLE deal. A race quality bike for entry level price. No lateral flex. Climbs and descends with firm ease. Light and wrought with quality components.
Weaknesses:
Rear shock does not get alot of travel (about 3/4 inch) Rear Shock gets messed up easily... need to cover it and lube it.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
See the bottom line
Bottom Line:
2000 2000 KHS Team ST Soft Red/White
Components Price
Frame 2000 Team St (frame) 329.00 Fork 2000 Marzocchi Z-2 X-fly 450.00 Front Derailleur Shimano LX 25.00 Rear Derailleur Shimano XTR 90.00 Aheadset Tioga/td> 35.00 Bottom Bracket ES-70 Splined 50.00 Crankset Shimano XT Hollow Tech 120.00 Brake Shimano XT Disc Brakes 300.00 STI- Shifters Shimano LX 40.00 Brake Levers Shimano XT 60.00 Hubset Shimano XT Disc Black 32Hole 130.00 Cassette Shimano LX 11-32 9 Speed 60.00 Chain KMC Z-9200 10.00 Ahead Stem Kore Stem-2 80.00 Bar Kore Bar-2 60.00 Seatpost Kore Lite Post-2 90.00 Saddle Selle Italia Max Flite Trans-Am 110.00 Grips Black 10.00 Tires WTB Nano Raptor Kevlar 60.00 Wheelset Xt hubs with Mavic 317 Disc 540.00 Rims Mavic 317 Disc 180.00 Spokes Stainless Spoke Guage 14/15 DB Spoke Nipple Brass Total Value Average: $2829.00 Purchase Price: $1199.00 Savings: $1630.00
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tsali, NC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Price Point (GO Gilbert and Tony)
Strengths:
Light, rigid, amazing component group, good looking, nice cockpit, great fork, can't find a cheap part on it. XT disc brakes, Z2 X-Fly fork.
Weaknesses:
I know it's a soft tail, but at 145lbs it may as well be a hard tail. Needs more adjustability in the rear.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrown hard tail
Bike Setup:
XTR rder, LX fder, Mar. Z2 X-fly Fork, XT disc brakes, LX shifter pods, Mavic 317/XT wheelset, XT Hollowtech crankset, mostly Kore Lite odds and ends, added bontrager short bar ends. Clipless pedals are Power Tools????
Bottom Line:
A great looking, riding and handling bike at an awesome price (the wheels, brakes, and fork alone would cost nearly what I paid) with a component group that makes it essentially race-ready. Not a beginner's bike, definitely not for those looking for a plush tail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott V
a Cross Country Rider
from Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001
Built up this bike dirt cheap, buying the '99 frame from PricePoint, and a component package from Wheelworld, (along with a few components purchased locally and a few from my old hardtail). I have used Will's advice of using a suspension seatpost. I took the rockshox suspension seatpost off of my old hardtail, and it feels great. I am a cross-country rider in Hawaii... this bike (with the SID 100) is serving me nicely!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JP
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Still Searching!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Top components, value for the buck, steel frame, and some really bad ass looks!
Weaknesses:
Looks so good, don't want to get it dirty!
Bike Setup:
XT Hydraulic Brakes, XTR Rear Derailleur, Marzocchi Z2 Fork, XT Crank, etc. (Whatever the 2000 model came with.)
Bottom Line:
As a newbie to the sport, I got one heck of a deal from Universal Cycles (check them out universalcycles.com) I searched all my local stores and no one could match their prices!
The bike is awesome! Light, sturdy, great looks to boot!
The components that come stock are amazing. I could have only dreamed of getting a bike with these top components before. The Marzocchi air fork is easy to adjust, feels great on the trail, and the rear elastomer soaks up the bumps really well. I'm 6'4" and 200 lbs, and the bike feels firm under me. I've tried all sorts of high end demos and never really liked the way they felt. I thought I was really going to do some damage to those more exotic bikes- Trek, Schwinn etc. This KHS Team ST will be with me for a long time to come!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Yap
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Date Reviewed: November 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
The bike is well speced with great parts. Really nothing that needs improving on.. for now at least. Until the next chi chi upgrade fever comes along.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy. The weight seems to come from the back so it must be the rear damper unit. Also the LX front shifter lacks the quickness in shifts from the smaller to bigger rings. It is a really long throw. The very abrasive XT disc brake hoses rub on the frame. Lastly the decals are low quality and will probably peel off soon... a clear coat should have been considered.
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed OBED
Bike Setup:
Stock standard except for a XT rear cog set.
Bottom Line:
Love it so far. The bike feels stiff and accelerates well. However, the rear softail suspension does not seem to soak up the bumbs as well as I had hoped. My old Litespeed felt more complient somehow. So don't really know if the added weight of having the damper unit is actually worth it... will let you know.
The Xfly front fork is excellent. No bobbing under acceleration and soaks up the bigger bumbs well. However, air forks will always loose out on the buttery smoothness of the spring and oil damped systems.
The XT disc brakes still have not bedded in yet so, I cannot really comment on the stopping power. But I believe it will be good.... till next time!
Been shopping around for a long time for a new bike and I think the team ST is one of the best speced bike I had come across! So...
5 flaming chilli popiahs for value! 4 as an overall rating
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will Temple
a Cross Country Rider
from Incline Vlg, NV, USA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Rim2Flume
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Bang for the buck. If I could give this frame 6 or more stars for value I would.
Weaknesses:
Better availability of tuning bumbers. Frame could be lighter.
Similar Products Used:
I've tried almost all the exotic bikes: Moots YBB, Mantra, BowTi, FSR etc.
Bike Setup:
Nothing normal. Judy Al w/englund 85mm. USE post. Wheels: my own with M14A rims (bring these back!) 2x8 drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
I bought this frame to try out the soft tail concept. Found my butt took a little more of a beating than my ti hardtail with a USE suspension post. So I put a USE on the KHS and fell in love. When peddling, I actually like the small amount of springy travel. It does'nt waste any energy. I'm just as fast as my hardtail at the local race courses if not faster. I think the frame makes up for the extra weight (4.8 lbs vs 3.2 lbs - I've weighed both) in lower rolling resistance. I must admit that I tossed the stock bumper for a softer bumper from an old Scott fork. The stock bumper was to stiff for my weight. I also put a foam shock booty on and lube it up with dry lube to keep the dirt out. So far, nothing but smooth, quiet, and trouble free. All I want in life is this frame - but lighter. this frame has got to be the best deal going!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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