Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2006
Strengths: Light weight, fast climber, best value for this price range.
Weaknesses: Replace those RST brakes!
Bottom Line:
I am very happy with the purchase. It is my first bike and this one will stay with me for a long time. Now I have Ellswirth Truth full suspension bike and this bike climbs better than the famous Truth! I use the Truth on downhill and cross country, but for longer rides, I always take out my trustworthy Alite 3000, even on some downhills!
The bike weighs in at about 25 lbs. There is a lot of room for weight reduction. KHS uses Easton ultralight 7005 and the frame itself is less than 3 lbs!
I usually test ride bikes on single tracks. I tried many entry level hardtails (those recommended on MTBR forum -- the Rockhopper, Hardrock, and Trek 7800)and I like KHS the best. Its responsiveness gives me confidence. I could turn corners and hairpins quickly during downhill sessions. And during climbing, I get good traction and climbs like no other.
If you want to get into biking, I highly recommend this bike. It makes me love the sport and makes me a better rider. They are not many available anymore. If you can find them under $500, it is a steal!
Bike Setup: stock parts with Avid BB7 disc brakes and Shimano clipless
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Zach
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2003
Strengths: Frame geometry makes it great for climbing and it is a comfortable XC bike. For me, the geometry just 'feels' better to ride than most other bikes I've been on.
Weaknesses: Like many have said before - I believe that the RST disc brakes are hopeless. I haven't had a go at tuning them following the RST manual - will give it a shot - if that doesn't work, then they are gone...
Bottom Line:
I think this is a really great XC bike for mid-level riders who are into XC. For someone starting out in XC I think it's more than enough.
Similar Products Used: Hardtail Giant's and Avanti's.
Bike Setup: Added some clip-ins, changed the grips. Other than that, it's stock.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2002
Strengths: Light Frame, Strong fork. Can't beat the price.
Weaknesses: Brakes! They work sometimes, but the rotors are trash. The seat bent, the wheelset bent, the aluminum chainring bent. The pedals are no good.
Bottom Line:
I love the geometry of the bike. Its fast and light. The components aren't terrible, but lots of them are not good either. I would have loved to get the next year when they added the hydraulic discs. I am almost positive that you can't get this bike anymore, but it was a steal when it was available. Oh yeah, the frame is light, but the top tube and down tube are so thin-walled that I put some serious dents in them.
Similar Products Used: Diamondback Ascent EX, Giant Iguana(she was a fun old bike)Specialized Stumpjumper comp.
Bike Setup: At this point the frame, fork, stem, headset, bar and seatpost are stock. I added Avid mechanical discs, Mavic Crosslink disc wheelset, Specialized BG comp seat, Shimano 535 pedals, Truvativ Stylo Crankset(not good) and bigger Michelin and Continental tires. The Bottom bracket is still stock.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ahram Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA, USA
This bike is a great deal for someone starting out in the sport of MTB'ing. The frame is an Easton Ultralight 7005, which weighs in at around 3 lbs. The fork is also pretty decent for someone who doesn't weigh a lot (I top the scales at about 150lbs).
If, however, you're an avid MTB rider, you'll be disappointed by the bike's mediocre set of original components: The first parts I replaced were the RST disc brakes. They had absolutely no power even after weeks of riding, and I replaced them with the Shimano XT Disc brakes. Soon thereafter, I replaced the shifters and drive train (all XT--shifters, crank set, bottom bracket).
Since the bike is mostly silver-colored, the XT components, which are also silver, look pretty cool on it. With the addition of the silver-colored Thompson seat post and the same-colored seat post Q/R, my bike resembles some of the way-overpriced exotic car maker versions of MTB's.
With the most recent addition of my Shimano SPD-M959 clipless pedals, I'm able to tear up some major trails.
The only other addition I'm considering is a new wheel set. Although the Mavic X317's are some of the best disk rims out there, the fact that they're laced to some cheap spokes and even cheaper hubs is a major down-factor. And, since it costs as much as a new wheel set to replace the hubs and spokes including the labor, I'm considering just purchasing a complete new wheel set (black XT disc hubs laced to some 14G black spokes and black Mavic X223).
Overall, I give this bike (only the 2000 year model--the 2001 model's color is pukey-green--urgh) 4 chilis for value and 3 chilis for overall rating.
Bike Setup: Original KHs Alite 3000 with following replacements/upgrades:
XT Disc brakes XT front derailleur XT shifters XT crank set with XT bottom bracket Shimano SPD-M959 Silver Salsa Seat Post Q/R Thompson Ti Seat Post WTB Ti Seat XT Cassette Sram chain
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Peoria
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Strengths: light, proven quality equipment Shimano LT/XT, looks good in shiny aluminum
Weaknesses: Bike is extremely soft and flexible (had very stiff TREK steel frame w/o suspension before), pedals are low quality, brakes squeek and have fading, Marzocchi fork is not responsive and too flexible. However, it keeps the pressure
Bottom Line:
For MSRP too expensive, for around $750 good deal if your are a leisure weekend rider.Don't expect too much. If you want to ride hard and in competition don't buy it.
Similar Products Used: TREK 950(steel) and Dynamics (Al)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brad White
a Cross Country Rider
from Dover,Mass,USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Strengths: The price is so good for what you get. The z4 is very plush i can ride over big logs without feeling anything. The frame is very strong and light. Nothing has broken yet.
Weaknesses: I would say the breaks, their ok but sometimes they are a bit spungy.
Bottom Line:
If you can still find this bike off the net it is a great deal. Instead of buying the brand name bikes you can get a durable aluminum frame and great components. I have had no problems at all so far considering, the bike takes a lot of abuse. It is light and fast up the hill. And coming down the marzochii makes it feel like a freeride bike. If u want a cross crountry bike with great value buy it.
Submitted by
Peter Gibson
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002
Strengths: Nice fork, very sure-footed - a joy to ride when new. Great confidence builder.
Weaknesses: Some cheap, nasty componentry. But then for the price .. Rides like an old dog already. A bit on the heavy side.
Bottom Line:
KHS hubs have been very poor - both have already failed in a big way. Will probably have to be replaced with something much better. The armor hydraulics were excellent when new but hate the wet/mud - and are now terrible. Not sure what to do about them. Certainly not up to the job. Had a Giant CFM for 9 years with good old Deore componentry, although frame is pretty soggy and the bike is much the worse for wear, everything still works. Cannot see this one lasting anything like that - exactly the same riding conditions. My KHS is a great bike but let down by some quality/service issues. Cannot recommend for that reason.
Bike Setup: Standard but RST disc brakes replaced with Armor hydraulics
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart Lowndes
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001
Strengths: Well thought out package with first rate componentry at an extremely reasonable price. Best buy for the budget conscious.
Weaknesses: Largest chain ring from "Trushift" that came with the bike bent on the first thing I brushed. The boys at the LBS replaced that with a Shimano LX ring which has been super sturdy ever since.
Bottom Line:
Light, quick, strong and at an excellent price. Geometry is fantastic and my confidence and technical proficiency has gone through the roof ever since getting onboard. If your looking for your second bike and have fallin in love with the sport then take the next step buy an affordable bike that is a pleasure to use.
Similar Products Used: Ironhorse ARS 9000, racing hardtail
Bike Setup: As spec - with Grimeca s8 disc brakes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Dunn
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton, Ma, USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001
Strengths: PRICE!!
Weaknesses: the fork, I tried everything and it wont hold air, i put it to around 30 and 2 rides later it is at ZERO!! also he bottom bracket, i dont know if it is because i use it as a XC bike and a free rider but my BB SUX!! it makes all kinds of noises. also the tires aint to great, NO GRIP!! but I changed the BB and tires to new ones.
Bottom Line:
Some people complain about the brakes but they havent failed me. also i think its just cause ive taken a few nasty spills but i have a few deep gauges in my frame from crashind on pointy rocks and its still holding up (thats the next thing im replacing). I give it a 4 for overall because of the BB the fork and the tires.
Strengths: Everything so far....Brakes seem great!
Weaknesses: The fork? I weigh 250lbs. So how much air do I put in it 60psi. I think..(PLEASE E-MAIL ME IF U CAN HELP ME).Anyway it came with 30psi. and it sags like an inch just when I sit on it. I aired it up to 40psi. but the next day it was sagging again and I am a little worryed.
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Strengths: Frame (strong and light), very good components for the $.
Weaknesses: Everone says brakes; they feel a little soft, but once I got them set-up I haven't had any problem with them.
Bottom Line:
If you can still find a close-out 2000 model for around $700 (I believe supergo is sold out) it is a GREAT deal. Even if the brakes don't hold up, you can up-grade to top line mechanical disk brakes for about $100 a rim. Even considering this potential added cost, you can't beat this bike for the price. After lots of shopping around, a new comparable bike is $1,100+; at least in the Dallas market.
Favorite Trail: Cleborne State Park - outside loop
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At: supergo.com
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Darrell
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001
Strengths: Light! Your not gonna get a bike with these specs that's this light especially in this price range. Get one while they're still available. I hear mixed reviews about the Marzocchi Z.4's and I also hear that quality control on them ain't great, but hey maybe I got lucky, but my Z.4 is great, even the guys down at my local bike shop were impressed with it right out of the box.
Weaknesses: Uh..brakes? That's what everyone else said, I'll go along with the crowd. Actually, all I know is that after I got them calibrated according to the little book, they don't drag, they don't squeek, and when I squeeze the handle the bike stops. They are pretty spongy though. But the 2001 KHS has an MSRP of what? Like $1300? And if you get one of the 2000 leftovers now and pay $700, take the $600 dollar difference, buy new brakes, and either completely redecorate the rest of the bike with XT components or pretty much completely with XTR..Either way you can't loose on this one. One obvious weakness out of the box, no line guides for the disk brakes, you gotta time them down onto the fork and frame with ziplocks or wire or whatever..
Bottom Line:
For this price, you can't possibly go wrong. Get one while there's still some left. At this price you can plan a budget of $1300 - $1400 and come out with a bike that would cost $2000-$2400 off any showroom floor. For that matter, go find a same or similar spec'd aluminum hardtail on a showroom anywhere for less that $1200...I'm giving this bad boy deal 5 flamers..I'm taking one flamer away on the overall rating because I have a brand new bike with not a single scratch, but ziplocks on the chainstay and fork to hold down the break cable..I don't know how KHS missed that..
Similar Products Used: I *owned* a Haro..I borrowed and rode whatever my buddies would lend me..So I've used everything from low end no suspension grip shifts to high end GT's, Konas, Cannondale, and what have you.
Bike Setup: Stock setup from Supergo.com Full XTR front to back planned after summer if I can get a kitchen pass from my wife.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
PJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallamadge, OH
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001
Strengths: Great bike for the price. Wonderful bargin for the price. Super light weight.
Weaknesses: BRAKES BRAKES BRAKES BRAKES
Bottom Line:
get out and buy this bike before they are all gone. i cant believe the blow out price. you cant get a bike like this anywhere. better yet, for the money you save on this, you can get rid of that POS RTS disc brake. despite the brake, going to give this 5 flaming turd piles.
Bike Setup: stock, soon to be rid of the horrid rts disc brakes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Strengths: Weight, price.
Weaknesses: BRAKES, BRAKES, BRAKES, BRAKES, BRAKES, and pedals.
Bottom Line:
Great deal! You're not going to find another bike this light for $700.
The frame is great, and the drivetrain and shifters are very smooth.
The shock is OK. It absorbs the big stuff nicely, but is not very responsive. It will keep the front wheel on the ground, but doesn't respond quickly enough for small stuff.
I like the rims- very light. However, it makes me wonder how much of a beating they will take.
The pedals are obvously very cheap. They work, I suppose, but don't feel all that secure.
The major weakness of this bike is the brakes. They're absolutely wretched. It is my opinion that this bike is realistically unsafe until at least the front brake is replaced with something better. In addition, the cables are crappy and have lots of friction, so the action of the brakes is slow. This bike has disc brakes for the same reason that you see elastomer shocks on bikes at K-mart: to look cool. The stopping power of the front brake is totally inadequate for the type of riding the bike is intended for- if you do any hard riding, plan on replacing it!
Even if you add in the necessary cost of replacing the front brake, this bike is still a good deal. I hope you can still find one!
Submitted by
Daniel Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from Mobile, Al USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001
Strengths: Great frame...Light and great components. Looks good but the brakes aren't as bad as people say...at least I haven't experienced any problems. However, they are probably the cheapest part of the bike.
Weaknesses: maybe the brakes.
Bottom Line:
I have no complaints and have wrecked pretty hard a couple of times and nothings broken yet...
