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Submitted by
GT
a Weekend Warrior
from Long IslandDate Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Strengths: I'm not a small guy and have bent many a wheel and frame. I was looking for a strong, comfortable mtn bike to use on the pot hole strewn streets of NYC and "bumpy" charity rides. I considered a "hybrid" but wanted a bike that I could easily switch tires and happily hit street or trail.
I have found it.Weaknesses: Steel frame is slightly heavier and more flexible than aluminum. When you spend hours in the saddle, the weight becomes unnoticeable and the virtues of steel become more apparent (that's a good thing!).Bottom Line: Winning best bike under 800.00 in Mtb. Bike Magazine last year intrigued me. When I was finally able to test it, I knew it was for me. Add the discounted price I paid for it into the equation and you have a winner.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$649.00
Purchased At: bicycleblowout.com
Similar Products Used: Trek 8000, Trek 7700, GT Avalanche.
Bike Setup: Specialized, Armadillo 100 psi road tires. 2.5" Azonic riser bars.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading, Pa, USADate Reviewed: January 5, 2003
Strengths: chrome-moly frame, softer ride without pedal bobbing, good component group, tripple pocket rims, 25 yr. frame warrantyWeaknesses: non-replacable rear derailer, a little heavier than others, there are no dealers in my countyBottom Line: This is my 1st mountain bike. I have some knowledge from my bmx days (20yrs ago). I was really looking to spend $400 - $500 and was more concerned with finding a bike hold up to a 190lb guy doing some light to moderate trail riding. I tried a lot of bikes and after some confusion and changing my mind several times I figured I would start with a good frame and fork combination and could always change components from there. I initially looked at full suspension for comfort but I believe the bikes available in this price range would only take from my riding enjoyment (they'll fall apart under my weight, probably miles from civilization). This led me to the list of hardtails above. All are nice bikes with different components. Some 24 and some 27 speed. Some 5 year and some lifetime frame warranty, and they all fit a little different.
I came accross the KHS not knowing anything about it. I rode it off curbs while seated and noticed the softer ride. Under firm pedalling the only bob is from the fork shock. The only movable components in the rear are internal to the shock. It's very firm and only moves 1". I believe by design the rear of a soft tail has to be either chrome-moly or titanium to allow the flex in the chain stays necessary for shock absorbtion. The 2003 model will have an alluminum front triangle to lighten it. This change is reflected in the MSRP.
This bike weighs 29.6lbs (cromo is a little heavier than Al) on my new scale, probably 1-2lbs more than the others (pedals and all). I was concerned about this but figure I'm going to load it with a couple water bottles, tools and a pump so what's the point.
After riding it I went home to do some research. One of the mountain bike mags rated it bike of the year under $800. KHS has been around since the 70s. Other than the derailer hanger and the weight of the cromo the only thing against it is that the company is not well known around here. If I was buying it to sell it this might concern me.
Bike of the year under $800 - if you can get it for the price I did and you don't mind adding an extra pound to get a softer ride then hook yourself up.
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At: Padi's Toms River, NJ
Similar Products Used: giant iguanna, cannondale F300, specialized rockhopper, gf tassajara, trek 4900, haro v3, diamondback topeka, rocky mountain fusion
Bike Setup: all stock - judy sl, deore lx (RD), deore (FD), avid brakes.
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Submitted by
Max
a Cross Country Rider
from MSDate Reviewed: November 10, 2002
Strengths: - softtail suspension takes sting out
- plush & adjustable fork
- a reasonable dirt-worthy parts mix
- little details: seatpost QR, removable faceplate stem, Panaracer Fire XC tires, good overall lookWeaknesses: - not *quite* full suspension
- a little heavy for what it is
- cheesy KMC chain occasionally drops off outside of big ringBottom Line: A good all-around bike. The suspension helps a lot where I ride in Desoto N.F. A little heavy for racing, but not too heavy to enjoy. Good saddle design (WTB Rocket V). The shifting is the usual Shimano complete-group perfect.
Favorite Trail: Couch
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Purchased At: Bicycle Michael's in New Orleans
Similar Products Used: GT Zaskar (24" wheel version)
Bike Setup: stock with BMX flats
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Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from OlympiaDate Reviewed: October 29, 2002
Strengths: The suspension is very good. I was worried about the design of the rear suspension but it has been great. It is a relatively light bike, easy to handle and great for the price.Weaknesses: The wheels that came stock did not last long, I had to replace them within a few months. Everything else has held up pretty well.Bottom Line: Great bike for the money. I have upgraded a few things anlong the way. I ride at least five days a week and it has held ud well except fort the wheels. I reccomend it for a crss country rider, probably not as good for a lot of hard downhill riding. I am a 6'6 and had trouble finding a bike to fit, the XL frame was a great fit.
Favorite Trail: Capitol Forrest
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$849.00
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Reviews 1 - 4 (4 Reviews Total)
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