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Submitted by
dan nichol
a Weekend Warrior
from butler pa
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa | | Strengths: | Like the single pivot easy to mantain | | Weaknesses: | Broke the first frame after approximatly 7 months of usage. Broke the second frame after approximatly 2 months of usage. The frames broke in the exact locations. The location is on the down tube pivot shaft mounting welds on the chain ring side. | | Bottom Line: | Junk inferior welds! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CorMan
a
from Wildwood, IL
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | good suspension design, great price | | Weaknesses: | UUUUMMMM. After two years I snapped the frame, but KHS sent me out an upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Im pretty hard on my stuff, but the frame welds should have held. The company stepped up and upgraded my frame so overall i have to say KHS rocks! By the way, i weigh 245 and ride like a friggin beast! If your one of those light weight pint sized pros, you'll never have a problem | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a
from Mesa, AZ
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | used w/ all components included | | Strengths: | Good feel, comfortable. Shock performs well. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | '99 Specialized FSR(glorified pogo stick) | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black Platinum IT fork, XT and LX components, Hayes mech disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | This frame is really comfortable, and I didn't experience any pedal bob. The shock withstood my rather large body without any problems. The welds are good and strong, as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie,PA USA
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$289.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Bike Setup: | since the las post i placed, I broke some parts and ended up putting a LX rear and front derailer on my KHS XC504. | | Bottom Line: | It does have a little twist when you get on it hard in the uphill climbs and a little when you pound it out down hill.
I still haven't riden it very much this season but I'm planning on some winter riding so we'll see Iguess. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie, PA USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$289.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | So far, Cool Looks, affordability | | Weaknesses: | apparently from others saying bad welds? but for me, i'm in germany and mine is in the states, damned army! | | Similar Products Used: | Stevens 552 comp ( a german company ) trek bikes of various types and models | | Bike Setup: | the original bas rear shock for now, a FSA headset ( orbit II ) , manitou black elite fork 120mm, azonic shorty delux stem the longer one ,azonic ultra cross bars, azonic hotseat, azonic seat post, hayes hmx1 disc ( to save some weight ) , shimano xtr dual control levers, shimano 646 clipless pedals, a sram 9 spd chain, sram X0 front derailer,a sram plasma dirt derailer ( running low on funds ) , sun power tools sun freeride wheelset from wheel world with pnaracer megablaster tires deore gears etc etc, a FSA mega EXO crankset, and a disc adapted for the rear disc to mount to the frame. | | Bottom Line: | I still haven't built it yet as i am still in the army for a lil bit longer against my own will, ( damned stop loss ), but when i get home and get it up and running i will updaye this a bit and have more info on it and my crazy freeride setup on it, i just hope i don't break it!
just for the curious, i have spent somewhere in th area of 1500 - 1700 dollars on this thing and will probably add more later? | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cody Salo
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bangtail Ridge, Truman Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Cheap...super cheap if you got one later than I did. Good, basic design with low maintenance. I'm partial to single pivot FS frames because of their simplicity, but there are pros and cons. I have really enjoyed the frame thus far. | | Weaknesses: | There is a slight amount of lateral play in the swingarm/pivot location because of the design, but not enough for me to care about it. The frame is slightly heavy, but I built mine up with reasonable parts and got down around 25.5 lbs or so. Also, the cable routing leaves a bit to be desired. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first FS frame, but I've ridden Jekylls, GT I-Drives, and various others. | | Bike Setup: | Noleen Mega Air fork (3.1 lbs and 4 inches), Cane Creek AD shock (aftermarket), XT drivetrain, Avid mechanicals, Sette controls, Shimano hubs w/ Mavic 223's, other basic stuff. Switching to the Cane Creek shock makes a big difference. The suspension has an inherent rising rate and the RS Bar shock doesn't help the problem. A large volume air shock such as a Cane Creek has a much more linear spring rate. I suggest picking one up on Ebay for cheap...it transforms the suspension. | | Bottom Line: | Super value, good XC performer. Don't expect to freeride with this frame, but do expect a comfy affordable XC machine. I gave it a 4 chilis overall due to the weight and cable routing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott gregory
a Cross Country Rider
from freidberg, germany
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all in n.c. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson usa (frame only) | | Strengths: | the weight is the first thing i noticed, the way it's set up it weighs 29.9 lbs. that's pretty good for a dual susser. secondly is the travel, i'm getting major air on log hops and my 218lb. butt hasn't bottomed it out yet | | Weaknesses: | had to send the rok shok bar back to shock therapy before even riding it. but they sent me back a brand new 04. works for me. notice a very little frame sway at the pivot point on hard climbs but nothing big. | | Bike Setup: | xt cranks, rear derailer and chain, sunrim disc rims, avid mech. disc brakes, lx shifters and front derailer, 03 manitou black sport fork, bontreger race stem, time clipless pedals, panaracer tires. | | Bottom Line: | after having 2 hardtails i decided it was time to change over to the smoother side. this being my first dual susser and assembling it all myself, i'm extremely impressd. i purchased it from jeson usa as an oe frame for $300. how could you go wrong with that. the bike just flowes along the trails and is even way smooth on downhills. i weigh about 218 lbs. and took this baby off some desent drops and still havn't bottomed out either shock. havn't noticed any real "bob either" just play with the rebound on the bar and it's all good. definatley an awesome bike for the price!!! 5 flamin chili's! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jon
a Cross Country Rider
from reston, va
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa | | Strengths: | Price! Disc brakes, shocks, decent weight for price range. | | Weaknesses: | weight, mostly. ~31 pounds. | | Similar Products Used: | gf sugar, my old rigid gf marlin | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | absolutely excellent for the price. i managed to pick the last one up from jensonusa.com and man am i pleased. the hayes mechs exceed my expectations based upon the reviews on mtbr. overall an excellent f/s setup for the price point. unbeatable value. pick one of these up if you want an intro level cross country f/s bike for under 800 bucks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a
from grand junction co usa
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | not telling | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$318.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson.com | | Strengths: | the strengths of this bike are in its cost and design. | | Weaknesses: | however....
the frame broke | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | bicycle you pedal down hills | | Bottom Line: | i bought a cheap frame and it broke. if you are above 150lbs i would stay off this bike unless your only going to ride it on dirt roads. the riding i do is technical but i dont hit big drops thankfully or i might have gotten hurt on this bike. i am in the process of finding out about the khs warranty. hope they at least treat me right with this. will this keep updated. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a
from the valley
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | Nice geometry, rides pretty well, good f/r balance. Light and fun for the price! | | Weaknesses: | Cracked it at the pivot. | | Bottom Line: | My experience with this frame is why I don't submit a review immediately upon receiving a product. Most products are great for a few months. This thing cracked right at the spot that I figured it would when I first got it. I rode it about 70 miles a week, mostly off road and I weigh about 180, if you fit that description, find another bargain frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, oh USA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$289.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson usa | | Strengths: | Great Price, Solid welds, 7000 series alluminum. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing yet! | | Similar Products Used: | First soft-tail | | Bike Setup: | XT drivetrain, IRC teflon cassette, rynolyte rims on lx hubs, monkey lite bars with avid shifters and brakes. | | Bottom Line: | So far this bike is a total bargain! I bought the frame from Jenson ($289) b/c my Specialized Rockhopper had a defective frame, so I had my rockhopper warranted for a new frame and purchased the KHS frame. Now I have a Hardtail frame and a complete fully. The KHS handles great and has been really plush on a couple of urban drops around OSU campus. I would recommend this bike to everyone, the price is right and the bike is all around solid buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Carr
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR, Deschutes
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Berma Grade USA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Century Cycles | | Strengths: | Rigidity of rear suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. | | Bottom Line: | I purchased the bike on August 1, 2003 and broke my frame on March 23, 2004 just above the bottom bracket weld. Memory serves that it started cracking days before, I just hadnt noticed until I almost tore the bike in half. Im 6 foot 1 and 217 pounds...and although most of all my strength is in my massive legs, Im surprised it didnt hold up any longer. I ride everyday...to work, for recreation, and I dislike driving places (Id rather be "free"). Im not too pleased, until my new frame arrive, Im still without a bike. The thing that bites is that the Pilot SL front fork on it blew a gasket on the day-of purchase...I was loaned a fork fromt he bike shop but ROCK SHOX took 5 months to process my warrenty. Not at all pleased. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Second Hand | | Strengths: | Rear suspension works well and doesn't bob, cheap! | | Weaknesses: | strength of welds, flex, weight (if we want to get picky!) | | Similar Products Used: | Various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Psylo race forks, XTR cranks, XT almost everything else | | Bottom Line: | I built this bike up from a frame I picked up S/H, and it worked well for a while. I noticed some cracks in the welds near the pivot and in the rear swingarm, which weren't there when I bought it. I'm pretty heavy (200lb) and do XC racing, but nothing more extreme then that, it shouldn't have cracked! Bit the bullit and ended up getting the frame fixed and reinforced, and has worked well since. Owners should make sure the shock bolts are very tight, if not the frame flexes side to side considerably when pedaling hard. It still flexes a bit, something inherent in single pivot designs, but it's OK. I'm using the 5" travel psylo front fork (lockout essential on this fork!), which makes it heaps more comfortable to do some hairier downhills on. I found for me, 4" or less travel makes it a little unstable on the steeper descents. If you are buying one of these frames, make sure you get the shock with the pos and neg air chambers, it allows you to nearly get rid of all bob with correct air pressures. The rear derailleur cable routing sucks, had trouble with ghost shifting when hitting bumps. Fixed this by routing the cable along the downtube and past the pivot point where it doesn't move much. I have the bike setup just how I want it now, the only reason I can see for an upgrade is to get a lighter frame, something like the Giant NRS or Specialized Epic is about a pound lighter. Would give 5 chillis, but lose one for weak welds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Sancho
a
from Sacramento, California
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Great Value, bang for buck. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing I didn't like. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 10, K2 857 | | Bike Setup: | XT Derailer w/ Deore shifters, Rock Shox Pilot SL front and Bar rear. Hayes HFX9 Hydros | | Bottom Line: | I bought this from Jenson and upgraded w/ Hydros and 36 spoke wheels. I'm 6'1 and 220 lbs, and this bike was great. I rode the Liquid and felt this bike was comparable in performance at 1/2 the price. You can't match the performance given for the price paid. Excellent climber and awesome on descents. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Creech
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | St. Edwards | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | EBay | | Strengths: | Level of components for price, number of amenities (disc brakes, full suspension, relatively light weight). | | Weaknesses: | Front fork a little squishy, an adjustment for a long-time hard tail rider | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper (c. 1987), Mongoose Alta (1996?) | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Wellgo MP clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!!!! I was in the market for a hardtail with front susp. and was close to buying Giant Rainier. Never thought a full suspension bike would be stiff enough for commuting to work and single track riding but there is no bob from rear shock. In fact, the only noticeable bob came from the front shock which seemed squishy compared to hard tail front suspension setups. Likely reason is this bike is made for more hardcore trail riding.
I've only ridden this thing for a little while and I will post again in the summer after I've had a chance to go off road with it a little more but so far, very nice! The bike feels very solid, very smooth and the weight is similar to the hardtails I was shopping for. I can't tell the difference in weight but I can in comfort. WOW! For the money, go with this and know you got a steal.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PK
a
from St. Paul
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa (frame only) | | Strengths: | Price, single pivot design, looks, price. | | Weaknesses: | cable routing is no good. | | Similar Products Used: | RM DHPro, K2 RazorBack | | Bike Setup: | Psylo XC, Avid discs, Mixed XT/SRAM drive train, rhyno-lite rims w/ 2.3" Fire DH Pros. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike. You can build up what would be a $1.5k-$1.7k complete bike for $500 less using this frame and parts off the internet. Aluminum is aluminum, the only thing that matters is the welds. The ones on mine look pretty clean and well done, so far they are holding up good. $crew paying $500 extra for the same piece of metal with a big name on it. The single pivot is simple and bob ain't a prob.
I use it for hard XC riding and light urban free-riding. With the psylo I get 5"F/4"R travel. Do sm-med drops and jumps with no ill-effects. Kicks-booty for rallying XC trails with trials sections, drops, rocks, & long DH sections.
4 flamin chili's because the cable routing is for a bottom pull F-derailluer, they had plenty of clearance for a top pull....slackers.
O-yeah....it looks pretty bad-A too.
If you want a Heavy XC/Light Freeride bike with more than 3" of travel, and wanna have money to buy good parts and good beer afterwards, consider this frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Marseilles, France
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | streakX, french KhS dealer | | Strengths: | mechanical simplicity and price. A good design, a good rear shock (SID bar) with a large range of adjustment. | | Weaknesses: | a lake of rigidity near the crank set. | | Similar Products Used: | Commencal Pasta power, Specialized Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Xt, Marzocchi Z1 Wedge, Avid brakes, Planet X accessories. | | Bottom Line: | A good bike for riding hard guys (hard X country, light freeride). Easy in downhill like in climbing. You can jump without thinking. No pumping effect if you correctly adjust the pressure in the rear shock. This bike give me the power for a endless riding because of its geometry. With the Spring, I hope to enjoy it more and more.
Enjoy your ride. Enjoy your life. And Peace on your families. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Davao City, Philippines
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | YKK Trading | | Strengths: | Cool looks, single pivot system, stiff & compliant!! | | Weaknesses: | A little bit on the heavy side but for the price its good enough! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS team | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Psylo SL, Cane creek headset, Shimano LX wheelset, Hutchinson tires, Shimano LX components | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line... THIS BIKE LOOKS COOL!! its a bit on the porky side but as i said before.. for the price its good enough!! climbing and descending is so good that you want more!! im just practically satified with this bike.. good value with the components i got!! rides so well that i will recommend this bike to my friends but as if i want to share my bliss riding this bike!! =) ride safe everyone!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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