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Submitted by
MIKE SACOSKY
a Cross Country Rider
from TROUTMAN NC
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ALL | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | MAIL ORDER | | Strengths: | PRICE,PLAIN LOOKS,LBS. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | MANY | | Bike Setup: | XTR,WHITE,KING. | | Bottom Line: | BEEN OWNER SINCE 99 IM NOT REALLY READY TO CHANGE. LIGHT, SIMPLE, AND FAST SO FAR. HOW LONG DO THEY LAST 5 YEARS AND GOING STRONG. FIND ONE FOR YOUR COLLECTION THE KIDS WILL LOVE IT WHEN YOU GIVE IT UP.THIS IS A TOUGH CLASSIC I WILL ALWAYS OWN, BUY IT YOU WILL LIKE IT! NOT FOR NAME BRAND PEOPLE THAT NEED THE EGO BOOST. RIDE FAST, RIDE LONG... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Modesto
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dry Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$155.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Light weight, beautiful silver color, forgiving ride, great for trail riding | | Weaknesses: | Flexy frame (especially at the bottom bracket area), frame flexed when I applied the rear brake, no rear disc brake mount | | Similar Products Used: | '02 Trek 4500, '03 Trek 8500, '03 Trek 8000, other Trek FS | | Bike Setup: | '03 Trek 8500 Full XT/XTR 22lb Trail Tamer | | Bottom Line: | I bought this 1999 frame from everyone's rave below and wasn't as impressed. Maybe the newer frames are better though. Keep in mind, I'm reviewing a '99 frame.
The frame is light, but racing uphills was compromised from the flexy bottom bracket, losing efficiency. I raced my friend up a short hill and he was right on my rear and actually told me to get out of his way. When I got my '03 Trek 8500 ZR9000 frame, he had no chance because the frame was so stiff.
It was the best looking bike I've ever owned (silver/black) and was the best trail bike I've had since it didn't beat me up so much (pro of being flexy). It had the perfect geometry (17"), light, but what keeps me from giving it a full 5 is the frame flex.
If you want a nice comfortable trail bike that can also haul, get this bike. However, I would not recommend it for racing. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Olivier
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa | | Strengths: | Cheap, looks nice, light, agile.
| | Weaknesses: | A little hard on the bum like any ultra stiff alu frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Various GT and Trek cromo and alu bikes | | Bike Setup: | XT except RaceFace cranks and FSA BB. XT hubs and Mavic FR519s. Manitou X-Vert Air '01. Egg-beaters. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome frame for the money. I built this lightweight, rock-solid hard-tail for the cost of a super-mediocre FS bike. It climbs and descends under my 215 pounds like no other hardtail I've ridden. No squeaks no fuss. No problems with BB height using the X-Vert and replacing the big ring with a bash guard (I rarely used it anyway and now there's so much less chain slop). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mathias
a Cross Country Rider
from NK-Rock-City, Saarland, Germany
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | EBay | | Strengths: | Everything. Super lightweight, cool lacquer finish, perfect geometry | | Weaknesses: | Lacquer isn't that resistant. | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bike Setup: | KHS Alite 4000, full XTR, XT crank, Bomber Z3 (soon:Skareb Super), Mavic X 517, Ritchey WCS, Kore, Flite TT, PD-M959,... | | Bottom Line: | This cool looking and perfect working bike is great. It's a lot of fun to ride it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Strengths: | Inexpensive, Very lightweight, Sharp yet not flashy paint job, Nice craftmanship for price. Agressive Geometry (02).
17" 2002 Frame = ~1430g. | | Weaknesses: | Low BB -- it is a CC frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper HT, Various Treks, Bianchis and Walmart Bikes. | | Bike Setup: | KHS Alite 4000, SID SL, Avid Ti, Spinergy Spox, XT and XTR, KORE, Ritchey | | Bottom Line: | Excellent Frameset for those on a budget looking for a fast CC ride. I gave a 4 Overall since a product in this price range isn't really competitive with the likes of litespeed and other high end frames. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Racer
from bflo, ny
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | alleghany state park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$189.00 | | Purchased At: | universalcycle | | Strengths: | light rear end, the frame has snap, nice non-descript paint job, price, frame material, tubing etc, lightweight, super comfortable ride. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | various mtb, road, cyclocross and bmx bikes made out of steel and aluminum. | | Bike Setup: | lesse, marzocchi bomber, asian made stem, seatpost and handle bar, odi lockjaws, sachs 8 speed drivetrain with gore rideon cables, xt crank, cassette and front derailleur, first generation LX v-brakes, lx rear derailleur, performance XT/mavic 517's, selle italia flite saddle, time atac pedals, sram chain, michelin comp s lights and torelli tubes. | | Bottom Line: | i bought this at universal as the xero flux, but you don't have to look to closely at the frame to see what it really is. after a year, i can say that this frame saves you the bother, weight, expense and complexity of a full suspension frame. it's got just enough give in back to give you control and comfort. a great frame at any price. appropriate for even elite racers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Riley
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Joseph, MO
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$105.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay Auctions | | Strengths: | Light, Light, Light. Isn't that enough! | | Weaknesses: | Very low bottom bracket (My only complaint) | | Similar Products Used: | GT timberline and rebound, Mongoose XR-350. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Mars, Full XT with XTR derailleurs, Hayes Disc on shimano XT hubs. | | Bottom Line: | For the price I stole this bike, and now its the bomb with the help of some top notch components. Its everything a person needs in a bike with out showing who has more money to spend. This bike is a must for all levels of riders. Everyone should buy one, Thanks KHS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AndyMan
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Valley NJ USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | High Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$312.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Crazy light, sexy paint job, low BB shell for low center of gravity, CHEAP!! | | Weaknesses: | The sticker on my chainstay keeps peeling off, it sucks cuz it looks really cool. | | Similar Products Used: | GT tequesta, specialized s-works metal matrix something. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi x-fly 100(sick fork), XT everywhere, mavic 517's. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rips!!! Buy one if you can get your hands on it!! I recommend it for anyone who wants a light, responsive, and beautiful bike. I'm gonna start racing it soon and I can't wait to tear it up. Later KHS fans! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from middletown, ct. usa
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | middlesex/cockaponset | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$312.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | value, looks, weight savings, value. 2001 model white frame with red graphics | | Weaknesses: | none as of yet | | Similar Products Used: | trek 7000, airborne corsair | | Bike Setup: | xt, rocket shortys, xtr/mavic517, duke xc, rockshok seat post | | Bottom Line: | had specialized rockhopper ritchey ed nitanium frame loved the bike, but wanted to shed some wgt. saw frame on sale, checked reviews on mtbr, shelled out the $312. i now have a 23.5# sweatheart. bike is everything i was hoping for. i feel like i just got a new girlfreind, i just jump on it and ride everychance i can. i would recommend as a upgrade to anyone. wgt and climbing ability inspire! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daldog Rayong
a Cross Country Rider
from Rayong , Thailand
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | White/red | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Thailand | | Strengths: | Low Price with Good Material Spec ( Ultralight - Easton ) | | Weaknesses: | Not / Someone say Not from USA. but , In my opinion all well known brand are made from Taiwan and sticker in USA. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaska | | Bike Setup: | XT , XTR , Mavic Rim 517, Judy Race 2000 | | Bottom Line: | Good Quality Frame in acceptale price , You can find in Bottom Bracket thread machining also finishing color , Suitable for Beginner to Racer ,
But Comment to MFG. Ultralight Spec. Should be specified what grade of Aluminiun 6xxx or 7xxx for buyer decision | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lane
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | BlueJay | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Strengths: | Stiff, very light (3.0 lbs), excellent geometry, Easton tubing. | | Weaknesses: | Can't think of any. | | Similar Products Used: | Lightspeed titanium (before they started naming them) | | Bike Setup: | Mars C1, XT throughout, Mavic rims | | Bottom Line: | An incredible value. In overall satisfaction, it ranks with frames costing many times more. A great frame for someone who does primarily cross country and enjoys high-performance climbing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared Ashton
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, CA USA!
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | widowmaker | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Boutique | | Strengths: | Stiff, super-light, original, responsive | | Weaknesses: | none as of now | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6500 aluminum | | Bike Setup: | rockshox judy long travel, deore XT components, sun lite O degree rims | | Bottom Line: | This frame is the best money can buy at this point! I shopped around but am glad to have chosen this one! BUY BUY BUY! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, VA, US
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | One of the best kept secrets in MTB. This a great frame, at a great price. Very light weight (my bike is a few pounds heavy-Judy XC). On trail the bike is very responsive and climbs like a champ, but them rips on the downhill. I also ride in the city (D.C.) a lot, bike is awesome for dipping in traffic, hopping curbs, riding stairs, and escaping the bumper of cabs. Also great know that you are not going to see 20 bikes just like yours on a ride. | | Weaknesses: | Still looking | | Bike Setup: | XT Mega Nine, Judy-XC, Easton handle bar and seat post, Selle Italia Flite Saddle, Mavic CrossLink(f) CrossRide(r) rims and hubs, Michelin WildGrippers | | Bottom Line: | Very simply put: BUY ONE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from alexandria, va, us
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | universal cycles | | Strengths: | light weight, stiff, good paint, responsive handling, the mountian goat of frames. | | Weaknesses: | it doesn't like fast rocky desent but what does. | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first good hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | xt lx group, ct-2 handle bar, Psylo race fork(very nice). | | Bottom Line: | this frame is able to be ridden with the best of the frames.
so fare it hasn't broke(i weight 210 lb).
i'm able to ride up almost any hill on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steen Wallin
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalmar, Sweden
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | tight trails allover in Sweden | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Purchased At: | Adels Cykel, Kalmar | | Strengths: | Low price, acc. like a F-1 car, stiff, turns quickly, a great climber, cool colors (my wife likes it) | | Weaknesses: | If you don´t like the stiffness in the frame, get a susp.
seatpost. | | Similar Products Used: | I´ve tryed a Merida Matts once, but no..... | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SR-X fork, SRAM 5.0 fr/rear, Tektro v-brakes, Sun
CR-18 rims with XTR hubs, XT cranks and Bontrager saddle | | Bottom Line: | A great bike to handle in hard terrain. I don´t think you
can find more bike for this price. I like the color - gold
and black, cool looki´n! It´s not so difficult to get a
lightweightbike with this frame, my bike weight is 11.2 kg.
Not bad for a "amateurequipped" bike. This bike works great for a "warrior" like me, but I think it would work well even for a serious xc-biker with raceambitions. I can´t say that I miss my old bike, an Univega 550 Alpina..., and that was a "goodie". The four flames - because my "economy" bike
set up.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adidasbiker
a Racer
from Wdld., Ca.
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Small trail near Sugar Pine Point, Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Main Street Cyclery | | Strengths: | This frame is light and good for racing; it has nice graphics and the Easton tubing give the frame the added umph it needs to be great. | | Weaknesses: | I had noticed a creaking when sprinting or climbing hills. The solution is this: 1.Grease BB axel 2.Tighten crank arms 3.Tighten BB. My problem was the BB. Tighten it WELL. Otherwise, great frame. Oh, you might want to get a brake booster with V-Brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Hilltopper SX, Huffy crap, Cannondale F500, Diamondback Zetec Comp, Diamondback V-Link, Klein. | | Bike Setup: | KHS Alite 4000 frame, KORE, Titec, Manitou MRD Ti, XT & XTR. | | Bottom Line: | Sick. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID USA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in the foothills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | World Cycle (Boise) | | Strengths: | Well considering I've had this frame since May of 1996, yes that long I must really like it. I love riding a hardtail for the amount that I like to climb. It is a light frame and it does take a beating. It's time for me to upgrade components though considering I have still all the components Tom and his crew at World cycle put on it back in 1996. I have replace the brakes and a few cables though. | | Weaknesses: | Frame creaks a little once in a while on a hard uphill, but that's almost to be expected with an aluminum frame and my bottom bracket needs to be replaced. | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy (something blue, 10 speed)
Giant Butte (white with blue writing) Cro-Moly, heavy
| | Bike Setup: | Presently have a Quadra 21 R rock shox
Aheadset (which I like, smooth)
Shimano Deore XT front and rear
I'm not sure what the bottom braket is, nor the hubs probably Shimano too
| | Bottom Line: | Very good frame and durable for those that like hardtails and those that like to climb (like me)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Art Castro
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena,Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown Mt./El Prieto loop | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Easton Elan tubing is super light! 15" frame 2.8lbs
climbs like a rocket
very responsive | | Weaknesses: | Harsh, superstiff on those epic rides. | | Similar Products Used: | Foes LTS,Mantis ProFloater, Merlin Ti, Haro Extreme, many more | | Bike Setup: | Mars C, ESP 9.0sl, Cooks cranks, Nuke Proof SuperFly wheelset, Easton carbon seatpost, Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | If you can find one of these frames, jump on it. You can't beat the quality. My complete bike is 22lbs even!!! Its' a screaming climber. I work at a bikeshop, and can get just about any hardtail I want... I picked this one and I don't even sell them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Racer
from Woodland, CA.
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mr. Toad's Wild Ride | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Super light, strong, cheap price, great climbing, looks cool; did I mention light? | | Weaknesses: | Hahahahahahaha | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Hilltopper SX, Diamondback V-Link, Cannondale, Diamondback Zetec. | | Bike Setup: | LX/XT, good old Mag21SL Ti, KORE, Kenda, and mighty spiffy Answer things. | | Bottom Line: | This frame is an amazing peace of work. I'm almost afraid to ride it because of its genious tube work. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joland
a Weekend Warrior
from Mendoza, Argentina
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Cerro Otto, Bariloche | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | light weight, super strong | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | GT Karakoram and Zaskar | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z1, XTR, Mavic 517, Kore | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike, it takes me everywhere, I´ve raced and I can't say anything bad about it. It's a '96 model (Easton Elan 3.3) and is much lighter than the '98 GT Zaskar that I had for a while. A good price (in the US), and an excelent frame for XC racing | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ethan
a Racer
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
downtown | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
it is damn light, and very stiff. i use it for trials and it has held up better than my two previous GT's : basically it kicks ass | | Weaknesses: |
NONE!! | | Similar Products Used: |
GT : Zaskar
Avalanche | | Bike Setup: |
Z2 atombomb, sun rims, XT setup, bontrager riser, control tech seat post, wtb saddle, etc | | Bottom Line: | BUY THE DAMN THING: trust me | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Olson
a Racer
from San Mateo, CA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Light, stiff, affordable, excellent geomtery | | Bottom Line: | I got this frame because of the quality/price factor, and the fact that I saw so many racers using this frame. I had never ridden KHS before, but I can honestly say that for a racer on a budget, this is the frame to get. You'll have money left over to get the parts spec you want, and then pay your race fees, and then go eat. If you're considering buying this frame, don't be such a wimp, just go get it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jjohn
a Weekend Warrior
from reno,nv
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
my driveway | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
it's pretty | | Weaknesses: |
myself | | Similar Products Used: |
huffy | | Bottom Line: | OOOHHHHHH | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oz
a Racer
from Bristol,CT
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The North East | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The 4 key elements, light,stiff,stong,and a real bargain! | | Weaknesses: |
There is no weakness with perfection. | | Similar Products Used: |
You name it, I have ridden it. | | Bike Setup: |
Shimano XTR,RockShox SID ,Mavic Crossmax, Titec parts,Flite gel ti, Michelin Comp S | | Bottom Line: | If you are a strong,agressive rider who wants predictable handling, and want the most frame for your hard earned buck, BUY IT ! Besides you will have left over cash for all the dope parts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G.I.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Diamond Bar, Ca.
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
El Prieto / Arroyo Seco | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Awesome paint and very light. | | Weaknesses: |
Are you kidding???? | | Similar Products Used: |
DBR WCF 6.0 Diamond Back, GT Avalanche. | | Bike Setup: |
Alite 4000, Rock Shock Judy SL, XT components and Bontrager Valiant wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | This frame rocks. I love the color and not very many of them out there. It is what you would call a FREE AGENT bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross-Country Rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
light, good price, stiff, responsive | | Weaknesses: |
yeah right | | Similar Products Used: |
khs, specialized, kona | | Bike Setup: |
alite 4000
judy xc | | Bottom Line: | haven't ridden it much yet but seems awesome so far, will update when ridden more | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Magnus J
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light, low price, race ready. | | Weaknesses: |
Non so far. | | Similar Products Used: |
Both steel and carbon MTBs. | | Bike Setup: |
MZ Bomber Z2, XTR group, Hope hubs, IRC Mythos xc tires. | | Bottom Line: | Light race frame that works for a low price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KURT FINNERY
a Cross-Country Rider
from BAKERSFIELD, CA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
MILL CREEK | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
LIGHT 3LBS @ 19
GREAT CLIMBER
PRICE | | Weaknesses: |
CRAZY CABLE ROUTING | | Similar Products Used: |
KLEIN ATTITUDE
CANNONDALE CAAD3
SPECIALIZED | | Bike Setup: |
FULL XTR,SID,EASTON CARBON HANDLEBAR & SEATPOST...... | | Bottom Line: | GREAT ALL AROUND XC FRAME.....REASONABLY PRICED.. | | Overall Rating: |
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