With 6.5 inches of rear axle travel and a heavily-fortified monocoque chassis, Khyber screams its intent – this all-mountain Mongoose is ready to kick ass. Named after Whistler’s epic Khyber Pass, the Khyber was designed as an “up/down” bike. With an efficient FreeDrive suspension system and a heavy-duty frame, the Khybers are almost as much fun going up as it is coming back down.
Both Khybers are spec’d with Marzocchi air suspension, SRAM two-ring drivetrains and thru-axle forks.
Khyber Elite
FRAME: New Mongoose FreeDrive All Mountain/Freeride 6061 Aluminum w/ Patented Floating BB, Disc Mount, Adjustable (165mm) Travel FORK/SHOCK: Marzocchi 55 TST2 w/ Air Spring, 160mm Travel, Rebound, Compression & Preload Adjust, 20mm Tool-Free Thru Axle; Marzocchi ROCO Air R Piggy Back w/ Rebound Adjust DRIVETRAIN: SRAM X-7 Rear & Shimano Deore Front Derailleurs; SRAM X-7 Trigger Shifters; FSA Moto X 24/36t Crankset w/ Bashguard & External Bearings; MRP Long Range Patrol Dual Ring Chain Keeper BRAKES: Hayes Stroker Trail Hydraulic Disc w/ 180mm F & 160mm R Rotors WHEELS: WTB Dual Duty Rims w/ Mongoose 20mm Thru Axle Front & Shimano Rear Disc Hubs, Kenda Nevegal DTC 2.35” Folding Bead Tires COCKPIT: Funn 31.8mm Riser Bar & Rippa Stem, Mongoose 2014 Alloy Post & WTB Pure V Race Saddle MSRP $1899
Submitted by
jivehoneyjive
a Downhiller
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: July 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Innerleithen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Killer deal
Strengths:
Excellent handling, great spec for price, very clever suspension system with great pedalling and plush action.
Weaknesses:
Pivot bolts are a crap design- not enough penetration of threaded part, means a hollow tube is all that is holding the bike together- guaranteed to bend- easy enough fix in itself, but better dealt with under warranty, MORE IMPORTANTLY: Bearings for bb link are not up to the job and disintegrate, damaging frame in process... check yours now, before its too late.
Similar Products Used:
Orange Patriot, Santa Cruz Bullit.
Bike Setup:
Stock apart from single ring + chain device and a shorter stem.
Bottom Line:
Great while it lasted, with excellent characteristics overall- however, due to serious design flaws, unless I'm lucky with warranty, my frame may be headed for the bin- despite not being used all that much and being dotingly maintained. I had the usual problems with the 55s, but this was sorted under warranty and they are now a sweet fork... no marks subtracted for this; will update if warranty
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buzzard
a Downhiller
from Ridgecrest, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Boondocks @ Northstar
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
-very nice rear suspension,
-brakes are fantastic,
-climbing ability does not seem to match the weight,
-strong frame, no noodliness,
-slackish head angle and wide bars make it very stable
-say what you like about this new Chinese 'Zoke stuff, but the forks still seem to have superb Italian damping (if you get a good pair)
-rear shock is great
Weaknesses:
-the rear end has a 135mm quick release that kind of worries me on the big stuff
-slight frame flex in the rear suspension
-it needs bigger brake rotors for newb-status dh-ers (somewhat like myself) who use them a lot
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Warrior, Spec. Enduro, Giant Faith (amazing!)
Bike Setup:
stock except for some customized flat pedals (dremel tooled the pins)
Bottom Line:
This is one hell of a do it all bike. The suspension design has minimal pedal bob and masks the weight (37.5 lbs) well.
The forks have had a bit of a travel issue a couple of times. this is because there is too much oil in the damper shaft. This can be fixed by removing all the air from the left chamber, taking both top caps off, then take the damper-side top cap off the damper shaft and screw it back in about a full turn. (use an inner tube to grip the damper shaft). push the damper shaft down all the way, causing the excess oil to seep out of the shaft.
the rear suspension seems to have excellent small and square edge bump absorbency, plus good bottoming resistance.
the only things i would change about it would be to put dual 8-inch rotors on it, and have Marzocchi move back to Italy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
anthony
a Cross Country Rider
from mackinac Is. MI USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
tranquil bluff trail, Mackinac Is.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Mackinac Wheels
Strengths:
stops great, comfortabl eride on minor trails and shoch absorbs alot on tougher trails. easy ajust everything (shock,fork,brakes ect.) overall great partas for the price
Weaknesses:
none found exept for the roco shock leaked air but is getting replaced
Similar Products Used:
none really. only other bikes owned were cheap wallmart bikes like huffy and schwinn
Bottom Line:
i would really recomend to people who want to get better but dont want to go overboard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris_benson_UK
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Golspie
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$949.00
Purchased At:
winstanleys
Strengths:
Fanatastic frame with good beefy welds! the geometry is spot on, and the ride is a very stable platform - point it downhill and off you go!... so far ive ridden everything from reds, blacks, and yellow/orange runs up in scotland - dowhhill/xc/northshore - it takes the lot and is smooth and as comfortable as the sofa to ride home on! Even had a bash at the bike park the other day! suspension is smooth and buttery and lets you concentrate on your lines gettin the most out of ur ride!
Weaknesses:
Its heavy - and even more so now, but what goes up... :) the hayes have gone straight onto my rigid hardtail - never used them on the khyber, and to be honest im not impressed :( ...
7 punctures in 2 weeks (out go the nevegals!). The headset bearings are trashed after 3months but thats easy to sort! a little pressure lost on the rear shock, 20mm rear axle does have some movement..
Similar Products Used:
Specialised FSR / Enduro / Cannondale SV600 /
Bike Setup:
As standard but... old skool tioga bars n stems - dmr grips, halo sas rims, hope mini and x2 discs, slx rear cassette, sram 990chain, v12 mag's (whole bike currently undergoing a respray!)
Bottom Line:
A great bike that soaks it all up and lets you crack on with enjoying the ride - give it a heave ho and your at the top... catch your breathe and just go for it! your never going to catch a viper on the ups, but zoom past on the down!.. sturdy cranks n bashguard keep on going - a well worthy buy despite some little niggles, and you will keep smiling after every ride as it pushes you into bigger drops, tougher technical downhills, and even to some part enjoyable climbs!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fender101
a Downhiller
from derby, vermont Date Reviewed: June 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
dh trail burke vermont
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
village bike
Strengths:
beefy frame, ive ran in to 2 trees and the head tube is fine, the geometry is perfect*, all around good bike
Weaknesses:
heavy, thats it
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher hifi, mongoose black diamond
Bike Setup:
98psi in shock, 20psi in fork,(i weigh 130) tires 25psi, low seat, and shorter stem
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike, its appolicapse proof, i have trouble thinking this bike will die, i would reccomend this bike big time, its awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
blenderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Carlisle, UK Date Reviewed: March 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kirroughtree
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
winstanleys
Strengths:
Tough frame, perfect geometry, amazing handling. V.fast downhill. Plush suspension. bombproof. In a magazine test it was amazing value at £1300. I got it new for £949 Looks the business. No one has caught up with me yet - on a descent. Lock out forks. double chain ring with bash guard
Weaknesses:
The stock bike is weighty, but you get the feeling that if you hit a brick wall, the bike would ask you to do it again! the weight does make climbs a bit of a ballache, but it also inspires confidence for the heavier rider who might think he could trash anything not so heavy duty.Dont do clip pedals so swapped them out for some gloss white tioga flatties. crank fell off, think that was my setting up though. should check everythings tight on delivery.
Similar Products Used:
kona dawg, trek remedy
Bike Setup:
As it came apart from the pedals. Am going to cut a couple of inches off the seatpost. Will upgrade as things break off it. Hayes Stroker brakes ok. I am fairly heavy, 90ks so rear shock has 160psi I think (still playing around) gonna try 45psi in the fork.
Bottom Line:
I am no expert but you will not be dissapointed with this bike if you like coming down hills fast in control. Its not for xc racing, but have had long rides on trails and done some proper mountains so as long as you dont mind pushing the steep sections, the thought of what is coming next will always get you to the top of any mountain-All mountain? I think so.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
afreerider
a Downhiller
from Oswestry, Shropshire, UK (now in Baltimore USA) Date Reviewed: March 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Morzine, France. Nannerch, Wales. Patapsco Park, USA.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Tough frame and great amount of suspension travel
Weaknesses:
Weird SRAM shifter design.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse 7 Point 3, Marin B17 bought years ago and trashed last year on a DH in NH.
Bike Setup:
Stock so far apart from had to change out the quick release in the fork as the bearings felt loose, got rid of the marzocchi supplied axle and changed it for a 20mm axle with a more traditional type quick release and now there is no play in the wheel at all.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money with pretty good level of components, frame looks pretty hardcore. Super plush over the rough stuff. A little on the heavy side but hey so am I!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL Date Reviewed: November 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Great spec for the price. Solid frame. Excellent suspension design.
Weaknesses:
Could be a bit lighter, but for the money I'm not complaining.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Yakuza something
Bike Setup:
Stock, new grips, pedals
Bottom Line:
Great bike. The frame is definitely top-notch, so I'm planning on upgrading the components over time and as needed.
Great, great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bog925
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs, co Date Reviewed: October 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
JONES downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
This bike can kill the downhill and still climb back to the top without problem, if you can handle a little extra weight. Find the right rear air presure and you're in for a treat. If you're looking for a do it all and don't mind 37 lbs. then this is the bike for you.
Weaknesses:
Rear shock seal blew out on first ride. I replaced it with one from the hardware store and it's doing fine.
Similar Products Used:
Haro Extreme X6
Bike Setup:
Stock with mallet pedals
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Can't be beat for the dollar. This bike can hang on any terrain. It requires a little more strength on the up hills due to the weight but the pedaling platform keeps the bike from bobbing at all. I did a xc trail and it was great. You can hit the downhill as fast as you want and the bomber will soak it up. Best bike for the money can't get this setup any cheaper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rambotion
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: September 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Fast track, Wharncliffe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
wiggle.co.uk
Strengths:
Really nice handling, plush controlled suspension once you've set it up, pedals uphill better than an average 165mm travel bike but infinitlry better when the trail points down. Cheap as chips
Weaknesses:
It doesn't have sealed bearings in the headset so they wear out quickly. Marzocchi fork, while it performs well has reliability issues, mine permanently locked out after a months use. The breaks also sqeak a fair bit in the wet but their perfomance makes up for it.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock apart from I swapper the clip in pedals for a nice pair of grippy flats.
Bottom Line:
For a good value freeride rig that can be pedalled (just) back to the top again get it. I think the all mountain tag misses the mark as you wouldn't want to do all day rides with long climbs on it this bike is best at winching, or being pushed, up and bombing it back down again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan-meeks@austin.rr.com
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Local (private)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Suspension travel, Stiffness
Weaknesses:
Weight, Sram rear
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC previous bike with XT components
Bike Setup:
Changed to XT rear and shifters, longer stem, new grips, added bar ends.
Bottom Line:
I am 230 pounds and the riding here is rocky with ledges and steps, with moderate elevation changes. I beat my old bike's suspension to death, so was looking for something more solid. This bike is that - all bearing pivot points, very strong, lots of suspension travel and ground clearance.
It is set up more like a downhill bike - two chainrings (I wish I had all three), chain tensioner, extra stiff handlebar, and the ginormous suspension travel with lockout (in the front).
But it's heavy - and I can feel it. I love it on the downs and choppy technical stuff, but the uphills are tough.
Lots of ground clearance, too. I am pedaling over / through stuff that would have hit my pedals on the Giant.
The Sram shifter was not for me. The indicators are too low, so you can't see what gear you're in (esp for the low gears). The indicator wraps around the bar - vertically. So when you are in a low gear you can't see it.
Also, the Srams don't let you up-shift with your front finger. You use your thumb for up- and down-shifts. I didn't like that at all. The Shimano lets you do the same thing, but also gives you the finger option. And the indicator is horizontal, so I can always see it clearly. I tried to give the Sram a fair shake... but I couldn't stand it.
I also changed the rear to an XT, and I needed a longer stem.
The bike was really squeaky at first. I went around and gave all pivot points a shot of lube, and it appears to be gone. But it makes me wonder if there is enough lube. I am going to pull a couple of bearings out and check.
This bike also comes with huge 2.35" tires. They have all kinds of traction, but they don't roll very well on hard flat sections. I'll be changing to 2.1's as these wear out.
Over all - a great bike, especially for a big guy like me. I have a lot more confidence than I did with the old bike, and it's a lot more fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Neighborhood trails (private)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Suspension, stiffness
Weaknesses:
Squeaky (so far)! No big chainring.
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC previous bike.
Bike Setup:
Changed rear to Shimano XT from the Sram. Longer stem, different grips.
Bottom Line:
Been on this for about 1 month now. Riding here is rocky, technical, and this bike really does well. Lots of traction, and solid on the loose stuff (partly due to the massive 2.35" tires). We don't have big drops here, but lots of steps / ledges, and even at 230 pounds, I have only used about half of the front and rear suspension. The rear shock makes an annoying sound during rebounds... resulting in an almost constant 'shh... shh... shh" as I ride. First few rides there were a LOT of mousy squeaks in the rear end. I am still not sure where from, I gave all pivot points a shot of lube and it appears to be gone. But it makes me wonder if the suspension is properly greased. I may take a couple of bearings out just to see.
I have front and rear pressures set for 200 pound rider and if anything it may be TOO stiff.
The brakes may have a problem: when they get hot, the front brake drags until it cools off. I will be experimenting with this to see if it's setup or not.
I did NOT like the SRAM shifters. The levers were just not as easy to access as the Shimanos. And the down-shift lever MUST be activated by your thumb (you can't use a finger on the front side). This was really inconvenient. So I switched the rear with an XT shifter, XT derailleur, and Shimano freewheel with no problems.
The bike doesn't come with bar ends, so I added those. The front stem was 65mm. I needed 120mm, so I needed to change that.
Overall it is a tank - goes over anything in my way, gives me great ground clearance (I am pedaling over stuff that would have hit my pedals on the Giant bike), lots of suspension travel. I can feel the extra 10 pounds over my old bike... but it's worth it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arik genze
a Weekend Warrior
from tel-aviv,israel Date Reviewed: May 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
55 fork,beautiful storng frame with great feel of the roco shock,hayes trail brakes are awesome. i heard and read rumers about this bike being heavy and hard to climb, this is FALSE!
Weaknesses:
i am not sure about it yet but maybey the wtb rims+the rear deor hub is not durable enough for this bike! the time will tell...
Similar Products Used:
haro x2/3,gt ruckus,Ellsworth dare,giant VT.
Bike Setup:
stock except the pedals , i dont know how is anyone get used to a bike glued to their feet.
Bottom Line:
i searched a lot for a value AM/FR bike and took this one as the best option , was temptated with the gt sanction 2.0 but tried it and didn't like the feel of it(maybey because of the bars),something is certain about the khyber,for its price you getting a great bike that will take you up and bring you down (FAST) safely,well maybey...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Nicholson
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol, UK Date Reviewed: March 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Strengths:
Great frame geometry - very responsive ride Marzocchi 55 TST2 Forks perform brilliantly Fantastic value for money if you are interested in going up but going down again very fast!
Weaknesses:
Personally I think I will upgrade in time from the supplied Sram X-7 rear deraillieur and deore front mech and already have got rid of the stock "Funn" bars as I didn't like their feel.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing - this is my first all mountain bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock apart from new gussett bars and ODI grips.
Bottom Line:
For the money it is very hard to find a comparative bike spec wise and feel wise. It handles extremely well downhill even on some very demanding runs i've taken it on and adequately up hill - the only problem is that it is substantially heavier to anything i've ever done major climbs on before but i'm sure i'll get used to it! If you're after an all round bike which you can give a serious thrashing look no further than this bike, it wont damage your wallet too badly either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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