Fuel,kikapu,xc704r
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They're all pretty similar in performance and specs - try to test ride and see what geometry and ride quality you prefer. All but the Trek are made in Taiwan, if that matters to you (it probably shouldn't - as far as the quality goes). Check each company's warranty policy as well - that may help make your decision. Good Luck.Mach said:
The KHS frame has the Horst link. If that is something you like, then look into that frame.
It's the same frame as the 904, so if you can't find any reviews on the 704, just look up the 904 to see what others thought about its ride.
I am looking at the 704 aswell.
It's the same frame as the 904, so if you can't find any reviews on the 704, just look up the 904 to see what others thought about its ride.
I am looking at the 704 aswell.
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Check the NRS
Fuel - 17.5" was just too big and the 15.5" was WAY too small. I was in between sizes on the Fuel. You might be as well.
KHS - frame sizing was also funky. I didn't fit the small (too small) or the medium (too big). Plus KHS support concerned me.
Kona Kikapu - lots of frame sizes to choose from so one should fit you OK. However, it's not a Horst bike (rear pivot is above the axle). The '03 King Kikapu is spec'd out with nice parts and can be had for a steal. The '04 King Kikapu was downgraded significantly (cheap-o parts on that bike).
I eventually chose the Giant NRS 16.5" (small frame size). It fits me like a glove. You might try the Giant at your local retailer and see if it fits you as well.
Thx...Doug
I am also 5'7" and discovered the following in reference to the bikes mentioned:Mach said:
Fuel - 17.5" was just too big and the 15.5" was WAY too small. I was in between sizes on the Fuel. You might be as well.
KHS - frame sizing was also funky. I didn't fit the small (too small) or the medium (too big). Plus KHS support concerned me.
Kona Kikapu - lots of frame sizes to choose from so one should fit you OK. However, it's not a Horst bike (rear pivot is above the axle). The '03 King Kikapu is spec'd out with nice parts and can be had for a steal. The '04 King Kikapu was downgraded significantly (cheap-o parts on that bike).
I eventually chose the Giant NRS 16.5" (small frame size). It fits me like a glove. You might try the Giant at your local retailer and see if it fits you as well.
Thx...Doug
i cant find the 03 kikapu online, and the khs is only medium and large....i dunno what to do...i know my current pos..mongoose only has about 80 miles on it and its falling apart! also i dont know what size it is..but its big...the top bar rest firmly againt me there no space
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$999 for a good Horst link
- ray
Looking at the geometry page on the KHS web site, it appears to be about 2/3'rds classic Horst link and 1/3'rd Instant Center Tracking style of 4-bar. It should handle, pedal, and brake very well. It should pedal with little bob, like the Fuel, but brake with a little better traction than the Fuel or Kikapu. The Kikapu, should actually pedal slightly smoother through rough terrain, but pedal bob a little more on smooth climbing terrain with the same shock set up than the others. At 5'7 You would be comfortable on a medium on the xc704r. The NRS is harsher riding than these others, more hardtail like when pedaling and braking, although for 2004 it looks like they raised the drop-out-pivot height, which reduces the rear suspension top out geometry for pedaling reaction, perhaps to accommodate shocks other than adjustable negative spring SID's. My vote is for the xc704r for racing and other fun rides, that's a lot of bike for $999.Mach said:
- ray
i've had 1 in my shopping cart for over a week now..but worried about size...it does have the best specs!..i'm not fond of the baby blue..do you know if these bikes come with pumps or i have to buy 1? i'm actually between 5'6 and 5'7..you think i'll have space my inseam is about 30?derby said:
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With shoes on you'd have plenty of stand-over room on a medium (emergency dabs are pretty much always just to one side, staying clipped in on the other pedal). I'm 6'1 with 31 inch dress pant inseam on a 24 inch TT large (Tracer), the KHS's 22.3 TT is not too long for you. A small could be a bit cramped (what's your TT measurement like now?) I think the sky blue looks pretty good with the black suspension. If you really can't stand the color you could paint it. I've done backyard spray can paint jobs in a half day of time that came out great (just put on a 2 or 3 light coats of paint about 15 - 20 minutes apart on a calm day, after wet sanding the surface and taping off the BB and head set with everything else removed, fine wet sand and hand polish any noticeable runs or flaws. Very light coats in fairly quick succession as each coat just dries to touch is the key to a good backyard paint job.) Maybe go test ride some similar fit bikes in your LBS to be sure. Mail order usually has a $15% restock fee for any reason you return it.Mach said:
- ray
if TT= top tube...i just measured its 21.5 , and the seatpost tube is 19.8 "measured from bottom of the crank hole area to the very top"...the tt is right on the derf area when i stand over itderby said:
you can see i'm in desperate need of upgrade..lmao
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Well it sounds like the Small size KHS is about the same in fit. The Medium would probably be about a 3/4 inches longer TT (Top Tube) according to the KHS website geometry specs, and a 3/4 inch longer reach from the same seat, stem, and handlebar placement.Mach said:
If your Mongoose has a stem length of 120mm (center of steer-tube to center of handlebar), which is pretty common for XC bikes, and you are comfortable on it, it' s my opinion that you could go to the medium KHS using a shorter 90 or 100 mm stem to keep the reach about what you are used to now or slightly less and have better stability and more downhill confidence and quicker steering, by keeping your weight behind the front wheel for much less end-o or front end washout feel. I went to a 3/4 inch longer TT and shorter stem (90mm) and a less stretched out but still leaned forward riding position on my latest bike compared to my previous bike. And the handling is quicker and the bike is more comfortable, I just have to bend my arms more to really lean forward on the steepest climb sections.
Maybe look around to see if any shops in your area carry the KHS or the others you are interested in to test ride. That's the only real way to know for sure about stand-over and comfortable fit. It's worth driving some distance to get a test ride if possible.
- ray
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If you are worried about fit...
...then why risk buying something mail order?? Even a "good deal" is completely wasted money if you buy a bike you can't use. And the KHS name is a yawner (they are good bikes, but get little respect), so good luck selling it if you find the xc704r does not fit you as the demand for that bike will be nil.
The KHS seat tube is 18" for the medium, and that's a pretty tall seat tube for a medium frame. The TT measurement on the KHS website is 22.3", which doesn't appear to be the effective top tube, but actual top tube. If it is the effective top tube, it's going to be very short. If it's the actual top tube, then the effective is probably 23" - 23.5". Regardless, that top tube is sitting up high off the ground due to the 18" seat tube length.
I am 5' 7" with a 32" inseam and I ride a 16.5" Giant NRS (16.5 inch seat tube). It's got a very compact geometry with TONS of standover, which is very nice.
The Trek Fuel that I thought was "too big" was a 17.5" (17.5" seat tube). That bike felt big mainly because the top tube was a tad too long for me. But that 17.5" seat tube also meant the top tube was close to my groin, which was not something I liked...
If fit is your primary concern, then buy something from your LBS or classifieds that you can ride before you buy.
Thx...Doug
...then why risk buying something mail order?? Even a "good deal" is completely wasted money if you buy a bike you can't use. And the KHS name is a yawner (they are good bikes, but get little respect), so good luck selling it if you find the xc704r does not fit you as the demand for that bike will be nil.
The KHS seat tube is 18" for the medium, and that's a pretty tall seat tube for a medium frame. The TT measurement on the KHS website is 22.3", which doesn't appear to be the effective top tube, but actual top tube. If it is the effective top tube, it's going to be very short. If it's the actual top tube, then the effective is probably 23" - 23.5". Regardless, that top tube is sitting up high off the ground due to the 18" seat tube length.
I am 5' 7" with a 32" inseam and I ride a 16.5" Giant NRS (16.5 inch seat tube). It's got a very compact geometry with TONS of standover, which is very nice.
The Trek Fuel that I thought was "too big" was a 17.5" (17.5" seat tube). That bike felt big mainly because the top tube was a tad too long for me. But that 17.5" seat tube also meant the top tube was close to my groin, which was not something I liked...
If fit is your primary concern, then buy something from your LBS or classifieds that you can ride before you buy.
Thx...Doug
i have the khs xc504 -- completely different suspension design (single pivot), and i had the exact same question you did -- would the bike be too big? i ended up getting a size large (i'm about 5'10") and haven't regretted it. i've ridden a lot of bikes and i knew i could handle a large sized bike and i liked the slightly larger feel, but it still scary with the mail order. luckily everything worked out and i got a great bike for $750.
i'd say the biggest worry for you should be the TT length and it doesn't seem too much longer than what you've used before.
the weirdest thing is going back to my medium sized gary fisher and feeling like i'm on a kid's bike.
i'd say the biggest worry for you should be the TT length and it doesn't seem too much longer than what you've used before.
the weirdest thing is going back to my medium sized gary fisher and feeling like i'm on a kid's bike.
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Sweet ride.
As for your question, you do need to understand that there is a lot of risk associated with buying a bike you have not tried. You are forced to go by other peoples opinions.
That thing almost looks like a Jamis Dakar. The "no-name" brands do such a good job of making their bikes look cool. They just remove all of the quality and strap on a small price tag. I don't think they should call them mountain bikes though.Mach said:
As for your question, you do need to understand that there is a lot of risk associated with buying a bike you have not tried. You are forced to go by other peoples opinions.
just wish i knew if it was smaller than my current bike...the seat tube seems to be..but tt is longer..i really wanna buy this thing though...or i'll prob end up with a fuel 70..my local lbs is having sale this weekend and thats the only bike there..no 80..theres no kikapus in my area either...plus this bike has best specs....i have found a small online but its 1149$ i thinkrkj__ said:
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