Sadly no KHS forum, but I have softtail Comp ST and love it. Decent components, good frame and good price. Check out the virtual tradeshow booth from Interbike.
KHS is only the best bikes ever! Seriously. They are. What do you want to know about them? I ride all KHS's, and in my shop we sell nothing but KHS. What bike are you looking at?
www.cycletofitness.com It's only a super-awesome website for a super-awesome store. Just click it. I dare you.
their bikes are nothing special, taiwan catalog frames. however, their customer service is deplorable. some of the worst CS I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with.
I eventually threw my FR2000 frame into the dumpster, because I was tired of getting nowhere with them. Of course I mangled the living daylights out of the frame before I discarded of it.
things to watch out for as far as the frames go...crappy mounting hardware for suspension components, bearing wear out fast (6 months, c'mon) and ovalized headtubes (even on new, never ridden frames).
their bikes are nothing special, taiwan catalog frames. however, their customer service is deplorable. some of the worst CS I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with.
I eventually threw my FR2000 frame into the dumpster, because I was tired of getting nowhere with them. Of course I mangled the living daylights out of the frame before I discarded of it.
things to watch out for as far as the frames go...crappy mounting hardware for suspension components, bearing wear out fast (6 months, c'mon) and ovalized headtubes (even on new, never ridden frames).
Why so much hate with KHS? It's true that their customer service sucks! The guy who answers the phone at tech support isn't very helpful (would rather not elaborate); and their designs are not ground breaking, but the frame that I got ('04 KHS FR2000) has been holding up pretty well. Even with my heavy weight, aggressive riding, and rather tall fork, the head tube is still flawless. There are no creaks with the sealed bearings at all pivot points, and still no cracks ( even with occassional 6 foot to flat drops and fast rock garden runs with multiple hits )
You can tell from the picture that I did invest considerably expensive and heavy duty parts on a rather inexpensive frame because the frame looks beefy enough.
Sadly no KHS forum, but I have softtail Comp ST and love it. Decent components, good frame and good price. Check out the virtual tradeshow booth from Interbike.
I just got a Solo One SS.
My friend had a Comp ST. I rode it and liked it. Does KHS still offer the Comp ST or do they sell a Comp ST frameset? I see the police bike looks like the Comp ST!
Ive built up a standard xc204 frame that I bought off line for next to nothing, rides well and has been a great bike. My dad rides an 04 XC904 w/ the original Horst link in the back. Really rides better than my 204 w/ the pivot on the seatstay. Yet, he did crack his triangle in 05, sent back to KHS on Monday and by Friday he had a new frame, no questions ask. Plus, got a t-shirt, jersey, water bottle, and a few stickers.
Ive heard bad things about the customer service, but I have had many inquires w/ them and I have always had good experience.
Last year I had a bad bearing on my 204, they sent me all new replacment bearings plus hardware, no cost, no questions. So they are good in my book.
I've had a 2003 FR2000 frame for a couple seasons now. I have it speced out with a 888, bombshell crusher wheels, e-13 guide, etc. I really like the feel of the bike, but I don't trust the frame. I've broken the chainstay and got a new one warrantied. I also broke an xc504 before I turned into a pure DHer. They warrantied that and I upgraded to the FR2000. They do stand behind their products, but their service isn't the greatest. For the price, KHS is worth it, but I would recommend buying a brand with better service. I went with an Evil DOC for my dirt jumper- GREAT bike. Just my thoughts, happy biking!
PS. If you would like an FR2000, I'd like to sell my frame and upgrade. I got more pics if your interested.
<img source="bike.jpg">
Last edited by mcballer52; 10-31-2006 at 04:00 PM.
Yeah the LBS is great for that and every other reason, but they can't change the fact that it took 5 months for my chainstay to get warrantied. Then again KHS was probably wondering how I destroy things so...
dont know about the newer models but KHS bikes are well know for making great riding bikes that costs almost half the price of the competition while being just as good.
i had two KHS bikes, one alite team and one alite 4000, both high end frames, SUPERB handling, stiff, strong and CHEAP, thats the problem with KHS bikes, its too cheap and thats why people dont give the brand the credit its deserve.
Thats what I was guessing. I just picked up an AM2000 on e-bay so i just wanted to make sure I got the right size shock for it. What shock are you running on yours? I found a pretty sweet deal on dhx 5.0 air, would that be good for it?
Thats what I was guessing. I just picked up an AM2000 on e-bay so i just wanted to make sure I got the right size shock for it. What shock are you running on yours? I found a pretty sweet deal on dhx 5.0 air, would that be good for it?
I was thinking about getting a DHX air, but after reading the reviews on it, I think I'll pass. Right now, I'm using the stock DHX3.0, and I'll have to wait, and see how it works, before I decide if I'm gonna get rid of it, or not. There's so many shock choices out there, it's almost painful trying to decide on a new one.
I've had a 2003 FR2000 frame for a couple seasons now. I have it speced out with a 888, bombshell crusher wheels, e-13 guide, etc. I really like the feel of the bike, but I don't trust the frame. I've broken the chainstay and got a new one warrantied. I also broke an xc504 before I turned into a pure DHer. They warrantied that and I upgraded to the FR2000. They do stand behind their products, but their service isn't the greatest. For the price, KHS is worth it, but I would recommend buying a brand with better service. I went with an Evil DOC for my dirt jumper- GREAT bike. Just my thoughts, happy biking!
PS. If you would like an FR2000, I'd like to sell my frame and upgrade. I got more pics if your interested.
<img source="bike.jpg">
I was about to do the same build. Spec the FR2000 with an 888 and Bombshell Crusher wheels. Reason i hesitated is because of weight & manueverability reasons, that is why I settled for a 66 / Deetraks combo.
2 of my buddies both have the '03 FR2000. One had a '04 Boxxer Ride and the other had an '04 Jr.T. We normally ride together and we do catch attention because they thought we're from Team KHS.
Did you still trail ride your bike? Can you still climb with it? How did you break the chainstay? It looks a monster on the downhills.
I've had nothing but positive to report with KHS. Great components on their builds and the pricing is beyond fair. Take a look at the 2007 XC line, damn Horst Links on all of them and prices that start at like $700
I bought an '07 XC team (904r) in November and the thing rocks. I suggest ditching the Nevegals, however, because they slip sideways without warning and the weak sidewalls give under any lateral load. The shock bolt rattles when unweighted and weighted in rapid succession, but the Horst Link design is amazing as are the Avid hydraulic discs. The pedal bob is slightly annoying but the pop-loc dual helps to mitigate the effects. A much overlooked bike builder.
I was about to do the same build. Spec the FR2000 with an 888 and Bombshell Crusher wheels. Reason i hesitated is because of weight & manueverability reasons, that is why I settled for a 66 / Deetraks combo.
2 of my buddies both have the '03 FR2000. One had a '04 Boxxer Ride and the other had an '04 Jr.T. We normally ride together and we do catch attention because they thought we're from Team KHS.
Did you still trail ride your bike? Can you still climb with it? How did you break the chainstay? It looks a monster on the downhills.
Nice bike!!!
As far as climbing goes, I avoid at all costs. If I know I'm gonna climb for some odd reason, I ride my Evil. The KHS beast weighs 47lbs. The chainstay broke while I was just riding along. Seriously. But I know I landed a 5 foot drop a little rough earlier. I think it just snapped because of the fact that aluminum kinda sucks and stress fractures after a long while. It's gonna get replaced by a Dark Scarab (steel :-) ) frame once I find some cash under a rock or something. Oh and yeah, it's a monster on the DH. The 44T chainring makes for some interesting gear ratios. Not great acceleration, but very very high top end. I don't do normal trail riding much anymore, mostly just DH and freeriding. And to continue with my bad writing flow, your spec is actually what I was shooting for, but when the 66 closeouts sold out before I could buy, I got the 888, got carried away, and built a frankenstein of a bike. aaaand thats almost my life story, haha.
or any of their dirt jump bikes? the frames are going very cheap online and I thought about building one up to learn dj and to use in the skate park. here is on on jenson
thanks
I just bought that frame for my son and he loves it. It is a very solid frame.
I also just bought the 07 XC 604 and am very pleased with it.
For the wife I bought a left over 06 XC 104 and she likes it waaaayy better then her Trek hard tail she had, but that is mostly becuase of the FS. Very happy family with the KHS bikes.
I just purchased an '06 AM2000. So far I'm pleased with it. I can definately feel the difference on the climbs compared to my GF Sugar 1 though. I feel more confident and make up time on the way down. Seems to be a pretty well made bike with good components for reasonable price.
I ride a 2006 dh200, the one all of the team guys ride, and it owns every trail I have ridden. It beats the crap out of most other dh frames. The linkage is so adjustable you can tune it for each course.
As for their customer service it is great. I cracked my 2005 am1000 on the downtube and sent it in with no shock and since they didn't have another am1000 in my size they sent me a 2004 fr1500 with a brand new rear shock because they felt bad because the frame was a year older so I had 2 shocks. They didn't even ask how I cracked the frame.
It's nice to read all the positive experiences you have all had with KHS. I am likely going to buy a XC 704 in a few days and came across this thread. Are they KHS frames comfortable to ride? I have an older rocky mountain and by the end of the day my back kills me.
I have a x204 and its been a great bike. I swapped out the crap shock for a good air shock and it rides like a dream. The frame is beefy but not heavy, and is a great 4-link design. Yea, it may be made in Taiwan, but what isn't??? FYI - I bought my frame from JensonUSA for a couple hundred bucks and built it up.
I weighed it on the bathroom scale at 29 and some change, but I dont know how accurate that was. I've got discs, XT stuff, no real weight weenie parts, air shock.
I just had my XC704r fail and it happened in the same place it happened on my FXT comp..
The weld at the top tube/ seat tube junction cracked across the top. I've never done anything out of bounds for either bike... KHS hooked me up with the 704r after the FXT failed.. Now I'm waiting to hear from the LBS about them hopefully replacing my 704r..
I think it's a design issue because if you look at the newer models of this frame they've added that support bracket to the top..
Anyhow. I love how the bike rode and I love KHS.. Esp if they keep coming good on their warranty!
I've had my '06 AM 2000 for 2 months now, and the bike is just awesome. The bike seems to be very well built, and holds up to my abuse just fine. I think that KHS gets a bad rap because most of their bikes are catalog frames, but it doesn't really matter if the bike does what it was designed to do. This bike represents it's All Mountain namesake to a T. I'll be keeping her for a good long time! Here she is!
Is your shock on upside down? KHS never mounts their shock like that?
I just got mynew XC604 frame and got her built up on the 7th. All I have to say is wow. This bike handles amazingly and is lighter than it looks. I've got it built up at 27 pounds right now, but I'll gain an extra bit of weight when my outlaws come in.
I love KHS.. they have great customer service and nice people working for them.
Is your shock on upside down? KHS never mounts their shock like that?
I just got mynew XC604 frame and got her built up on the 7th. All I have to say is wow. This bike handles amazingly and is lighter than it looks. I've got it built up at 27 pounds right now, but I'll gain an extra bit of weight when my outlaws come in.
I love KHS.. they have great customer service and nice people working for them.
Yes my shock is on upside down. The air valve on the Roco protrudes at a point where it hits the rocker if I mount it right side up in every setting except 6". I would also have to unbolt the shock from the rocker just to pump air into it, as there isn't enough space between the rocker and air valve to thread the pump valve on. I know, I wasn't really thrilled by the look of the shock upside down, but it works fine, and I can still reach the adjustments. My frame originally came with a Rock Shox Pearl, but I ordered the Roco instead. Maybe the Pearl doesn't have these clearance problems, and thats why the KHS website photos show the shock mounted right side up? Glad to hear you like your new steed, I certainly love mine. Wish my bike was under 30 lbs! She weighs in at 36 lbs, but is built for a 240 lb rider. Have a good one
Not a dualie, but still a good bike. Probably the oldest frame in this thread.
My '96 Alite 3000 is working and getting me to and from work as my commuter frame, but I take it out once and a while and ride it in the foothills. Loaned it to a friend for a race last month. It's been rebuilt now twice and I don't want to get rid of it. The frame is starting to flex a little, but that's not bad for these bones.
I own an 05 KHS xc604 and the frame has held up great even under my fat clyde ass.
Sadly the same can't be said for the rest of the bike, I destroyed the pedals after 2 miles (some crap SPD knockoffs - don't even know why they ship with them) and I've blown the forks twice (Rock Shox Pilot SLs).
All in all it was not enough bike for me, I'm just too big a guy for what is essentially an entry level cross country machine, that said, I certainly don't hold KHS at fault for it, I'm just too big a guy for the machine - the place I got it from is big on customer service and they've done me and my friends some awesome deals on machines;
One friend got a screaming deal on a KHS Team, X.0 (not X.9 like the website says), $2k even, remote lockout, total weight of like 26.5 lbs, how can you not like that? The other got a full S-Works FSR buildup with XT gear for $1600.
KHS are vastly underrated bikes, it staggers me that GT/Schwinn/Mongoose get a forum and KHS don't
I just built this badboy last week. I bought the frame (2007) and fox float from the local bike shop then added the other goodies. I did 2 rides this weekend totaling 30 miles and it rides like a caddy.... Last night I put on black grips and added a hope brake line guide to the fork.
Race Face Atlas crank and carbon bars, Rockshox Duke SL100 fork, Fox Float R3, Thomson stem and seatpost, Avid BB7 brakes, Hope skewers, seatpost clamp and brake line guide, XT front and rear derailluers and Shifters, Cane Creek brake levers, Single track barends, WTB rocket V seat, Mavic 717 rims with DT double butted spokes laced to Hope Pro II hubs and Time Z pedals,
KHS is only the best bikes ever! Seriously. They are. What do you want to know about them? I ride all KHS's, and in my shop we sell nothing but KHS. What bike are you looking at?
Does AM 1000 or AM 2000 (year 2007) have vbrake boss ?
I hope they don't! I'm planning to buy a cheap AM 1000 and go XTR/Fox/Thomson on it.
I know this is an old thread but MAN!!! You guys are making this look more and more like the frame to get for a build up.
Does anyone have a size chart for it? The one on the website isn't working. I haven't been able to find an LBS down here in FLA that carries them but I did find online at Bob's Bikes for 499.00. Has anyone seen any other deals out there?
Thanks in advance for you help and thanks for the sweet pics!!!
I really enjoy my steel Comp ST. Geometry makes for quick, single track steering but high speed cornering is a bit twitchy. The seating position was too agressive for me so I got a shorter stem and riser bars. I'd buy another KHS.
Last edited by wheelbender6; 08-03-2008 at 11:02 AM.
Just picked up an xc004 for about 4 bills brand new. Last one on the floor too. Not bad for a $700 bike. Seeing how it's the same frame as the higher end models, I'll upgrade the fork and shock as time progresses. Only thing I've done to it so far is put a 550# spring in place of the 750#. I'm only 130# 5'5".
Much underesitimated bikes- their single speeds like solo-one Se and softails capture the heart of much more expensive bikes and make them available to the masses with NO loss in quality for the average rider. Usually the only penalty will be about 1/2 a pound.
I've owned a KHS team crmo hardtail and it was the lightest bike I've built. sold it to belated regret for a Rocky Mountain Hammer - no probs but the KHS felt more resiliant and was actually lighter by mor ethan 1/2 a lb , doh!
hope they get back into high end steel frames one day.
I've just bought the 2008 KHS XC-204- $999 complete here in Aust ( $600 of rrp!!! ) and am planning on replacing my heckler with it and putting change into some upgrades and kitchen renovations - for brownie points.
Planned upgrades
rp2- shock/ older TALAS plus parts I have - DT swiss wheel set, thomson stem/ carbon bars, crossmark tyres, time atac pedals
KHS are good solid bikes equal to Norco, and Giant at least
I own a KHS AM2000 year 2005,i`m just a beginner, I just want to ask which hole should i fix my shock to set it as 6" travel, because i saw there was 3 hole on there.
The one closest to seat tube makes it 6". I had 05' AM1000 - great frame, not the lightest in its class but very robust. My wife still rides it in 4" version.
You have it backwards Dagger. The hole farthest from the seat tube is the 6" travel setting. you can see the difference in the the rocker angle, and you can also measure the height of the bottom bracket. The static bottom bracket height of my AM is 13.75" in the hole farthest from the seat tube, and 13.25" in the one closest. The bike is not going to have a taller BB height in the shorter travel setting.
Lizard, so i should fix the shock at the farthest hole from the seat tube to become 6" travel setting right? My stock shock was 7.5" x 2". If i change to 6" travel setting, do i need to change my shock? Currently my shock is fixed at the hole that closest to the seat tube. You can see at the image.
Last edited by gavin_siew; 12-17-2008 at 10:08 PM.
Well, check your travel again because I'm sure about that adjustment Really, it's elementary school math - lever shoulders ratio. We have fixed 50mm of shock travel on front rocker shoulder (X mm length) and, say, 100mm of travel on rear shoulder (fixed Y mm length).
X/Y = 50/100 =>
X = (Y*50)/100 = 0.5*Y
Now we want 150mm in back.
Z/Y = 50/150 =>
Z = (Y*50)/150 = 0.33*Y
Thus front rocker shoulder should be shorter to achieve longer travel in rear.
gavin_siew, you're doing right, you're in 6" now, no need to change shock. Keep in mind though, in 6" setting your shock spring will feel softer than in 4"
You should be ok with your fox shock, although you may want to give yourself a little more preload, as the rocker has greater leverage at the the # 3 position. I had a Roco air on my AM and I had to run it upside down, because the air valve wouldn't clear the rocker, but your piggy back on the Fox looks like it runs right between the rockers. The AM is a great bike, Here is a pic of mine
Well, check your travel again because I'm sure about that adjustment Really, it's elementary school math - lever shoulders ratio. We have fixed 50mm of shock travel on front rocker shoulder (X mm length) and, say, 100mm of travel on rear shoulder (fixed Y mm length).
X/Y = 50/100 =>
X = (Y*50)/100 = 0.5*Y
Now we want 150mm in back.
Z/Y = 50/150 =>
Z = (Y*50)/150 = 0.33*Y
Thus front rocker shoulder should be shorter to achieve longer travel in rear.
gavin_siew, you're doing right, you're in 6" now, no need to change shock. Keep in mind though, in 6" setting your shock spring will feel softer than in 4"
Elementary math or not, you can visually see the top of the rockers angle toward the main triangle in the hole closest to the seat tube. This indicates that the rocker is being pulled into its travel in that setting, whereas the top of the rocker angles away from the main frame in the hole farthest from the seat tube ie the longest travel setting. Explain to me why you have an increase in Bottom Bracket height from the hole closest to the hole farthest? That is a direct indication of travel increase, and it doesn't make any sense for a bike to have a taller BB height in a shorter travel setting.
1stly, can you tell if horizontal lines are straight of wavy on this picture?
I imply, did you actually measure BB height in both 4" and 6" positions or you just eyeballed them?
2ndly, BB height has nothing to do with indication of travel. For instance, Intense M6 and 6.6 have travel of 9" and 6.6" respectively but the same BB height of 13.75" You should measure travel by removing the spring from the shock and measuring, say, distance from rear rocker pivot to seat in fully compressed and uncompressed state. But seriously, spare yourself a headache, believe my word, I've done it before
1stly, can you tell if horizontal lines are straight of wavy on this picture?
I imply, did you actually measure BB height in both 4" and 6" positions or you just eyeballed them?
2ndly, BB height has nothing to do with indication of travel. For instance, Intense M6 and 6.6 have travel of 9" and 6.6" respectively but the same BB height of 13.75" You should measure travel by removing the spring from the shock and measuring, say, distance from rear rocker pivot to seat in fully compressed and uncompressed state. But seriously, spare yourself a headache, believe my word, I've done it before
As I stated in the first message, there is a half inch difference between the two, 13.25" to 13.75". last time I checked there isn't anyone who can eyeball an exact measurement! Who the hell is talking about horizontal lines, I simply stated that you can visually see the rocker getting pulled into its travel in the hole closest to the seat tube, which would indicate shortening of travel. This is probably one of the reasons why the industry has gone away from adjustable travel bikes, to avoid all this confusion.
I'm sorry, I was just making fun about eyeballing things
Again, BB height is mainly irrelevant to travel. Yes, usually bikes with more rear travel tend to have higher BB but it's not a strict law. In this particular case I think it's just a little skrewup of KHS engineers or whoever designed their frames. KHS AM frames are great regardless.
well - my xc-204 was sold in the mistaken belief I no longer wanted a full susser. after all the upgrades etc ( revelations and rp3 shock , thomson stem , BB7's ) I sold it to my brother in law
But joy - 2008 run out picked up a XCT -555 for $1800 ozi dollars RRP of about $2400 It's a Large which means a 618mm top tube but I'm confident I can make it work its only 13mm or 1/2 in longer than my xc-204 large top tube and standover.
found a great deal on a used 2008 XC Team frame... wasn't familiar with them and read thru this whole thread. Sounds like everyone that has one loves it, but there also seem to be a lot of broken frames mentioned which makes me wonder if it's the right frame for me, cuz I'm not a small guy (6'2 & 230lbs) - any thoughts from the Clydes out there?
cannot tell you anything about the Team frame but I know that you can get a 604 from Bob's for $450. The geo looks a bit different on the Team so I cannot say anything for how it compares to the ride of the 604. No broken frame here and I'm about 190 lb. It took me a while to get the bike set up properly but I am quite happy with it now. If I were you, I might pick up a 604 and an rp23 for $650 for both new w/ the warranty. Hope this helps.
thanks for the suggestion - but can you tell me which Bob's you are referring to? I did a quick Google search, and it appears that there are lots of bike shops named Bob's, including one here in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area...
here is their site but they only have the 204 in stock. I would only offer them $400 max, maybe even $375 for it. the only diff between the 604 and 204 is the shock. Put an RP23 (6.5" x 1.5") and you have a really sweet ride for less than $650.
I'm confused about the proliferation of cutomer servce woes on this site, the only time I've ever contacted a manufacturer was to confirm the origin of a used Rocky mountain thin air frame I had once. Shouldn't your LBS or online retailer be handling costomer service stuff for you(the buyer?). Sorry, a bit of ranting there.
As to KHS, to this day, my favorite bike was my '96 KHS alite 3000. Great geometry, pretty nice components, and at the time they were a bit chaeper for comparably spec'ed bikes from the other guys. I'd love to get one of the '08 xc204's that wheelworld has on closeout, but I don't know anyone well enough in that area to have them purchase for me. I've seen some ebay deals lately though so perhaps I'll go that route. I've always been happy to ride the less common bikes as well.
you can get them from bob's bikes online too. I'd skip the 204 unless you're prepared to replace the rear shock because its rubbish. the 604 is worth the few extra dollars.
Got an XC-604 in the new year and loving it.
NOt been out on an MTB in umpteen years and after looking what i could get for the money, the KHS won hands down.
Taken up on Parkamoor in the Lake District.
and here's the view over to Coniston from Parkamoor.
Was on a road bike till Summer of last year, but was getting to uncomfortable for my arms and due to "possible impending diagnosis of MS" wanted something i could get out and enjoy the scenery on.
Steve, the KHS man in the UK is brilliant to deal with and the bike is superb, so much so, one of the lads at work tried my 604 and ended up getting one him self. He's going to be riding it round this event in BC
I don't think its in the forums because its an overseas crafted bike.
I love mines though.
the simplicity and Taiwan make of the bike is what makes them inexpensive and unpopular.
I do think if they made better paint jobs , it will attract alot of more people.. the colour of my bike kind of stinks, I wish it was Matte black, a dark red, or glossy black and white
BTW, any one know the specs on the shock mounting hardware for the xc604? Mine is a 2007... I know that I can just call them to get it but hoping to fit my new shock today.
Stay away from the older model xc-904R bikes. My frame cracked in two places the other day. I do not ride hard and no big jumps either. Loved the bike though, but probably not going to buy a new one as they only have a 2 year warranty and it does not look like they have reinforced the newer model frames
I'm surprised noone has brought this up. A lot of the KHS frames are the same ones used by Motobecane, here are two perfect examples:KHS Tucson and Motobecane Fantom 29Pro SL
Also the KHS XC Team frame and the Motobecane Fantom Team frames look identical (except paint). The only difference is in the parts, and Bikesdirect supposedly has really good customer service.
I'm surprised noone has brought this up. A lot of the KHS frames are the same ones used by Motobecane, here are two perfect examples:KHS Tucson and Motobecane Fantom 29Pro SL
Also the KHS XC Team frame and the Motobecane Fantom Team frames look identical (except paint). The only difference is in the parts, and Bikesdirect supposedly has really good customer service.
I'm surprised noone has brought this up. A lot of the KHS frames are the same ones used by Motobecane, here are two perfect examples:KHS Tucson and Motobecane Fantom 29Pro SL
Also the KHS XC Team frame and the Motobecane Fantom Team frames look identical (except paint). The only difference is in the parts, and Bikesdirect supposedly has really good customer service.
I'll agree with you that the Tucson and Fantom 29 look very similar but the Team and Fantom are not the same frames. I'll also agree that a lot of the tubing is probably fabricated in the same factory.
I'll agree with you that the Tucson and Fantom 29 look very similar but the Team and Fantom are not the same frames. I'll also agree that a lot of the tubing is probably fabricated in the same factory.
Any reasons??? They look exactly the same to me. KHS has never been known as a great company that does innovating stuff, so I'm pretty sure that Motobecane and KHS are using the same frames with different paint schemes. I'll stick to Motobecanes cause they cost a lot less and I know how to fix em myself.
re the xc series and moto fantom; the top tube on the motobecane isn't reinforced the same, the shock mount on the frame is different, etc.
like I said, the tubing might be from the same stock but that is about it. and as far as suspension design, I'd take the KHS every day of the week. they don't innovate but the do license the Horst from Speci and they do a good job with their design.
oh, btw, if you can work on one bike you can work on pretty much any bike.
Also the KHS XC Team frame and the Motobecane Fantom Team frames look identical (except paint). The only difference is in the parts, and Bikesdirect supposedly has really good customer service.
So you did not notice that one is FSR suspension, and another is not? And that KHS has a larger stroke shock?
Sorry to drag this thread back up, but what were you doing when that happened? I ride a xc-904r (only difference is mine has a Fox rear shock on it) and pictures like that concern me. Mine has relatively low miles as I've been primarily a roadie and tri-guy over the last few years, but have been getting on the trails more recently. Any warning signs I should look for? I've broken a lot of frames, but none failed catastrophically like that.
Originally Posted by wraydp
It's actually the higher end 904R, not the 604R. The 604 is a little heavier so maybe it does not have the same problems
I did not see any warning signs but I was not looking for any either. I'm sure the frame was cracked prior to the day it broke as I was only 1/4 mile or so into my ride and I did not go over anything rough. Mine was a 2005 and I bought it used so I'm not sure how much the bike had been ridden but it looked like it had quite a few miles on it when i got it. Aluminum can only take a certain number of stress cycles before it fails. Kind of like twisting a paper clip and it breaking easily. Mine must have just reached that point. What year is your bike?
I believe mine is an '04, I purchased it new as a clearance back in '07. It replaced a Mountain Cycle Zen which I cracked a chainstay on. I've broken 4 aluminum frames over the years and have been fortunate to catch them before anything major happened, usually I spot a crack or the frame feels flexy then upon inspection I find the damage. Although, I've still got an old Haro Escape team bike that has been going for almost 14 years now and it was ultralight (at the time) aluminum.
Originally Posted by wraydp
I did not see any warning signs but I was not looking for any either. I'm sure the frame was cracked prior to the day it broke as I was only 1/4 mile or so into my ride and I did not go over anything rough. Mine was a 2005 and I bought it used so I'm not sure how much the bike had been ridden but it looked like it had quite a few miles on it when i got it. Aluminum can only take a certain number of stress cycles before it fails. Kind of like twisting a paper clip and it breaking easily. Mine must have just reached that point. What year is your bike?
I did not see any warning signs but I was not looking for any either. I'm sure the frame was cracked prior to the day it broke as I was only 1/4 mile or so into my ride and I did not go over anything rough. Mine was a 2005 and I bought it used so I'm not sure how much the bike had been ridden but it looked like it had quite a few miles on it when i got it. Aluminum can only take a certain number of stress cycles before it fails. Kind of like twisting a paper clip and it breaking easily. Mine must have just reached that point. What year is your bike?
I noticed that people reported such failures on frames with this rocker configuration when using a locked out shock. Guess if you forget to unlock it and hit some serious bump it does put a whole lotta stress on the seattube in that spot. Maybe getting up to push on pedals has a similar effect. I guess mild platform would be preferable to a full lockout..
I can't believe I've missed this thread for so long. Anyhow, here's a pic of my KHS xc~304 that I built up a few years back. Recently swapped in the air shock and a few other odds and ends. New plans call for a cockpit upgrade.
thoughts conjure up a magazine ad campaign a couple years back that wasnt bad--their campaign in the brit mags was even better.
Oh ya....I remember that ad campaign...yum I had an old KHS HT I bought at a pawn shop. I had no idea what I had there. It was really a damn good bike, but I thought it was just a cheapo dept store bike. I had never heard of KHS. The bike was beat. I took it away to college with me. We had a bike rack outside our dorm building, but do you think I bothered locking it up? Yep, it got stolen one drunken night, and a couple days later while walking across campus to class I found it laying there in the middle of the main courtyard. I was totally indifferent to that bike until that moment...I was so happy to have found my bike I took it right back and put it inside our dorm. Wish I still had it.
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Originally Posted by red5
