Strengths: Sub 30 lb weight as originally equipped is nice in a hybrid. Solid frame, decent drive train components, good suspension fork and nice tires.
Weaknesses: The sloping top tube design looks great but kills standover so you have to size down, which necessitates getting a much longer seat post. Tektro brakes aren't as good as the other components.
Bottom Line:
This 700c wheeled hybrid is considerably faster than my old MTB. It comes with some decent quality components befitting a bike that retailed for $430, including an SRAM 5.0 rear derailleur and shifters and a Deore front derailleur. However, if you're considering buying this bike, make sure you size down. Due to the sloping top tube I got pretty much no clearance in the 18" that should have fit according to K2's size chart and had to get the smaller 16", which still doesn't give me much clearance. With the smaller frame I needed a much longer seat post, which was hard to find in a suspension model, to get decent leg extension while pedalling. The Tektro brakes are underwhelming but the cables, which look great, seem to have a lot of friction. I switched to the Direct Curves to try and eliminate some of the friction. The seat was nice, but I gave it to my son and put on my favorite old seat. Despite the need for modification, I love the quirky pseudo retro look of the frame and the two tone paint looks great. The Vittoria Randonneur tires look beautiful and I can't bear to replace them even though I could use a slightly more agressive tread. The bike gives a comfortable ride with a nice upright position and suits my needs well. It was a very good deal at the price I paid but nothing special at $430.00.
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