KHS Inc. Flite 700

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Two Wheeer Dealer

Favorite Ride:
Glendora Mountain Road

Bike Setup:
Stock with a few changes. Ultegra SPD SL, FSA Gossamer Compact, SRAM 970 12-26, Specialed Pave' post and Avatar saddle.

Summary:
I got the 2002 model and it developed a couple cracks in the head tube, so they sent me the newer, updated frame that's reviewed here. Overall, it's a good frame, light and responsive, but the derailluer hanger sucks. I've literally snapped one in three pieces while climbing (it was securely on the frame). It's a really WEAK design and I always carry a spare in my seatbag as it bends from strong climbs and such at least twice yearly.

Strengths:
The 2002 model came with Velomax (easton) Circuit wheels, and several thousand miles later the 105 stuff is still holding out strong.

Weaknesses:
Same as everyone else: seat, seat post, and derailluer hanger. Also, the costumer service sucked when I warranteed the frame. the fork on my 2002 wasn't integrated, but the newer frame is. KHS said they'd send me a new integrated fork with the frame, but when I opened the box, there was no fork (mine steer tube BARELY fits the new frame). Upon calling them, they said I'd have to shell out $100 for the house-brand fork, and they said they definitely wouldn't give me a new integrated headset nor the cable housing stops the frame requires. I won't buy another KHS bike because of these things. Also, their warrantee period is ridiculously short.

Similar Products Used:
first road bike

Price Paid:  $0.00 at surf buggy center -

Favorite Ride:
NW skyline

Summary:
wow, 2nd strike in less than six months.
cracked chain stay, drive side.
wanted to believe KHS could make a good entry level race bike..
look at other models...the one year warranty isn't worth it either.

Strengths:
starting to wonder..

Weaknesses:
cracked chain stays...2 in a year.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Surf Buggy Center

Favorite Ride:
NW Skyline

Summary:
well, though it was a good bike...
cracked chain stay, drive side after 2300 miles. i only weigh 165#.
only 1 year warranty..didn't do my shopping...but did squeak in under the warranty time. thankfully...

Strengths:
see first post

Weaknesses:
see above posting...and my first post

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Surf Buggy Center

Favorite Ride:
KHS Flite 700

Bike Setup:
khs flite 700 (2003) with mike burrows carbon aero post, Forte' Pro SLX saddle, 105 group, neuvation wheelset, cateye astral cyclocompter, carbon fiber cages..

Summary:
Good overall climber, little flex for such light aluminum. Seat post sucks, but was easily replaced with Carbon Aero Mike Burrows post. Stock seat is a boat anchor also, but again, whole components are easily upgraded. slight chain rub with 105 components.

Strengths:
speed! great climber. lightweight (19lbs. from factory...easy attain 18 with better components). neuvation wheelset is lighter than comparable mavics.

Weaknesses:
seat post. steerer tube cap isn't the easiest design to figure out. pedals (shimano A515), but those wear out soon enough..

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200
TCR OCR1

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Open Road (Pasadena,

Favorite Ride:
Ballona Creek & Dockweiler Beach (Los Angeles)

Bike Setup:
2003 KHS Flite 700 (All Stock):
Superlite AN6 4135 aluminum frame with integrated headset and 'muscle stays'
Full Carbon fork (including steerer)
FSA Orbit integrated headset
18-speed Shimano 105 grouppo
TTT 'THE' bar and stem
Neuvation Radial wheelset
Vittoria Zaffiro tires
Shimano PD-A515 pedals
Selle Italia saddle

Summary:
I am REALLY happy with this bike. This is my first bike and I love it. It's a perfect blend of muscle and beauty. It's a nice looking bike - a serious looking bike. It came stock with high performance components, a quality frame (light), carbon fiber fork, and great components. For stock parts this bike really surprised me. I'm happy with everything so far. In fact, this bike has made all of my friends re-evaluate the bikes they are riding.

Strengths:
PRICE! This bike was slightly more expensive than what I wanted to spend, but I just couldn't pass it up because it had EVERYTHING I wanted. I wouldn't have minded a better grouppo - but I can't complain b/c I've had no problems with the 105's. Light frame, great components (Shimano 105 grouppo - they are great for me), good saddle, and nice looks. This bike will last me a long time (as long as I don't crash) because it is easily upgradeable.

Weaknesses:
None really. I would say my only complaint is that this bike is very flashy. I've only been riding for a couple of months (therefore I suck compared to the other riders with flashy bikes like mine) so it's kinda embarrassing when I struggle to keep up with the group. You know what, come to think of it, the front derailleur is a little noisy at times - but I think I can get that fixed at my bike shop.

Similar Products Used:
I was looking heavily at Trek 1500, 2100, and even 1000. They were just OK. I got the feeling that I was just paying for the "Trek" name. I never found a good deal on any of them though, they were too much for too little. I was looking primarily at weight, components, and price. Trek and Cannondale didn't come close to the components that I was looking for in the the price range that I could afford. KHS offered the entire Shimano 105 grouppo - Trek offered mixed and matched Shimano 105/Sora components with generic breaks and chain etc. I considered used bikes, but figured I didn't know enough about the sport to discern whether or not I was getting a lemon or not.