KHS Inc. 1999 Aero Turbo

Price Paid:  $200.00 at A store in Tel Aviv

Favorite Ride:
They are all great!

Bike Setup:
Bought it used, so it has a number of custom components including Shimano 105 combination brake/gears, Shimano 105 rims; Raleigh handlebars; and a Forte saddle.

Summary:
She handles well, accellerates fast. Braking and shifting are great, no problems gearing up or down.

Strengths:
Seems robust enough for anything the street can throw at me - including crazy Israeli drivers! Responsive - does exactly what I want her to do; or not, seeing as I am a newbie.

Weaknesses:
None that I have experienced.

Similar Products Used:
First Pro bike I have owned.

Price Paid:  $650.00

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere on 2 wheels

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
Very nice steel ride for the money. Not the greatest deal but I enjoy it. I put on an aftermarket big chainring and adjusted the front derailleur to only shift from middle and big ring. It shifts fine now and will hopefully last till I upgrade to a better dbl ring crankset and front derailleur.

Strengths:
Nice steel ride. 105 brakes and rear derailleur. Sun rims

Weaknesses:
RX100 crank and front derailleur.

Similar Products Used:
None

Favorite Ride:
Reasonably fast club rides

Bike Setup:
Now has M-535 pedals, 105 crank and front derailleur, flite saddle

Summary:
Unlike others, I only had shifting problems with the middle rear cog which wouldn't engage easily. It's OK with the SRAM chain that's on now. The upgrade to 105 was because Nashbar had a sale and this bike 'won' the better parts. (The RX-100 cranks/derailleur have been transfered to another bike which didn't have a triple crank.) I have put 1300 miles on it since mid January (now mid May) and it looks to be used well into the summer rather than just winter/wet weather/commuter.

I got this bike because I liked the older KHS and wanted one with fender clearance. The older bike had 7 speed RSX, downtube shifters, wheels I _gave away_, pedals that didn't leave the store, saddle that was quickly replaced, but the bike had a NICE ride. In comparison, the '99's pedals left the store and at least survived a few hundred miles, wheels that I see no need to replace and a saddle that went over 1000 miles before I put the flite on.

Strengths:
A lot of bike for the money, especially that they are now $650 locally. 9 speed setup (yes, mine had 9 speed rings on the front). Fender clearance!!

Weaknesses:
Pedals - regrease them before use and they may last more than the 600 miles mine did. Bottom bracket - started clicking due to the LHS sleeve rocking on the machining marks on the cartridge. Dropout welds don't look aligned.

Similar Products Used:
Older KHD Aero Special

Favorite Ride:
Any time it's not raining

Bike Setup:
Stock except for pedals.

Summary:
The bike rides good. Braking and shifting are very good. I didn't have the problems with the front shifting that several people complained about. The bike suits me fine for 15 to 30 mile rides with an occasional longer ride. If I was to ride more I think I would upgrade. For under $700, it was a great buy.

Strengths:
Nice frame and components for the money.

Weaknesses:
Wheels, the stupid "Power Tools" logo on the saddle and the pedals.

Similar Products Used:
Old Paramount w/ Campy SR and several mtn bikes.

Favorite Ride:
No.County, San Diego Coast Line

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
Love the bike just need to get use to the shifting problem.

Strengths:
Great steering, moves quick, nice frame.

Weaknesses:
Doesn't always shift when it should, chain slips off more than i would like.

Similar Products Used:
Varsity, years ago.