KHS Inc. Flite 500

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at michigan cycles

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
anything smooth in michigan

Bike Setup:
standard, shimano ulterga, tiaga etc.

Summary:
This bike surprised me. After seeing KHS in the supermarkets, my riding has shown me that they can put together a great bike, fine components and at a great savings. The frame is light and stiff, the components are reliable and responsive.
The attention to detail is also noteworthy, paint job is beautiful, colorful and durable.

Strengths:
great bike all around.

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
felt f75
specialized allez

Price Paid:  $890.00 at local bike shop

Model Year:
2004

Summary:
I wanted to add more comments from the last review. Since the last review - it turned out the rim problem was because the bike shop did not true the rim properly. They gave me a new rim and it has been working out without any problems. The front derailer cable stopped stretching after the 3rd adjustment and has held. I am no longer getting pinch flats as regularly. So in total all the complaints I had about this bike have been resolved. The back tire is completely worn - but I have over 600+ mi on it now. And I have had to slam on brakes for cars cutting me off occasionally. So this is acceptable. I would attribute the pinch flats going away because of my weight loss and learning where every pothole in my route is. Also I take the bus to avoid areas where the roads are really bad. I would say my riding weight including backpack is now 210 lbs or less where it was 225+ before.

Strengths:
Fast, light, brakes and shifting are good. I have now put over 600+ mi on bike and it works wonderfully.

Weaknesses:
With this type of bike (with thin tires) you have to be very mindful of road debris. Not a problem of this bike per se though.

Price Paid:  $890.00 at local bike shop

Model Year:
2004

Bike Setup:
Stock.

Summary:
Overall a good bike. This is the first performance road bike I have owned. Only a few complains. I have been riding this bike for about 3 weeks now at 40+ miles per day almost 5 days a week. The front derailer keeps stretching out the cable. Is this a cable problem or derailer? Not sure yet. Bike shop has fixed adjusted cable 2x now. May replace cable on third. The back rim has gone out of true 2 times now. Today the bike shop trued and on the way home one spoke ripped itself out of the rim. My weight is ~215 and my backpack was probably 20 pounds. Maybe that is too heavy - I will try to find a high end back rim to take heavy weight. Everything else works great. I would recommend for long commutes like mine a larger tire width - with very strong rims. The 700x23c is too small - I get 1 or more pinch flats every week - I try to keep front tire at 110 psi and back at 100psi. If you are large in frame and commute long miles get a bike with wider tires that may be heavier - you will thank yourself for it. This bike rides hard - the 23C tires are good only for perfect roads. If you have imperfect roads with rocks or even minute potholes do not get this bike - or you will have to stare at the road while you ride to avoid everything. In the end I wish I had bought a bike that is better suited to riding real streets.

Strengths:
Fast, light, brakes and shifting are good.

Weaknesses:
Front derailer is problematic? Rims and tire width are not tough enough for most city street environments.