KHS Inc. Flite 100

Price Paid:  $550.00

Bike Setup:
Stock, except wider drop bars with road brake levers, 25c tires, SPD clipless pedals.

Summary:
This review is for the 2008 version of the Flite 100. No idea if the 2009 is different.
I bought this bike to replace a vintage track frame that had cracked. I use it on the street, for training and commuting. Originally, I had wanted to buy just the frame and fork, but the complete bike was so inexpensive that I couldn't resist. I have been pleasantly surprised with the bike as a whole. Pretty much all of the components are solid and useable-I could pretty much ride it bone stock quite happily. The wheels have strong, good quality rims, 36 spokes and cup and cone hubs (which I prefer on bikes I ride in the rain and snow). The bike handles fantastically, and fits me really well-nice sizing for taller riders. The bike I bought was quite poorly assembled-the hubs were over tight and the fixed cog and lockring were both loose. Be sure to have a competent mechanic go over the bike if you are not up to this yourself.

Strengths:
Great bang for the buck-way too much fun for 500 dollars.
Excellent frame geometry-I like the steep angles and long top tube.
Solid, if not fancy parts selection, strong wheels.

Weaknesses:
Poor assembly quality: The hubs were adjusted way too tight, the cog, lock ring and cranks were all too loose.

Really, really crappy brake pads.

Possibly a little on the heavy side if you care about such things.

No water bottle mounts (but there are rack mounts on the seat stays-strange)

Similar Products Used:
Tons of fixed gear/track bikes, all the usual suspects.

Price Paid:  $349.00 at bikesdirect.com

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Motobecane Messenger

Bike Setup:
Continental Tires, Vuelta Team XRS wheelset

Summary:
I love this bike and am still thrilled that I just went for it.

This was a much better bike than I was expecting and for the price you can't beat it. It's my first fixed gear and I love how much more you can "feel the road" on a fixed. It also comes with a freewheel if you prefer single speed. The gear ratio is great for a beginner and I love that it comes with brakes, they have saved me on several occasions. It's super light (21 pounds) and the 165 cranks are short enough that they don't scrape on turns. On top of that, it just looks great and I get compliments everywhere I take it. If you're thinking about a first fixed gear this is by far the best option for you on a budget.

TIGHTEN THE LOCKRING WHEN YOU GET IT! My buddy got a Kilo (sister bike) and apparently they are loose on arrival.

Strengths:
Weight 21 lbs
PRICE
Packaging on delivery
Ease of use
Wheelset

Weaknesses:
cheap pedal straps
If you skid you will need to switch to new tires immediately. If not they're great.

Similar Products Used:
Mercier Kilo TT, Windsor The Hour, Various conversion projects

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
Stock. What's to change?

Summary:
I'm mainly an off-road guy, but wanted a road bike so I can tool around with my kids. This bike is so much more. It's a blast to actually just ride and not worry about what gear to be in, etc. I highly recommend this one as it seems fitted out better than some of the competition like the Langley's or Bianchi SS models.

Strengths:
Great components, build quality, nice tubing is used throughout.

Weaknesses:
none.

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Shaker Cycle

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Emerald Necklace

Bike Setup:
The bike is stock with the exception of:
-Tektro brakes
-Salsa quill stem
-Selle Italia Gel Flite saddle
-SKS fenders
-Speedplay pedals
-Bottlefix water bottle cage clamp

I also just fitted an 18t freewheel for slower winter riding.

Summary:
I bought this bike to ride around during the off season. It is a great little bike for the winter.

Strengths:
Inexpensive. Great ride. Nice fit and finish. Great LBS (Shaker Cycle in Tremont).

Weaknesses:
No bosses for water bottle cage(s).

Similar Products Used:
None.