A bicycle can be of great benefit in the household, at work, and even just for a walk. However, to make it a pleasure, you need to carefully understand the specifics of specific devices. And you should start, for example, by familiarizing yourself with the pretty popular KHS brand.
Features
The manufacturer country of KHS bicycles was originally the United States. The company began the development and production of bikes back in 1974. But unlike other companies, she did not impose her vision on consumers, but first asked herself what a good bicycle should be. Along with the achievement of decent practical properties, the task was initially set to reduce the cost of finished products to the maximum.
The absolute priority for this manufacturer is the issue of mountain bikes.
Advantages and disadvantages
A definite positive feature is a wide range of products. Under the KHS brand you can find bikes:
- road;
- urban
- folding;
- designed for tracks.
Confirmation of the quality of the finished product is that it is supplied to 33 states. And American consumers themselves are also demanding and would hardly begin to purchase frankly low-quality goods. The reviews say that KHS bikes:
- differ in rather high speeds;
- easy to manage;
- drive without any problems.
The cons of bicycles are:
- sometimes they have insufficiently reliable single rims;
- can be equipped with unreasonably wide and therefore not too comfortable steering;
- need tuning brakes.
Types and Models
There are a lot of proposed models.
- KHS Flite Team. This development of racing type is ideal for those who would like to conquer high speeds.The bike was equipped with fairly strong tires from the famous Maxxis brand. The designers provided for the use of mechanical-type rim brakes. The carbon frame matches the overall high-tech look of the product. The seat is also made in accordance with the canons of sports design.
The optimum transmission of force from the pedal to the working star and the energy saved by the cyclist are guaranteed. The transmission, thanks to the Shimano proprietary switch, works clearly and without failures. The same Japanese manufacturer supplies connecting rods, cassette, switches, chain, rims and even brakes for this model. An important characteristic is the presence of 22 speeds. The size of the wheels is 28 inches.
Therefore, overcoming even quite serious barriers will not cause significant difficulties.
- Mountain bike model Alite 150 manifests itself no worse. But you need to understand that this is a bike of the initial category. When creating it, hydraulic disc brakes were used. The designers made sure that the Japanese cranks endured a significant load and worked normally with active skating. The saddle is made in sports style.
1.95-inch ribbed tires work very well. The rear derailleur from Shimano made it possible to maximize the possibilities of the cyclist. The rest of the equipment on the bike meets the standard level. The size of the wheels is 26 inches. The size of the seatpost is 3.16x35 cm.
- For walks, you can use the Westwood bike. A black bike is suitable for moving along city streets or on light off-road roads. The aluminum frame is quite light so that you can use the bike freely. Thanks to it, as well as careful adjustment of the height and tilt of the steering wheel, you can ensure a good roll. Increased speed characteristics are supported by large narrow wheels and a transmission designed for 21 gears. Check-in and descent from the curb does not cause problems, because carefully thought-out forks are used. Westwood is only available with direct landing. The frame is made of aluminum, and the brakes are of the V-Brake type.
- In the children's segment, the KHS T-Rex deserves attention. This bike is equipped with rim brakes that quickly stop the spinning of wheels with a diameter of 24 inches. The frame is made in the style of hardtail and made of steel. At the same time, the steering wheel is made of aluminum blanks with a width of 0.56 m. The rudder is designed on the basis of an aluminum alloy and has no thread.
The T-Rex has 21 driving speeds, and stopping while driving is achieved with Promax brakes. Both bushings are made of steel alloys and fastened with a nut. Shift gears are brought from Shimano plants. Shifters for this model are also made there.
- Another children's model is Syntaur. This bike also has 24-inch wheels and rim brakes. In this case, the frame, unlike the T-Rex, is made of aluminum. Rims are made from it. A curious feature is the use of a sealed cartridge for the carriage. It is worth considering that the frame is made of an alloy of the brand 6061, and the fork has a rigid design.
- If you need a female bike, then you can pay attention to the Westwood ladies. In the production of its frame, an aluminum alloy of increased strength is used. The frame design is such that it’s easy to sit and ride even in long loose clothes. Women can ride at 21 different speeds. Excellent balance is provided. An attractive feature of the model is its retro design.
The bike rides on wheels with a diameter of 28 inches with excellent reel. Therefore, you can use it calmly in places with different terrain. The seat features a thorough anatomical design. Rim brakes provide virtually absolute rider safety. Of course, if they know how to use a bicycle and make no mistakes in handling it.
Keep in mind that the rear shock is not provided. The fork travel is 0.05 m.
- Another female model in the corporate line is KHS Ultra sport 2.0 ladies. This bike is equipped with mechanical disc brakes. They allow you to reliably stop the torsion of 28-inch wheels. The steering wheel, made of aluminum, reaches a width of 0.66 m. Its rise can be 0.025 m. The frame is also formed of aluminum. Removal - from an aluminum alloy, made according to the scheme of 4 bolts. Its length reaches 0.0318 m when installed at an angle of 7 °.
The rotor diameters of the front and rear brakes are 0.16 m. The brake levers and switches are manufactured at Shimano plants. The carriage is made in the form of cartridge bearings. The rims have double walls, 700X32 holes are formed in them. Aluminum alloy bushings, as well as the seat post.
- Raptor - also a very perfect model. This is a teenage bike introduced in 2016. The rims are quite durable and are covered with embossed tires. The seat is comfortable and beautiful. The aluminum frame is powerful in design and therefore stable. The switches support a comfortable change in speed. The high rigidity fork is quite light and resistant to fracture under high load. The designers made sure that the transmission of mechanical forces was as efficient as possible. The bike is designed for an audience of 9 to 12 years. Shimano shifters are brilliant.
- If you need a model with 16-inch wheels, you should take a look at the KHS 2010 Girl 16. Its main characteristics are: aluminum frame, hard-type fork, pedal-type foot brakes. Bicycles are intended for children from 3 to 5 years, the presence of additional wheels is provided.
Criterias of choice
Since KHS produces many different models, it is important to understand how to choose a bike, what requirements to present. First of all, it is necessary to outline a bar of value above which the user is not ready to pay. Structures, the price of which starts at $ 250, are suitable for skiing for 18-24 months on paved areas with periodic trips on the ground.
But if you use them as carefully and accurately as possible, you can significantly extend the life of the device.
Paying 400-700 conventional units or the equivalent amount, you can count on the purchase of long-serving equipment. It will allow you to engage in fairly serious tricks or to travel on long journeys of 60-100 km per day. But besides the price, the task that the bicycle is designed to solve is also important. For beginners, it makes no sense to purchase a high-end bike designed for dizzying stunts. And the point is not even in the high price, but in the fitness of such models strictly for the pros. Additionally, it is worth considering:
- overall frame and wheels;
- tread pattern;
- design weight;
- a complete set of a bicycle;
- number of speeds;
- Features brakes, steering wheel and seats.
Operation tips
No matter how good the bike is, mistakes in use will nullify its benefits. It is extremely important: you should immediately find out what maneuvers the bike is capable of, what angle of steep climb it will overcome. No need to try to exceed these indicators. If the bike collides with an obstacle, you need to help him with a maneuver, and not rely on the strength of the structure.
After a long trip, especially over rough terrain, it is imperative to check the tire pressure and the serviceability of the brakes. A general check of the vehicle is carried out at the beginning and end of each season. The seat must be selected individually. In order for the chain to wear out less, it is required:
- lubricate it regularly;
- exclude unjustified loads;
- correct strong distortions;
- clean out dirt, especially sand.
Noticing that the chain began to slip, the star is changed or pierced. At low and high gears, to avoid unnecessary chain distortions and cassette wear, drive with extreme speed settings as little as possible. Soldering with tin and coating with dense grease helps to prevent the rope from breaking up. Before starting operation, you must immediately individually adjust the bike for yourself. When cornering, it is better to deviate in the right direction, and not sit upright.
On soft ground you need to ride with low pressure tires. If the pressure is high, you need a wide tire. On slippery surfaces and smooth stones, ride on soft tires only. Dirt is best overcome with single tread protectors. On dry sand you should ride in a round slick.
Important: you need to wash the bike systematically. At least 5 minutes should be given to this procedure after leaving in wet weather or in dirty places. It is implied:
- tire and frame cleaning;
- water displacement spray treatment;
- chain lubrication.
Browse the KHS Alite 500 bike in the video below.