ORIGINAL TEST DATE: October 2004
PRICE: $2899. (The 2004 model we tested with the identical frame retailed for $3499.)
PURPOSE: Dual-suspension XC racer
HOME PHONE: (310) 632-7173
REPORT CARD
A...Value (Great spec for an incredible price.)
B...Weight (25.3 pounds)
A...Frame design (Flex-free, solid and Four Bar!)
A...Fork performance (Fox F100X, 3.9" travel)
B...Rear Suspension (Fox Float RP3, real Horst Links, 3.5" travel) A...Component selection (SRAM X9 derailleur with X9 triggers, XT front derailleur, Truvative Stylo crank, Easton Monkey Lite, generic carbon seatpost, Selle Success V2 carbon rail/shell saddle, 1 lb 9 oz Kenda Karma DTC tires) A...Climbing efficiency (Fully active suspension with platform shock hooks up over the nastiest climbs.) B...Cornering ability (Great at speed, front wheel tends to overcorrect during slow speed riding and climbing over technical terrain.) B...Descending prowess (Needs more than 3.5" in the back.)
COMPLAINTS: The biggest complaint we had last year was that the XC904r's rocker links slammed into and dented the seat tube. (We covered that in a December 2004 Hard Tales update.) On this year's bike the revised links have ample clearance. Now that KHS has lowered the price, we can also no longer complain about the slightly heavy WTB Lazer XC wheelset (4 lbs. 1.8 oz).
Trail riders will want tires with a more aggressive tread and a plusher saddle. Racers will absolutely love the stock saddle and tires.
TEACHER'S NOTES. We graded the KHS as a cross-country racer/trailbike. The 2004 model that we tested and that is shown in the photos is the identical bike without the new Fox RP3 platform shock. It was also spec'd with XT front and XTR rear derailleurs, and XT Dual Control levers. The 2005 has a better shock, rear derailleur with the 1:1 actuation ratio, and the trigger shifters that riders really want. This bike is an absolute steal at $2899.
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