Recreational & Family - Is there a better value in a steel frame, carbon fork hybrid than KHS Urban Xtreme?

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PHS1
12-10-07, 10:32 PM
As my earlier posts indicate, I have been looking for a hybrid as a newbie who wants to get back on a bicycle for supplemental exercise (as I am 50, 6'0", 200 pounds, and am in decent shape from having done two to three circuit weight training workouts per week for over 30 years) by exploring in southern California on pavement and light bike trails and light bike baths with a setup that won't need to be altered for different venues.

My research seemed to point toward a steel frame, non-suspension fork for the most comfortable ride and most versatile setup. And I was leaning toward either the Coda Sport (MSRP of $600) or the Coda (MSRP of $475). I didn't want to look at anything much more expensive because I am trying to squeeze this out as a family Christmas gift.

But it has come to my attention that the KHS Urban Xtreme has a steel frame and carbon fork for a seemingly incomparable MSRP of $739. I know that the comparable Coda Comp with steel frame and carbon fork has an MSRP of $800.

Here are the specifications for the KHS Urban Xtreme:

Frame - Reynolds 520 DB CrMo tubing w/curved seatstays and carrier bosses, Forged Vertical Drop Outs
Fork - Carbon blades w/Alloy steerer
Headset - 1-1/8" Threadless
Rims - Weinmann SP-17 Double wall, CNC sidewalls
Hubs - Front: Formula alloy; Rear: Shimano Cassette
Tires - Kenda Kwest 700x35c, w/K-Shield Anti-puncture
Spokes - 14G Black 32°
Front Derailleur - Shimano FD-453A
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Sora
Shifters - Shimano SL440 Trigger
Chain - KMC Z82
Crankset - Alloy Forged 52/42/30
Bottom Bracket - ISIS spline, Sealed cartridge
Cassette - SRAM PG850 12-26, 8 Speed
Pedals - Dual Sided Mulitfunction, Clipless and Standard
Seatpost - Alloy micro-adjust
Saddle - San Marco Ischia
Handlebar - Alloy Flat
Stem - Alloy 17°, Threadless
Grips - Dual density grips
Brake Levers - Tektro Alloy
Brakes - Shimano M421 V-Brake

Are folks aware of any hybrid bicycle with a steel frame and carbon fork at a better price?

Do folks think that the extra $139 for the carbon fork and other components of the KHS Urban Xtreme are worth it compared to the Coda Sport?

Thanks for you advice and input.

Sci-Fi
12-11-07, 07:32 AM
Test ride them and then decide. Don't think you can go wrong with any of the 3 bikes. If you really want a carbon fork then get the KHS Urban Xtreme, but there's nothing wrong with a steel fork and it rides just as good. The Coda Sport has a 9-speed cassette, if you need or want an extra gear.