Mountain Biking - KHS Softails?

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Davek
01-21-04, 06:56 PM
I'm kind of interested in this frame:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3654975591&category=22679&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

Does anyone have any opinions on the softail design?

Blue Thunder
01-21-04, 07:57 PM
I've demo'd them, its a good concept, and as much as I love KHS bikes, I'm goint to have to not reccommend the soft tail. With FS technology where it is now, you can get one that performs just as well and is even lighter than an ST frame. While the full Cromo ST performs better than the new aluminum front triangle framed ones, the rear shock is a piece of crap. Its an elastomer spring, and they're not very reliable at all. If I were you, just go for a hardtail with the suspension post, or if you're willing to spring for it, an FS frame with a platform valved shock.
Mr Jerk
01-22-04, 12:42 AM
I've demo'd them, its a good concept, and as much as I love KHS bikes, I'm goint to have to not reccommend the soft tail. With FS technology where it is now, you can get one that performs just as well and is even lighter than an ST frame. While the full Cromo ST performs better than the new aluminum front triangle framed ones, the rear shock is a piece of crap. Its an elastomer spring, and they're not very reliable at all. If I were you, just go for a hardtail with the suspension post, or if you're willing to spring for it, an FS frame with a platform valved shock.

what the heck is FS technology?

khuon
01-22-04, 02:06 AM
I've demo'ed softails too and for the most part I find that designs like those tend to have a bit of a rear-end wiggle problem. The aim of those bikes is to just take the edge off longer epic cross-country rides but the end result is that on high speed cornering sections, you can get a rather unstable back end. I agree with the other poster in that a short-travel FS XC design is a better choice. I personally dislike shock-seatposts as they tend to develop play and well, I just feel that they suspend you in the wrong place. I dislike URT designs for the same reason. The only suspension post design that I feel might last would be the Thudbuster.
khuon
01-22-04, 02:07 AM
what the heck is FS technology?

FS = Full Suspension
MikeOK
01-22-04, 10:59 AM
dave - I have a KHS Team ST frame for sale, it's their top of the line soft tail. If you're interested PM me and I'll send you the link to the ad. It's just hanging in my shop so I priced it cheap...
Davek
01-22-04, 02:04 PM
I think I'm going to stay away from the ST because of the negative reviews