pdxoptimo

After the first couple hundred miles, I am a Zinn believer in his frame design and having long enough crank arms. This bike has been a game changer for me.

Only things I changed were...
-Changed the Tektro Brakes to 105s
-Switched out the Seatpost from the 310mm to a Thomson 410 mm

It's a fantastic Bike!

John

johnnyo

What's the largest size tire that will fit? I see that it's spec'd a 700c X 26, which seems a bit narrow for my tastes. Can you fit fenders at all? The photos on the KHS site show that the rear drop out has fender/rack mounts... Are there any on the seat stays? Or the fork?

Thanks!
JO'C

pdxoptimo

Hello JohnnyO-

With regards to tires, I am used to 25s so these are bit wide from what I am used to. I like em though. After I work through these tires, I will most likely go back to 25mm Gatorskins.

I have not tried fenders on this bike (and not really planning on taking this one out in the rain much quite frankly). For fenders, I use the race blades. Hope this helps.

John

eric671

Johnny Yo-
I would call a KHS dealer and ask them. I bought on as mentioned in other treads, but arren't going to use is with fenders or racks.

Bike rides sturdy enough to probably handle it, but I don't know if it can be fitted.

Eric

johnnyo

Thanks for the input... I'll check out the race blades. I live in Vancouver, Canada and we get a lot of rain - I'd really limit myself if I only rode in fair weather!
JO'C

pdxoptimo

Johnny O-

Maybe consider blades? I live in Oregon...but won't be using this bike for my rain bike.

pdxoptimo

J-O

Also, check the height if you get this bike...specifically the seatpost. I switched mine out to a Thomson.

eric671

JO-
Ditto on the seat post. Thomson Elite 410mm with setback. Stock was short and I needed the setback to center the seat on the post.

Eric

johnnyo

Thanks for the ideas... Here's another question though: What sort of drop do you have from the saddle top to the bar tops? I run my saddle top ~108 cm from the centre of the pedal spindle. I guess that this is more about steerer tube length, but you get the idea. I'd like to have the bar tops at least somewhat close to the saddle height... As my road bike I've got an older 62 cm c-c Colnago with 175 mm cranks, and it's got ~14 cm drop - a bit too much for my comfort.
Thanks!
JO'C

eric671

JO-
I haven't measured, but I would immagine it would depend on your inseam. Mine is 37".

I'll check the drop nonight.

Eric

johnnyo

Thanks for the help and ideas... I've gone ahead and ordered one on the weekend, and will pick it up later on this week. I'll post some "first impression" comments soon!
JO'C

eric671

Congratulations-Eric

typevii

Johnnyo, Looking forward to your review/opinions of the flight 747 that you have ordered.
I am a long legged, tall (but not heavy), rider from Vancouver who is considering one of these. Where did you order yours from?

Deneb625

I'm brand new to road biking (have done a little mountain biking). Just picked up a KHS Flite 747. Planning on adding Shimano 105 PD-5700 pedals and buying my first pair of road shoes. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm 6'5", 190 lbs. (down from 208# 8 weeks ago), with 36.5" inseam and this bike felt so much better than the 61cm frames I tried out. Very much looking forward to adding cycling to my workout routine - at 48 y.o. got to help the knees all I can.