Dammacx

Hi there everyone,

I am looking to get back into the riding game. I haven't riding regularly for about 5 years and really want to get back into it for both recreational reasons and for getting into better shape. I live in downtown Toronto and since I live a 5 minute walk from work I plan on doing most of my riding in the evening and on Weekends. Mill be mostly be path and street riding.

So I have been doing alot of looking around and since I am just geting back into it I don't want to drop alot of coin on a new ride yet. I also don't want to go with a Crappy Tire or Sport Chek deal. I do also want to get new just because I don't have time or space to tinker with a used bike that might need work.

Being a bigger guy (6'2" around the 300 mark) I am obviously looking for a bigger frame that can handle me. I have looked at a few places and I think I found a decent bike that is in my price range and I thought I would check with some people who know more about bikes than me and see what they thought. Currently I am looking at the KHS Urban Xpress SC200 (https://www.khscanada.com/viewbike/418/). I have already taken it for a test spin and it felt good.

Keep in mind that this is going to be used mostly on the street and paths, I don't plan on doing any trail or "down hill stairs" with it. I am considering this a "Get back into the game" bike. So please let me know what you think about the Bike and overall components.

Thanx.

Mr. Beanz

KHS bikes are good stuff. They just don't have the hype of many other brands. I know a couple of guys that ride KHS roadies and do very well. One of which upgraded to a fiull carbon fiber bike, but won't part with is aluminum KHS.

THe bike you're looking at looks pretty good for the price. Reynolds 520 is good material. A bud has a 1985 roadie made of R520. He sprints like the wind. Powerful rider with no problems.

At your weight, usually the wheels are a problem. But the stock wheels don't look too bad. Seem to be 32 spoke and Weineman (sp?) rims. Rims are good and strong. Had some on a a KHS tandem with no problems.

We had a KHS tandem ($700) but later upgraded to a Burley Duet ($2100). The KHS after a rear wheel upgrade (axle problems) didn't give up much at all to the new bike.

I'd say you'll be more than fine with the new bike. BUt if for some reason, you need to replace ther rear wheel a year down the line, don't let them talk you into a liteweight super duper speed demon 24 spoke wheel. They look cool but won't do well with your weight. Stay with the high spoke count rims.

A lil tip for you: If you get a 3 month free tune-up, make sure that they "re-tension" the rear wheel. The shop may just "re-true" the wheel. But make sure the "re-tension" as new wheels lose tension during the breakin period as the spokes seat in position. If the spokes don't carry proper tension, the tend to have some movement which cause broken spokes. You don't want this at your weight.

Also check out the "Clydesdale" forum.

Feldman

KHS is a quality bike line and many of their bikes are excellent values. Not only good for a "first" bike, but
a bike worth keeping. At your size, maybe buy an inexpensive KHS model--but have better wheels handbuilt by a good shop. Frames are almost never an issue for heavier riders, but there are lots of stock wheels that are inadequate for a 120 pounder.

Spider

I still have a KHS bike I got in the late 80s. I'm using it as my "beater" bike (i.e. the one I leave locked up in public without worrying about it getting stolen), but it's still rides great. I can probably get another 20 years of use out of it.