UCSDbikeAnarchy

So I am in the market for a mountain bike and I figured you might have some insights. I am working up in bishop this summer and I thought I’d get a few days in at/around mammoth, although I am looking for more of an XC-type bike. First off I’m looking to spend $700-1000. I can get a good deal through my club on a KHS bike.
I haven’t seen the ’05 price list yet, but that range would safe cover the KHS Alite 2000, XC204(maybe the 604) and the comp st. I have ridden extensively on trails in norcal on a hardtail trek 4500. and have never really felt that I need full suspension, but havening never ridden full suspension, I don’t know what difference it makes. I’d like a bike that is good all around, both climbing and on descents. And thoughts on the KHS softtail? I also want something that will last me a while. The 4500 with a Deore groupo always felt really solid for me, and I don’t care about the wieght that much. I am thinking about buying the high end frame (the 4000 or the 904r or the teamSt) and putting midlevel components on it, which I could always upgrade later. I can’t tell from the website if the high -nd frames have tabs for disc brakes or not. Again, I have never ridden disc brakes before, but I have had bad breaking experiences with rims covered in mud before. I hear that el cheapo cable disc breaks suck ass, but that high end mechanicals are great and that hydraulics are good but hard to service. Also are UST tires/rims worth the extra money? I guess they are lots more work to maintain, but provide a really nice ride.
The last question I have is Shimano vs SRAM. I have been hearing good things lately about. Should I be looking at the x.7 x.9 stuff in adittion to deore/lx?


I’m sure most of this stuff was repeated elsewhere, but any inisghts you have would be super helpful.

Thanks. Kevin

UCSDbikeAnarchy

ok so I spent all day researching/ talking to folks at the LBS and Im leaning heavily twoards the 204. I guess its a good frame design, and althouhg the components are pretty cheap, it is still a good value for the money. I'm going to get it for about 800 out the door.
heres the link and the specs:

https://www.khsbicycles.com/page94.html



So I realize that the compontents aren't the best, but i saw in one review someone suggesting that when you break them, just upgrade them and by the end of it you will have a really nice bike. So will this bike fit my needs?

C Law

I don't want to burst your bubble but ultimately I don't think you will be happy with an $800 fully.

Especially abusing it (in the best sense of the word) at mammoth mountain.

I would go hardtail for that money with better components. Better durability.

che_lives90

I would buy a Spec. Hardrock Pro DIsc good components and very good frame for the money
But you may want to upgrade the fork?

Waldo

Exactly. I'm not a fan of going full boingy unless you're going over $1000. I think you tend to get an inferior ride below that price, plus you're making sacrifices in overall quality and component spec that I'm not wild about (e.g., the Judy and Suntour fron derailleur on that bike). That's just me, though, and I'm a hardtail kinda guy.

mountain-biker

I've had a KHS Team ST for a few years now and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Light, durable, very low maintenance, great climber, great on singletrack, pretty good on downhills. The softtail design and steel frame really make for a nice ride. If you're used to an aluminum hardtail (as I was, a GT Avalanche), you'll notice a big difference going to a softtail. Of course, its an even bigger difference going to a full sus. Good luck with your choice!

CranxOC

Based upon what you're looking for you'd be wise to take a look at the Iron Horse (IH) and Weyless lineups. They're both SuperGo proprietary brands however, they've both become exceptional brands for the money. They incorporate some excellent componentry in their builds and - especially where the IH is concerned - the suspension technology is top notch. Take a look at THIS LINK (CLICK HERE) and you can see some of the great values you can get on their bikes.

I don't personally ride one of these but I pass by the Laguna Hills Supergo every day and I'm in there about once a week so I've had plenty of time to examine and test ride these bikes over the past couple of years and they are solid. Good luck.

UCSDbikeAnarchy

so here is what the local wrench said about the 204. its a sub $1k full supension you get what you pay for. Yes the front dereailer and the fork is a piece of crap, but the 604 (the next step up +$300) is the same frame with a better fork and shocks, and some bettet components (although the same suntour derailer) looking at the specialized and then ironhorse, it really doesn't look like the components are that much better.