2005 KHS F20-A worth $350 CAD?
 

Have an opportunity to buy a 2005 KHS F20-A (shown here but mislabelled as a F20-IV)

Is this a good deal, or should I get the $150 NEXT folder from WalMart?

Normally, I wouldn't consider a WalMart bike ever, but seeing as how I wouldn't be using the folder much anyway, I can't justify the cost of the KHS. (and there doesn't seem to be much of a used folder market up here)

Anyone have experience with either bike?

Of course, I'd give the NEXT a full checkover before heading out...

Also, how are folders in general for light stunting?

My 2 cents is to avoid the Walmart bike. Although I do not have experience with them, I do not have a lot of confidence in it. If you are looking for something similar in price, you could go for the Dahon Boardwalk, if it fits your needs. You might also check out the Downtubes mentioned extensively in this forum. They do sell them on ebay and you can check out the going prices for them. Both the Downtube and Boardwalk would be far superior to a Walmart bike.

I also have no experience with doing tricks, but most folders are not built as solidly as BMX bikes---they are optimized for riding and portability. Most manufacturers don't want you jumping curbs with them and will void your warranty for doing this stuff, so if you want to do it, a folder is probably not the best choice.

There is one other guy in Canada who posts here regularly who loves his 20 " KHS. He has even installed a triple chainring on it.Knowledge Health Strength.James

If you go to http://www.bicycleblowout.com/folding.htm you can find never used (old stock) 2003 KHS Westwoods. They are heavy (30 lbs.) but they have a front derailer and full suspension. Here is a fan's website on the bike http://www.ncf.ca/~af895/bike/KHS.html .

My guess is that it is decent. The money you save will likely be spent on new parts wheels/BB as the hubs will likely require alot of maintenance and be hard to maintain. If you can do your own work or will only rarely ride it, it is probably good value.

How heavy is it? When weight is not stated it is usually well over 30 lbs.

Please note: even when weight is stated it is 2-3 lbs off.

Thanks,
Yan

The 2003 KHS Westwood specifications state that it is 29.7 lbs. CroMo frame. Dual chainring front derailer. 20" wheels.

The FS Downtube is ~28 lbs. Aluminum frame. 8 sp rear derailer with a 9sp option. 20" wheels.

There are a lot of specifics ... folding size, folding pedals, and so on.

With delivery, the DT is about $350. The Westwood is $400.

I belive the Westwood weight is not far off, however I recently rode a stock Swift and the weight was not 22lbs, and the Speed 7 is documented at 27.1lbs, however Consumer Reports weighed it in at 30lbs. Our weights are bike minus pedals and saddle which is standard, how the others document weight is interesting at best.

Thanks,
Yan

A friend of mine has that KHS F20A 2005 folder - she loves it. I ride my downtube she rides the KHS - they are quite similar to my un-professional eye. It has not had any problems with brakes or shifting (or anything else that I know of - those two things just seem rather important)