“KHS Bicycles was founded in 1974 as an American-based company distributing the KHS brand of bicycles. Its mission is to design, manufacture and distribute moderately priced and high quality bicycles and accessories. Since that time, KHS has grown into a brand respected for quality, value and integrity with distribution in more than 30 countries around the world”.
KHS is another company who have added gravel and cyclocross bikes to their range of bicycles for 2015 / 2016.
The KHS CX 550 is the flagship gravel / cyclocross bike in the KHS line-up. Featuring a frame constructed from T800 super light high modulus carbon fiber, the frame is both light and stout, designed for the rigors of gravel cycling and cyclocross. The frame is complimented by a tapered all carbon fork, made from the same T800 carbon fiber.
The KHS CX 550 is available in four sizes, ranging from XSmall (520mm top tube) to Large (580mm top tube). Keen eyed readers will recognize this paint job from an earlier era in cycling… we love the Team Blue / Back colo(u)rway.
On the stock build, the CX 550 is spec’d with 700c x 33mm tires (tyres). When mounted to the bike’s American Classic Hurricane disc brake wheelset, you can expect these tires to grow to at least 35mm in width. 40mm wide tires would probably fit, but it will be tight.
KHS 550 CX feature specifications:
- SRAM Force CX1 11-speed mechanical groupset, with Force hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm rotors front and rear.
- American Classic Hurricane disc brake wheelset.
- Challenge Chicane Open Tubular Tires (clincher), 700c x 33mm, 300TPI, folding – the skinwall looks great in our opinion!
- Cockpit parts by FSA, Q2 and Prologo.
MSRP of $US 4,299.00.
The KHS CX 500 frame features T700 high modulus carbon fiber, complimented by a tapered all carbon fork, made from the same T700 carbon fiber. Available in four sizes, ranging from XSmall (520mm top tube) to Large (580mm top tube).
KHS 500 CX feature specifications:
- Shimano 105 11-speed mechanical groupset, with Shimano ST-RS685 hydraulic shifter levers / RS785 disc brakes, 160mm rotors front and rear.
- Weinmann / KT-XA5R disc brake wheelset, fitted with Maxxis Mud Wrestler tires, 700c x 33mm, folding.
- Crankset fitted with 46 / 36 chainrings, 11-32 11-speed cassette.
- Cockpit parts by FSA, Q2 and Prologo.
MSRP of $US 3,099.00.
The KHS CX 300 frame is constructed from Ultra light A7 alumin(i)um, matched to a tapered all carbon fork. All cables are routed internally. Available in five sizes, ranging from XSmall (512mm top tube) to XLarge (605mm top tube).
KHS 300 CX feature specifications:
- Shimano 105 11-speed mechanical groupset, with Shimano ST-RS685 hydraulic shifter levers / RS785 disc brakes, 160mm rotors front and rear.
- Weinmann / KT-XA5R disc brake wheelset, fitted with Maxxis Mud Wrestler tires, 700c x 33mm, folding.
- Crankset fitted with 46 / 36 chainrings, 11-32 11-speed cassette.
- Cockpit parts by FSA, Q2 and Prologo.
MSRP of $US 2,199.00.
The KHS Grit 440 frame features T700 high modulus carbon fiber, complimented by a tapered all carbon fork, made from the same T700 carbon fiber. Available in four sizes, ranging from XSmall (520mm top tube) to Large (580mm top tube).
KHS Grit 440 feature specifications:
- Shimano 105 11-speed mechanical groupset, with TRP HY/RD hydraulic / mechanical disc brakes, 160mm rotors front and rear. These are excellent brakes.
- WTB / Formula disc brake wheelset, fitted with WTB Cross Boss tires, 700c x 35mm, tubeless ready, folding.
- Crankset fitted with 50 / 34 chainrings, 11-32 11-speed cassette. It is our opinion that KHS should have spec’d this bike with 46 / 34 or 46 / 36 chainrings. Unless you’re a gear masher, smaller chainrings do well with larger tires – wider and taller in this case. Remember, taller tires negate a smaller gear.
MSRP of $US 2,499.00.
The KHS Grit 220 frame features 7005 alumin(i)um double butted construction, matched to a tapered carbon fork with aluminum steerer tube. All cables are routed internally. Available in five sizes, ranging from XSmall (512mm top tube) to XLarge (605mm top tube).
KHS Grit 220 feature specifications:
- Shimano Tiagra 10-speed mechanical groupset, with Avid BB5R mechanical disc brakes, 160mm rotors front and rear.
- Weinmann / Formula disc brake wheelset, fitted with Kenda Happy Medium tires, 700c x 35mm, folding.
- Crankset fitted with 50 / 34 chainrings, 11-32 10-speed cassette.
MSRP of $US 1,349.00.