KHS SixFifty 5500 (2016)
KHS SixFifty 5500: value and performance
Pros
- Pedals well
- Price
- Dropper post
Cons
-Unrefined linkage
-Fork
Review
The KHS SIxFIfty 5500 is a mid-level, 650b, 140mm travel trail bike. The frame is KHS double butted alloy with a standard 12x142 rear axle, taped head tube, and replaceable derailleur hanger. The bike is equipped with a nice RockShox Monarch RL rear shock and a RockShox Sector Silver air sprung fork. The gears change via SRAM's excellent GX 1x11 drivetrain and the stopping happens thanks to Shimano M506 hydraulic disc brakes. There is a KS E-Ten dropper post and Tubeless ready WTB STP-I23 rims.
The bike is a decent gloss black and green color-way and the suspension linkage makes for interesting lines as the top pivot sits way out in front of the rear, causing the shock to pass through the seat tube. The linkage has a somewhat un-refined look to it but it gets the job done. This design is not uncommon for KHS as they have been using a variation of this for a number of years now on most of the bikes. This however is set to change with their new carbon frames.
The ride of the KHS SixFifty is quite good. There is very little pedal bob while pedalling uphill and the RockShox Monarch rear shock gives the bike a nice supported feeling. The bike climbs better than expected. The front fork could be upgraded later down the road to something with a little more support to match the Monarch rear. The KS dropper post is decent, and a nice addition making it so you don't have to pick one up aftermarket. All-in-all the ride quality of the KHS SixFifty 5500 is well worth the suggested $2699 MSRP as it gives you a good platform to build on over time.
The 2016 KHS SixFifty 5500 is a mid-range full-suspension trail bike. Equipped with a full 140mm of travel front and back, capably provided by Rockshox' Monarch shock and Sektor fork, the light aluminum frame responds to rider commands with alacrity, nimbly traversing the most technical terrain. Footing is confident, the WTB-rimmed 27.5" wheels clad in the open-pattern Maxxis Ardent treads, staying true and biting solidly into wet or soft soil. Kit is a combination of SRAM and Shimano, providing clean shifts and sure braking control.
A good trail bike.
Matte Black/Green | |