Recommendations: First MTB

[Eazy]

I'm looking at buying a KHS Rigid One for my first MTB and am looking for advice. Since this is my first MTB I think it prudent I buy a bike that is solid for the money, not specialised and has the potential to be upgraded.

I'll be using it for transportation but would like it to be tough enough and versatile that I could use it for other purposes such as dirt jumping, etc. At some point I'd move to suspension forks.

Any suggestions or advice on the KHS? Recommendations for online vendor? Are the parts that come with the bike decent?

 

[Guest]

why do you wanna go ridgid straight off?

 

[Adi]

Yes, the parts on the bike are good fr the price, it will make a great first MTB! Have fun!

 

[wombat]

Well if he's using it mainly transportation, there's probably no need for a suspension fork, and he'll be able to get a better spec with a rigid fork. It'd help build a good skill base too.

 

[Eazy]

I'd prefer suspension forks but the KHS comes with rigid forks. I've been told that Suspension forks on cheapish complete MTB's eat up a large sum of the money to the detriment of other components including the frame. My budget is the main factor here. $900. I can upgrade other components later money permitting.

 

[Eazy]

Thanks for the replies people. If someone could point me in the direction of a vendor that sells the KHS, that would be appreciated. The local shop AFAIK don't stock KHS. I will enquire tomorrow but alternative vendors would be good.

OT: I notice my title is Huffy owner. Huffy's that bad?

 

[grovesy]

From the review I've seen the rigid one apears to be good value for money,and durable.



Hell I'm looking at one for myself.

 

[Adi]

I hear its very heavy though... just thought you might like to know if you are concerned about weight.

 

[Guest]

seems like a beef dj rig

 

[grovesy]

33 or 34 lbs

 

[duncan^kona]

what u need is a kona stab full setup with risse trixxxy 7" forks..........$2100

 

[Eazy]

I hear its very heavy though... just thought you might like to know if you are concerned about weight.

I used to ride a borrowed K-Mart "MTB" that weighed a ton. I'd bet the ride on the KHS is far smoother, lighter and the parts less likely to drop off when bunnyhopping up a curb. I'd sort of pray that the bike wouldn't explode on me when time slowed down and I'd wonder if I'd used up my luck riding a dodgy piece of poo. Weight is relative. You're probably used to riding primo gear that can be picked up with your left pinky. I have to stop myself from being too concerned about issues that experienced riders find important and keep it in perspective. First bike doesn't have to be a Ferarri, not that I have much choice in the matter. 8) Plenty of sheen on this Noob.

Now if only someone could point me to an online store that deal in these bikes.

 

[CHEWY]

ive never ridden the KHS but ive read plenty of reviews and it sounds like a very decent bike. the rims are going to be a bit of a weakness i think but until u wreck them u dont have to worry. another bike thats in that pricerange is the kona scab... should check that out.
or maybe even a second hand bike?

 

[Eazy]

ive never ridden the KHS but ive read plenty of reviews and it sounds like a very decent bike. the rims are going to be a bit of a weakness i think but until u wreck them u dont have to worry. another bike thats in that pricerange is the kona scab... should check that out.
or maybe even a second hand bike?

Chewy, I think people would see "sucker" on my forehead if I wanted to buy a 2nd hand bike. I wouldn't know the first thing about the components or whether it was a good buy. Someone could foist some ye olde bike on me and I'd none the wiser till some smartarse punk told me it was a piece of shit and why didn't I buy new. The thrash/metal in me is coming out since I think matte black is a killer colour. It's black, it must be good right? :wink:

May I ask why you suggested the Kona Scab? Looks like strictly for dirt jumping.

 

[Ride_Guy]

well teh rigid one is aimed at dirt jumping aswell, both bikes fall into thesame classes

 

[skinindustries]

well i think this guy should get a hard tail to start
but if your going in to down hill start on a second hand downhill bike or a lil dullie but rigid bike are
very rough, and dont buy the khs untill you've ridin
it!!!

 

[S.]

what u need is a kona stab full setup with risse trixxxy 7" forks..........$2100

Eazy, you have the right idea about cheaper bikes and suspension: it IS a waste of money at that price point. The rigid one sounds like just your thing.

 

[Ty]

had a look at some of the 04 giants in the past week, cable disc, decent group and dampened fork for around the $800 mark, more XCish but damn you get alot of bike for you money these days in the low end market.

(i think i paid about the same for a Diamond Back Sotento (sp?) in 95-96 and the best bits were alivo cantis and a stx rear mech)

 

[Eazy]

Thanks again to those who replied. No-one said the bike is complete shit and a few gave it a thumbs up as a first MTB so I feel pretty confident in going ahead with the purchase. I found a recently opened local bike store (Cycle Zone) who will bring them in for under $900 with an included service. Bonus. If your local store doesn't stock the Rigid One's, check here. I don't know of their reputation but I probably would have dropped some coin there if I couldn't source locally.

 

[Dicky]

yeah, the rigid one is a beast. it'll take just about whatever you're willing to do on a rigid bike, and is definitely worthy of upgrading to some front-end travel later on.

a lot of dirt jump frames these days are being made out of cromo. yeah, it's heavier than most aluminium, but it's actually a slightly more comfortable ride as well, as steel is not as stiff as aluminium (so they put more material into the frame to make it stronger).
plus you can just weld it back together in the (very unlikely) event that you bust it. methinks your knees will give out before the frame does though.

slightly off on a tangent... lots of really expensive lightweight XC hardtail frames are still being made from steel as well, simply because of its more compliant nature. a good cromo XC frame almost feels like it has about half an inch of rear travel in it. have to ride it to believe it though. I WANT ONE :mrgreen:

so yeah, steel is good stuff, get a rigid one, you'll be stuffing about on the way to work in no time