KHS’s newest offering: the $1399 disc brake CX-100. © Cyclocross Magazine
As all of the “usual suspects” introduced their disc brake models for the 2014 season back at Sea Otter, Dealer Camp and Interbike, KHS’s latest models also saw an upgrade to disc brakes for ’cross. Often known as one of the more affordable brands, KHS’s latest models, the CX300 and CX100, retail for $2199 and $1399, respectively. Both models are aluminum, but while the CX300 is dressed with SRAM Rival and SRAM’s hydraulic disc brakes, the CX100 keeps costs down by using Shimano 105 mixed with more in-house componentry.
The KHS CX300 with SRAM Rival components and hydraulic disc brakes. Black and orange. © Cyclocross Magazine
The frames of the two models are different, with the CX300 using KHS’ Ultralight A7 alloy, while the CX100 opts for the more affordable and slightly heavier 6061 aluminum frame. Both share the KHS carbon disc fork with an alloy steerer. The CX300 is ready to race, with a cyclocross-oriented 36/46t chainring combination, while the CX100 is more versatile with the 34/50t compact crankset that commuters and dirt road adventurers tend to prefer.
KHS made the switch to disc for this year. © Cyclocross Magazine
We reviewed the KHS CX300 in Issue 15, and found it to be an ideal entry-level race bike, with stable handling and all the fittings to make it an awesome wet weather bike, commuter or gravel bike. This year’s edition looks to bring the power of hydraulic disc brakes to that mix, albeit at a higher price.
You won’t see KHS-sponsored riders toeing the line at a World Cup, but the brand has as long a history as almost any bike company here in the states, starting in 1974, and cares about cyclocross (even sponsoring a “Dream cyclocross course contest” last year). The company was the first company to use Reynolds tubing in Taiwan, but has obviously since expanded beyond steel to aluminum and carbon (for mountain and road bikes).
Stay tuned as we test the new 2014 KHS cyclocross bikes.
Full specs of the 2014 KHS CX300 and CX100 cyclocross bikes below.
Check back often for more Interbike 2013 cyclocross bikes and gear. We’ve barely scratched the surface of the mountain of cyclocross goodies we found in Vegas.
More info: KHSbikes.com
KHS CX300 Cyclocross Bike Specs:
- Frame: Ultra light A7 Alloy, Double Butted w/Disc Mounts and Internal Cable Routing
- Fork: Carbon CX Disc w/Alloy Steerer
- Headset: FSA Orbit IS-3-CX integrated
- Wheels: WMN XC-180 700C with KT-XA2F, S/B Super Light Disc hubs
- Tires: Maxxis Mud Wrestler, M209P 700 x 33C 60TPI Folding
- Groupset: SRAM Rival with SRAM SB-700-HRD Hydraulic shifters
- Chain: KMC X10SC w/missing link
- Crankset: FSA Gossamer Compact MegaExo 2 pc, 46×36 w/alloy chainrings
- BB: FSA MegaExo outboard cartridge bearing
- Cassette: Shimano CS-4600, 12-28T, 10-speed
FSA cranks complete the build on the KHS CX300. © Cyclocross Magazine
- Seatpost: Q2 Carbon, 27.2x350mm
- Saddle: KHS Sport Road
- Handlebar: Ritchey Comp Curve 31.8
- Stem: Ritchey 4-Axis, 3.1.8 O/S, 6 degree
- Brake Levers: SRAM SB-700-HRD Hydraulic
- Brakes: SRAM SB-700-HRD Hydraulic Disc
- Frame Size: XS/49, S/52, M/56, L/58, XL61CM
- MSRP (USA): $2199
KHS’s newest offering: the disc brake CX-100. © Cyclocross Magazine
KHS CX100 Cyclocross Bike Specs:
KHS keeps costs down with some in-house components and fork. © Cyclocross Magazine
- Frame: 6061 Alloy Double Butted w/Disc Mounts and Internal Cable Routing
- Fork: Carbon CX Disc w/Alloy Steerer
- Headset: FSA Orbit IS-3-CX integrated
- Wheels: WMN XC-180 700C with alloy disc QR hubs
- Tires: Maxxis Mud Wrestler, M209P 700 x 33C 60TPI Wire
- Groupset: Shimano 105
- Chain: KMC X10SC w/missing link
- Crankset: KHS Forged 2pc, Outboard Bearing, 50/34 alloy
- BB: Outboard cartridge bearing
- Cassette: SMN HG6210 11-32T 10-speed
- Seatpost: Q2 Carbon, 27.2x350mm
- Saddle: KHS Sport Road
- Handlebar: Alloy Butted, 31.8
- Stem: Alloy 3D Forged, 31.8
- Brakes: Shimano Disc, BR-R317 160/140mm
- Frame Size: XS/49, S/52, M/56, L/58, XL61CM
- MSRP (USA): $1399
