KHS 6600 Review
- Price: $5059
- Frame: Carbon fiber
- Wheels: 27.5″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: The premium ride quality, and high-end components.
What we don’t like about it: The price isn’t accessible to everyone.
Rating (4.8/5)
KHS bicycles are a renowned brand in the cycling industry, with a 45-year history of producing high-quality bikes. Founded in 1974, the brand has a long and successful history of developing innovative and reliable bicycles for various riding styles and sports. Over the years, KHS has continuously pushed the development of technology and design, producing bikes that meet the ever-changing demands of riders.
One of their most popular series is the KHS 6600. It is a full-suspension mountain bike series that offers top-notch performance and features. Designed for serious off-road enthusiasts, the KHS 6600 can handle even the most challenging terrains with ease. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking to push your limits or a beginner seeking an entry-level full-suspension mountain bike, the KHS 6600 is a great choice. With its lightweight aluminum frame, 1×12 speed drivetrain, and full suspension system, the KHS 6600 can handle any situation from technical singletrack to fast and smooth trails.
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Riding Experience
As a professional enduro mountain biker, I have had the privilege of riding many high-end bikes. Recently, I had the opportunity to ride a top-of-the-line full-suspension enduro mountain bike with 150mm front travel and 190mm rear travel. I participated in two enduro races on this bike, and I must say, it did not disappoint. Before the racec started, I also booked accommodation on Skyscanner so I could rest well and be prepared for the biking race the next day.
The First Race
The location was Megavalanche in Alpe d’Huez, France, a race known for its challenging terrain and steep descents that put the bike’s capabilities to the test. The first part of the race involved a steep climb, and the bike’s suspension system made it a breeze. The 150mm front suspension absorbed all the bumps and rocks, reducing the strain on my body while climbing.
The downhill section of the race is where the bike shone. As I rode on technical terrain with lots of rocks, the 190mm rear suspension provided unparalleled stability and control. The bike’s lightweight aluminum frame and smooth suspension allowed me to maintain high speeds without feeling like I was losing control. I was able to push the bike to its limits and felt confident in its ability to handle any mountain terrain.
The Second Race
It was the Trans Cascadia held in Oregon, USA. This race is well known for its dense forests and technical terrain, which once again tested the abilities of the bicycles. The early stages of the race involved steep rocky descents, which the bike’s suspension system handled with ease. As I rode through the rocky sections, the 190mm rear shock provided excellent control and stability, while the 150mm front shock absorbed all the bumps, making the ride more comfortable.
One standout feature of this bike is its maneuverability in tight turns and technical terrain. The lightweight frame and smooth suspension system made it easy to maneuver around tight corners and obstacles. In other words, it allowed me to maintain high speeds without compromising control. The tires provided excellent grip, and the bike felt stable and secure on all surfaces.
Overall, my experience with this full-suspension top-of-the-line mountain bike was excellent. The bike’s capabilities and performance exceeded my expectations, making riding on steep climbs and technical descents a pleasure. Whether you’re an experienced endurance rider or just getting into the sport, this bike is sure to provide an excellent riding experience that you won’t want to end.
Specification
The configuration of the components provided is designed to deliver maximum performance in all types of terrain. The MSD full carbon frame features 4 Horst Linkages and 135mm of rear travel. Combined with the 150mm travel FOX Float 36 front fork, it creates a capable and responsive suspension system. WTB ST rims and 14/15G double-butted stainless steel spokes, along with black aluminum nipples, provide a strong and reliable wheelset.
The Shimano SLX drivetrain comes with a 12-speed cassette and 30T FSA Gamma Pro crankset, along with Shimano MT420 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes (180/160mm rotors), delivering precise shifting and excellent braking performance. The Kenda Regolith Pro tires feature a tubeless-ready design with foldable 120TPI, increasing the bike’s overall performance and reliability. Overall, this is a top-of-the-line setup suited for serious endurance riders looking for the best components.
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What do we like about it?
- Lightweight: The full carbon frame construction makes the bike exceptionally light, making it easy to maneuver on the trails.
- Durable: The carbon fiber material is also incredibly strong and durable, ensuring that the bike can withstand the rigors of intense off-road riding.
- Responsive suspension: With a 150mm front cushion and 190mm rear cushion, the bike’s suspension provides a smooth and responsive ride, absorbing shocks and providing better control.
- Powerful brakes: Shimano MT420 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful braking power, giving the rider more confidence and control on steep downhill trails.
- Efficient shifting: The Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain with 30T Megatooth crankset and 10-51T cassette allows for efficient and smooth shifting, making it easier to tackle tough climbs and technical trails.
- For Tubeless: Tubeless rims and tires allow riders to use lower tire pressures, improving traction and reducing the risk of flat tires.
What don’t we like about it?
- Higher price: The price is not acceptable to everyone.
FAQs
- What size tires does this bike come with?
The bike is equipped with Kenda Regolith Pro tires. The size is S:27.5 x 2.6″ for small frames. And M-XL:29 x 2.4″ for medium to extra large frames.
- Is this bike suitable for technical trails?
Yes, this bike is designed for endurance racing, which means it’s built to handle technical trails with steep descents, obstacles, and challenging terrain. Its 150mm front suspension and 190mm rear suspension make it an ideal choice for absorbing bumps and providing stability and control.
- Can I upgrade my brakes to larger rotors?
Yes, the Shimano MT420 4-piston hydraulic disc brake on this bike already has high performance. But if you prefer better braking performance, you can upgrade to larger rotors. The frame has enough clearance to accommodate up to 203mm rotors.
- Can I adjust the seat height while riding?
Yup. The bike is equipped with a Kind Shock Exa-Form KSP-900-i boom that allows instant seat height adjustment with a handlebar-mounted remote control.
- Is this bike suitable for racing?
Yes, this bike is designed for off-road racing, with a full carbon frame, high-performance suspension, and top-of-the-line components. It’s built to handle technical terrain and fast descents, making it the perfect choice for off-road racing.
KHS 6600 Specs
Build
| Frame | MSD Full Carbon 4-Bar Horst Link, 29/650B+, 135mm, 1.5 Taper, 12 x 148 Boost Rear Axle, w/Replaceable Derailleur Hanger BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Color: Raisin |
| Fork | FOX Float 36, 29 Std/27.5+ Evol Air, Rhythm, 150mm, Grip Sweep Adj., Ext Rebound Adj., 1-1/8~1.5 Taper, 15mm x 110 QR Boost |
| Rear Shock | FOX Float DPS, Performance, 3-Pos, Evol w/ LV Eyelet |
| Bottom Bracket | FSA MegaExo Outboard Cartridge Bearing |
| Headset | FSA No. 57/52, Zero Stack, 1-1/8″~1.5 |
| Stem | FSA Grid 3D Forged, 35mm |
| Handlebar | FSA Grid 35mm, 800mm x 20mm |
| Saddle | WTB High Tail, CrMo Rail |
| Seatpost | Kind Shock Exa-Form KSP-900-i, Integra w/Remote, Travel Adjust, 31.6mm |
| Pedals | n/a |
| Grips | Q2 Lock-on |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano SLX, RD-M7100 |
| Front Derailleur | n/a |
| Crank | FSA Gamma Pro, 2-pc., 30T Megatooth, Boost, PF92, S:170, M-XL:175 |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX, SL-M7100, 12s, Trigger, Right Only, I-Spec EV |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-M6100, 10-51T, 12-Speed |
| Chain | Shimano CN-M6100 |
| Brakes | Shimano MT420 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc,180/160mm Rotors= RT64 CenterLock |
| Brake Levers | Shimano M4100, I-Spec EV |
Wheels
| Rims | WTB ST=S:i35, M-XL:i29 TCS, Disc, Double Wall, 28H, Tubeless-Ready |
| Spokes | 14/15G Double Butted Stainless, Black w/Aluminum Nipples, 28×28 |
| Front Hub | Shimano HB-MT410, CenterLock Disc, 15mm x 110mm, Boost |
| Rear Hub | Shimano FH-MT410-B Disc Cassette, 12 x 148mm, Boost |
| Tires | Kenda Regolith Pro, S:27.5 x 2.6″, M-XL:29 x 2.4″, 120TPI, Folding, Tubeless-Ready |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp | Click View | 1×12 | Carbon Fiber | Sram GX Eagle, X1 |
| YT Industries Jeffsy Uncaged 8 29 | Click View | 1×12 Electronic | Carbon Fiber | Sram GX Eagle AXS |
| Canyon Spectral Mullet CF 8 CLLCTV | Click View | 1×12 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano XT, SLX |
| Scott Contessa Genius 920 | Click View | 1×12 | Carbon Fiber | Shimano XT, Deore |
KHS 6600 vs Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp
The MSD Full Carbon and Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp are both high-end full-suspension trail bikes designed for the toughest trails, while the MSD Full Carbon uses a 29/650B+ wheelset with a Fox Float 36 Rhythm fork and Shimano SLX components. While the Stumpjumper EVO Comp uses a 27.5″ wheelset and Fox Factory Float 38 fork, SRAM GX Eagle and X1 1×12 components. The Stumpjumper EVO Comp has a slightly more aggressive fork and 27.5″ wheelset setup, making it more suited for technical and steep terrain. However, the MSD Full Carbon’s 29/650B+ wheelset offers more stability and better roll on rough trails.
In terms of components, both bikes offer high-quality options. However, the Stumpjumper EVO Comp’s GX Eagle and X1 1×12 components offer a wider range of gears and smoother shifting than the Shimano SLX components on the MSD full carbon bike. However, the FSA mesh bars and handlebars of the MSD full carbon bike offer a better fit and more stable handling. Ultimately, the choice of these two bikes will depend on the rider’s personal preference and the type of terrain they plan to ride.
Learn More: Is the Specialized Chisel Come worth buying? [Specialized Chisel Comp Reviews]
KHS 6600 vs YT Industries Jeffsy Uncaged 8 29
The main difference when comparing these two bikes is their wheel size and components. The Jeffsy Uncaged 8 uses a 29-inch wheelset and an electronic shift kit. While MSD’s enduro trail bike uses a 27.5-inch wheelset and a mechanical shift kit. In addition, the fork on the Jeffsy Uncaged 8 is a Fox Rhythm Float 36, which is more advanced than MSD’s Fox Factory Float 38 fork.
In terms of riding experience, the Jeffsy Uncaged 8 is better suited for longer, faster rides due to its larger wheel size and electronic shifting system. However, the MSD may be more agile and nimble on technical terrain due to its smaller wheel size and slightly lighter weight.
KHS 6600 vs Canyon Spectral Mullet CF 8 CLLCTV
The biggest difference between these two bikes is their wheel sizes. The Canyon Spectral Mullet CF 8 CLLCTV uses a Mullet configuration, which is a 29″ front wheel and a 27.5″ rear wheel. This should provide the rider with the best of both worlds, with a larger front wheel for crushing obstacles and a smaller rear wheel for more nimble handling. The Intense Primer S 27.5″ uses the same size front and rear wheels, which may make it feel less nimble in sharp turns.
In terms of components, both bikes are very similar, with Shimano SLX and FSA 1×12 shift kits and Fox forks. However, the Canyon Spectral Mullet CF 8 CLLCTV uses the slightly higher-end Fox Performance Elite Float 36 fork. And the Intense Primer S 27.5″ uses a Fox Factory Float 38 fork. Overall, riders who prioritize versatility and a unique riding experience may prefer the Canyon Spectral Mullet CF 8 CLLCTV. Because those who prioritize speed and stability may prefer the Intense Primer S 27.5″.
Learn More: Is Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 Worth Buying? [Canyon Spectral 29 CF 7 Review]
KHS 6600 vs Scott Contessa Genius 920
The Yeti SB130 C1 and this bike share many similarities, both being full-suspension mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels and 150mm of front suspension. However, the rear suspension on the Yeti SB130 C1 is 130mm, slightly shorter than this bike’s 138mm, which may make it more maneuverable. The Fox Performance Float 36 front fork on the Yeti is a step down from this bike’s Fox Factory Float 36 front fork, but both have excellent suspension performance.
In terms of the drivetrain, Knolly uses the Shimano XT 1×12 system, while the Yeti SB130 C1 uses the SLX 1×12 system. Shimano XT is a more high-end choice. For those seeking high-performance full-suspension mountain bikes, both of these bikes are great choices, but the subtle differences in suspension and drivetrain components may allow riders to choose according to their specific needs and preferences.
Learn More: Is the Scott Scale 940 A Great Value Hardtail Bike? [Scott Scale 940 Review]
Summary
Above is our test of the KHS 6600. It’s a top-tier endurance full-suspension mountain bike with high-end componentry and top-of-the-line frame geometry. If you’re a professional rider or a serious enthusiast, this bike is a great fit for you and worth a try. But if you’re a budget-conscious commuter, be sure to check out our more affordable bike reviews.
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