KHS AGUILA Review
- Price: $1099
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 27.5″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1×11
What we like about it: Lightweight frame, great climbing ability.
What we didn’t like about it: The short front cushioning travel.
Rating (4.6/5)
KHS Bicycles is a reputable brand that has been designing and manufacturing high-quality bikes since 1974. The brand has evolved, incorporating cutting-edge technology and advanced bike designs to produce a diverse range of bikes suitable for various terrains and riding styles.
Among its numerous products, the KHS AGUILA series is a 1×11 speed hardtail mountain bike with an aluminum frame designed to provide outstanding performance and durability for off-road exploration.
The KHS AGUILA is designed to handle rugged and technical terrain, making it an ideal choice for off-road and cross-country riding.
The lightweight aluminum frame, combined with the 1×11 drivetrain, ensures that riders can smoothly tackle steep climbs and challenging descents.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting, the KHS AGUILA is a reliable bike that can handle any challenge on the mountain.
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Riding Experience
As a young person, I decided to pursue my passion for cycling and become a serious rider. I chose the KHS AGUILA hardtail mountain bike as my trusted tool, and it has never let me down.
Here are two real stories of my experiences riding the KHS AGUILA in different off-road conditions.
Before the race started, I also booked accommodation on Skyscanner, so I could rest well and be prepared for the biking race the next day.
Bear Mountain Off-Road Race
Taking place during the Bear Mountain Cross Country Race in New York, it was a grueling race with challenging terrain that demanded the best from both rider and bike. The race consisted of three stages, each with a different challenge that pushed me to my limits.
The first stage was a steep, rocky trail where KHS AGUILA’s 100mm front cushion proved to be an excellent component, soaking up the bumps and keeping me in control. The comfortable riding position also helped me maintain my stamina as I powered up the climbs.
The second stage was a technical downhill section full of sharp turns and obstacles.
The lightweight aluminum frame and precise handling of the KHS AGUILA were key to navigating this part of the course, allowing me to maintain speed while avoiding potential crashes.
The low standover height gave me the confidence to tackle the toughest sections with ease.
Finally, the third stage was a grueling climb up a steep fire road, testing my endurance and mental strength. The 1×11 drivetrain enabled me to smoothly and efficiently shift gears, helping me maintain a steady rhythm and conserve energy.
The traction and stability were also crucial on loose and rocky terrain, preventing any loss of control.
Weekend Trip
The second story takes place during a weekend trip in the Pacific Northwest, where I explored the trails around Mount Hood. The terrain there was challenging, with rocky terrain and steep climbs, requiring me to stay focused and alert.
The KHS AGUILA once again proved to be a great companion, with its comfortable riding position and reliable components helping me maintain control.
The mountain roads around Mount Hood offered some breathtaking descents, with winding singletrack and technical sections testing my skills. The precise handling and lightweight frame of the KHS AGUILA allowed me to navigate these sections at the fastest speeds possible.
And the 100mm front suspension absorbed any bumps and provided excellent control. The bike’s reliable disc brakes also gave me the confidence to brake in time for turns and maintain speed on descents.
Overall, my experience riding the KHS AGUILA hardtail mountain bike was fantastic. Whether climbing steep mountain roads or descending technical terrain, this bike proved to be reliable, stable, and comfortable.
It allowed me to push my limits and explore new mountain trails with confidence, and I can’t wait to see where it will take me next.
Specification
The KHS Aguila boasts an impressive component configuration, making it a reliable hardtail mountain bike. The 6061 aluminum frame design features custom top and down tubes and internal cable routing, making it both lightweight and durable. The 141mm boost wheelset is compatible with 29-inch and 27.5-inch tires, providing versatility in terrain.
The 11-speed Shimano Deore group ensures smooth and efficient shifting, while hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful braking in any conditions. Additionally, the 100mm SR XCM 32-LO front fork with hydraulic lockout and the KHS Sport dual-density saddle provide a comfortable riding experience during long mountain bike races.
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What do we like about it?
- Lightweight Aluminum Frame: Aguila’s lightweight and durable 6061 aluminum frame makes it easy to maneuver on the trails.
- Lifted Wheelset: The 141mm lifted wheelset is compatible with 29″ and 27.5″ plus tires, providing versatility and stability on any terrain.
- 11-speed Shimano Deore groupset: Aguila features a reliable and smooth 11-speed Shimano Deore groupset, which ensures efficient power transmission.
- Hydraulic disc brakes: Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful and stable braking in all weather conditions.
- COMFORTABLE RIDING POSITION: Aguila’s frame geometry and KHS sport dual-density saddle provide a comfortable riding position that is ideal for long-distance off-road riding.
- SR XCM 32-LO Fork: The 100mm SR XCM 32-LO fork with hydraulic lockout provides a smooth and responsive ride, making it easier to tackle rough terrain.
- Internal Cable Routing: Internal cable routing helps keep cables clean and out of the way, reducing maintenance and potential snags.
- Replaceable derailer: The replaceable derailer makes it easy to repair any damage caused by mountain hazards or accidents.
- Locking Grip: The second quarter locking grip provides a secure and comfortable grip, ideal for rough terrain.
- Dual Tire Compatibility: The Aguila is compatible with standard 29-inch tires and tires from 27.5 inches, allowing riders to customize their bikes to fit their riding style and terrain preferences.
What don’t we like about it?
- Cushioning: The front cushioning travel is short.
FAQs
- What type of riding is KHS Aguila best suited for?
The KHS Aguila is best suited for off-road riding, but it can also handle more technical terrain.
- What is the weight of KHS Aguila?
The weight of the KHS Aguila varies depending on size and components but is typically between 28-30 lbs.
- What is the maximum tire width that the KHS Aguila can accommodate?
The KHS Aguila is compatible with tires up to 29″ and 27.5″ wide and up to 2.6″ wide.
- Does the KHS Aguila come with rear shocks?
No, the KHS Aguila does not come with a rear shock. It is a hardtail mountain bike with a 100mm SR XCM 32-LO fork.
- Does the KHS Aguila come with pedals?
No, the KHS Aguila does not come with pedals. Riders will need to provide their pedals.
KHS Aguila Specs
Build
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum w/Custom Formed T/T & D/T, 141mm Boost, w/Replaceable Derailleur Hanger, 1.5 Taper, 29″/27.5 Plus Compatible. Internal Cables Color: Mid Gray; Ladies: Cabernet |
| Fork | SR XCM 32-LO, 100mm, w/Hydraulic Lock-Out, 1-1/8~ 1.5 Taper, 15QR x 110 Boost, 29 Std/27.5 Plus |
| Rear Shock | n/a |
| Bottom Bracket | Outboard Cartridge Bearing |
| Headset | Threadless 1-1/8″~1.5, Zero Stack |
| Stem | KHS Aluminum Threadless 4-bolt, 6-degree, 31.8mm, S: 60mm, M: 75mm, L-XL: 90mm |
| Handlebar | Aluminum Riser, 31.8mm, 720x20mm; Ladies: 680x20mm |
| Saddle | KHS Sport, Dual Density |
| Seatpost | KHS Aluminum Micro-Adjust 31.6mm |
| Pedals | n/a |
| Grips | Q2 Lock-on |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore, RD-M5100 |
| Front Derailleur | n/a |
| Crank | Aluminum 2-pc, Boost, 32T Narrow/Wide, S:170, M-XL:175, Ladies:170 |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore, SL-M5100 |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-M5100, 11-51T, 11-Speed |
| Chain | KMC X10 w/MissingLink |
| Brakes | Shimano BR-MT200 Hydraulic Disc, 180/160mm Rotors, Wave 12 |
| Brake Levers | Shimano BL-MT200 |
Wheels
| Rims | S: Aluminum Plus Disc, 27.5x32H, Double Wall, M-XL: Aluminum Disc Double Wall, 29x32H |
| Spokes | 14G Stainless Black 32×32 |
| Front Hub | KT Aluminum Disc w/CNC Rotor Flange, QR, 15mm x 110mm |
| Rear Hub | KT Aluminum Disc w/CNC Rotor Flange, QR, Cassette, 141mm Boost |
| Tires | S: Kenda Havok 27.5×2.6″; M-XL: Kenda Booster, 29×2.4″ |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 | Click View | 1×10 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Deore |
| GT Aggressor Expert | Click View | 3×8 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Tourney, Shimano |
| Norco Storm 1 29 | Click View | 1×11 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Deore |
| Orbea ALMA H30 | Click View | 1×12 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Deore |
KHS Aguila vs Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2
When comparing these two bikes, the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 has a few advantages over the KHS Aguila. First, it has a system with a Suntour XCT fork that provides more cushioning and damping on rough terrain.
It also has a Shimano Deore 1×10 shift kit that offers a wide range of gearing to handle different grades and terrain types.
Finally, the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 uses a 27.5-inch/29-inch wheelset. This provides better stability and traction compared to the KHS Aguila’s 27.5-inch wheelset.
On the other hand, the KHS Aguila has a few advantages of its own. It uses the Shimano Deore 1×11 shifting kit, which offers the rider more gearing options.
In addition, it has a lightweight aluminum frame with a comfortable riding position that makes it easy to handle on the trails.
Finally, the KHS Aguila has hydraulic disc brakes with 180/160mm rotors. This provides superior stopping power and control compared to the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2’s mechanical disc brakes.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 6 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 6 Review]
KHS Aguila vs GT Aggressor Expert
The KHS Aguila offers a more advanced Shimano Deore 1×11 drivetrain. It offers a larger gear range and more precise shifting than the Shimano Tourney 3×8 on the GT Aggressor Expert.
Compared to the Suntour XCM on the GT Aggressor, the Aguila has a higher quality fork with hydraulic lockout, the SR XCM 32-LO.
On the other hand, the GT Aggressor Expert appeals to those on a tighter budget with its lower price and 3×8 drivetrain option, which may be preferred by some riders who prioritize having more gearing options.
In addition, the GT Aggressor Expert comes with mechanical disc brakes. This is still effective for most riders, but not as powerful as the hydraulic disc brakes of the KHS Aguila.
Learn More: Is GT Aggressor Comp Worth Buying? [GT Aggressor Comp Review]
KHS Aguila vs Norco Storm 1 29
Both the Norco Storm 1 29 and the above bike are hardtail mountain bikes designed for trail riding. However, there are some key differences between the two. the Norco Storm 1 29 has larger 29-inch wheels.
It provides better traction and a smoother ride over rough terrain than the 27.5-inch wheels on the other bike.
In addition, the Storm 1 29’s Suntour XCM HLO fork offers more adjustability than the Suntour XCM fork on the other bike.
On the other hand, the bike has a more versatile wheelset that is compatible with 27.5-inch and 29-inch tires. This allows the bike to be more customizable to suit different riding conditions.
It also has a sleeker, more modern frame design with internal cable routing for a more refined look. Both bikes feature the same Shimano Deore 1×11 shift kit. So riders can expect similar performance and precision when shifting.
KHS Aguila vs Orbea ALMA H30
While there are some similarities between the two bikes as hardtail trail bikes, the Orbea Alma H30 is designed for more serious trail riding and racing.
The 100mm travel of the RockShox Judy Silver TK fork provides superior suspension and handling compared to KHS’s Suntour XCM fork.
The Shimano Deore 1×12 shifting kit on the Orbea offers a wider range of shifts and more precise shifting than KHS’s 1×11 Shimano Deore shifting kit.
In addition, the Orbea Alma H30 has a lighter frame made of hydroformed triple-ply aluminum, while the KHS frame is made of 6061 aluminum.
The KHS frame, on the other hand, is made of 6061 aluminum. Orbea’s 29-inch wheelset also allows for more power and stability on rough terrain.
And the KHS’s 27.5-inch wheelset is more flexible for tighter, more technical mountain trails. Overall, the Orbea Alma H30 is a higher-end, performance-oriented bike compared to the KHS, but it also comes with a higher price tag.
Learn more : Is Vitus Nucleus 27 VRS Mountain Splendid – [Vitus Nucleus 27 VRS Mountain Review]
Summary
Above is our test of the KHS Aguila, which is a good transition bike for a novice to advance to become a serious driver. If you want to become an amateur race-ready rider, you can consider this bike.
But if you only have commuting needs and want to get a bike that can be bought at a more affordable price, check out our more affordable bike review.
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