KHS ALITE 300 Review
- Price: $489
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 26″ Aluminum
- Gear: 3×8
What we like about it: Good for newbies, low maintenance costs.
What we don’t like about it: It’s heavier and slower.
Rating (4.4/5)
KHS Bicycle Company is a long-standing brand in the world of bicycles. Since its establishment in 1974, the company has been producing BMX bikes and has grown into a respected brand in the industry. Their product line includes a variety of bikes, such as road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric-assist bikes. One of their popular mountain bike models is the KHS ALITE 300, which was introduced in 2012 and has a rich history. The ALITE 300 is part of the Alite series, which has been in production since the 1990s and was originally designed for off-road mountain biking. The ALITE 300 has become a popular entry-level choice for riders who are looking for a reliable and affordable mountain bike.
The KHS ALITE 300 is a versatile hardtail mountain bike that can handle various riding conditions. Its aluminum frame and 26-inch wheels make it lightweight and easy to handle, while the 100mm suspension fork provides a smooth ride on rough terrain. The bike’s 24-speed Shimano drivetrain and disc brakes allow it to tackle steep hills and technical trails. The ALITE 300 is designed for off-road riding and performs well on less technical or challenging mountain trails. It’s a great choice for riders who want to explore the outdoors and ride on various terrains, whether they are beginners or experienced riders.
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Riding Experience
As a professional bicycle mechanic at a bike shop, I have had the opportunity to work on many different types of bikes, including the KHS Alite 300 mountain bike. But my understanding of this bike goes beyond just repairing it for customers. I’m also a rider who has had some exciting adventures with it.
What I love most about the KHS Alite 300 is its versatility. Although it’s designed as an entry-level hardtail mountain bike, I’ve found it to be very suitable for urban commuting and light off-road weekend riding.
Commuting Experience
I remember my first long-distance commute in the city on this bike. The first thing I noticed was how comfortable the riding position was. The bike has a relatively upright position, which is great for enjoying the city scenery and sounds. The 100mm front suspension also helps absorb any bumps or cracks on the road, making the ride smooth and enjoyable.
During that commute, I rode through some of the most iconic places in the city, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park. This bike was handled well in both places. On the bridge, I was able to weave easily through pedestrian traffic. In the park, I took on some dirt roads and hills, and the Alite 300 didn’t disappoint – it provided a stable and responsive ride.
Weekend Adventure
However, it was on a nearby trail during the weekend that the KHS Alite 300 truly shone. My friends and I planned a light ride in the Palo Santo Forest Preserve, a popular destination for mountain biking enthusiasts in the area. The trail consisted of a mix of dirt, gravel, and some rocky sections, but I had confidence in the Alite 300. Before setting off, I also booked accommodation through Skyscanner to give myself ample space to rest and prepare.
As we started riding, I was initially worried that the bike’s entry-level status might hinder me. But as we picked up speed and encountered some more challenging terrain, I realized that the Alite 300 had enough capability to handle this ride. The bike’s Shimano Altus drivetrain made it easy to shift gears on the fly, allowing me to easily tackle steep climbs and fast descents. The 100mm front suspension fork also came in handy, especially when we encountered some rocky parts of the trail. It provided enough cushioning to keep me comfortable and in control without feeling disconnected from the trail.
As we rode through the preserve, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of the area. The towering trees and winding paths made for a picturesque environment, and the Alite 300 allowed me to confidently explore it. We even stopped at one of the lookout points, where we could see miles of forest and rolling hills in the distance.
Overall, I had some great experiences on the KHS Alite 300. Whether riding on busy city streets or tackling some weekend trails, this bike proved to be versatile and reliable. It may be an entry-level mountain bike, but its capabilities go far beyond that. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle various terrains and riding styles, the KHS Alite 300 is worth considering.
Specification
The KHS Alite 300 features a sturdy alloy 6061 frame with a replaceable derailleur hanger, making it a durable and reliable choice for off-road and entry-level mountain biking. The Spinner 300LC front fork has 100mm of travel and provides hydraulic lockout and preload adjustment for increased control and comfort on mountain trails. The Shimano Altus front derailleur and SRAM X4 rear derailleur paired with an SR Suntour CW8-XCTV2 T302PB crankset provide a smooth and efficient 2×8 drivetrain system, making it easier to shift gears when navigating different terrains.
Tektro linear-pull brakes provide ample stopping power. Meanwhile, the Weinmann alloy double-wall rims paired with Kenda K849 tires provide a stable and durable wheelset that can handle both urban commuting and light off-road riding. Overall, the KHS Alite 300 is a versatile bike that can handle various riding styles, making it the best choice for those seeking versatility and reliability.
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What do we like about it?
- Versatile: This bike is a versatile bike, suitable for both urban commuting and light off-road riding.
- Durable Frame: Alloy 6061 frame with replaceable derailleur mounts can withstand harsh riding conditions and last for a long time.
- Responsive fork: The Spinner 300LC fork with 100mm travel offers hydraulic locking and preload adjustment for responsiveness and comfort on varied terrain.
- Efficient drivetrain: The 2×8 drivetrain with Shimano Altus front derailleur and SRAM X4 rear derailleur is mated to the SR Suntour CW8-XCTV2 T302PB crankset to provide smooth and efficient shifting.
- Reliable brakes: Tektro’s cable-pull brakes provide reliable braking power and control, especially on downhill sections.
- Stable Wheelset: Weinmann alloy double-wall rims and Kenda K849 tires provide a stable and durable wheelset capable of handling rough terrain.
- Comfortable riding position: The bike’s relatively upright riding position and KHS sport dual-density saddle provide a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.
- Lightweight: The alloy frame and components make it a relatively light bike, making it easier to handle and maneuver on the trails.
- Reasonably priced: This bike is an affordable entry-level mountain bike that makes it accessible to riders on a budget.
- Great for beginners: With its easy-to-use drivetrain, responsive fork and stable wheelset, this bike is a great choice for beginners looking to get into mountain biking.
What don’t we like about it?
- Speed: Higher weight and slower speed.
FAQs
- What type of riding is the KHS Alite 300 suitable for?
This bike is a versatile bike for urban commuting and light trail riding. It is designed as a hardtail entry-level mountain bike, making it ideal for trail riding and entry-level mountain biking.
- How comfortable is the KHS Alite 300 to ride?
It has a relatively upright riding position and KHS sport dual-density saddle, making it a comfortable bike to ride. The 100mm front suspension fork with hydraulic lockout and preload adjustment also increases the bike’s comfort on different terrains.
- How efficient is the drivetrain of the KHS Alite 300?
It features a 3×8 drivetrain system, equipped with a Shimano Altus front derailleur and an SRAM X4 rear derailleur. Paired with an SR Suntour CW8-XCTV2 T302PB crankset, it provides a smooth and efficient shifting experience, making it easier to shift gears when navigating different terrains.
- How reliable are the brakes on the KHS Alite 300?
This bike uses Tektro linear-pull brakes, providing reliable stopping power and control, especially when going downhill. The alloy linear pull brake levers also provide a comfortable grip and smooth operation.
- Is the KHS Alite 300 a good bike for beginners?
Yes, it is a great bike for beginners who want to get into mountain biking. With an easy-to-use drivetrain system, responsive front suspension, and stable wheels, it is a bike that provides confidence and control on the trails. Additionally, its reasonable price tag makes it an affordable option for those just starting.
KHS ALITE 300 Specs
Build
| Frame | Alloy 6061 w/replaceable derailleur hanger Colors: Blue; Orange |
| Fork | Spinner 300LC,Hydraulic Lock Out & damping, Pre-load Adj,100mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Cartridge bearing, 118X68 |
| Headset | FSA No.10P threadless, Zero Stack, 1-1/8″,w/15mm Top Cap |
| Stem | Alloy, 31.8, A-Head, 13″-15″ = 75mm, 17″-19″ = 90mm, 21″ = 105mm |
| Handlebar | Alloy, 31.8 680X25mm, Ladies: 660X25mm |
| Saddle | KHS Sport, Dual Density, Black, Ladies: KHS Ladies |
| Seatpost | Alloy micro-adjust, 27.2mm |
| Pedals | Wellgo MTB platform w/boron axle, Resin |
| Grips | KHS Sport, Dual Compound |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X4, 8-Speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano FD-M310 Altus, 31.8mm Dual Pull |
| Crank | SR Suntour CW8-XCTV2 T302PB, 42/32/22T |
| Shifters | SRAM X4 trigger, 8-Speed |
| Chain | KMC Z8 |
| Brakes | Tektro linear pull 837AL. |
| Brake Levers | Alloy linear pull 2.5F |
Wheels
| Rims | Weinmann alloy double wall, XTB-26,machined walls, 26x32H |
| Spokes | 14G Black, 32X32, Brass Nipples |
| Tires | Kenda K849 26×1.95, 30TPI |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 | Click View | 1×10 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Deore |
| Cannondale Trail 8 | Click View | 3×7 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Tourney, microSHIFT |
| Specialized Rockhopper 26 | Click View | 2×8 | Aluminum alloy | Altus, Shimano |
| Giant Talon 1 | Click View | 2×7 | Aluminum alloy | Tourney, Shimano |
KHS ALITE 300 vs Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2
First of all, the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 is significantly more expensive than the KHS Alite 300. This is partly because the Marlin 6 Gen 2 is a newer model and has more advanced components. One of the key differences between these two bikes is weight. The Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 is noticeably lighter than the KHS Alite 300, which can make it easier to handle and maneuver on the trails.
Another notable difference is the braking system. The Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 features hydraulic disc brakes, which provide better braking performance and adjustability compared to the rim brakes on the KHS Alite 300. This is particularly important when riding on technical terrain or steep downhill sections. The Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 also has larger tires than the KHS Alite 300, which can provide better traction and stability on the trails.
Lastly, the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 has a 10-speed shifting system, which provides more gear options than the 24-speed system on the KHS Alite 300. This is particularly useful when tackling steep climbs or technical terrain.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 6 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 6 Review]
KHS ALITE 300 vs Cannondale Trail 8
The Cannondale Trail 8 is more expensive than the KHS Alite 300, which reflects on some of its more advanced components. One of the key differences is the braking system. Trail 8 uses mechanical disc brakes, while Alite 300 uses rim brakes. Disc brakes offer better braking performance and modulation, especially in wet or muddy conditions, and they also require less maintenance over time.
Another difference is in the gearing system. Cannondale Trail 8 has a 14-speed gearing system, which has fewer gears than the 24-speed system on KHS Alite 300. However, Trail 8’s gear range is wider, with a 14-34T gear range, compared to Alite 300’s 12-32T range. This is particularly useful when tackling steep climbs or technical terrain. Cannondale Trail 8’s frame is also slightly lighter than KHS Alite 300, which can make it easier to handle and maneuver on the trails.
Finally, although KHS Alite 300 is very affordable, Cannondale Trail 8 is still a reasonably priced bike that is suitable for those who want to get into mountain biking.
KHS ALITE 300 vs Specialized Rockhopper 26
The Specialized Rockhopper 26 uses microSHIFT Mezzo and microSHIFT Marvo components, which is different from the Shimano Altus and SRAM X4 components on KHS Alite 300. Although both are reputable brands, the specific components used can affect performance and durability. Another difference is in the braking system. Specialized Rockhopper 26 has mechanical disc brakes, which provide better braking power and adjustability than the rim brakes on KHS Alite 300. This is particularly useful in technical terrain or steep descents.
Specialized Rockhopper 26 also has a 16-speed shifting system, which is less than the 24-speed system on KHS Alite 300. However, Rockhopper 26 does have a wider gear range, with an 11-34T cassette compared to Alite 300’s 12-32T cassette. This is particularly useful in tackling steep climbs or technical terrain.
Additionally, the geometry of the Specialized Rockhopper 26 is slightly more aggressive, making it more suitable for technical and challenging mountain trails.
KHS ALITE 300 vs Giant Talon 1
The KHS ALITE 300 and Giant Talon 1 are both excellent entry-level mountain bikes with different component configurations. KHS ALITE 300 uses a rim brake system and a 21-speed gear system, while Giant Talon 1 uses hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Deore components, and a 10-speed gear system. Talon 1 also has more wheel size options available, allowing riders to choose the best size based on their height and riding style.
Compared to the rim brake system on KHS ALITE 300, the hydraulic disc brakes on Giant Talon 1 offer better braking performance and adjustment. Additionally, compared to the 21-speed system on KHS ALITE 300, the 10-speed shifting system on Talon 1 provides more gear options, making gear changes smoother and more efficient on steep climbs.
However, KHS ALITE 300 is still a reliable choice for entry-level riders looking for an affordable and dependable mountain bike. The 21-speed gear system provides enough gear options for most riding situations, and the rim brake system is easy to maintain and offers reliable braking power. Additionally, the lightweight frame and comfortable riding position make it an ideal choice for city commuting and light weekend off-road riding. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on the rider’s preferences, budget, and intended use.
Summary
Above is our test of the KHS ALITE 300. It is a very good mountain bike for beginners, with a comfortable front suspension, shock absorption, and an aluminum frame that provides good feedback. If you need faster and more high-end riding quality, you may want to check out our review of higher-end bikes.
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