KHS FLITE 150 Review
- Price: $979
- Frame: Aluminum Alloy
- Wheels: 700C aluminum
- Gear: 2×7
What we like about it: The comfortable geometric posture at an affordable price.
What we don’t like about it: The mix-and-match component configuration.
Rating (4.5/5)
KHS Bicycle Company has been producing high-quality bicycles for over 40 years. They have a great reputation for designing and manufacturing innovative, performance-oriented bicycles suitable for riders of all levels. One of their most popular series is the FLITE 150, which has undergone significant development and improvement over the years. The FLITE 150 series features a lightweight aluminum frame and reliable components, making it an excellent choice for entry-level to mid-level road riders.
The KHS FLITE 150 is designed for riders seeking high-performance bicycles, suitable for a range of applications and terrains. Whether you’re looking for long, challenging road rides or tackling hills and technical terrain, the FLITE 150 can handle the challenge. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a versatile road bike that can handle different riding styles and conditions. The KHS FLITE 150 features a lightweight aluminum frame, reliable drivetrain, and responsive handling, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to take their road riding to the next level.
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Riding Experience
As a professional bike shop technician, I’ve had the pleasure of riding the KHS Flite 150 several times. It’s a fantastic entry-level road bike that offers impressive speed and comfort. Let me share some of my real riding stories with you on this bike. Another thing that needs to be prepared in advance is booking accommodation. This time, I still booked accommodation on Skyscanner, hoping for a good rest.
Road Riding
I often take the FLITE 150 for a spin around the local area. It’s a great bike that can go fast over short distances. The lightweight aluminum frame and responsive handling make it easy to weave in and out of traffic and confidently take on turns.
Once, I rode the FLITE 150 in the annual Tour de Palm Springs event. It’s a 100-mile bike race that crosses the Coachella Valley. The terrain is relatively flat with some rolling hills, but the FLITE 150 handled everything with ease. I was impressed with the bike’s comfort, even after riding for several hours. The saddle has support and cushioning, and the bike’s overall geometry helped reduce fatigue in my arms and back.
Long Distance Road Riding
When it comes to long-distance road riding, the FLITE 150 is a reliable choice. I took this bike for a two-day ride in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which had some challenging climbs and technical descents.
The FLITE 150’s Shimano Tourney drivetrain offers a wide range of gears, making it effortless to tackle steep uphill sections. The carbon fiber front fork and aluminum frame do an excellent job of absorbing road vibrations, making the ride smoother and more comfortable. The mechanical disc brakes provide ample stopping power, giving me confidence on steep downhill sections. Overall, I was impressed with how the FLITE 150 performed on this challenging ride.
Competition
In terms of specific competitions, I rode the FLITE 150 in the California Classic Century Ride. It’s a 100-mile ride that crosses the Central Valley. The terrain is mostly flat with some rolling hills, but there are some long straight stretches where I could pick up speed. The FLITE 150’s lightweight frame allowed me to maintain high speeds without feeling weighed down or sluggish. The FSA group performed flawlessly, with smooth and reliable shifting throughout the entire ride.
Another notable ride I did on the FLITE 150 was Levi’s GranFondo, a 103-mile ride through the hills of Sonoma County. The terrain was challenging with lots of climbs and technical descents, but the FLITE 150 handled it all with ease. The bike’s responsive, comfortable geometry made it easy to negotiate tight turns and steep descents. once again, the Shimano Tourney drivetrain provided ample gearing options, allowing me to tackle the challenging climbs without difficulty.
Overall, the KHS FLITE 150 is a fantastic entry-level road bike with impressive performance and comfort. It’s a reliable choice for both regular road riding and long-distance road rides. The lightweight aluminum frame, responsive handling, and comfortable geometry make it easy to ride for long periods without feeling fatigued or uncomfortable. The bike’s component performance is excellent, allowing you to maintain high speeds and tackle challenging terrain with ease. If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile road bike, the KHS FLITE 150 is worth considering.
Specifications
For riders who want a high-performance bike without breaking the bank, KHS’s aluminum road bike is an excellent choice. One of the standout features of this bike is the frame. It’s made of 6061 aluminum, which is a durable and lightweight material that’s perfect for road riding. Internal cable routing gives the bike a clean and sleek look, and the disc brakes provide reliable and responsive stopping power.
The wheelset is also impressive. The Weinmann XP-24 rims and 14G black spokes provide a solid and sturdy foundation, while the Kenda K-193 Kwest road tires provide excellent traction and stability on the road. The assembly includes Shimano Tourney components, which provide reliable and stable shifting, and the Tektro MD-C310 brakes provide ample stopping power when you need it. Overall, this bike is the best choice for entry-level riders or those looking for an affordable road bike that doesn’t skimp on quality or performance.
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What do we like about it?
- LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME: 6061 aluminum frame is lightweight and easy to handle, making the bike easy to maneuver on the road.
- Internal Cable Routing: The bike’s internal cable routing gives it a clean and sleek look while also protecting the cables from damage.
- Flush Mount Disc Brakes: Flush mount disc brakes provide reliable and responsive braking capability for safer bicycle riding.
- Durable Wheelset: Weinmann XP-24 rims and 14G black spokes provide a durable and sturdy foundation that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
- Versatile tire sizes: The Kenda K-193 Kwest road tire is a versatile size (700x28C) that makes the bike suitable for a variety of road conditions and terrain.
- Reliable shifting: Shimano Tourney components provide reliable and consistent shifting, making the bike easy to ride and smooth.
- COMFORTABLE GEOMETRY: The bike’s geometry is designed for comfort, reducing fatigue and discomfort on long rides.
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE: The bike comes with clear instructions and is easy to assemble, making it a great choice for those just starting to ride.
- Affordable: KHS aluminum road bikes are an affordable option for those looking for a reliable, high-performance road bike that won’t break the bank.
What don’t we like about it?
- Components: Not using the full set of component configurations.
FAQs
- What is the weight of the bicycle?
The exact weight may vary depending on the frame size, but KHS aluminum road bikes are generally considered lightweight, with a typical weight range of around 22-24 pounds.
- Can I use this bike for commuting?
Yes, you can. KHS aluminum road bikes are versatile and can be used for commuting, leisure rides, and fitness cycling.
- Does this bike have pedals?
Yes, it does. The bike comes with Wellgo resin pedals with aluminum cages and DU bearings.
- What is the maximum tire size that can be used on this bike?
The bike is designed to accommodate a maximum tire size of 700x28C. This is a universal size for most road conditions.
- Is this bike easy to assemble?
Yes. The bike comes with clear assembly instructions and is relatively easy to assemble. However, if you are not comfortable assembling the bike, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic assemble it for you to ensure safety and proper function.
- What is the maximum load capacity of the KHS FLITE 150 road bike?
The maximum weight capacity of the bike is 113 kg (250 pounds), including the weight of the rider, the bike, and any accessories or cargo.
KHS FLITE 150 Specs
Build
| Frame | New Disc Design, 6061 Aluminum w/Custom Formed Double Butted T/T & D/T, Internal Cable, Flat Mount Disc, Replaceable Derailleur Hanger Colors: Black; Matte Gray; Ladies: Teal; Linen White |
| Fork | Hi-Tensile Unicrown, Flat Mount Disc, Straight Blades |
| Bottom Bracket | FSA Cartridge Bearing |
| Headset | FSA Integrated Cartridge Bearing |
| Stem | Aluminum 3D Forged, Threadless 4-bolt, 7-degree, 31.8, XS-S:90mm, M-ML:100mm, L-XL:110mm, Ladies: 80mm |
| Handlebar | FSA Vero Compact Bend, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | DDK Road Padded |
| Seatpost | KHS Aluminum Micro-Adjust, 27.2mm |
| Pedals | Wellgo Resin w/Aluminum Cage & DU Bearing |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourmey RD-A070 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Tourney FD-A070, 31.8mm |
| Crank | FSA Vero, Aluminum Forged, 3-pc, 50-34T, XS:165, S-XL:170, Ladies: XXS-XS:165, S:170 |
| Shifters | Shimano Tourney STI, ST-A070 |
| Cassette | Shimano HG20-7, 12-28T, 7-Speed |
| Chain | KMC Z8.3 |
| Brakes | Tektro MD-C310, Flat Mount Road Cable Disc Brake w/160mm Rotors |
| Brake Levers | Shimano STI, ST-A070 |
Wheels
| Rims | Weinmann XP-24 Aluminum Double Wall |
| Spokes | 14G Black, 32×32 |
| Front Hub | KK Aluminum Disc, QR |
| Rear Hub | KK Aluminum Disc QR, Cassette |
| Tires | Kenda K-193 Kwest Road, 700x28C |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Polygon Strattos S4 | Click View | 2×11 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano 105 |
| Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4 | Click View | 2×11 | Carbon Fiber | Shimano 105 |
| Pinnacle Laterite 2 Road Bike | Click View | 2×11 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano 105 |
| Specialized Allez | Click View | 2×11 | Carbon Fiber | Shimano Ultegra |
KHS FLITE 150 vs Polygon Strattos S4
The Polygon Strattos S4 is more expensive than the KHS FLITE 150. However, in comparison, the Strattos S4 is likely to be heavier due to its use of a carbon fiber fork and rim brakes. In terms of braking, the Strattos S4’s rim brakes may perform poorly in rainy or wet conditions. Meanwhile, the KHS FLITE 150 used mechanical disc brakes in this test and provided better braking performance.
As for component configuration, the KHS FLITE 150 uses a relatively outdated 14-speed road groupset, while the Polygon Strattos S4 utilizes a higher-end 20-speed system at a similar price point.
KHS FLITE 150 vs Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4
The price difference between the two compared bikes is not significant, but the Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4 features a carbon fiber fork. This not only provides better road filtering but also adds a little weight to the entire bike. On the other hand, the KHS FLITE 150 comes with a more durable and low-maintenance steel fork, allowing the entire bike to withstand rough use.
Regarding the drivetrain, the KHS FLITE 150 uses the Tourney groupset with fewer speed options, and the 14-speed system is more than enough for me. The Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4 uses a low-cost upgrade method, a mix-and-match groupset that achieves a 16-speed drivetrain system.
Learn more : Is Cannondale CAADX 1 A Good Bike? [Cannondale CAADX 1 Review]
KHS FLITE 150 vs Pinnacle Laterite 2 Road Bike
The KHS aluminum road bikes have an aluminum frame and a steel fork, while the Pinnacle Laterite 2 road bikes have an aluminum frame and a carbon fork. Carbon forks are typically lighter and stiffer than steel forks for improved handling and comfort. the KHS aluminum road bikes have mechanical disc brakes while the Pinnacle Laterite 2 road bikes have rim brakes. Mechanical disc brakes are often considered more powerful and reliable than rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
The KHS aluminum road bikes have a 14-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain. And the Pinnacle Laterite 2 road bike has a 16-speed Shimano Claris drivetrain. the Claris group is higher in the Shimano brand hierarchy than the Tourney group, offering more precise and consistent shifting.
The KHS aluminum road bike accommodates a tire size of 700x28C, while the Pinnacle Laterite 2 road bike accommodates a tire size of 700x25C. The wider tire size of the KHS bike provides more stability and comfort on the road.
KHS aluminum road bikes are typically less expensive than Pinnacle Laterite 2 road bikes, making them a more affordable option for entry-level riders.
KHS FLITE 150 vs Specialized Allez
The Specialized Allez is priced similarly to the KHS FLITE 150, but it has a Shimano Claris 2×8 drivetrain, which is a slightly lower grade compared to the Shimano Sora. It also has mechanical disc brakes from Tektro, similar to the KHS Flite 150. However, the Allez does come with a carbon fiber fork that helps absorb road vibration and improves comfort.
Summary
The above is our review of the KHS FLITE 150. It is an affordable bicycle that comes with high-quality disc brakes. It is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a high-quality road bike, as well as for daily leisure rides and exercise.
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