KHS URBAN SOUL Review
- Price: $489
- Frame: Steel
- Wheels: 700C Aluminum
- Gearing: Single-speed
What we like about it: It’s good for urban mobility and is lightweight.
What we don’t like about it: It’s not suitable for training or long-distance riding.
Rating (4.5/5)
KHS is a brand that has been around since 1974 and has been at the forefront of producing high-quality bikes for various purposes. The KHS Urban Soul is a product of the brand’s continued dedication to developing bikes suitable for urban commuting. Over the years, KHS has established a reputation for producing reliable and versatile high-quality bikes.
The URBAN SOUL series is the result of the brand’s efforts to create bikes specifically designed for city riding. With a steel frame and a single-speed drivetrain, KHS Urban Soul is an excellent option for commuters who want a reliable, direct ride with minimal maintenance. The versatility of this bike demonstrates KHS’s commitment to developing bikes that can handle various terrain, including city streets and park paths.
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Riding Experience
As a hybrid commuter bike, KHS Urban Soul proved to be perfect for my weekday city commutes and weekend leisure rides. The bike’s riding comfort and speed make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile ride.
During the weekdays, I use this bike to commute on busy city streets. The single-speed drivetrain makes it effortless for me to navigate through congested roads, making my ride smoother. The bike keeps me up to speed with traffic and maintains a stable pace. I often feel refreshed and energized during my commute because of the bike’s comfortable saddle and handlebars, which provide an upright riding posture and reduce pressure on my back and neck.
Sightseeing Riding
On weekends, I enjoy leisurely rides exploring the beautiful parks and attractions around the city. One of my favorite picnic spots is Prospect Park, a 585-acre park located in Brooklyn, New York. The bike’s aluminum wheels make it easy to ride on the park’s gravel paths, and the single-speed drivetrain allows me to enjoy the park’s scenic views at a leisurely pace.
When I need to accelerate or climb hills, the bike’s drivetrain components come in handy. One of the most challenging hills I conquered was the one leading to the Bronx Zoo. The hill was steep and long, but the bike’s quality drivetrain components made it easy for me to reach the top without breaking a sweat.
Another attraction I enjoy visiting is the Brooklyn Bridge. The bike’s steel frame is sturdy enough to handle the bridge’s wooden planks, and the quality drivetrain components help me maintain a steady pace on the bridge’s inclines. The bike’s single-speed drivetrain makes it easy for me to maintain a steady pace, and I enjoy the beautiful view of the New York skyline from the bridge. After finishing our bike ride, I easily booked accommodation on Skyscanner. I can finally relax and rest well.
Other Features
When it comes to maintenance, the KHS Urban Soul is easy to take care of. The bike’s single-speed drivetrain requires minimal maintenance, and the steel frame of the bike is sturdy and durable, which means it can withstand daily wear and tear. The bike’s aluminum wheels are also easy to clean and maintain, and the drivetrain requires no special maintenance.
In summary, the Urban Soul is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile hybrid bike. Its single-speed drivetrain, comfortable saddle, and handlebars make it enjoyable to ride, while its sturdy steel frame and easy maintenance ensure it can be used for years. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the parks and attractions of the city, the Urban Soul is the perfect riding tool.
Specification
The Urban Soul from KHS is a single-speed commuter bike that features a TIG-welded, high-strength steel frame with brackets. The frame provides a sturdy and durable foundation for the bike’s components, ensuring reliable riding for city commuting. The wheelset consists of double-wall deep-dish aluminum rims and 700x32H, 14G stainless steel black spokes. The wheels are fitted with Kenda Kwest tires, which are 700 x 28c in size, perfect for city riding.
The bike’s drivetrain includes an aluminum forged 3-piece crankset with a 44T chainring and a 16T freewheel cassette. The bike’s braking system consists of aluminum dual-pivot long-reach calipers and aluminum dual-finger brake levers. Overall, the KHS Urban Soul’s component configuration provides reliable and efficient riding for city commuting.
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What do we like about it?
- Versatility: This bike is a versatile bicycle that can be used for various purposes, including urban commuting, leisure riding, and light off-road riding.
- Durability: The high-strength steel frame, welded by argon arc, provides a sturdy foundation for the bicycle, capable of withstanding daily wear and tear.
- Low maintenance: The single-speed drivetrain and simple component configuration make the it easy to maintain.
- Comfort: The aluminum handlebars, saddle, and micro-adjust seat post of this bicycle provide a comfortable and ergonomic riding position, reducing pressure on the rider’s back and neck.
- Lightweight: The aluminum wheelset and other components of this bicycle make it lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Affordable: This bike is an affordable choice for those looking for a reliable and versatile bicycle for urban commuting.
- Brake: The aluminum dual-pivot long-reach brake calipers provide reliable braking power in all weather conditions.
- Tires: The Kenda Kwest tires offer a smooth and efficient ride with good grip and puncture resistance.
- Stylish design: The liquid black or matte smoke blue color options of KHS Urban Soul, paired with its modern and minimalist design, make it a fashionable and eye-catching bicycle.
What don’t we like about it?
- Limitations: Not suitable for training or long-distance riding.
FAQs
- Is the KHS Urban Soul suitable for long commutes?
Yes, KHS Urban Soul is suitable for long-distance commuting. However, it is a single-speed bicycle, so riders need to rely on their physical abilities to maintain a steady speed.
- Does KHS Urban Soul have gears?
No, this bike is a single-speed bike, which means it has only one gear. However, the bike’s aluminum cranks and 16T freewheel cassette provide a comfortable ride.
- How does KHS Urban Soul handle rough terrain?
The KHS Urban Soul is not designed for rough terrain. However, its Kenda Kwest tires and rugged steel frame can handle light off-road and uneven surfaces.
- Can I add a rear rack to my KHS Urban Soul?
Yes. It has load carrier bumps on the frame, which means it’s compatible with most rear racks. This makes it ideal for commuters who need to carry a backpack or other items.
- What is the maximum load capacity of the KHS URBAN SOUL road bike?
The maximum weight capacity of this bicycle is 113 kg (250 lbs), including the weight of the rider, the bicycle, and any accessories or cargo.
KHS URBAN SOUL Specs
Build
| Frame | TIG-Welded Hi-Tensile Steel w/Carrier Bosses Colors: Liquid Black; Matte Smoke Blue |
| Fork | High Tensile Straight Blades |
| Rear Shock | n/a |
| Bottom Bracket | FSA Cartridge Bearing |
| Headset | Threadless 1-1/8″ |
| Stem | Aluminum Threadless 4-bolt, 15 Degree, S: 70mm, M-L:80mm, XL: 90mm |
| Handlebar | Aluminum 20mm Rise, 600mm, 10 Degree |
| Saddle | KHS Road Padded |
| Seatpost | Aluminum Micro-Adjust, 26.0mm |
| Pedals | Resin Platform w/Boron Axle |
| Grips | Q2 Lock-On |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | n/a |
| Front Derailleur | n/a |
| Crank | Aluminum Forged, 3-pc, 44T w/Aluminum Guard, 170mm |
| Shifters | n/a |
| Cassette | 16T Freewheel |
| Chain | KMC Z8.3 |
| Brakes | Aluminum Dual Pivot, Long Reach |
| Brake Levers | Aluminum 2 Finger |
Wheels
| Rims | Deep Dish Aluminum, Double Wall, 700x32H |
| Spokes | 14G Stainless Black, 32×32 |
| Front Hub | Aluminum QR |
| Rear Hub | Aluminum QR |
| Tires | Kenda Kwest, 700 x 28c |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Marin Presidio 2 | Click View | 2×11 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano 105 |
| Jamis CODA S3 | Click View | 2×11 | Carbon Fiber | Shimano 105 |
| Bianchi Torino Acera | Click View | 2×11 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano 105 |
| Norco Indie 4 | Click View | 2×11 | Carbon Fiber | Shimano Ultegra |
KHS URBAN SOUL vs Marin Presidio 2
The KHS Urban Soul features a TIG-welded high-tensile steel frame and a high-tensile straight blade fork, while Marin Presidio 2 has an aluminum frame and fork. The aluminum frame and fork of Marin are lighter than the steel frame and fork of KHS, making it easier to handle and carry.
KHS uses aluminum dual-pivot long-reach rim brakes, while Marin Presidio 2 uses hydraulic disc brakes. Marin’s hydraulic disc brakes provide better braking power and are more reliable in wet conditions than KHS’s rim brakes. Marin Presidio 2 also has higher-end components than KHS Urban Soul. Marin’s drivetrain includes a Shimano Deore 1×11-speed system, while KHS has a single-speed drivetrain. Marin also has a suspension seat post, providing extra comfort on bumpy roads. KHS Urban Soul is best suited for light off-road riding and urban commuting, while Marin Presidio 2 is designed for a wider range of terrain, including light off-road riding, longer commutes, and leisure riding.
In summary, Marin Presidio 2 is a higher-end bicycle than KHS Urban Soul, featuring a lighter aluminum frame and fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and higher-end components. However, KHS Urban Soul is an affordable, versatile bicycle that is ideal for urban commuting and light off-road riding.
Learn More: Is Marin Kentfield 1 A Good Bike?[Marin Kentfield 1 Review]
KHS URBAN SOUL vs Jamis CODA S3
Both bikes are hybrid commuter bikes designed for urban cycling. However, there are a few key differences between them.
The KHS Urban Soul features a TIG-welded high-tensile steel frame and a high-tensile straight blade fork, while Jamis CODA S3 has a 6061 aluminum frame and a chromoly fork. Therefore, Jamis CODA S3 is slightly lighter than KHS Urban Soul. Urban Soul uses aluminum dual-pivot long-reach rim brakes, while Jamis CODA S3 uses Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes. KHS’s rim brakes are easier to maintain, while Jamis’s linear-pull brakes provide better braking power.
In terms of components, Jamis CODA S3 has a 3×7-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain, providing a wide range of gears for different terrains and slopes. In contrast, KHS Urban Soul has a single-speed drivetrain, providing simplicity and low maintenance. Jamis CODA S3 is better suited for longer commutes and more varied terrain, including light off-road riding. KHS Urban Soul is best suited for urban commuting and light off-road riding.
Learn More: Is Jamis CODA S2 Worth Buying?–[Jamis CODA S2 Review]
KHS URBAN SOUL vs Bianchi Torino Acera
The KHS Urban Soul features a TIG-welded high-tensile steel frame and a high-tensile straight blade fork, while Bianchi Torino Acera has an aluminum frame and fork. The aluminum frame and fork of Bianchi are lighter than the steel frame and fork of KHS, making it easier to handle and carry. In terms of brakes, KHS uses aluminum dual-pivot long-reach rim brakes, while Bianchi’s Torino Acera uses Tektro V-brakes. Both brake systems provide reliable braking power, but Bianchi’s V-brakes offer better modulation and control.
In terms of components, Bianchi Torino Acera has a 24-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain, providing a wide range of gears for different terrains and slopes. In contrast, Urban Soul has a single-speed drivetrain, providing simplicity and low maintenance. Bianchi Torino Acera is better suited for longer commutes and more varied terrain, including light off-road riding. KHS Urban Soul is best suited for urban commuting and light off-road riding.
In summary, compared to KHS Urban Soul, Bianchi Torino Acera is a higher-end bicycle. It features a light aluminum frame, higher-end components, and a 24-speed drivetrain. However, KHS Urban Soul provides simplicity, low maintenance, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for urban commuting and light off-road riding.
KHS URBAN SOUL vs Norco Indie 4
The KHS Urban Soul features a TIG-welded high-tensile steel frame and a high-tensile straight blade fork, while Norco Indie 4 has a smaller 6061 aluminum frame and a chromoly fork. The smaller frame size of Norco makes it a better choice for smaller riders. KHS uses aluminum dual-pivot long-reach rim brakes, while Norco Indie 4 uses mechanical disc brakes. Norco’s disc brakes offer better braking power and modulation, especially in wet conditions.
In terms of components, Norco Indie 4 has a 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, providing a wider range of gears for different terrains and slopes. In contrast, Urban Soul has a single-speed drivetrain, providing simplicity and low maintenance. Norco Indie 4 is better suited for longer commutes and more varied terrain, including light off-road riding. KHS Urban Soul is best suited for urban commuting and light off-road riding.
In summary, Norco Indie 4 offers a wider range of gears and better braking power than KHS Urban Soul, making it a better choice for longer commutes and more varied terrain. However, KHS Urban Soul provides simplicity, low maintenance, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for urban commuting and light off-road riding. Additionally, Norco Indie 4’s smaller frame size makes it more suitable for smaller riders.
Learn more : Is Norco Indie 2 Worth Buying? – [Norco Indie 2 Review]
Summary
Above is our test of the KHS URBAN SOUL. Based on our test, it is a comfortable single-speed commuter bike with very low maintenance costs. Moreover, its sturdy frame makes it very suitable for years or even decades of riding, accompanying you for a long time.
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