KHS WINSLOW Review
- Price: $769
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 27.5″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1×8
What we like about it: Riding position for novice riders, low maintenance costs.
What we didn’t like about it: It wasn’t particularly fast.
Rating (4.4/5)
KHS Bicycles has been producing high-quality bicycles since 1974 and is renowned for designing and manufacturing bikes that meet the needs of riders at all levels.
The KHS WINSLOW series is one of KHS’s latest products, representing the perfect combination of affordability, durability, and performance.
The KHS WINSLOW is a hardtail mountain bike featuring an aluminum alloy frame and a 1×9 speed drivetrain, designed specifically for entry-level mountain bikers to tackle various terrains and conditions.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, the KHS WINSLOW is an excellent choice for riding and exploring the outdoors on trails.
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Riding Experience
Commuter Riding
As a high school student who just learned how to ride a bike, I was excited to try out the new KHS Winslow mountain bike for my city commute. I bike five miles to school every day, and I wanted to make sure my ride was comfortable and efficient.
The Winslow’s 100mm front suspension had a significant impact on my ride. The hydraulic lockout feature allowed me to switch the suspension system on and off according to the terrain.
This allowed me to ride smoothly on flat roads and conserve energy when going uphill. The comfortable riding position also made it easy for me to maintain good posture and avoid any discomfort or back pain.
I started my ride in the morning, passing through some of the famous landmarks in my city, including the Empire State Building and Flatiron Building. As I rode, I noticed that Winslow’s disc brakes worked well, allowing me to stop quickly and safely at intersections.
The terrain was mostly flat pavement, but there were also some rough spots with potholes and cracks. The Winslow’s sturdy aluminum frame and double-wall rims were able to handle these challenges with ease.
I also appreciated the bike’s narrow/wide chainring, which prevented the chain from slipping even when I encountered bumps.
All in all, I was very satisfied with my experience riding the Winslow for my city commute. It’s a reliable, efficient, and comfortable bike that makes my daily bike ride to school enjoyable.
Weekend Off-Road Biking
On weekends, I enjoy taking my Winslow mountain bike for some light off-road biking in the nearby parks. There are several trails with varying difficulties, and I like to challenge myself and improve my skills as a beginner.
Another thing that needs to be prepared in advance is booking accommodation. I easily booked accommodation on Skyscanner to ensure I can adequately prepare.
The 100mm front suspension on the Winslow is particularly helpful on these trails, absorbing impacts from roots, rocks, and bumps along the way. The hydraulic lockout feature allows me to adjust the suspension according to the terrain and speed.
My favorite trail is the Green Trail, which has some technical sections but is mostly flat. I ride through forests, past streams and ponds, and enjoy the fresh air and nature.
The Kenda Saber Pro tires on the Winslow provide good traction on dirt and gravel roads, and the 32-spoke double-wall rims are sturdy and durable.
Another trail I enjoy is the Blue Trail, which has some steep climbs and descents. The narrow/wide chainring and 9-speed cassette on the Winslow make it easy for me to shift gears and find the right rhythm.
The Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes also give me confidence, allowing me to tackle difficult sections with ease.
At the end of the ride, I feel exhilarated and proud of myself for conquering some of the challenges on the trails. The Winslow mountain bike is a great companion, helping me improve my skills and confidence as a rider.
In summary, the Winslow is a versatile and reliable bike that allows me to explore the city and do light off-road biking. Its 100mm front suspension, comfortable riding position, and sturdy components make it a great choice for beginners and intermediate riders.
Specification
The KHS Winslow is a hardtail mountain bike designed for entry-level mountain biking, city commuting, and light off-road riding. It features a 6061 aluminum frame with custom top and down tubes, internal cable routing, and a replaceable derailleur hanger.
The 100mm SR XCT30 front fork has hydraulic lockout and preload adjustment, providing front suspension for a smooth ride on bumpy terrain. The bike is equipped with a reliable 9-speed S-Ride drivetrain, including the RD-M300C rear derailleur and SL-M300C shifter.
The Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes with 180/160mm rotors provide excellent stopping power. The wheelset includes 27.5x32H (XS-S) or 29x32H (M-XL) aluminum disc double-wall rims with Kinda Saber Pro tires.
Overall, the KHS Winslow offers a comfortable riding position and reliable components for a pleasant entry-level mountain biking experience.
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What do we like about it?
- Lightweight frame: The 6061 aluminum frame is light and strong, making the bike easy to handle and transport.
- Custom molded T/T and D/T: Custom molded frame top tube and downtube ensure a comfortable and efficient riding position.
- Replaceable derailer: This feature allows easy replacement of the derailer in case of any damage.
- Internal Cable Routing: The bike has internal cable routing that keeps the cables protected and ensures a clean and smooth appearance.
- Diverse wheel sizes: With a choice of 27.5″ wheels in sizes XS-S and 29″ wheels in sizes M-XL, the bike is suitable for a wide range of riders.
- Hydraulic locking fork: The SR XCT30 fork features a hydraulic locking function that allows the rider to easily switch between rigid and suspension modes.
- Preload Adjustment: The fork also has a preload adjustment feature that allows the rider to fine-tune the suspension to their weight and riding style.
- Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent braking power and adjustability for a safe and reliable bike.
- Affordable Price: The KHS Winslow is an affordable entry-level mountain bike, making it accessible to a wide range of riders looking for a reliable and versatile bike.
What don’t we like about it?
- Speed: It is not particularly fast.
FAQs
- What is the maximum tire size that can be used on this bike?
The maximum tire size that the bike is designed to accommodate is 2.25 inches.
- Does this bike come with pedals?
Yes, the bike comes with resin ATB and resin ATB platform pedals with DU bearings.
- Can a front derailleur be installed on this bike?
No, this bike does not have a front derailleur mount, so it can only be used for 1x drivetrains.
- What type of riding is this bike suitable for?
The bike is suitable for all types of riding, including urban commuting and light trail riding on moderately technical terrain.
- What is the weight of this bike?
The weight of this bike varies by size and color but is between about 30 and 33 pounds.
KHS WINSLOW Specs
Build
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum w/Custom Formed T/T & D/T, w/Replaceable Derailleur Hanger, XS-S:27.5″, M-XL:29″, Internal Cable Routing Colors: Matte Black; Red; Ladies: Mint; Cinnamon Stick |
| Fork | SR XCT30, HLO. 100mm, Hydraulic Lock-Out, Preload Adjust, XS-M:27.5″, L-XL:29″ |
| Rear Shock | n/a |
| Bottom Bracket | Outboard Cartridge Bearing |
| Headset | Threadless Zero Stack, 1-1/8″ |
| Stem | KHS Aluminum Threadless 4-bolt, 6-degree, 31.8mm, XS-S:60mm, M:75mm, L-XL:90mm |
| Handlebar | KHS Aluminum Riser, 31.8mm, 720x20mm; Ladies: 680x20mm |
| Saddle | KHS Sport |
| Seatpost | KHS Aluminum Micro-Adjust 31.6mm |
| Pedals | Resin ATB Platform w/DU Bearings |
| Grips | Q2 Lock-on |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | S-Ride, RD-M300C, 9-Speed |
| Front Derailleur | n/a |
| Crank | Aluminum 2-pc, 32T, Narrow/Wide, XS-M:170, L-XL:175 |
| Shifters | S-Ride, SL-M300C, 9-Speed |
| Cassette | CS-M300C, 11-42T, 9-Speed |
| Chain | KMC X9 w/MissingLink |
| Brakes | Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc, 180/160mm: 27.5″, 180/160mm: 29″ Rotors, Wave 12 |
| Brake Levers | Shimano BL-MT200 |
Wheels
| Rims | XS-S: Aluminum Disc Double Wall, 27.5x32H, M-XL: 29x32H |
| Spokes | 14G Black 32×32 |
| Front Hub | Aluminum Disc w/CNC Rotor Flange, QR |
| Rear Hub | Aluminum Disc w/CNC Rotor Flange, QR, Cassette |
| Tires | XS-M: Kenda Saber Pro, 27.5×2.25″, L-XL: 29×2.25″ |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Specialized Rockhopper 26 | Click View | 2×8 | Aluminum alloy | microSHIFT Mezzo, microSHIFT Marvo |
| Giant Talon 1 | Click View | 1×10 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Deore |
| Scott Aspect 950 | Click View | 2×9 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Altus |
| Kona Fire Mountain | Click View | 1×9 | Aluminum alloy | microSHIFT Advent |
KHS WINSLOW vs Specialized Rockhopper 26
The front suspension on the KHS Aguila is more advanced than the Specialized Rockhopper 26, as it features the Suntour XCT30 with hydraulic lockout and preload adjustment, while the Rockhopper 26 has the Suntour XCE28 fork.
Additionally, the KHS Aguila has a 1×9 speed drivetrain, while the Rockhopper 26 has a 2×8 speed gear system.
This means that the KHS Aguila’s drivetrain is simpler, lighter, and requires fewer maintenance parts. However, the Rockhopper 26 offers a wider range of gears to tackle steeper climbs and faster descents.
Another difference between these two bikes is the wheel size. The KHS Aguila comes in both 27.5-inch and 29-inch sizes, while the Rockhopper 26 has 26-inch wheels.
The larger wheel size on the KHS Aguila provides a smoother ride, especially on rough terrain. The Specialized Rockhopper 26 is a more affordable option than the KHS Aguila. But if you’re looking for a more advanced front fork and a simpler drivetrain, the KHS Aguila is the better choice.
KHS WINSLOW vs Giant Talon 1
The KHS Aguila features a 1×9-speed drivetrain and an S-Ride RD-M300C rear derailleur, while the Giant Talon 1 comes with a 1×10-speed drivetrain and a Shimano Deore rear derailleur.
This gives the Talon 1 an advantage in gear selection and the ability to fine-tune the rider’s pedaling cadence.
The Talon 1 also boasts a slightly higher-end fork, the Giant SXC32-2, which may offer better suspension performance and adjustability compared to the KHS Aguila’s Suntour XCT fork.
On the other hand, the KHS Aguila’s fork has a hydraulic lockout function, which is useful for riders who want to lock out the fork and pedal more efficiently on smoother roads or during city commutes.
Additionally, the KHS Aguila is priced more affordably compared to the Giant Talon 1, which may make it a more attractive option for budget-conscious riders.
Overall, both bikes have their strengths and weaknesses, and the decision between them may depend on the specific needs and preferences of the rider.
KHS WINSLOW vs Scott Aspect 950
The Scott Aspect 950 is slightly more expensive than KHS Aguila. It features an aluminum frame and a Suntour XCM-HLO front fork with lockout, providing better efficiency on smoother terrain.
It also has a Shimano Altus 2×9 speed drivetrain, offering more gear options for a wider range of riding conditions. The larger 29-inch wheels provide better power and rolling ability, making it easier for riders to maintain speed on rough terrain.
The bike also has hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power in all weather conditions.
On the other hand, KHS Aguila uses a 1×9 speed drivetrain, simplifying the shifting system and reducing the risk of chain drops. The Suntour XCT front fork provides 100mm of suspension, which is enough for most light to moderate off-road riding.
Depending on the frame size, the bike comes with 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels, providing a balance between agility and power. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in any situation.
KHS Aguila is a more affordable option, making it an excellent choice for entry-level and intermediate riders who want a capable off-road bike without breaking the bank.
Learn More: Is the Scott Scale 940 A Great Value Hardtail Bike? [Scott Scale 940 Review]
KHS WINSLOW vs Kona Fire Mountain
The KHS Winslow and Kona Fire Mountain are both hardtail mountain bikes with similar frame and component configurations. However, there are some key differences between the two. For certain riders and riding styles, this may be a better choice.
The KHS Winslow has an aluminum frame and a 100mm cushioned fork, just like the Kona Fire Mountain. However, the Winslow has a slightly wider handlebar at 720mm compared to the Fire Mountain’s 710mm.
Other than that these two bikes are almost identical in configuration and there are not many differences.
Learn More: Is Kona Wo Worth Buying? [Kona Wo Review]
Summary
Above is our test of the KHS WINSLOW. It’s a great entry-level hardtail mountain bike that’s perfect for beginners and can get you interested in cycling. Its extremely low maintenance costs make it not only very hard to damage, but also quick to repair if it does get damaged.
However, if you’re a serious cycling enthusiast and looking for better performance and faster speed, you might want to check out our higher-end bike reviews.
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