KHS ZACA Review
- Price: $659
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 27.5″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1×8
What we like about it: Riding position for novice riders, low maintenance costs.
What we don’t like about it: It’s heavier and slower.
Rating (4.4/5)
KHS Bicycles is a company that has been producing high-quality bicycles for over 45 years.
They are passionate about creating bikes that perform exceptionally well under all conditions, whether it’s on the road, on the trail, or in competition.
The KHS ZACA series is a range of off-road bicycles designed to tackle the most challenging terrain.
The aluminum 1×8 speed hardtail mountain bike is one of the most popular bikes in the ZACA series. This bike is made with a sturdy and durable lightweight aluminum frame, allowing riders to tackle rough mountain trails without worrying about damaging the bike.
The 1×8 speed drivetrain system allows riders to easily shift gears and maintain control when riding on rugged terrain.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, the KHS ZACA aluminum 1×8 speed hardtail mountain bike is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their off-road adventures to the next level.
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Riding Experience
As a professional bike store mechanic, I have had the pleasure of working on countless bikes and witnessing the joy they bring to their owners. Recently, a customer brought in an entry-level hardtail mountain bike for a tune-up before a weekend ride.
I took the opportunity to test ride the bike and was very impressed with its performance and versatility. By the way, I easily booked accommodation on Skyscanner to ensure I can adequately prepare.
The bike is a KHS ZACA with a 100mm front shock, perfect for handling light off-road terrain while still being suitable for city commuting. I decided to take the bike for a spin around a nearby park that has both paved trails and dirt roads.
As I rode through the park, I noticed how smoothly the bike handled on various terrains. The front suspension absorbed any bumps or obstacles I encountered on the dirt trails, making for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
When shifting gears, the bike responded quickly and smoothly, allowing me to adjust my speed with ease to accommodate the terrain.
The bike’s comfortable riding position makes it easy to negotiate the sharp turns and narrow paths of the park. The handlebars are positioned just right and the grip is soft and easy to hold.
The seat has also been carefully designed to provide just the right amount of cushioning to keep me comfortable on long rides.
Nature Reserve Riding
After finishing up at the park, I decided to take my bike to the nearby nature reserve. The reserve offered more challenging terrain, including steep slopes and rocky paths.
It turned out that the 100mm front suspension on my bike was incredibly useful on these tougher sections. It allowed me to ride smoothly over the rocky terrain without feeling any jolts or bumps.
As I rode deeper into the reserve, I was struck by the beautiful scenery surrounding me. Towering trees enveloped me, and sunlight filtering through the leaves cast dappled patterns on the forest floor.
The maneuverability and performance were excellent, allowing me to fully appreciate the natural surroundings and immerse myself in the experience.
As I neared the end of my ride, I couldn’t help but think how perfect this bike would be for a weekend adventure. It handles off-road terrain with ease and offers a comfortable ride, making it ideal for long rides or exploring new routes.
At the same time, it’s light and nimble enough for everyday use, making it a great choice for urban commuters.
Overall, I was impressed with the bike’s versatility and performance. It handles urban and off-road terrain with ease and provides a comfortable ride even on rough terrain.
I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for an entry-level hardtail mountain bike that can handle weekday commutes and weekend adventures.
Specification
The KHS aluminum hardtail mountain bike is equipped with a range of high-quality components to ensure a smooth and reliable ride.
The frame is made of sturdy and lightweight 6061 aluminum, with custom-molded top and down tubes, internal routing, and replaceable rear derailleur hanger.
The wheelset consists of sturdy aluminum double-wall rims, paired with 32 spokes and Kenda Sabre tires.
The 8-speed drivetrain consists of a Samox Forged crankset, S-Ride rear derailleur, and S-Ride shifter and cassette. The braking system includes Radius Cable disc brakes with 180/160mm rotors and ABS for added safety.
Overall, this bike perfectly combines durability, efficiency, and performance, making it an excellent choice for entry-level mountain bikers seeking a reliable and powerful riding experience.
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What do we like about it?
- Durable and lightweight 6061 aluminum frame.
- Custom molded top and bottom tubes add strength and durability to the frame.
- Internal cable routing keeps cables organized and out of the way.
- Replaceable ground chain paddle hangers ensure easy maintenance and repair.
- Rugged aluminum disc double-wall rims provide extra durability.
- The 8-speed gearbox offers a good range of gears for efficient riding.
- The ABS on the braking system provides additional safety and control.
- Lightweight and comfortable, the KHS Sport saddle allows you to ride for long periods without discomfort.
- Threadless, zero-stack headphones are easily adjustable for optimal comfort and control.
What don’t we like about it?
- Speed: Higher weight and slower speed.
FAQs
- What kind of terrain is this bike suitable for?
KHS aluminum hardtail mountain bikes are suitable for light to moderate off-road terrain, as well as urban commuting.
- How many gears does this bike have?
How many gears does this bike have? This bike features an 8-speed derailleur with Samox Forged crankset, S-Ride rear derailleur, and S-Ride shifter and cassette.
- What is the size of the frame?
What is the size of the frame? Frame sizes vary depending on wheel size, XS-S frames have 27.5″ wheels and M-XL frames have 29″ wheels.
- What kind of braking device does this bike have?
What kind of brakes does this bike have? This bike is equipped with Radius Cable Disc brakes that have 180/160mm rotors and ABS for added safety.
- Is the bike easy to maintain and repair?
Yes, the bike is designed with easy maintenance and repair in mind, with a replaceable derailleur hanger, internal cable routing, and a threadless zero-stack helmet for easy adjustment.
KHS ZACA 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: Black; Silver; Ladies: Mid Blue; Dark Gray |
| Fork | Zoom 565D, 80mm, XS-S:27.5″, M-XL:29″ |
| Rear Shock | n/a |
| Bottom Bracket | Cartridge Bearing |
| Headset | Threadless Zero Stack, 1-1/8” |
| Stem | Aluminum Threadless 4-bolt, 6-degree, 31.8, XS-S:60mm, M-L:75mm, XL:90mm |
| Handlebar | Aluminum Riser, 31.8, 720x20mm, Ladies:680mm |
| Saddle | KHS Sport |
| Seatpost | KHS Aluminum Micro-Adjust 31.6mm |
| Pedals | Resin ATB Platform w/DU Bearings |
| Grips | KHS Sport |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | S-Ride, RD-M300C, 8-Speed |
| Crank | Samox Forged, 30T Narrow/Wide C/R, XS-S:170, M-XL:175 |
| Shifters | S-Ride, SL-M300C, 8-Speed |
| Cassette | S-Ride CS-M20008 11-42T, 8-Speed |
| Chain | KMC Z8.3 |
| Brakes | Radius Cable Disc BR-CX7, 180/160mm Rotors w/ ABS System Click for more information about BrakeSafe |
| Brake Levers | Aluminum Linear Pull, 2.5F |
Wheels
| Rims | Aluminum Disc Double Wall, XS-S: 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 | Kenda Saber, XS-S: 27.5×2.2, M-XL: 29×2.2” |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Giant Talon 1 | Click View | 1×10 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Deore |
| Scott Aspect 940 | Click View | 2×9 | Aluminum alloy | Alivio, Shimano |
| Specialized Rockhopper Comp 27.5 | Click View | 1×9 | Aluminum alloy | microSHIFT Advent |
| Polygon XTRADA 24 | Click View | 1×10 | Aluminum alloy | microSHIFT Advent X |
KHS ZACA vs Giant Talon 1
One major difference is the fork. while the KHS Aluminium bike comes with a Zoom 565D 80mm fork, the Giant Talon 1 comes with a RockShox XC 30 fork with 100mm of travel.
This means the Giant Talon 1 will be able to handle rougher terrain better and absorb more impact, making it a better choice for riders planning to tackle more challenging trails.
Another difference is the wheel size options. The KHS Aluminium bikes are available with 27.5″ wheels for the XS-S frame and 29″ wheels for the M-XL frame, while the Giant Talon 1 is only available with 29″ wheels.
This means the Giant Talon 1 may offer better rolling – ability and stability on rough terrain.
Compared to the 8-speed drivetrain of the KHS aluminum bike, the Giant Talon 1 also features a higher-end drivetrain with a 10-speed chainstay.
This means that the Giant Talon 1 may offer more gearing options and smoother shifting. This could be beneficial for more experienced riders.
KHS ZACA vs Scott Aspect 940
Compared to the Scott Aspect 940, the KHS aluminum hardtail mountain bike has a slightly smaller fork and wheel diameter. It comes with a Zoom 565D 80mm fork and a choice of 27.5 or 29-inch wheel diameters.
The Scott Aspect 940, on the other hand, comes with a 100mm cushioned fork and a 29-inch wheel diameter. This makes it more suitable for riding on rougher terrain.
In addition, the Scott Aspect 940 comes with a more upscale 18-speed shifting system that offers more gear ratio options for a smoother ride. However, both bikes are great entry-level mountain bikes for light to moderate trail riding and city commuting.
Learn More: Is the Scott Scale 940 A Great Value Hardtail Bike? [Scott Scale 940 Review]
KHS ZACA vs Specialized Rockhopper Comp 27.5
When comparing the KHS Aluminium hardtail mountain bike to the Specialized Rockhopper Comp 27.5, both bikes offer similar entry-level mountain bike performance levels.
The KHS bike is equipped with cable disc brakes, while the Rockhopper comes with hydraulic disc brakes that offer more precise and powerful braking.
In addition to KHS’s 8-speed system, the Rockhopper also comes with a 9-speed gear system that provides riders with more gear options, resulting in a smoother ride.
However, compared to the Rockhopper, the KHS bike is more affordable, making it a more attractive choice for budget-conscious riders.
Overall, both bikes are excellent choices for entry-level mountain bikers seeking a reliable and high-performing riding experience. The Specialized Rockhopper Comp 27.5 may be a better choice for riders who prioritize hydraulic disc brakes and a 9-speed gear system.
On the other hand, the KHS aluminum hardtail mountain bike may be a better choice for riders who prioritize affordability without sacrificing performance.
KHS ZACA vs Polygon XTRADA 24
When comparing the KHS aluminum hardtail mountain bike to the Polygon XTRADA 24, the main difference is that the Polygon is designed for children with smaller wheel diameters of 24 in.
The Polygon also features a higher-end hydraulic disc brake system for more precise braking power. In addition, the Polygon features a 10-speed drivetrain compared to the 8-speed of the KHS bikes, providing more gearing options for younger riders.
The 80mm cushioned fork on the Polygon also provides a smoother ride over rough terrain.
Overall, both bikes are excellent choices for a wide range of ages and skill levels. the Polygon XTRADA 24 is a better choice for kids who need a smaller bike with high-end features like hydraulic disc brakes and a 10-speed drivetrain.
The KHS aluminum hardtail mountain bike is a better choice for entry-level adult riders. Because they are looking for a reliable and affordable bike for light to moderate off-road terrain and urban commuting.
Learn more : Is Polygon SISKIU D5 Splendid – [Polygon SISKIU D5 Review]
Summary
Above is our test of the KHS ZACA. It’s a great mountain trail bike for new riders, and the comfortable riding position paired with the low maintenance costs will keep this bike with you for a very long time.
But if you’re a serious cyclist and want a better ride and more speed, check out our higher-end bike review.
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