KHS ALITE 40 Review
- Price: $379
- Frame: Steel
- Wheels: 26″ Aluminum
- Gear: 3×7
What we like about it: Good for newbies, low maintenance costs.
What we don’t like about it: It’s heavier and slower.
Rating (4.7/5)
The KHS Bicycle Company has a long history of producing high-quality bicycles for various riding disciplines. Founded in 1974, the company has since become one of the most respected brands in the cycling industry. Over the years, KHS has continued to innovate and improve its products, staying at the forefront of bicycle design and technology. The ALITE 40 series is one of KHS’s latest offerings, designed to provide riders with an economical, reliable, and versatile hardtail mountain bike option.
The KHS ALITE 40 is a mountain bike designed to handle various terrains and riding styles. The ALITE 40 features a lightweight aluminum frame and front suspension fork, making it perfect for off-road riding. However, it can also handle more technical trails. This bike comes equipped with a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, providing plenty of gear choices to tackle steep climbs and fast descents. Mechanical disc brakes offer reliable stopping power in all conditions, making the ALITE 40 the ideal choice for riders looking for a bike that can handle various terrains. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable entry-level mountain bike or an experienced rider in need of a versatile off-road bike, the KHS ALITE 40 is a dependable choice.
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Riding Experience
I remember the day I got my KHS Alite 40 like it was yesterday. I had just moved to a new city and needed a reliable bike for commuting and weekend rides. After doing some research and trying out different options, I chose the Alite 40. It had everything I was looking for in a hardtail mountain bike.
Commuting Experience
The first time I rode the Alite 40 was just a quick spin around my neighborhood to get a feel for the bike. I immediately noticed that despite the lack of front or rear suspension, it still rode smoothly and comfortably. The wide tires provided enough cushioning to absorb bumps and cracks in the pavement, making the ride surprisingly comfortable.
The next day, I decided to ride the Alite 40 to work. I live in a city that is quite bike-friendly, with plenty of bike lanes and dedicated paths, so the ride was relatively easy. However, there were a few places where the sidewalks were uneven or had potholes to navigate. The Alite 40 handled these with ease. The bike is agile and responsive, and I felt confident and comfortable riding it in city traffic.
Off-Road Riding
Over the next few weekends, I took my Alite 40 out for some light off-road riding in the nearby mountains. 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. The first trail I tackled was the Sycamore Canyon Trail, which offered a mix of easy and intermediate terrain. The trail started with a gradual climb on a dirt road, which the Alite 40 handled with ease. The bike felt light and nimble, and the wide tires provide plenty of traction on loose dirt and rocks.
As I made my way up the trail, I encountered a few steeper sections with some small rocks and roots to navigate. Again, the Alite 40 handled everything with ease. I had to put in a bit of extra effort to get up the steeper sections, but the bike’s gears were more than capable of handling the task.
At the top of the mountain, I was rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. I took a moment to catch my breath, snap a few pictures, and then started the descent. The downhill was a lot of fun, with plenty of twists and turns to navigate. The Alite 40 felt stable and confident on the descent, and the disc brakes provided enough stopping power when I needed to slow down or stop.
Climbing and Descending
The following weekend, I decided to take on a slightly more challenging trail called the Backbone Trail. This trail was a bit longer and had more technical terrain, including some steep climbs and descents, rocky sections, and narrow singletrack. I was a bit nervous at first, but the Alite 40 handled everything with ease.
The bike felt stable and responsive on the steep climbs, and the gears were just right for navigating the rocky terrain. There were a few places where I had to get off and walk, but that was due to my lack of skills rather than any limitations of the bike.
On the descent, the Alite 40 shone. The bike felt fast and nimble, and the disc brakes provided plenty of stopping power when I needed to slow down or stop. I was able to navigate some of the more technical sections at an appropriate speed, and the bike felt stable and confident throughout.
Overall, I’m very happy with my KHS Alite 40. It’s a great bike for commuting and light off-road riding, and it has held up well over time. The lack of front and rear suspension hasn’t been an issue thanks to the wide tires, and the bike is agile and responsive on various terrains.
Specification
The KHS high-tensile steel frame of this mountain bike is TIG-welded and comes in four different colors, providing a sturdy and reliable foundation for the bike. The wheelset consists of 26-inch aluminum rims and Vee Rubber Galaxy 26×2.1″ tires, providing ample traction on various terrains.
The drivetrain includes a Shimano Tourney rear derailleur and a Shimano Revo shifter for smooth and precise shifting. The braking system includes aluminum linear-pull brakes with ABS, providing reliable stopping power in various conditions. Overall, the component configuration is designed to provide a comfortable and reliable riding experience for beginners and intermediate riders.
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What do we like about it?
- Versatility: The KHS Alite 40 is a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrain and riding styles, making it a great choice for beginners and intermediate riders.
- Durable: The argon-arc welded, high-tensile steel frame provides a strong, reliable foundation for the bike, ensuring long-lasting durability and reliability.
- Reasonably priced: The Alite 40 is an affordable option for riders looking for a reliable, high-quality hardtail mountain bike that won’t break the bank.
- Lightweight: Despite its sturdy frame, the bike is relatively light, making it easy to handle and maneuver on mountain roads.
- Smooth ride: The wide Vee Rubber Galaxy 26×2.1″ tires provide a smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and shocks on the mountain trails.
- Precise shifting: Shimano Tourney rear derailleur and Shimano Revo shifters provide smooth and precise shifting, ensuring a comfortable and efficient ride.
- Powerful braking system: Aluminum cable pull brakes with ABS provide reliable braking force in any situation to ensure the safety of the rider.
- Easy to maintain: The bike’s components are easy to maintain and repair, making it the perfect choice for riders who want to do their bike maintenance.
- Comfort: The KHS Sport saddle and Kraton grips provide a comfortable, ergonomic riding position that reduces fatigue and discomfort on long rides.
- Stylish: The Alite 40 is available in four different colors, giving riders the option to choose a bike that fits their style and preferences.
What don’t we like about it?
- Speed: Higher weight and slower speed.
FAQs
- Is the KHS Alite 40 suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Alite 40 is a good choice for beginners who want a reliable and reasonably priced hardtail mountain bike. It is versatile, easy to operate, and provides a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Can this bike handle technical terrain?
While the Alite 40 is primarily designed for off-road riding, it can handle some technical terrain due to its sturdy frame, large tires, and reliable braking system. However, it may not be suitable for more advanced riders who require a more specialized bike to tackle more technical routes.
- Is the Alite 40 easy to maintain?
Yes. The Alite 40 is relatively easy to maintain and repair as its components are readily available and easy to replace. Routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting gears can be done at home with basic tools.
- What is the weight of the bike?
The weight of the Alite 40 varies depending on the size of the bike, but it is relatively light for a mountain bike due to its aluminum frame and components. The weight of the XS size is approximately 31 pounds, while the weight of the XL size is approximately 33 pounds.
- Is the Alite 40 suitable for long-distance riding?
Yes, the Alite 40 is suitable for long-distance riding. This is due to its comfortable saddle and ergonomically designed grips, which can reduce fatigue and discomfort during long rides. The smooth ride provided by the large tires also increases the bike’s comfort, making it a great choice for riders who enjoy long-distance rides.
KHS ALITE 40 Specs
Build
| Frame | TIG-welded Hi-tensile Steel Colors: Black; Bora Bora Blue; ladies:Blood Red; Mid Silver |
| Fork | Hi-Tensile Unicrown |
| Rear Shock | n/a |
| Bottom Bracket | Cartridge Bearing |
| Headset | Threadless 1-1/8″ |
| Stem | KHS Aluminum Threadless 4-bolt, 31.8mm, XS-S:60mm, M-L:75mm, XL:90mm |
| Handlebar | Aluminum Riser, 31.8mm, 660mm x 20mm |
| Saddle | KHS Sport |
| Seatpost | KHS Aluminum Micro Adjust, 25.4mm |
| Pedals | Resin ATB Platform w/Boron Axle |
| Grips | Kraton For Twist |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourney, RD-TY300D |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Tourney, FD-TY510 |
| Crank | Shimano FC-TY301, 48/38/28T, XS-S:170, M-XL:175 |
| Shifters | Shimano Revo |
| Cassette | Shimano MF-TZ500, 14-34T, 7-Speed |
| Chain | KMC Z8.3 |
| Brakes | Aluminum Linear Pull w/ ABS System Click for more information about BrakeSafe |
| Brake Levers | Aluminum Linear Pull, 2.5F |
Wheels
| Rims | Aluminum, 26x36H |
| Spokes | 14G Black, 36×36 |
| Front Hub | 14Gx36H, QR |
| Rear Hub | 14Gx36H, Nutted |
| Tires | Vee Rubber Galaxy 26×2.1″ |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Orbea MX 24 PARK | Click View | 1×10 | Aluminum alloy | Altus, Shimano |
| Kross HEXAGON 3.0 | Click View | 3×7 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Altus, Tourney |
| Megamo DX3 | Click View | 3×8 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano Tourney |
KHS ALITE 40 vs Orbea MX 24 PARK
First of all, the Orbea MX 24 PARK has an aluminum frame. It is usually lighter and more durable than a steel frame. It also has more size options, which can make it easier to find a bike that fits.
Second, the Orbea MX 24 PARK has a 7-speed shift system, while the KHS Alite 40 has a 21-speed system. Although the Orbea has fewer gears, the 7-speed system may offer smoother and more precise shifts than the KHS’s 21-speed system. The Orbea MX 24 PARK is more expensive than the KHS Alite 40, probably due to the higher quality components and materials used in its construction.
Overall, the Orbea MX 24 PARK may have some advantages in terms of weight, gearing, and size options. However, the KHS Alite 40 offers a more affordable option with a reliable 21-speed shifting system and a sturdy steel frame. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the rider’s budget, preferences, and riding needs.
KHS ALITE 40 vs Kross HEXAGON 3.0
Firstly, the Kross HEXAGON 3.0 features an aluminum frame which is typically lighter and more durable than the steel frame of the KHS Alite 40. The HEXAGON 3.0 also has larger wheel diameter options, which can provide better traction and stability on rough terrain.
The Kross HEXAGON 3.0 has mechanical disc brakes, which typically provide better stopping power. In wet conditions, it is more reliable than the rim brakes on the KHS Alite 40.
Additionally, the Kross HEXAGON 3.0 has a better shifting system than the KHS Alite 40, with smoother and more precise shifting. The Kross HEXAGON 3.0 also has an 80mm front suspension system that can absorb shocks and vibrations on rough terrain, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Overall, the Kross HEXAGON 3.0 has several advantages over the KHS Alite 40, including a lighter and more durable aluminum frame, better brakes and shifting, and a suspension system for a more comfortable ride. However, the KHS Alite 40 is a more affordable option. It has a reliable steel frame and a versatile 21-speed shifting system, making it a great choice for budget-conscious riders who still want a reliable and capable mountain bike.
KHS ALITE 40 vs Megamo DX3
The Megamo DX3 has an all-aluminum frame, which is typically lighter and more durable than the steel frame of the KHS Alite 40. the DX3 also has a larger wheel diameter, which provides better traction and stability on rough terrain.
The Megamo DX3 has mechanical disc brakes, which typically provide better stopping power. So they are more reliable in wet conditions than the rim brakes on the KHS Alite 40. The Megamo DX3 has better components overall, including a 21-speed shift system for smoother, more precise shifts.
Overall, the Megamo DX3 has several advantages over the KHS Alite 40, including a lighter, more durable aluminum frame, better brakes, and better overall components. However, the KHS Alite 40 is a more affordable option with a reliable steel frame and a versatile 21-speed shifting system, making it a great choice for budget-conscious riders. Because these folks still want a reliable and capable mountain bike. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on the rider’s budget, preferences, and riding needs.
Summary
Above is our test of the KHS ALITE 40. It is a very suitable mountain bike for novice riders, which can handle rough terrain and doesn’t require frequent maintenance. It is also suitable for riding on mild bumpy roads without too much worry. If you need a faster and more high-end riding experience, you can check out our higher-end bike reviews.
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