KHS FLITE 700 Review
- Price: $2499
- Frame: Carbon fiber
- Wheels: 700C
- Gear: 2×10
What we like about it: The aerodynamic design of the frame and fork reduces wind resistance, making it easier to maintain higher speeds with less effort.
What we don’t like about it: It doesn’t use the full set of component configurations.
Rating (4.6/5)
KHS Bicycles is a brand with over 40 years of history, specializing in producing high-quality bicycles for all types of riders. Over the years, KHS has become a trusted name in the cycling industry, known for producing reliable, durable, and high-performance bicycles. One of the most popular series in the KHS product line is the FLITE series. First introduced in 1982, this series is a high-performance road bike designed for serious cyclists.
Since then, the FLITE series has undergone several upgrades and redesigns, becoming increasingly advanced and innovative with each iteration. The KHS FLITE 700 is the latest product in this series, a carbon fiber integrated road bike designed for riders who demand the best in performance, speed, and agility. This bike is an ideal choice for riders who enjoy tackling challenging terrain, whether on the road or in competition.
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Riding Experience
As a retired professional cyclist, I have had the privilege of riding some of the most advanced and high-performance road bikes on the market. But the KHS FLITE 700 stands out as one of the best bikes out there. I recently had the opportunity to ride this bike on some of my favorite roads, and I was pleasantly surprised by its speed and riding comfort. Before setting off, I also booked accommodation through Skyscanner to give myself ample space to rest and prepare.
My first ride on the KHS FLITE 700 was in the hills of Southern California. The bike handled the twists and turns of the hills very well, and the lightweight carbon frame provided excellent control and responsiveness. the Shimano Tiagra drivetrain shifted smoothly and efficiently, allowing me to tackle the steep grades on the route with ease. the FSA components added a touch of class to the bike, and the Tektro mechanical disc brakes provided excellent braking power and control on the descents.
However, the KHS FLITE 700 truly showcased its abilities on long-distance road rides. I rode this bike for 100 miles on the rolling hills of Northern California, including several steep climbs and technical descents. The bike effortlessly handled the terrain, and I found myself able to maintain a higher average speed than any other bike I have ridden before. The carbon fiber frame had excellent shock-absorbing capabilities, allowing me to maintain a comfortable riding position even after hours of riding.
Racing Experience
One of my favorite racing experiences on the KHS FLITE 700 was at the Tour of the Gila bicycle race held in New Mexico, known for its challenging terrain and high altitude. This bike performed exceptionally well on steep climbs and technical descents, allowing me to push my limits and maintain my speed throughout the race. The Shimano Tiagra transmission system and FSA components provided a perfect blend of speed and control, while the Tektro mechanical disc brakes gave me the confidence to handle the downhill sections with ease.
Another memorable racing experience was at the Redlands Bicycle Classic in California, known for its fast-paced and technical courses. The KHS FLITE 700 was the perfect bike for this race, with its lightweight carbon fiber frame and responsive handling allowing me to easily navigate tight corners and accelerate quickly. The bike’s excellent speed and agility also allowed me to make up time on fast, flat stretches, giving me an edge in competition.
This bike also performed exceptionally well on long-distance road rides, such as the famous RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). This 7-day ride covers over 400 miles of rolling hills and flat plains in Iowa, and the KHS FLITE 700 made the ride exceptionally enjoyable. The carbon fiber frame provided a smooth ride on rough roads, while the Shimano Tiagra transmission system allowed me to easily tackle long climbs and fast flats. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes gave me confidence on steep downhill sections. The bike’s overall speed and agility were simply mind-blowing.
Specification
The KHS FLITE 700 Full MSD carbon fiber monocoque frame provides a strong and lightweight foundation for high-quality components. The wheelset features Alex GD24P rims that are durable, responsive, and easy to handle. The transmission system includes Shimano Tiagra RD-4700GS rear derailleur, Shimano Tiagra FD-4700 front derailleur, and FSA Omega Compact crankset. They provide smooth and efficient shifting, as well as a wide range of gears to handle any terrain. The Tektro MD-C550 dual-piston hydraulic disc brake system with 160mm rotors provides reliable and stable braking in any situation. Overall, the components on this bike provide high performance and reliable riding for any rider.
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What do we like about it?
- Lightweight Carbon Frame: The Full MSD carbon monocoque of the KHS FLITE 700 road bike is light and offers excellent stiffness and control.
- Smooth and efficient shifting: The Shimano Tiagra drivetrain offers smooth and precise shifting with a wide range of gears to tackle any terrain.
- Reliable Braking System: The Tektro MD-C550 dual piston line disc brake system provides reliable and consistent braking power in all conditions.
- Durable Wheelsets: Alex GD24P rims and Formula RX512 and RX412 aluminum disc hubs are built to last, providing excellent handling and responsiveness.
- COMFORTABLE SADDLE: The KHS Performance Road Saddle is designed for long-distance riding and provides excellent comfort and support.
- Wide tire clearance: The KHS FLITE 700 road bike can accommodate tires up to 700x28C, providing excellent traction and stability on any terrain.
- Internal Cable Routing: The bike features internal cable routing, which provides a clean and smooth appearance and reduces the chance of cable wear.
- EASY ADJUSTMENT: The aluminum stem and handlebars make the bike easy to adjust to your preferred riding position.
- STYLISH DESIGN: The bike’s matte black color and sleek design make it a stylish and modern choice for any rider.
What don’t we like about it?
- Components: Not using the full set of component configurations.
FAQs
- What is the weight of the KHS FLITE 700 road bike?
The bike weighs approximately 9.2 kg (20.3 lbs).
- Can I use this bike for the race?
Yes, the KHS FLITE 700 road bike is designed for high-performance riding and can be used for racing.
- What size tires can I use on this bike?
The KHS FLITE 700 road bike can accommodate tires up to 700x28C.
- Is this bike suitable for long-distance riding?
Yes, the bike’s carbon fiber frame and comfortable saddle make it suitable for long rides.
- What is the maximum load capacity of the KHS FLITE 700 road bike?
The maximum weight capacity of the bike is 113 kg (250 lbs), including the weight of the rider, the bike, and any accessories or cargo.
KHS FLITE 700 Specs
Build
| Frame | KHS FLITE 700 , Full MSD Carbon Monocoque w/Replaceable Derailleur Hanger, 1-1/8-1.5 Taper, Internal cable routing, Flat Mount Disc, 12 x 142 Thru-Axle Color: Matte Black |
| Fork | KHS Performance Disc, Carbon w/Aluminum Steerer, 1.5 Taper, w/Aluminum Dropout, Flat Mount w/12mm Thru-Axle |
| Bottom Bracket | FSA Mega EXO, Outboard Cartridge Bearing |
| Headset | FSA Integrated Sealed ACB, 1-1/8″~1.5″, Aluminum Cap |
| Stem | Aluminum 3D Forged, Threadless 4 Bolt, 31.8, XS-S:90mm, M-L:100mm, XL:110mm |
| Handlebar | FSA Vero Compact, 31.8, XS-M:42cm, L-XL:44cm |
| Saddle | KHS Performance Road |
| Seatpost | Q2 Carbon |
| Pedals | n/a |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra RD-4700GS |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Tiagra FD-4700 |
| Crank | FSA Omega Compact, 2pc Forged w/Outboard Bearing, 50/34, XS:165, S:170, M:172.5, L-XL:175 |
| Shifters | Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-HG500, 11-32T, 10-Speed |
| Chain | KMC X10 w/Missing Link |
| Brakes | Tektro MD-C550 Dual Piston, Flat Mount Road Cable Disc Brake w/160mm Rotors |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Tiagra ST-4700 |
Wheels
| Rims | Alex GD24P, Disc Double Wall |
| Spokes | 14G Stainless Black, 24×28 |
| Front Hub | Formula RX512 Aluminum Disc, 12mm QR |
| Rear Hub | Formula RX412 Aluminum Disc, Cassette, 12mm QR |
| Tires | Kenda Kadence, 700x28C, 60TPI Folding |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| BMC Teammachine ALR TWO | Click view | 2×11 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano 105 |
| Bianchi Sprint – 105 | Click view | 2×11 | Carbon Fiber | Shimano 105 |
| Specialized Allez Sprint Comp | Click view | 2×11 | Aluminum alloy | Shimano 105 |
| Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc | Click view | 2×11 | Carbon Fiber | Shimano Ultegra |
KHS FLITE 700 vs BMC Teammachine ALR TWO
The KHS FLITE 700 Full MSD Carbon Fiber Monocoque Road Bike and the BMC Teammachine ALR TWO are both high-performance road bikes with different component configurations. The BMC Teammachine ALR TWO is more expensive, but it uses an aluminum frame instead of carbon fiber, which makes it slightly heavier. It also has wider tires, providing more stability and comfort on rough roads. This bike uses hydraulic disc brakes, which offer better braking performance and adjustability compared to mechanical disc brakes.
On the other hand, the KHS FLITE 700 road bike uses a carbon fiber frame, which is lighter and stiffer than the aluminum frame of the BMC Teammachine ALR TWO. It also uses narrower tires, which allow for faster speeds and less rolling resistance on flat roads. This bike uses mechanical disc brakes, which are reliable and easy to maintain.
In summary, the BMC Teammachine ALR TWO offers wider tires and hydraulic disc brakes for better stability and stopping power. However, the KHS FLITE 700 road bike offers a lighter and stiffer carbon fiber frame and faster, narrower tires, making it the top choice for high-performance road riding. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes depends on the rider’s personal preferences and priorities.
Learn More: Is BMC Teammachine SLR ONE Worth Buying? [BMC Teammachine SLR ONE Review]
KHS FLITE 700 vs Bianchi Sprint – 105
The KHS FLITE 700 Full MSD carbon fiber monocoque road bike and the Bianchi Sprint – 105 are both carbon fiber road bikes with different component configurations. The Bianchi Sprint – 105 is cheaper than the KHS FLITE 700 road bike and uses rim brakes instead of disc brakes. It also has an additional gear speed option, providing more flexibility in gear selection.
On the other hand, the KHS FLITE 700 road bike has a carbon fiber frame that is lighter and stiffer than the carbon frame of the Bianchi Sprint. It also uses mechanical disc brakes, which provide better stopping and modulation, especially in wet or muddy conditions. The 10-speed Shimano Tiagra drivetrain of the KHS FLITE 700 road bike offers smooth and efficient shifting and a wide range of gears to tackle any terrain.
Overall, the Bianchi Sprint – 105 offers a slightly more affordable option. It has rim brakes and an additional gear speed option. However, the KHS FLITE 700 road bike’s carbon fiber frame, mechanical disc brakes, and Shimano Tiagra drivetrain provide excellent performance and reliability for serious road cyclists. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes depends on the rider’s personal preferences, priorities, and budget.
Learn More: Is Bianchi Sprint – 105 Di2 A Good Bike? [Bianchi Sprint – 105 Di2 Review]
KHS FLITE 700 vs Specialized Allez Sprint Comp
The KHS Disc Full MSD Carbon Fiber Monocoque Road Bike and the Specialized Allez Sprint Comp are both high-performance road bikes with different component configurations. The Allez Sprint Comp has an aluminum frame, which is slightly heavier than the carbon fiber frame of the KHS Disc road bike. However, it has hydraulic disc brakes, which offer better braking performance and adjustability compared to mechanical disc brakes. It also has an extra gear speed option, providing more flexibility in gear selection.
On the other hand, the carbon fiber frame of the KHS Disc road bike is lighter and stiffer than the aluminum frame of the Allez Sprint Comp. It also has mechanical disc brakes, which are reliable and easy to maintain, and a Shimano Tiagra drivetrain system, offering smooth and efficient shifting and a wide range of gears to handle any terrain.
In summary, the Specialized Allez Sprint Comp offers hydraulic disc brakes and an extra gear speed option, at a slightly lower price point due to its aluminum frame. However, the KHS Disc road bike’s carbon fiber frame, mechanical disc brakes, and Shimano Tiagra drivetrain system provide excellent performance and reliability for serious road cyclists. The choice between these two bikes ultimately depends on the rider’s personal preferences and priorities, as well as their budget.
KHS FLITE 700 vs Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc
The KHS FLITE 700 road bike and the Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc road bike are both high-performance carbon fiber bikes, but they have different component configurations. The Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc features a higher-end Shimano Ultegra Di2 11-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, providing better braking and a more efficient shifting system. Its carbon fiber frame is also top-of-the-line, offering higher rigidity and lightweight.
On the other hand, the KHS FLITE 700 road bike features a good Shimano Tiagra drivetrain and reliable mechanical disc brakes. While its configuration may not be as advanced as the Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc, its lightweight carbon fiber frame is rigid, and its mechanical disc brakes are relatively easy to maintain.
The Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc offers a more advanced component configuration and a more advanced hydraulic disc brake system. Meanwhile, the KHS FLITE 700 road bike has a lightweight carbon fiber frame and a reliable mechanical disc brake system. As always, which one to choose depends on the rider’s personal preferences, needs, and budget.
Summary
Above is our test of the KHS FLITE 700. Based on our tests, you can see that this is a relatively affordable carbon fiber road bike. It is made of lightweight carbon fiber, which allows the rider to get faster speeds. If you need a road bike for long-distance riding, take a look at our other endurance road bike articles.
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