Jill Kitner (SP) has raced for them for something like 20 years.
They remind me of Iron Horse- pre '05, Sam Hill and DW link. When an entry level DH bike was $3500 (think Big Hit) IH had the SGS Pro for $2500 and it was always on sale for $1800. Though there weren't high end components, it got people into the sport. A 5th Element($500?), RS Boxxer Race($600), Minions f/r, Holsfeller cranks, LX drivetrain, e13 guide($125) and Hayes brakes($300 for both). You basically got a free frame.
I know that IH and KHS were both low end, but they made riding affordable. That's what keeps a lot of people away from DH. You either rent for $150-200 for the day (bike rental, gear tix sometimes insurance) or you dive in and buy new starting at 3k +gear?
They were both catalog frames with decent components. If I owned a shop, I'd consider carrying them in our area. A lot of people have an issue buying a $400 HT when they can buy a DS at Wally's for $150. KHS would probably have a less expensive starter bike than Specialized and Trek. Say $365ish?
As long as these catalog companies get customers out of Wally's and into the LBS, I'll support them. It doesn't mean I'll buy one. But support them, yes.
They remind me of Iron Horse- pre '05, Sam Hill and DW link. When an entry level DH bike was $3500 (think Big Hit) IH had the SGS Pro for $2500 and it was always on sale for $1800. Though there weren't high end components, it got people into the sport. A 5th Element($500?), RS Boxxer Race($600), Minions f/r, Holsfeller cranks, LX drivetrain, e13 guide($125) and Hayes brakes($300 for both). You basically got a free frame.
I know that IH and KHS were both low end, but they made riding affordable. That's what keeps a lot of people away from DH. You either rent for $150-200 for the day (bike rental, gear tix sometimes insurance) or you dive in and buy new starting at 3k +gear?
They were both catalog frames with decent components. If I owned a shop, I'd consider carrying them in our area. A lot of people have an issue buying a $400 HT when they can buy a DS at Wally's for $150. KHS would probably have a less expensive starter bike than Specialized and Trek. Say $365ish?
As long as these catalog companies get customers out of Wally's and into the LBS, I'll support them. It doesn't mean I'll buy one. But support them, yes.
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