More about Solo-One SE

As VinceR mentioned both Solo-One SE and Tucson are available, but I want to highlight the some more about the Solo-One SE because it is such a cool bike, including some close-up pictures. You can click on the pictures below for bigger view. My disclaimer for the pictures is that it’s really hard to capture the color of this bike for screen view, but it looks amazing in “Flat Dark Green” with lettering in shades of white/gray and the logo in lime-green accent. All the inside sales are practically drooling over it.
Again, you can click on the pictures for a larger size view (will open in new window).
First, this frame features CrMo: TrueTemper Verus HT Double Butted top and down tube. This tubing was created using a method that allows for smaller profile, thus giving the bike a thin retro look and lower weight. In addition, the down tube is shaped with “Delta Linear Design”, which gives additional strength and rigidity to the downtube, while allowing for thinner and smaller tubing. Although it’s not possible to see the actual shape of the tube in the picture to the left, you can see the shape of the logo.

Second, it uses an disc brake compatible adjustable vertical drop-out. Yes I know that is a mouth full, but there is so much going on. We’ll take it one step at a time. This bike is spec-ed with linear pull brakes, but the frame/drop-out is equipped with disc brake mounts making future upgrade to disc brake possible. Since this is a single speed bike, the drop-out had to be adjustable so chain tension can be adjusted. However, the important thing here is that it also uses a system that allows you to vertically drop out the wheel should you need to change a flat. So in effect, once you set the chain tension, you’ll never need to mess with it again (until of course you change the chain length or the chain “stretches”).

Lastly, a close-up of the cool logo in lime-green accent on this bike:

The 29′ers are Here!! The 29′ers are Here!!

     The long awaited KHS 29′er bicycles arrived this past week. The 2007 KHS Tucson and the 2007 Solo One SE models are selling well. These smooth riding XC machines are built starting with sleek double-buttedCro-Mo frames utilizing KHS’s own Delta Linear downtube design.

     The Tucson is equipped with a Shimano Deore/Truvativ 27 speed drive-train. The front end is cushioned by the Rock Shox Tora 318 Solo Air 29′er fork. With a great drive-train and suspension fork to help you motor down the trail, meaty 29″ x 2.2″ Kenda Karma tires help you keep the rubber side down! These tires are wrapped around some pretty stout wheels built with 32 hole Sun Ryno Lite 29″ rims laced to alloy 6-bolt disc hubs. The Tucson is slowed by a set of 6″ Hayes MX-4 cable actuated disc brakes. It’s a steal at only $1099.99.

     The Solo One SE is not just another single speed. This is a “must” for those that are into the minimalist approach to mountain bikes. The advantage of the 29″ wheels on a single speed is that you are able to maintain a higher average speed. This enables you to carry more momentum through rough areas where you may have to coast. Also, when carrying more speed into the begining of a climb on a single speed, you won’t have to work as hard to get up the hill. This year’s Solo One SE has a plethora of innovative features. 

 The rear dropouts have been redone. Utilizing a ’slider’ dropout, gone are the days of having to really crank down on the axle nuts to prevent the wheels from slipping. With the ‘non-track’ style dropout, you can use a standard QR hub without worrying about your skewer holding the wheel position AND if you upgrade to disc brakes, you don’t have to readjust your caliper position after making gearing changes. This makes maintaining proper chain tension a breeze! As you can tell by the amount I have already written about this bike, this single speed get me going!

The NEW dropouts are NOT the only thing to get amped up about…

     The Truvative Isoflow SS crank sports a nice alloy bash ring and the pedals spec’d on the bike give you options of being clipped in or not. The wheels on this bike are built using the Sun Ryno Lite 29″ rims, the rear is laced to a 135mm spaced cassette single speed 6-bolt disc hub, the front is built using a 6-bolt alloy disc hub; all wrapped up in the 2.2″ wide Kenda Karma 29er tires! The stock 20t cog gives you enough low end to crank up all but the steepest pitches. The 32t front chain ring gives you enough top end to spin comfortably. If you are a real masochist, go ahead and run a taller gear. I dare you!

     When all is said and done, the Solo One SE is a great buy at $769

 So, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! Check out the KHS Dealer Locator at www.khsbicycles.com to find your local dealer. See if they plan on bringing in these models, if they are hesitant, have them give me a call!