The good news, the KHS Flite 100 is going to be available in white and matte black. Things that I am not sure about, for example, the top tube now has a braze on for cable routing if you want to use the bike as a single speed. Those who ride fixed for simplicity may not dig that. However, I live in an urban area that lends itself to fixed gear riding. Those who decide on this bike and who live in hillier geographies may like the braze on detail. Also, the cog that comes with the bike for next year is alloy.(Jump to read more.)
My big fat opinion on cogs: Once
you have figured out you are obsessed with fixed gear riding: Buy the highest quality steel cog you can afford. It is money well spent. The fixie alley cats and lady cats will
probably shred alloy cogs like cheddar cheese. A national podium-placing masters track rider, Leo, who was officiating at Hellyer track in San Jose, told me a story of a guy who was trying to save weight during a track race and ran an alloy cog. He shredded the cog, and in the process, the alloy shaving that fell to the track punctured $500 of his racing competitors' tubulars when they ran over the metal bits. You never want to be that guy or gal. You want to save weight? Give the cupcake you are about to eat to your pal who still fits in the Levi jeans purchased while attending the seventh grade.
Offering no front brake or lever with the bike for 2009 is going to be a bit of
an inconvenience. And for my customers, who again, ride their fixies
really hard 11.5 months of the year (the other two weeks of the year
they are on holiday lock down traveling to visit relatives in snowy
destinations), the unsealed, machine-built wheel set, having had some
experience with these, does not inspire a deep and abiding confidence. Sealed cartridges work better for urban riders who tend to fuss less over their bikes than experienced road cyclists. (Shimano has loose ball bearings in all of their hubs, even Dura Ace. But if you are riding those pricey hubs, you keep your bike clean, or you have a team mechanic watch your back usually.)
I don't mind the brazeons for a rack. Because at some point you might
want the option of throwing a rack on your bike (easy now, track
beasts) so you can hauling home that coffee table you saw at the garage
sale. You can always remove the rack a couple of hours later, and return your bike to its minimal best, before
your friends mock you.
If you want to try fixed gear riding, and you are not sure if you are
going to like it, this is a great bike for you. The price point is
really reasonable. If you end up hating fixed gear riding, you can easily flip
the wheel, throw on some brakes, and ride a respectable single speed.
So, all is not lost. And KHS does give you great value for your money,
in general.
