Hey just wanted to drop a line and say what an enlightening review you gave of the KHS AM1000 (http://www.mountainbiketales.com/reviews/khs1000.htm). Although I had one question and wanted to share a bit of info regarding the AM1000 designs jumping prowess.

First the question. Are you sure you rode the bike in the 6" travel position?? All your pics show it to be in the 4".

With regards to the jumping prowess of the AM line. Keep in mind this is the same frame design (FR2000, AM2000) that the KHS DH team has been using for dirtjumping, dual slalom and mountain cross for years (albeit with a shorter shock i2i) and with great success I might add. My best friend used to ride DH for KHS until the 05 season and I rode with them frequently.

Not criticizing your article, just wanted to share. Good job and sweet site. Keep up the good work. :D

Sincerely,
David Stevens

David:

Thanks for dropping a line. Indeed you do bring up some valid points about the AM 1000. Our test riders were clearly used to the almost BMX prowess of their dedicated jump bikes in reporting that the AM 1000 was a bit bulky in the air. The truth of the matter is the bike impressed our entire staff as it stood up to all of the abuse we subjected it to and never gave us an ounce of trouble. In fact one of our editors (Amanda Brunner) was enthusiastic enough to order a KHS to become her own personal bike after the review.

In reference to your question, yes the photos were snapped the day of assembly although we ran a variety of settings throughout the five week testing period (settling on the 6inch travel setting with the best results). Good eye!

Thanks again for sharing some insight, we appreciate your feedback and please feel free to submit photos of you and your rig. We would be happy to add you to our galleries.

Dear MBT:

Ultra cool report of the ( Ventana X-5). It isn’t easy to find reviews for any of Sherwood Gibson’s masterpieces. You guys not only penned up an interesting read but reminded me as to why the custom American scene is so desirable in the first place.

Brad Daquet

Glad you enjoyed the write-up, we certainly enjoyed the ride.

Dear MBT:

There is always a hot debate on which XC Racer to buy and one frequently mentioned is the Yeti ASR-SL versus the Titus Racer X, with the all-new Ventana El Fuego thrown in. Anyway, is there some what you guys could do a proper test comparing each attribute of a good racer. I realize this may take some work and you also have to have a couple of fast riders to help; not just some guy who likes mountain biking. If this is possible, let me know and I can help with ideas and suggestions. The main thing is to get riders who race or have raced (or at least are fast) and are open-minded on brands and not intensely loyal to one or the other.

Just an idea and if it’s not possible at this time, that’s fine. We will approach MBA next.

Best Regards,
Neil Chandra (“Flyer” from mtbr.com)

Neil:

Excellent suggestion, like our readers, we are always on the prowl for opportunities to compare data and performance attributes of like-models. While we haven’t logged saddle time in all of the models you mentioned, we will gladly fire off query letters to the companies in the hopes of their participation. With a bit of luck, perhaps we can make this shoot-out a reality in a future issue.

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