KHS SixFifty 5500 (2015)

Good value trail/enduro bike for anyone

Pros

* Affordable yet capable component selection
* Plenty of travel for any trail
* Solid starting point for enduro riders

Cons

* More experienced riders may find the entry level fork and shock need upgrading

Review

When 27.5" mountain bikes appeared on the scene many years ago, KHS was providing super capable trail bikes like the SixFifty from the very beginning. This is the latest incarnation of the "ride anywhere" bike that was the focus of so many positive reviews.

The SixFifty is a 140mm travel trail bike that has the capacity to be used as an enduro machine if necessary. The 5500 model here is an affordable mountain bike for anybody looking for a no-fuss trail steed with the ability to be ridden practically anywhere. The bike as a whole rides superbly, is an excellent descender with plenty of travel, and also, surprisingly, not too bad at climbing as well.

These multiple abilities are the result, no doubt, of good design, but the SixFifty also makes the most of what many may judge as an entry level shock and fork selection. Sure these are no Fox units, but the X-Fusion kit has plenty of adjustability and performs perfectly well in most situations - the bikes ability to climb and descend are testament to that.

In addition to this is the Shimano SLX drivetrain, decent brakes, and a solid 27.5 wheelset - the 5500 is designed to take a few hits and keep coming back for more!

At a touch over $2500, all this performance is the epitome of value and makes a decent all-round trail bike available to basically everybody without having to sell a kidney.

The SixFifty 5500 would suit any mountain biker looking for a value loaded package that can handle all types of riding from general XC and trail, right up to enduro with decent high speed technical descents. This bike has the bases covered and would be an excellent choice for some heavy duty singletrack fun!