KHS’ new (and unoriginally named) DH 650B downhill bike is planned for production with a late release in 2013 if the parts are available. At the latest, it’ll absolutely be in their 2014 catalog.
The holdup is parts. But, according to them, Fox is working on a 180mm 650B fork, and we’ve seen Intense Cycles make a Boxxer work on their test bike. With Schwalbe, Maxxis, Vee Rubber and Kenda working on beefy DH tires, it could be sooner rather than later.
Their designers say its easier to make a well functioning 650B bike than a 26″ bike. Indeed, while its not official, chances are you won’t see any new 26″ bikes from KHS by 2014.
This bike’s getting a full 8″ of travel with a Manitou Dorado fork and 8.3″ in the rear.
It borrows their Neutral Link concentric lower BB pivot location, not the Horst Link on their shorter travel bikes.
Overall, the entire bike was made longer. Not just because of the larger wheels, but because they wanted to really push the front wheel out in front of the rider. Front center is 2″ longer, which keeps the bike well in front on the steep stuff without affecting steering by making a slacker head angle. ETT on the large is 26″!
Rear center is 0.5″ longer, which gave them a better leverage ratio and let them soften the spring rate. This makes it a bit more supple.
There will be three sizes, Small through Large.
