On its Instagram page yesterday, KHS Bicycles posted a message informing the public that it will close its U.S. distribution business after 50 years. Founded in 1974 by Wen and Susan Hsieh, KHS Bicycles, known primarily for its mountain bikes, will officially cease operations on May 31, 2026. This announcement does not affect KHS Taiwan, which will reportedly continue to operate as normal.
This news comes roughly eight months after Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (BRAIN) reported that KHS’s U.S. distribution would close in early 2026, unless they found a buyer to take over the business. At the time, KHS’s U.S. vice president, Wayne D. Gray, said they were “talking to several entities interested in buying the distribution business, the U.S. distribution rights to the bike brands, or both,” as reported by BRAIN. Given the closure announcement, it appears no deal was ever reached.
The past few years have been anything but easy for the cycling industry, and like many other brands, it’s fair to assume that recent economic challenges likely played a role in this decision. But, it was reported that the brand’s founders were also looking forward to retirement after 50 years of running the family business. Gray said he has plans to retire and ride his bike every day, too.
Based in the U.S. with factories in Taiwan, KHS has produced and distributed a large range of bicycles for decades. This includes those from its subsidiary brands, Free Agent BMX bikes and Manhattan Beach Cruisers. Additionally, along with QBP, KHS was one of only two distributors wholesaling Shimano parts in the U.S. market.
Although KHS never seemed to achieve mainstream popularity, that also never really appeared to be the goal. KHS had many patents and accomplishments to its name, and the brand even earned numerous “Bike of the Year” awards from various publications over the years. Still, KHS always seemed focused on providing value to consumers, rather than competing with the big brands.
KHS has been a long-standing supporter of up-and-coming domestic racers in both mountain and road cycling. The KHS Pro MTB team was a constant threat in gravity disciplines on the North American downhill, enduro, and dual slalom circuits for years, with numerous National Championship Titles to its name.
We’re sad to see another cycling industry staple shut its doors. We wish all the best to the KHS team and all of the individuals affected by the brand’s closure.
