The carbon frame is praised for being light, stiff and sturdy, with a structure that spreads stress over its long curves.
Reviewers loved the geometry, which is seen as contributing to a compact, nimble and playful ride.
Experts saw the 7200’s full-suspension alloy frame as bearing a ‘respectable weight’ for an all-mountain machine.
Riders found the rigid SixFifty to be fast and efficient on climbs, but to perform even better on descents.
Some models, including the 680+, 6600 and 5500 - come equipped with remote dropper-posts.
Owners said presentation of their carbon SixFifty was attractive.
Most models sport Shimano hydraulic brakes, which experts appreciated.
The 800’s Fox-32-Float Air-Fork with remote lockout… impressed.
Rigid SixFiftys were seen as versatile all-rounder off-roaders.
As is with most of KHS’ range, the SixFifty was an affordable option for buyers.
SixFifty’s were lauded as sporting good quality components throughout.
The 1x11 drivetrain on the 800 (and other modern models) was well-regarded.

8 reasons not to buy

Riders sometimes experienced twitchy steering on the 7500. Experts found themselves overcorrecting steering on sketchy terrain, with the Team model.
When it comes to weight; the 3500’s alloy frame – and the 6600’s carbon frame – both struck experts as a little heavy.
The 6500 was limited to a shorter dropper-post due to the shape of the seat tube.
On loose, high-speed descents, the SixFifty Team felt less confident to experts.
The 6600 was priced too highly for one expert.
As far as the Maxxis tires on the 7200 go, experts felt they needed an upgrade.
The 7200 felt a bit cramped for taller riders. Sizes, in general, seemed smaller than usual.
The 7200’s dropper-post was billed as under-responsive.

Bottom line

There are many full and front-suspension models of KHS’ SixFifty. One of the most popular, the 800, is seen as a good-value bike with high-quality components and a lightweight carbon frame that would usually only be seen on higher-priced models. As a dependable, long-term choice for a machine that handles cross-country as well as something a bit rougher, this might be the bike for you.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

76/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews

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Follow My Lines

Level 1 expert

KHS SixFifty 6600 Ride and Review (California Mountain Biking)

Level 1 expert

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

KHS Sixfifty Team – First Ride Review

Level 5 expert

Light but impressively surefooted and smooth riding cross-country hardtail for new standard gamblers.

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Riding Feels Good

Level 1 expert

Tested: 2015 KHS SixFifty 7200

Level 1 expert

This bike definitely targets the more average rider than someone looking for an enduro race machine, yet it would make a solid starting point for someone looking to enter some races.

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Singletracks

Level 5 expert

Test Ride Review: KHS SixFifty 7500 Enduro Bike

Level 5 expert

…the KHS SixFifty 7500 is a high end enduro / all-mountain rig that will get riders up the trail quickly and back down even faster.

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Singletracks

Level 5 expert

KHS SixFifty 680 Plus Test Ride Review

Level 5 expert

The 680+ … really shone on the descents, despite lacking the squish in the rear.

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Canadian Cyclist

Level 1 expert

Review: KHS SixFifty 3500

Level 1 expert

…if you like the rougher trails the KHS SixFifty 3500 might be on your wish list. It’s well made and well equipped and the price is pretty decent. A bit of a diet would make it even better.

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Buenas Biclas

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