First Look: KHS Goes 650b for Downhill - Introducing the SixFifty 656DH

KHS did it. They went to 650b on their downhill bike. As far as we know, they're the first company to give it a go. The larger wheel size has a few advantages, like the ability to roll over rocks faster, but suitable downhill wheel and tire options are quite limited at the moment.

The KHS Factory Team will be testing out prototype models of the SixFifty 656DH in the next six weeks. In fact, Logan Binggeli plans to ride the 650b version at the Red Bull Rampage this year, so keep an eye out for that.

The bike is based around the current DH300 but has slightly tweaked geometry to accommodate the larger wheel size. As of right now the anticipated release date is late 2013 or early 2014.

What do you think? Is 650b fit for downhill?

C50_89625830_1267691215 bturman 7/5/2012 10:52 AM

23 comments newest first

as italian KHS distributor we are the origin of this rendering (not picture!) " how could be new KHS SixFifty 656 for downhill...".
on our web site is clearly specified that this image is a mix components of KHS DH300 and KHS Sixfifty 656Xc ...not a real picture...while is confirmed that in a few weeks KHS Factory Racing Team will begin testing a new dh mtb in 650B.
×
Members who like this comment
would love to ride one for shits and grins, the current 26in version is definitely one of if not the best bike on the market right now, would love to see the 26in in carbon too that would be sick as hell!
×
Members who like this comment
I've been building and racing 650b xc bikes for 5 years now.
29'rs suck, as we all know, but 650b stuff get's a little bit better roll over and little bit better cornering over a 26" wheel that definitely helps you have more fun.
As soon as I can buy a DH casing 650b tire I'll have one wedged into my Dorado in a heartbeat.

Y'alls gonna be OK with 650b stuff. It's fun and fast and doesn't require a freak bike. Nothing to dislike really...
×
Members who like this comment
KHSFactoryRacing
If it wasn't for the KHS, Marzocchi, loose chain and brake lines that need to be cut I'd say it looks pretty good. In all seriousness though, all wheel sizes for MTB should die except for one. If it is 26, then great. If it is 650b, then it probably has some advantages and disadvantages. It should just be one damn size though. Three standards suck. At least 24 inch died off a little while ago. Well, maybe for everyone except for Kidwoo and his Bighit with Monster T's.
×
Members who like this comment
Josh_Swanke
bstens
Mark these words.. this is the way of the future!
×
Members who like this comment
MTBDUDE
JimEG
Haha - who is the source on this? - KHS Bicycles Inc, did not put this out. Thanks! It is PRETTY CLOSE though.
×
Members who like this comment
Evans
Ah yes. The worst of both worlds. You don't get much more in terms of "roll-over-ability", but you still have to give up on the dialled 26er geo, along with any hope of finding decent wheels/tyres...
×
Members who like this comment
Ray_George
camdenthekid
Based on the fact that they can't even make the bike presentable (CUT THE CHAIN) for a press release, I'm gonna say there wasn't a lot of thought put into this.
×
Members who like this comment
mdustinelliott
Freeridewriter
Josh_Swanke
LOC
esstinkay
WANT!!!! I've been ruined by 29ers and at this point in time want a 650 DH or at least park bike.

Looks like they just stuffed the wheels in there, the BB looks high. I could be way off.

Excavator tires? At least it's the best Kenda can do.
×
Members who like this comment
Not likely at the very best its a one off.. Most of the longer travel forks fit a 650 wheel no problem hence why Norco put a Totem on the pre-production Range.
×
Members who like this comment