Disclaimer:
As a product reviewer for Commute By Bike, I am providing my unbiased opinion of any products provided to us by any company. I do not posses any type of relationship with the product’s company or parent companies. Companies that send in their goods to be reviewed do not compensate me in any way.
My background:
I am 5?7?, 165 lbs. I ride a Giant TCR for road, a Specialized FSR XC M4 S-Works for MTB, a Kona Smoke, Ibex Corrida, Xootr Swift and an Ibex Xray for my commute. I am avid cyclist that enjoys all sort of riding. I am also a bike commuter traveling 20 miles round trip.
Testing Grounds:
The mean streets of L.A, and the San Gabriel River trail.
Overview: The KHS Latte is 1 of the 2 folding bikes featured on the KHS line up. The Latte is a singlespeed, it’s geared twin, the Mocha is a 6 speed bike.
Specs:
What I liked about the bike:
The Latte folds fast and easy, it also has a under-frame stand that allows the bike to stand up while folded. The Latte also comes with a built-in rear rack, hard to find stock on a foldable bike. I do have a thing for fenders, and yep, the Latte comes with a nice set, the rear fender has a nice reflector that makes the bike look somewhat classy. As for the ride goes, the position is very comfortable and the handling is rather nimble.
What I didn’t like about the bike: The singlespeed set up is a 44tX18t matted to 20″ tires. That meant a lot of spinning to get the bike to ‘commuting’ speed. The bike topped out at about 12 mph on the flats, which added an extra 25 minutes to my 8 mile commute. The other thing I didn’t care for is the coasting brake, It took me a while to get used to it.
This is the first time I get a flat while commuting on any of my bikes. Fortunately, I was carrying a 16mm wrench. The Latte does not come with quick release skewers which made the process of changing the tube somewhat time consuming.
Similar Products reviewed:
Giatex Sport*able
Xootr Swift
Summary:
At $219 MSRP, the Latte is an inexpensive foldable bike for cruising, short trips to the store, and VERY short commutes. The Latte doesn’t suit my commuting needs, maybe if it had a gearing of 44tX16t, a front brake and quick relase skewers it has the potential of being a decent foldable commuting bike.
For more information visit the KHS website at www.khsbicycles.com