We’ve recently had a chance to sit down with Wayne Gray, Vice President of KHS bicycles who sheds a little light on what keeps KHS on the top of the bicycle manufacturer heap year after year.
Wayne, tell us a bit about KHS.
KHS Inc of Los Angeles, California is the designer and U.S. distributor of KHS adult bicycles, Manhattan beach cruisers and Free Agent BMX bicycles.
How long has KHS been around?
Founded in 1974, KHS was founded and is still currently located in Southern California, where the diversity of consumer lifestyles provides fertile ground for the development of many of today’s most popular cycling products. We currently offer over 30 KHS models serve the needs of recreational as well as Enthusiast cyclist in over 33 countries around the globe.
32 years in the industry is very commendable, to what do you attribute this longevity?
Our philosophy has been to manufacture all of our frames using premium specifications and materials including tubing from True Temper and Reynolds. We design our frames to be functional, using proven designs that allow us to focus our efforts on reducing weight, enhancing performance and improving component selection. Our choice of specifications are prioritized based on the type of application involved, i.e. entry level mountain bikes must have functional suspension forks, comfortable steering and seating compartment tires that perform both on and off the road. This criterion insures that consumers receive a bicycle that delivers exceptional performance for its intended use.
And this attitude is clearly projected through your position in the bicycling industry.
Definitely, cycling enthusiasts know KHS through our advertising in major cycling publications and sponsorship of many world class road and off-road cyclists. Enthusiasts are very brand conscious and tend to choose to ride a KHS due to our clean, traditional designs, high performance specifications and custom options we offer in our higher range of products. The caliber and diversity of athletes who have professionally ridden for KHS over the years speaks to the brand success in this area.
Recreational cyclists tend to choose KHS primarily due to retailer recommendation, graphic appeal and availability of performance frames and designs at an attractive retail price. In the U.S. market, KHS bicycles are actively promoted to this audience through key product media placement in non-cycling print, cable and motion picture venues.
Judging by the incredible recognition KHS has earned throughout the years, it appears the press is taking note. Tell us about some of these awards.
KHS was the first Taiwan made road bike to enter U.S. market with Reynolds 531 tubing. Bicycling Magazine tested this model in 1979 and rated as good as a similar, French-made Motobecane model.
KHS was awarded the “Sears Partner in Progress” award in 1986 The KHS Comp was awarded the “Bike of the Year” award by Mountain Biking Magazine in both 1994 and 2001.
KHS remains the only brand to have a finalist in Mountain Biking’s “Bike of the Year” award every year since the inception of the award in 1992.
Bicycling Magazine awarded the 1997 KHS Fleetwood it’s “Editor’s Choice Award” for best bike at the 1996 Interbike International Bicycle show.
In March 1998, the KHS FXT Sport was rated the “Best Value” full suspension bike under $1000 by Mountain Bike Action Magazine.
KHS introduced suspension seatposts and semi-click tires on its 1998 mountain bike line, a full year ahead of most other brands.
KHS was also the first to introduce popularly priced softtails to the market during 1999 giving hardtail and full suspension buyers a new alternative that incorporates the best of both designs.
Preferred bicycle and parts distribution in USA voted by USA bicycle dealers in 2002.
Mountain Bike Action proclaimed the XC 904r dual suspension bicycle a perfect “10 out of 10” in the October 2004 issue.
Wayne, thanks so much for your time.
Anytime.
For more information on KHS bicycles head over to: http://www.khsbicycles.com
