KHS Classic 1980`s
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
KHS Classic 1980`s
I picked this bike up today. Needs new brake cables. Rides very smooth. Tange double butted cro mo frame. Campagnolo shifting. Nice wheels and tires. New tape and the guy threw in a nice Blackburn floor pump. Any ideas of iits year and what its worth?
__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Well it must be a hard one to evaluate? The bike rides real nice. Might not have the best components on earth? The wheels may not be original? The stem either. Its a bit on the big side for me so if I keep it I will put a shorter Nitto stem I have sitting in the box on it. The wheels seem like very nice strong wheels. They spin smooth. The 27 x 1 1/4 Continental tires are still in very nice condition. The cranks are very nice and in good condition. It shifts, but it is definitely not the Suntour Superbe Pro quality I am used to. Does the job. The paint is in pretty nice condition. All in all it is a nice bike. For what I paid it is a steal.
__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
#4
Bicyclerider4life
KHS Serial Number Deciphers as: Letter = Government Assigned manufacturers Code. First Number = LAST Digit of year made (repeats every ten years) Second and Third Numbers = MONTH Made. Remaining Numbers = Consecutive Number.
This deciphering is from KHS.
Since any given serial number will repeat once every ten years, you must used the components/group set to determine the decade it was made. In the case of my KHS, the Bio-Pace crank rings made it a 1989. Bio-Pace had not been "invented" in 1979, and was not used after circa 1993. Also, frame construction might be useable as a means of determining the decade. I am not sure about the road bikes, but in the mountain bikes, KHS went from a lugged steel frame to a welded steel frame in 1990/1991. The location of the serial number can also be a clue. Mine is on the bottom of the steer tube. Other locations KHS used in other decades are the bottom bracket and rear drop-out.
This deciphering is from KHS.
Since any given serial number will repeat once every ten years, you must used the components/group set to determine the decade it was made. In the case of my KHS, the Bio-Pace crank rings made it a 1989. Bio-Pace had not been "invented" in 1979, and was not used after circa 1993. Also, frame construction might be useable as a means of determining the decade. I am not sure about the road bikes, but in the mountain bikes, KHS went from a lugged steel frame to a welded steel frame in 1990/1991. The location of the serial number can also be a clue. Mine is on the bottom of the steer tube. Other locations KHS used in other decades are the bottom bracket and rear drop-out.
__________________
"Whenever I see an adult riding a bicycle, I know there is hope for mankind." (H. G. Wells)
"Whenever I see an adult riding a bicycle, I know there is hope for mankind." (H. G. Wells)
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
Sent you a PM.
#6
Bicyclerider4life
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,827 Times
in
1,995 Posts
Looks to me as it has had a lot of exchange of components.
I got a Classic for a family member in the mid 80's, quite a bit different than this one.
I think the fork is an exchange, but could be wrong.
Hers came with 27" wheels, this one looks 700c.
Decent bikes for the money. In the Mid 80's they were one of the few Asian makers to spec Reynolds 531 on a number of bikes and Campagnolo of various levels on a few models too.
I got a Classic for a family member in the mid 80's, quite a bit different than this one.
I think the fork is an exchange, but could be wrong.
Hers came with 27" wheels, this one looks 700c.
Decent bikes for the money. In the Mid 80's they were one of the few Asian makers to spec Reynolds 531 on a number of bikes and Campagnolo of various levels on a few models too.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the info. The bike is a 1983. It is all cleaned up and rides real nice. It is just too big for me. Here are some pictures.
__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
#9
Senior Member
Take the extra time to separate the chainwheels and clean them thoroughly. Just one of the little things I look for when checking out a potential bike purchase. Otherwise, looks like a nice solid rider.
#10
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would like to revive this thread if any of the posters here still frequent this forum.
I have a KHS frame that I am researching. Based on the serial number, the frame was built in June, 1987. The particular bicycle in this post (one of them) was built in 1983 and is a KHS Classic. My frame that I have uses the exact same lugs for the bottom bracket and head tube. The fork on my frame is a flat-crown fork, looks to be original, but is definitely different than this 1983 KHS Classic. My dropouts also do not have eyelets for mounting fenders. The seat stay caps have "KHS" engraved in them but it is a slightly different logo engraving than the one here. I think my frame could be a "Professional" or a "Triathlete Pro" but it is really hard to say.
Does anyone have tips for figuring out KHS model specifics for this frame?
The frame is a hand-me-down, given to me by a friend, with significant seat stay damage that will require frame repair (not an issue for me).
I would like to figure out the brand of tubing the bike was made with and looking for any help I can get.
I have a KHS frame that I am researching. Based on the serial number, the frame was built in June, 1987. The particular bicycle in this post (one of them) was built in 1983 and is a KHS Classic. My frame that I have uses the exact same lugs for the bottom bracket and head tube. The fork on my frame is a flat-crown fork, looks to be original, but is definitely different than this 1983 KHS Classic. My dropouts also do not have eyelets for mounting fenders. The seat stay caps have "KHS" engraved in them but it is a slightly different logo engraving than the one here. I think my frame could be a "Professional" or a "Triathlete Pro" but it is really hard to say.
Does anyone have tips for figuring out KHS model specifics for this frame?
The frame is a hand-me-down, given to me by a friend, with significant seat stay damage that will require frame repair (not an issue for me).
I would like to figure out the brand of tubing the bike was made with and looking for any help I can get.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,753
Bikes: 1986 KHS Fiero, 1989 Trek 950, 1990 Trek 7000, 1991 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, 1992 Trek 1400, 1997 Cannondale CAD2 R300, 1998 Cannondale CAD2 R200, 2002 Marin San Rafael, 2006 Cannondale CAAD8 R1000, 2010 Performance Access XCL9R
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 385 Times
in
207 Posts
1986 KHS Fiero is my bike. Not many 80s KHS road bikes around here...
700 conversion, updated drivetrain to mostly Shimano 105 5600. FSA compact crankset, SRAM Apex brakes...
Doubt I was helpful...
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 654 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,036 Times
in
1,874 Posts
Still, it's often possible to narrow down the tubeset somewhat. If you remove the fork, the tubing manufacturer is typically stamped on the steerer tube along with a date code. This, along with the seat post diameter, can often be used to narrow down the tubeset, though it gets more difficult in the very late 1980s, particularly with Tange tubesets, which I suspect this may be.
Pictures may also help. Ignore the warnings that you cannot upload pictures without 10 posts. While the pictures will not appear in this thread, they will be deposited in a gallery where they can be viewed by members.
#13
Space Ghost
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,762
Bikes: Bridgestone, Fuji, Iro, Jamis, Gary Fisher, GT, Scott, Specialized and more
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 292 Post(s)
Liked 412 Times
in
318 Posts
Hi T-Mar, just wanted to ask if you have any info on the KHS Winner I am currently converting to single speed. The components are shot from spending the last thirty or so years in a shed on the beach but I have managed to get rid of what little rust there was on the frame. I am specifically wondering what the tube-set might be. It is a light, nicely lugged frame that takes a 26.8 seatpost.
Pardons if this is the wrong place to ask, it just seemed kinda appropriate.
Pardons if this is the wrong place to ask, it just seemed kinda appropriate.
#14
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi ZJROG,
Your KHS Fiero is in very good shape! Your post is helpful - It's good to see that your bike was made with Tange 900. I am betting my frame was made with the same.
Is the paint original on your bike?
Your KHS Fiero is in very good shape! Your post is helpful - It's good to see that your bike was made with Tange 900. I am betting my frame was made with the same.
Is the paint original on your bike?
#15
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
HI T-Mar,
Thanks for the awesome reply.
The rear brake bridge is definitely not the V-shaped style.
I was able to confirm that the rear dropouts are a super rare "Suntour Alpha" style made for only one or two years (1987-1988). I am betting the Suntour Alpha is super close to the Suntour Superbe Pro dropout style (no fender eyelets).
I did take a look at the fork and could not find any markings but it was a quick look in poor lighting. I am going to check again.
I will give the pic uploads a try again.
I have not checked the seat post diameter - I will also check that.
Because of the rear triangle damage, I was going to convert this to a fixed-gear but I am going to restore it back to a road frame and install an older 7-speed Dura Ace gruppo I have.
Thanks for the awesome reply.
The rear brake bridge is definitely not the V-shaped style.
I was able to confirm that the rear dropouts are a super rare "Suntour Alpha" style made for only one or two years (1987-1988). I am betting the Suntour Alpha is super close to the Suntour Superbe Pro dropout style (no fender eyelets).
I did take a look at the fork and could not find any markings but it was a quick look in poor lighting. I am going to check again.
I will give the pic uploads a try again.
I have not checked the seat post diameter - I will also check that.
Because of the rear triangle damage, I was going to convert this to a fixed-gear but I am going to restore it back to a road frame and install an older 7-speed Dura Ace gruppo I have.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 654 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,036 Times
in
1,874 Posts
HI T-Mar,
Thanks for the awesome reply.
The rear brake bridge is definitely not the V-shaped style.
I was able to confirm that the rear dropouts are a super rare "Suntour Alpha" style made for only one or two years (1987-1988). I am betting the Suntour Alpha is super close to the Suntour Superbe Pro dropout style (no fender eyelets).
I did take a look at the fork and could not find any markings but it was a quick look in poor lighting. I am going to check again.
I will give the pic uploads a try again.
I have not checked the seat post diameter - I will also check that.
Because of the rear triangle damage, I was going to convert this to a fixed-gear but I am going to restore it back to a road frame and install an older 7-speed Dura Ace gruppo I have.
Thanks for the awesome reply.
The rear brake bridge is definitely not the V-shaped style.
I was able to confirm that the rear dropouts are a super rare "Suntour Alpha" style made for only one or two years (1987-1988). I am betting the Suntour Alpha is super close to the Suntour Superbe Pro dropout style (no fender eyelets).
I did take a look at the fork and could not find any markings but it was a quick look in poor lighting. I am going to check again.
I will give the pic uploads a try again.
I have not checked the seat post diameter - I will also check that.
Because of the rear triangle damage, I was going to convert this to a fixed-gear but I am going to restore it back to a road frame and install an older 7-speed Dura Ace gruppo I have.
#17
Sophomore Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,531
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1628 Post(s)
Liked 1,057 Times
in
631 Posts
There is a similar-looking one for sale locally, for $100:
https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/d/...928779563.html
https://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/d/...928779563.html
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 654 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,036 Times
in
1,874 Posts
Hi T-Mar, just wanted to ask if you have any info on the KHS Winner I am currently converting to single speed. The components are shot from spending the last thirty or so years in a shed on the beach but I have managed to get rid of what little rust there was on the frame. I am specifically wondering what the tube-set might be. It is a light, nicely lugged frame that takes a 26.8 seatpost.
Pardons if this is the wrong place to ask, it just seemed kinda appropriate.
Pardons if this is the wrong place to ask, it just seemed kinda appropriate.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,753
Bikes: 1986 KHS Fiero, 1989 Trek 950, 1990 Trek 7000, 1991 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, 1992 Trek 1400, 1997 Cannondale CAD2 R300, 1998 Cannondale CAD2 R200, 2002 Marin San Rafael, 2006 Cannondale CAAD8 R1000, 2010 Performance Access XCL9R
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 385 Times
in
207 Posts
Thank you. It is my first real "adult" bicycle, bought it 30 years ago as a bare frame, I used a 1985 or 86 Nishiki Prestige fork, alse Tange stickered... It has a lot of chips in the paint, and the paint IS original. I've considered new paint, or powder coat, but I really want original decals if I did that. Yes, it's a bit heavy, but it still rides nice, and is outfitted the best it ever has been.
I hoped the Tange 900 sticker would be helpful...
More pics of the paint condition are in the thread I started for it's update a few years ago...
Last edited by zjrog; 07-08-19 at 08:38 AM.
#20
Space Ghost
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,762
Bikes: Bridgestone, Fuji, Iro, Jamis, Gary Fisher, GT, Scott, Specialized and more
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 292 Post(s)
Liked 412 Times
in
318 Posts
Thanks,T-Mar. I had just about given up hope that I would ever figure out what this bike is made of. The serial number reads as 312C1225. There are no markings whatsoever on the fork.
#21
Space Ghost
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,762
Bikes: Bridgestone, Fuji, Iro, Jamis, Gary Fisher, GT, Scott, Specialized and more
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 292 Post(s)
Liked 412 Times
in
318 Posts
Given the information provided by T-Mar and going by its paint and graphics (silver paint job with red accents on the lugwork and loud rainbow style decal mid seat tube), I’m guessing the tube set on the Winner to be Tange #5?
A little surprising as I had always thought Tange #5 to be on the heavy side but the frame seems to be lighter than a valite frame in the same size.
I should probably just break down and get a scale already.
A little surprising as I had always thought Tange #5 to be on the heavy side but the frame seems to be lighter than a valite frame in the same size.
I should probably just break down and get a scale already.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 654 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,036 Times
in
1,874 Posts
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kamloops123
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
5
05-16-17 10:46 AM