WHY A SOFT TAIL

KHS introduces the "Soft Tail" concept on KHS Bicycles and Frames in 1999. The idea was obvious, but none of the major bicycle companies had tried it. KHS has taken the lead in the "Soft Tail" arena, and brings this "niche" concept to the people.

Q. What is the "Soft Tail"?

A. The Soft Tail refers to the pivotless suspension frame.

Q. Why do you need the "Soft Tail"?

A. The Soft Tail is a perfect combination of comfort, lightweight and strength. Travel of 3/4" to 1" of "pivotless" suspension is the right amount for most riders. This is similar to riding a "Hard Tail" (conventional rigid frame) with the use of a suspension seat post. Comfortable, of course, but with the additional benefit of the rear wheel maintaining contact with the ground. This allows the rider to keep control of the bicycle. Lightweight-the addition of the Soft Tail rear shock and hardware add less than one-half pound to the weight of the frame. How is this done? The frame is "pivotless" so it does not have the excess weight of the pivot bolts, hardware or extra gusseting the totally-gonzo DH bike use, plus the "Soft Tail" is a more efficient climbing machine. Strength-These frames have been exposed to dozens of strength tests-and passed them all. The frame has been tested to 400,000 cycles, 4 times the norm, when the cycle count machine was turned off. The "Soft Tail" frames are covered by the same 25 year limited warranty included with all KHS hard tail cro-moly frames.

SOFT TAIL SET-UP

The following information is provided to help you setup your new KHS Soft-Tail bicycle to achieve the highest level of performance. While the Soft-Tail design is very simple it is still important you take the time to set your suspension to your weight to achieve the best ride. Although the pre-load is preset at the factory it is best to check it, plus it will help familiarize your self with the setup. The pre-load is set at the factory at 5-8mm. But as with a spring the Elastomer will take a set from compression or sag after putting some miles on it. The best way to check this is to unscrew the Pre-Load cap (see illustrations at bottom of page) until it is loose. Place a plastic zip tie around the Shock Shaft and slide the zip tie all the way down the Shock Shaft until it makes contact with the Wiper/Seal Cap. Now screw the Pre-Load Cap back in until it stops and measure how much the Shock Shaft has extended. This distance should be somewhere between 5-8mm. If not you need to either replace the elastomer or add spacers inside the Pre-Load Cap between the cap and the Elastomer to reach the desired thickness needed to obtain the 5-8mm of preload. To make things simple a dime is the perfect size and you can stack a few to reach the desired height, do not use more than 7mm of spacers (five dimes). If you need more it is time to replace the Elastomer. After you set the pre-load you will need to check the sag. To do this use the same zip tie you installed on the Shock Shaft. Slide it back down again to make contact with the Wiper/Seal Cap and simply sit on the bike with both feet off of the ground (you may support yourself in a doorway to prevent a fall). Now dismount the bike again and check the distance. This number works best at 3-5mm. If this number is off you may want to change the Elastomer. There are two choices a 92A Blue Elastomer and a Yellow that is 82A's the Blue being stiffer and the Yellow being softer. If you already have a new Blue Elastomer installed on your bike and it is still not stiff enough you can increase the pre-load to max from the 8mm number to 10mm if necessary and this will stiffen it up. On the opposite side If the Yellow Elastomer is to soft you can decrease the pre-load to 5mm but it is not recommended to go below that number. If you want to get creative you can also mix Elastomers by cutting them into sections to create a perfect combination for you.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Proper and routine maintenance of your KHS Soft Tail series frame is simple but nevertheless important to assure years of trouble free riding enjoyment. It is best to take your KHS Soft-Tail to your local KHS dealer periodically for regular maintenance and suspension inspections. How often this is needed will depend on usage, anywhere from a minimum of once a year, to two or three times a year. The Shock Shaft Bushing will wear with normal use and must be kept in good condition. Your professional dealer can help you keep your Soft Tail in perfect working order. It is suggested you keep your Shock Shaft clean and free of heavy dirt or mud. After you ride in wet conditions always wipe the Shock Shaft and lightly lube it with a Silicone spray. It is important you check your frame periodically for cracks in the tubing and welded areas. If any cracks are detected you should not ride the bike and take your frame to your local KHS dealer ASAP. Early detection is important for your safety. It is also important you check your frame periodically for loose nuts and bolts. If any loose bolts are detected you should tighten them immediately if you do not have the proper tools take your bike and to your local KHS dealer.

© 2005 KHS, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.