I'm a n00b and looking for an entry level dj/street bike. I will also be using this bike for riding around the neighborhood with the kiddies as well as an occasional 5 mile commute to work. So I like the idea of a geared dj bike that I can have fun with on the weekends at the park or the track, but that will be a little more useful for around town riding as well.
So the question, 2013 KHS dj 50 or 2014 Specialized P.Street 1. They are both $600 from the LBS, which is the upper limit of my price range. Yes, I know I'm going to get crap components at this price, but I am new to dj so I don't want to go overboard just yet.
It doesn't seem to have chain guides which is weird for a geared bike that is actually intended for jumping.
It does have a taller seat tube for a higher seat post option if you are riding across town. On the flip side, you cant get the seat as low for jumping; if you're tall or maybe medium height, you can still probably jump.... although that's personal preference as some people always want the seat super low for jumping.
Both bikes I might question the fork quality. RST had a dud with the Space fork--a lot of people had complaints. SR Suntour is also not considered a favorite DJ fork. That said I haven't ridden either bike.
It looks like the KHS is also a similar blend of mtb and dj. Or would you say it is more of a true jumper?
Seeing as how I will be using the bike to get from A-B from time to time, I like the idea of a blend. Just hoping it will still be fun at the track as well.
I think I'll go with the Spec unless someone has some compelling evidence against it or for the KHS.
It looks like the KHS is also a similar blend of mtb and dj. Or would you say it is more of a true jumper?
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The KHS is closer to being a true dirt jumper/4x bike. Basically the lower seat tube (slanting down top tube) and a fork that is more specifically for DJ (although still maybe not the best fork).
How tall are you, and how important is having "full leg extension" (like road bike / mtb-xc style)? A lot of BMX'ers and 24" BMX riders still ride miles across town without dirt roadie style leg extension. It's up to you how much seat post you need to raise.
I have a quick release seat post clamp on my Transition Double, which is a 4x/slopestyle bike, and it has pretty DJ-ish geometry. I can raise the post for longer rides, but it's still not cross-country high. I'm 6'1". Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh138/upsetbmx/cmc_Transition_Double_at_Walnut_berm-line_zps4d81e8e1.jpg
I think I'll go with the Spec unless someone has some compelling evidence against it . . . .
Heh, I just don't think the new Specialized P.Street is a "cool" bike. The first time I read about it, I thought, you've got to be kidding!!! They took the "P" name and put it on a bike that is not a true P bike. (There was an old 24" wheel P.Street in 2004-2005 that was completely different. So it's also weird that they re-used the name P.Street).
The older Specialized P2 had 1X9 gears. Maybe they figured the market was soft for a hardcore DJ/4x bike with gears, so they went for the crossover market. People who would normally get a Hard Rock, but like the DJ-ish look of the P.Street.
You don't need two front rings to get around town. 1X9 is plenty. Look for a used 4x (4-cross) bike !
Or maybe some kind of All-Mountain/Freeride hardtail like the Transition TransAm 26". The 26" just got discontinued in favor of the 27.5, so you may be able to find a 26" at a good price.
2008 Specialized P2 Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://zpks.com/p/5/9/59402/11736-4.jpg Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.transitionbikes.com/2013/images/Bikes_TransAM26_Pic1.jpg
I bought the P. Street 1 for the same reasons you were looking at it. Its a decent bike that you can use for all around riding. I've taken it to the DJ, ridden street and trails. I upgraded almost all the components, now I'm looking to get a different frame and transfer over those components. I liked it for what I used it for, which was just a bike I could upgrade until I got the components I wanted, then get a frame I'd really like. It was easier on the wallet that way and I'll have a pretty killer bike when I'm finally done. Its OK at a lot of things, great at none of them. You can easily do your 5 mile ride, as I've done 23 mile rides regularly but it does not pedal like a XC bike, it doesn't jump super well, the seat does get in the way, the fork that comes with it is crap. I threw on a Manitou Circus and that made a day and night difference. The frame has taken a beating so far, and I'm not the lightest guy as I weigh in at 215lbs. Best of luck choosing your bike.