Klein 1999 Mantra Race 99 Reviews

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Klein 1999 Mantra Race 99

MSRP			$ 2699.99
# of Reviews			77
Average Rating			4.45/5

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Submitted by Paul Demeule a Cross Country Rider from Delta, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: December 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Price Paid:	$400.00
Purchased At:	Ebay
Strengths:	Light weight, Climbing, Stiff, I actually like the URT design
Weaknesses:	Not the best on downhills, but corrected by adding a riser bar, 100mm front fork and offset seat post.
Similar Products Used:	N/A
Bike Setup:	99 Mantra Race, all new components. Sram XO derailleur and shifters, Hope mono M4 discs with Goodridge hose kits, Race Face next carbon bars and seat post, FSA pro team carbon cranks, Cane Creek Cloud 9, Manitou F7 platinum (100), race face dues stem.
Bottom Line:	Great cross country ride, very plush suspension without excessive bob. I saw this frame for sale and decided to do a custom build and I am very pleased with the result. Climbs like a goat and soaks up bumps very nicely. Used a brake therapy mount on the the rear to get disks on, works great. Build quality on the frame is great, too bad Klein is not really in the game anymore.
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Submitted by YaMon a Weekend Warrior from Ocho Rios, Jamaica Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:	Blue Mountain
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$1000.00
Purchased At:	used
Strengths:	Great for XC riding, and all around with a few important modifications.
Weaknesses:	Head angle, will send you over the handlebars if you do not set up properly.
Similar Products Used:	Ellsworth Dare.
Bike Setup:	Sid 100, Tune cranks, Chris King hubs w/ti spokes and 517's. XTR v's, 9.0SL Set-up, SLR seat, WCS stem, Thomson seatpost, Ti cassette, Bebops, Stans System, Carbon Monkey Lite.
Bottom Line:	Great bike, I have mine set-up for the type of riding that I like to do. Mine currently weights in at 23 pounds, took lots of money and experimenting to get there. Important changes were, the sid 100, hi-rise handlebars AND changing the ALPS 5 rear shock to a 6.5" Fox Float RC. Note I said 6.5, the stock length is 6 7/8", by reducing the length of the shock , it increased the wheelbase and slackened the fork angle. Now I do not go over the handlebars anymore. I also have a Ultralight 2000 Ellsworth Dare (27 pounds) and the headtube is still slacker than the Mantra race. I love both bikes, but tend to ride the Dare more because I am beginning to prefer radical trails and drop-offs to XC riding. I am always amazed at how light the Mantra is and now mostly take it out when a fast ride / group is going out.
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Submitted by Drewdog Champion a Cross Country Rider from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$2500.00
Purchased At:	Idaho Mountain Touring, Boise
Strengths:	Stiff, light, incredibly well made, style points
Weaknesses:	High center of gravity takes a little getting used to, but when dialed in, this bike rides by telepathy.
Similar Products Used:	Cannondale Raven, Gary Fisher Sugar, K2/Pro-Flex, Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:	Stock, but for Time Carbon pedals, and SRAM 9.0 cassette and chain. Nothing else needed. When you add up all the little bits you otherwise may change on a new bike, the value was great.
Bottom Line:	Three years ago, it was time to replace my previous ride (hardtail). I rode every XC dualie I could get my hands on to find the one that offered the best climbing ability and the best singletrack agility - this was it! The bike is an XL, and rides a little higher than most, but with a little accommodation in riding style, quickly became an extension of my body and has been the most point and shoot thing I've ever been on. It is not a big hit monster, but it is not supposed to be. What it is - fast and agile. I keep the rear shock at just a little more than body weight (about 195 lbs). Also, I keep the seat just a little lower than I would if I only wanted optimal hill climbing/long roadie stretch. This makes getting weight back a little easier on the otherwise tall bike. To paraphrase Mother Love Bone, this bike, it's good for you, it's like soup, it's like nothing bad. Like the Stardog Champion, it ain't gonna let you down. I support any Klein product. Maybe if I were in the market today I would look at the new Klein Adept as a replacement for an all around kick in the pants bike, but with this bike I have no need to look elsewhere.
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Submitted by stungeon a Cross Country Rider from Cary, NC, USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:	New Light
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Price Paid:	$2500.00
Purchased At:	LBS
Strengths:	quality components, weight, single pivot, carbon boom
Weaknesses:	the steering tube is an odd size which makes stem shopping dificult; the Fox Vanilla Float bushings were squeaking but I corrected it
Bike Setup:	Bontrager Crow Bar, Yetti grips
Bottom Line:	I have been riding this bike for over 3 years now and I still love it. It is an awsome climber. It is an incredible bike and I plan to keep for a long time.
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Submitted by Christopher Smith a Weekend Warrior from Overland Park KS Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Berryman Trail, Potosi, MO
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Price Paid:	$358000.00
Purchased At:	mtbr.com marketplace
Strengths:	Incredible rear suspension, great components, fork is really nice with lockout, stiff frame, looks great, nice rear shock (Float R), handling second to none
Weaknesses:	Geometry, I'm not a URT rider.
Similar Products Used:	Y-33 (98 or 99)
Bike Setup:	Stock, plus XTR brakes, selle italia flite ti, rear brake arch
Bottom Line:	Great bike, everything everyone below says is true. The only thing I really didn't like was that I was way too far over the front wheel. I'm 6' and had a large, but couldn't get my center of gravity far back enough, or at least where I felt comfortable having it. I got rid of the bike, and am replacing it with an 00 Specialized Enduro Expert. We'll see.
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Submitted by Wayne a Cross Country Rider from Boise Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Price Paid:	$2700.00
Strengths:	Great climber, well suited for riders who stay in the saddle most of the time. Great looking bike, low maintenance rear suspension (just one big pivot, baby!) Light, even with the XL frame (less than 27 lbs). On the flat and level, this bike rolls over everything with ease even sitting down. Suspension works well enough that even a hog like me (240 lbs +) hasn't bent or dinged the stock light-weight wheels in two years of riding!
Weaknesses:	If not set up properly, this bike is an ejector seat waiting to launch you on downhills or technical trails. Rear brakes cause MAJOR rear triangle flex on the XL frame. Lots of headset clatter, or maybe it's just that big carbon-fiber boom that amplifies the noise.
Bike Setup:	Ionic brake arch stiffener got rid of most of the rear triangle flex. Shock setup - PSI = my body weight, dampening cranked way up.
Bottom Line:	When I got this bike in the fall of '99, I immediately fell in love with it. Subsequently, I learned to distrust, hate, then fall in love with the bike all over again. Mechanical: I did run into some problems early on, including a squeaky pivot, loose headset, bottom bracket squeak, and serious rear triangle flex under braking. The shop tightened the heck out of the headset, and most of the clatter went away. Adding teflon tape to the bottom bracket still didn't get rid of all the squeak, however, which I live with still. The squeaky pivot problem happened because the pivot bolt was too tight. I ended up adding some washers and a lock nut as well to keep the nut from easing out. FYI, DO NOT attempt to lube the pivot because it can actually break down the bushings. The rear brake flex was easily fixed with an after-market brake arch stiffener, though with the reputation Klein has for building bullet-proof bikes, I was disappointed that I had to do this. Cheap fix, however. The Ride: I immediately fell in love with the Fox Vanilla shock in the back. With the recommended weight + 10% PSI, it would soak up the bumps big and small, and even on moderate sized whoops I could leave my butt in the saddle. Climbing was awesome; the rear tire stayed glued to the trail, or at least until I stood up. However, I quickly learned that slow-speed manuevering through the technical stuff, especially downhill, revealed the bike's nasty tendency to "stink bug." The first time down my favorite technical trail launched me over the bars twice. With the rear suspension topped out going down hill, even getting on the bike could be scary. I became overly tentative on trails that I could bomb through with ease on my old GT hardtail, causing even more crashes. The Fix: Like most everyone says, setup is the key to getting the Mantra to perform up to snuff. With the high-pivot URT, in my opinion the best thing to do is to drop the shock pressure, and get the bike to sit further down into the travel. Klein claims something ridiculous like 6 or 7" of travel, so why only use the top 2 - 3" of it? I currently ride with the shock pressure at my weight (240 lbs), and am experimenting with less pressure. Also, I moved the seat back a little to compensate for the relative position of the bottom bracket. The other component of the shock setup is the dampening. I cranked it up until it virtually locked out the shock, then backed it off one click. By doing this, I sacrificed some of the small bump absorption, but it was well worth it to get rid of the "ejector seat" sensation. Other fixes that I am contemplating are adding a riser bar, and putting a stiffening kit in the fork. The Ratings: Overall, I give the bike 4 chilis, though it took some experimentation to get it right. 3 chilis for value, because I probably would have been just as happy on an FSR XC (for $800 less). Given the new suspension designs today, however, I'd probably put my $$$ into an Adept or a Sugar. BTW, if anyone has setup tips they'd like to share, send me an e-mail... I'd love to hear them.
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Submitted by kleinowner a Cross Country Rider from San Francisco, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Price Paid:	$1999.00
Purchased At:	Start To Finish
Strengths:	* Eye-catching Geometry * Light * Plush & Responsive Ride * Fast Climber
Weaknesses:	* Stinkbugging * High Center of Gravity * Price
Similar Products Used:	None
Bike Setup:	Stock
Bottom Line:	Good as a fast XC bike. To confirm comments from other reviewers, this is NOT a downhill bike. However, the rear suspension setup allows for fast climbs with great responsiveness and comfort. I give it five chilis for value since I bought it for $1000 off retail. Four chilis for overall rating because of the stinkbugging, high center of gravity, and Klein putting on some XT Deore components on the bike.
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Submitted by Nick a Cross Country Rider from The Hill Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:	Ones with NO Horses
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Price Paid:	$1000.00
Purchased At:	MTBR.COM
Strengths:	The carbon Frame is beefy, pretty lite, sweet looking. Nice component selection from Klein
Weaknesses:	Everyone wants to ride it :) I haven't encountered anything yet. The XT brake setup makes some noise against the Bontrager race rims, annoying if anything. Had to beef up the Manitou shock with heavier springs, cost $25 to do it. Should come stock with riser bar. What a difference!
Similar Products Used:	Trek Y-11 - Cannondale CAAD3
Bike Setup:	Stock with all XT except XTR rear der. Bontrager Race rims. Fox rear. Changed Bontrager grips for Yeti's, big difference.
Bottom Line:	I got a super deal on the bike, it was virtually unridden when I got it. I have put it through its paces at the local trails and am still getting the hang of this beast. I bought Icon clipless pedals, but took them off due to almost drowning in a creek, its funny looking back, but I need that security of not being locked in. If you can find one of these babies at a good price pick it up. It is fun to ride and I would recommend the bike. I have heard bad things about Kleins service, I hope I never have to call them. If your thinking about this bike, JUST DO IT! I will give it 4 chillis on both ends.
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Submitted by Tyler a Cross Country Rider from New Jersey Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:	Less than 1 month
Strengths:	Light. Good Looking. Strong. Stiff. Rebound adjustment on Fox Vanilla Rc is a definite plus. Sweet ride on descents. Clibs very well.
Weaknesses:	Stem is too loong, makes quick turns muddy and stiff. Cables and housings add to turn stiffness. High Center of gravity, makes turns fell a bit ueasy.
Similar Products Used:	Have tried Santa Cruz Superlight, smaller cockpit, I felt cramped, but maybe thats what will make my turning problem go away.
Bike Setup:	Carbon Fiber Boom, Aluminum Rear Triangle, Fox Vanilla RC, Manitou SX w/Lockout, Bontrager Race Light Wheelset,Panracer FireXC Tires, XTR Rear Der., XT Rear Cassette, Xt Front Der., XT Chain Ring, XT Hollowtech Cranks, Shimano ?? BB, Chain ??, Time Carbon Pedals, Deore Brake Levers, XT Shifters, XT V-Brakes Front and Rear, Cateye3 Computer, Monkeylite Riser Bar, Mc3 Stem, Thompson Seatpost, SDG Saddle, Aheadset, Oury Grips and Lizardskin chain/fram guard.
Bottom Line:	I have had this bike for Approxamately a month. I really like it. It could be lighter especially for the stuff I have on it, but lighter equipment costs $, which I dont have since I purchased this monster. (Weighs 26 1/4 Lbs). My goal is 24Lbs. Anyway... I wanted to review this bicycle in the begining when I first got it and was able to take it for a few rides. All around good ride, the rear travel is sweet, landing those jumps on a fast down hill is a pleasure, its the best part of the ride, take it all in the saddle. I get just about full compression with the shock loaded at 10% over my body weight. (190Lbs*10 = 209LBS). I will Write another review mid season.
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Submitted by Steven a Cross Country Rider from Oregon Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Strengths:	Climbs up anything Lots of travel Sharp handling
Weaknesses:	Suspension is not very active Twichy at high speeds
Bike Setup:	Manitou SX-R Mix and Match of components
Bottom Line:	The great thing about the Mantra is that it will get up the rootiest, slimy climbs that you can pedal, without spinning out. But it is at a disadvantage to other suspension designs for technical downhills. Because you must load the seat to make the suspension work, it can make for some hairy decents. Overall though, the Klien is a well made bike and is worth the lack of dowhill ability if you ride on trails with lots of roots, ledges, and mud
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Submitted by mad max a Racer from north east Date Reviewed: October 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Price Paid:	$2100.00
Strengths:	It has only been one racing season but the pivot is holding up really well. Feels like it is a pretty tough design and do not expect problems with it there. Lateral stiffness - great! Climbing - very good, surprising when you first get it. As set up, an "honest" 26 lb or so.
Weaknesses:	Spooky geometry, suspension action going downhill until you get it set up right. Took me a while to get it right. After I did, the ride was great. Changes in wheel base can be a problem in hard, high speed turns until you get used to it. Keeps breaking. Little pain in the butt stuff.
Similar Products Used:	Only HTs.
Bike Setup:	100 or 110 mm stem (I forget) Bonty crowbars. All XT drivetrain/brakes (ripped the XTR rear der off).
Bottom Line:	The bike has been a pain in the ass. I must have gotten a lemon of something. Frame was not painted entirely. When she's running, it is a sweet ride. Had problems with the "airheadset". Got chucked too many times before I finally got the suspension dialed in. When it is good, it's great. Six inches of travel that is no pedal sloppy can be really appreciated at times. It is a pretty good all around do just about anything bike. Serious down hills are a little spooky at times until you are really comfortable on the bike and with what it can do. After that you can just fly. Let it go wide open. Awesome bike for the single track. Can do the rocky/rooty/fast stuff. Three foot drop offs, no problem (this is where you appreciate the 6 inch travel). As long as you can get back far enough, it is a great bike. Note that I say this inspite of the fact that I said the bike is a pain in the ass (it has to be me). The ride is great. Value: Don't know what to say. "Value" is not why you buy it. It is unique. It does certain things (like climb) very well. You may have to spend some money before getting it how you like it all around. Unique enough that others claim to hate it. Some like the gaudy colors (this one is black, white and red lettering - looks good not gaudy). so I give it a three. I honestly think that anyone who knocks this bike never had one that was set up right. Over all: 4, great bike but mine was such a pain in the ass. I'm not giving a 5 to a bike that often frustrates the hell out of me. Perhaps if I had someone else's, without all of these little problems, 5. But, since I can only judge my experience, 4. Want to buy mine?
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Submitted by Jim Winger a Cross Country Rider from Boulder, CO USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Rancho Blanco
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	No pogo/biopace, pedals well even when mashing easy transition from hardtail climbs very very well
Weaknesses:	made for shorter riders (even the large which isn't that different than medium frame). somewhat endo-prone (at least for taller riders)
Similar Products Used:	FS : Jamis, GT, Proflex
Bike Setup:	Magura brakes, middleburn cranks XT group
Bottom Line:	This bike feels very URT because the pivot is up near your knee. good X/C bike, feels very efficient. not a great downhiller, but not bad Geometry seems good for stockier guys/gals. Saddle positioning seems a little more forward (over the bottom bracket) than I like (again for stockier folks this is probably fine)
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Submitted by Greg Tayon a Cross Country Rider from Jupiter, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Markham Park, Santos
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Strengths:	It's a good all-around bike. It has a funky look with nice components and a good feel to it. Climbs great in the saddle and is fun to ride.
Weaknesses:	People say that it doesn't do well on steep descents but I have never "ate it" on a descent so I cannot complain.
Similar Products Used:	Gary Fisher Joshua
Bike Setup:	Custom painted with the cross bar painted pearled yellow while the swingarm and the fork were painted red. The fork is a y2k 100mm Marzocchi, XT (brakes, fd, new hollow tech cranks, shifters/brake levers), XTR- rd, Mavic 222s with XT hubs, Specialized Team Control tires and seat, Thompson elite seatpost, Time ATAC pedals.
Bottom Line:	My first bike was a slightly used 1998 Klein Mantra Race with Manitou SX fork and XT groupo. I liked the ride but had nothing to compare it to. I then bought a Specialized Stumpjumper Pro and found myself riding it more than my Klein because of the weight and quickness of the hardtail. My Klein was stolen and the insurance company paid for my lose. I found a large 1999 Klein Mantra Race that had just been custom painted but not put back together. It had the 100mm Marzocchi fork on it and I ordered new XT parts and used other parts I around. This setup, which is more of a "free-ride" setup, is really sweet. I cannot tell you how much faster I am on the Klein than I am on the hardtail. I love to ride hard and this setup suits my every need. It cruises over roots and rocks like nothing while flying up hills. I have to admit that the bike works better if you stay in the seat. I don't know why and I don't really care either but it flat out smokes in the seat. It has a tight turning radius and light feel under pedal that I can cruise through single track like never before. It is a good bike.
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Submitted by Rob D a Racer from Toronto/Halifax/Ft.McMurray, Canada Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Wrandees
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	Super plush rear end when seated, handles awesome when in the saddle and on the gas. Bike rides itself through tight windy singletrack, roots and studder bumps are no longer. Climbs like a goat. I cleaned tech. climbs on my first ride on this machine that i had never before made in the few years of riding the local trails. Light. Love the XT grouppo. Pleasantly surprised with the Manitou SX ('till i bent it in a crash)... i miss the lock-out. This is a full suspension bike worth standing up on to hammer a climb, my last FS ride just sucked the energy away, this bike hammers under power. Shortenning the stock 145mm stem is a must, unless you're strictly racing.. it sharpens the steering up, lightens the front end up putting more weight in the saddle making it even MORE plush.. i've had to adjust but it still climbs awesome with my 80mm stem.. a must for steep decents. Cornering is like a game on this thing.. it carves so sweet, you can feel the bike open up under the "g-forces". Make me smile everytime i find that sweet spot in fast corners. It's not an intended descender but i find it really fun on fast double track descents, loves to jump..
Weaknesses:	Steep technical decents under hard breaking: The bike packs up on itself when you're hard on the front brake and the handling bites, i've heard people refer to the tendance for high pivots to do that as "stink-bugging". well, the mantra stink-bugs.. with that high pivot it's like the bike wants to fold over on itself... I mean the STEEP stuff, with the saddle way down, grabbing all the brake you can just to keep from turning into a runaway, that type of stuff. As it is, that's only about 5 - 10% of my riding.. no bike does it all. Oh yeah, i'm on my third rear triangle in just over a year of riding.. i'm a biscuit over 200lbs. They drilled for the derailleur hanger right through the thinest part of the chainstay, and that's where it cracked both times.. d'oh! BUT, Klein had a warranty frame to me within two week both occasions which had me really impressed. Headset bearings creek, probably not set up right.. sounds bad but feels good so i leave it.
Similar Products Used:	Last ride was a Proflex.. don't miss it
Bike Setup:	Bent the Manitou and replaced it with Marzocchi Z3 Flylight 100, it's SO sweet but i miss the lockout on long non-tech climbs.. it looks tough. 80mm Omeoba Stem. Rhino Light on XT rear wheel, Mavic 517 on R.Logic front, Shimano pedals, RaceFace Lowriser handlebar, Bear bell for the north, Tioga 2.1 DH tires ft & rr.
Bottom Line:	If you want a ride that's both fast AND fun AND comfortable this might be it. Sweet, sweet XC roller. With the manitou i never felt the suspension robbing my power (relative to other FS rides). Awesome design, Klein made it plusher and more effecient then any other FS rides. HOWEVER.. if you're getting out of the 'race scene' and leaning towards freeriding, like me.. it's not the bike.. i busted two already, and it doesn't like the super steep stuff. Not a drop-off, or big hit bike. It's any singletrack rider's dream.
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Submitted by Doug a Cross Country Rider from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Horsetooth rock - Wathen trail
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	Great climber but see my comments below. It looks terrific and the rear suspension is unbelievable! It sucks up huge bumps, waterbars, rocks, etc.(going up and coming down) without the rider having to react at all. I am way faster in the rough stuff now and I can ride longer since I am not absorbing all that punishment through my legs and back. The lockout on the front shock allows you to stand up and climb with almost no bobbing.
Weaknesses:	GEOMETRY! Many people have stated it here before but I will state it again, the geometry on this bike is a little odd. The biggest problem that I found was that the bottom bracket was set back over an 1.5" farther, measured to the seat tube, than my hardtail. This makes it hard to get comfortable on long, flat sections because your arms bear the weight instead of your legs. I compensated by buying a shorter stem(expensive 1.25" stem available only from Klein) and a set-back seatpost. I am now perfectly comfortable on the bike and it handles great but it has definately lost some of its climbing prowess due to a light front end. It is no worse than other bikes out there, but it is not an effortless climber like it used to be. The stock Bontrager Revolt tires roll fast but lack traction in all conditions.
Similar Products Used:	Klein Fervor hardtail, Specialized FSR-XC, GT XCR-LE, Schwinn Homegrown XT
Bike Setup:	Stock except for 25mm shorter stem, Race Face XY seatpost, Michellin tires, Ritchey grips, XTR V-brakes, and Shimano pedals.
Bottom Line:	Awesome bike, looks great and will get comments everywhere you go. Almost no bobbing on the climbs and the suspension will keep the tires stuck through almost anything. It is a great bike for the epic rider and cross-country racer. You have to be willing to dial the bike in and then you will find yourself with one of the best handling cross-country full-suspension bikes out there.
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Submitted by nope a Cross Country Rider from Flagstaff Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	Climbs well, particularly in steep and technical terrain. Great on fast downhills, it's got scoots.
Weaknesses:	High center of gravity coupled with aggressive angles and a soft shock can make steep, technical downhills sketchy. Keep that suspension stiff.
Similar Products Used:	Hardtails- Salsa & Breezers.
Bike Setup:	Mostly stock.
Bottom Line:	A great cross country bike. Have ridden hardtails for years, and the only place I miss them is on the steep, technical downhills, as mentioned above. I find that compensating for the high center of gravity requires really pushing the bike forward and getting my weight back behind the seat. At first this felt weird, now I'm used to it, and while it took some getting used to, I can actually stick sections that I could not prior to this bike... Go figure. Keep the suspension stiff. I have to say that on less technical downhills the bike is really fun, real easy to hop stuff, prejump, and it sucks up rocks and other obstacles at speed. On downhills I like it better in faster situations, it feels more at home cooking down a single track jumping waterbars... The bike climbs like a charm, especially in steep and technical situations. Rocks that used to bump and interupt a hardtail climb are simply sucked up - the tires sticking all the while. Also, it's highly menuverable in tight situations. I ride single track almost exclusively, and simply love it. I find that more pressure is better on the rear shock - run at least 50 lbs above your body weight. I'm 210 lbs and prefer to run the shock at about 280. This keeps the rear end stiff, but still functional. Softer suspension settings seem to give it a sloppy ride - this is NOT a downhill bike, and softer suspension settings don't work well with the geometry - keep it stiff. I think this is where some of the "stink bugging" and "nose diving" complaints came from. Great bike, great ride, I'll be on this one for years.
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Submitted by mike a from nj Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:	ringwood/stewart
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Strengths:	Lightweight. Klein build. Funky frame design.... people will comment on it everywhere you go! Let's you climb up steep slopes easier than before, then bomb down the trail with plenty of rear travel.
Weaknesses:	None.
Similar Products Used:	GT RTS-1, Numerous hardtails.
Bike Setup:	Sid 100, Race Face Cranks/Rings/Ti B.B., Chris King Headset, Grip Shift 9.0SL drivetrain, Dave's Speed Dream wheelset, Easton Monkey Lite Risers, etc. Total weight 23.5 lbs.
Bottom Line:	Put a SID 100 on the front and balance out the front/rear travel. I run a lot of pressure in the rear shock but still find it works for me and smooths out the rough stuff. A trick I've found is to stand on downhills, like on a hardtail and squeeze the saddle between your legs. This compresses the rear suspension as if you were seated and let's you fly over the rough stuff. Stay seated on climbs though and you can get up almost anything, legs and lungs willing.
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Submitted by CLIFF a Weekend Warrior from EDISON, NJ Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:	CHIMNEY ROCK
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	Climbing(surprise), adjustable suspension allows for a smooth ride over most surfaces for most riders, high quality components, a very solid feel, a "greatful dead like" loyal following - Klein Bike mechanics seem to have a religious affiliation to the bikes. Your fellow Klein owners are also very into their "special" machines.
Weaknesses:	My knees get hammered where the URT hinges on the wide boom. I must adjust or get knee pads. Cables rub the carbon frame removing the paint. (clear plastic tape made for the purpose solved the problem & does not effect the good looks. XT front brakes are very loud.
Similar Products Used:	TREK Y5, Honda XTR 500
Bike Setup:	Riser Bar, Bontrager pedals
Bottom Line:	A joy to ride and to own. After 300 miles our relationship is blloming and if all goes well we may go all the way this summer.
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Submitted by Richard Harris a Racer from Oshawa, On, Canada Date Reviewed: April 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Durham Forest, Auxbridge
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	Awsome Climber, Light weight, fast technical woods bike, a little twichy on fast down hills, Max performance if you stay seated spinn like hell. Burns fire roads if you lock out your front fork.
Weaknesses:	Headset, headset, allways tight, But not to the point that it will not go were you point. knocked off the back wheel once when bumped a rock. The drop out faces backward not a big deal but never had that problem before.
Similar Products Used:	K2 4000 rs
Bike Setup:	no stock, XTR, Easton Carbon handle bar, RaceFace Next LP, Real Design Ti bottom bracket, Kooka Rocka Levers, XTR Pods, Bontrager Race Lite Wheel set, XTR Ti-12-34 rear cassette ,Avid Mag Brakes, Flite Ti Saddle, Manitou SX With Ti spring Upgade, Kenda Kosmic Lite Front & back, Approx Weight 23.5lbs
Bottom Line:	The bike is the best Hill climber around when the going gets ruff, good in the tight technical woods area, average speed on fire roads, you can stand and sprint here if you lock out the front fork & you have the rear end set up for a stiffer ride.I'm 145 lbs & set the rear fox air shock at 225lbs this gives me about 3" of travel, great for x-country racing. This is not the bike for you if your not into narley wood type riding. I'm 44 and the suspension allows me to ride our 100klm single track all in one day without only a short break and still fell like I not beat up. Full suspension is the answer in my opion.
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Submitted by Peter a Cross Country Rider from Novato, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Bolina Ridge
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	Climbing, overall ride.
Weaknesses:	Headset, Headset, Headset. Oh yea, and the wheelset.
Similar Products Used:	Cdale Raven
Bike Setup:	stock with Mavic Crossmax wheelset and XTR cassette
Bottom Line:	I love this bike, but the headset sucks so bad and I can't get any response from Klein(Eric Maves). The headset has been "rebuilt" 4 times with the bearings repressed 2 of those times,but it doesn't make any difference. It gets so stiff that I actually have to fight it to turn at times, but then at times its great. It comes and goes with no consistent pattern.
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Submitted by Tom Walrod a Weekend Warrior from Westland Mi Date Reviewed: March 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:	up north
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	Beautiful bike. Real work of art. Handles well cross country. Climbs like no other bike I ever ridden. Nice and smooth for this 48 yr. old 200 lbs body.
Weaknesses:	Scary downhill, high center of gravity makes me feel unbalanced on fast downhills. Klein headset doesn't feel right. Cable guides on carbon fiber are breaking down,(soft aluminum?) looks like excessive wear and Klein/Trek refusal to fix it me a short life for a otherwise great bike.
Similar Products Used:	Hardtails only
Bike Setup:	Full stock. Good set-up except for the cheap LX front sprockets.
Bottom Line:	When I first rode this bike loved it. Off road it's a whole diffrent story. It takes some getting used to the big thing to learn is TO STAY SEATED. It feels kind of unnatural to ride some of that rough terrian while seated, but it does work. The front shock has a tendency to dive down on quick braking and you have to take care on tight switchbacks. What concerns me the most is the lack of durabilty, cable guides are breaking down, headset sticky, pivot loose, lack ok interest by Klein/Trek to fix it right. Expensive bike for the 4 months that I've ridden (Michigan winters I dont ride in.)Maybe you will have a better experience if you decide to get this bike. I hope to be able to write a more upbeat review in September, If I can get some satisfaction from the boys at Trek
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Submitted by Tall Guy a Weekend Warrior from San Diego Date Reviewed: February 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Sycamore Canyon
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	Light weight Stiff Doesn't bob when seated Great single track handling
Weaknesses:	High CG - short wheel base - steep headtube angle Bobs when standing (so don't stand!) Original wheels are not for a heavy rider
Similar Products Used:	'98 Mantra
Bike Setup:	26 lbs, Raceface cranks (for stiffness), '00 Sid 100 fork, LP carbon riser, 110X17 deg stem, SRAM Plasma shifters, Arch Rival 50 brakes, Raceface post, Flite saddle, and XTR/Valiant wheels. Otherwise stock.
Bottom Line:	I have had my bike for just over a year now and I continue to love it. I am too tall (6' 5", 230 lbs) for just about any bike out there but I have been able to get an XL Mantra to fit me pretty well. A Raceface seat post and 105 mm stem with a riser made the cockpit fit me better and put my weight closer to where it belongs front to rear but still too high. Not much I can do about the CG height! The bike has been a great climber and single track machine which has allowed me to ride everything except the REALLY STEEP technical downhills. I even got to the point that I could get down most of those if I hung my substantial rear down low behind the seat and let the bike roll over the ugly stuff. The last few months I have developed a sore neck from degeneration of the discs in the upper part of my spine. The physical therapist tells me that I can't have my head tipped back for extended periods (like when you have your hands on handlebars that are 3" below the seat). To relieve the problem I put in a "00 Sid 100 fork with 4" of travel which raised the front end of the frame 1". I had to use Klein adapters to reduce to the 1 1/8" steerer. I put a 1" stack of spacers under the 110 mm X 17 deg stem and retained the LP riser. The grips are now only about 1/2" below the bars and my neck is much happier. There is good news and bad news about doing this. The good news is that the bike is much more comfortable for me to ride and the fork performance is incredible!. Having a little more rake in the fork makes it more comfortable in the downhils and boulders. The thing soaks up rough trail like nothing I have ever experienced. It also makes the front of the bike noticibly lighter (it is more than 1/2 lb lighter than the Manitou SX). The only downside I have found with the setup is that the front end jumps all over the place on steep climbs. I will try a more crouched technique and slide more forward on the nose of the saddle and may even stick bar ends on. I think that the fork is perfectly matched to this bike and I would recommend installing one to every Mantra owner. If you keep a normal rise stem with a small stack of spacers so that your grips are about 2 1/2" below the seat it should work great. You should still have the great climbing ability when seated plus the best ride you have ever experienced.
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Submitted by Bob Jones a Cross Country Rider from Stockton Ca USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Bullards Bar Ca
Duration Product Used:	More than 3 years
Strengths:	Climbing very rough trails
Weaknesses:	Stinkbugs into corners LOUSY WARRANTY SERVICE
Bike Setup:	White Brothers 3in travel fork Chris King XTR Full hot Rod XC Racer
Bottom Line:	Rear broke on a road ride while training. It was a 4 month nightmare . Qn a daily ,lies, excuses ,Wrong parts used frames .Finally I threatend to sue. In one day new frame was there. I HATE TREK . For my 4 months not riding they sent me a shirt. love the bike .BUTT TREK SUCKS!!!!!
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Submitted by Rich a Cross Country Rider from Pittsburgh, PA, USA Date Reviewed: February 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Montour Trail
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	Light Weight, Low Rolling Resistance, Easy Hill Climbing, Excellent FS Ride Quality, Ease of Maintenance, Strong, High Precision Quality Frame, Quality XT Components, Good Looks
Weaknesses:	None Found Yet
Similar Products Used:	Trek 990, Trek Y33, Trek SuperLite
Bike Setup:	Standard Mantra Race Setup - Shimano XT Components, Fox Air Float-R Rear Shock, Manitou SX 80mm Front Shock
Bottom Line:	I was happy with my 1996 Trek 990 and with how little maintenance it took to keep it running right. All the extra moving parts on a full suspension bike made me hesitant to upgrade. With as little time as I have to ride, I figured I should keep my ride as simple as possible. Well, so much for that thinking. In September of 1999, after reading many FS owner reviews on the MTB Web Site and test riding a number of different FS bikes at my local bike shop, I finally decided to buy a 1999 Klein Mantra Race. I felt I was ready to attempt more challenging trails than my hard trail was capable of. This was the best thing I ever did to improve my riding abilities and make riding even more enjoyable. All the MTB reviews I read certainly helped me know what to look for and test in a full suspension bike that best suited my needs. They really helped to make my purchasing experience a success. For example, I knew I wanted to avoid buying any FS model that bobbed while peddling. Others found this to waste energy and be very annoying. A few of the bikes I tested actually did bob up and down with my style of peddling and I quickly eliminated these from my selection. ( I really do appreciate all the effort and time that MTB reviewers have taken to help others like myself learn from their experiences. Now it’s my turn.) The first time I rode the Mantra Race I loved it and it keeps getting better. I can ride faster, longer and harder than I ever could before, especially on hills, and afterwards I’m not as tired as I use to be. It’s true, just like all the reviewers say. This bike really does make going up hills easier and faster. The Mantra Race is slightly lighter than my Trek 990 and it’s just as solid and reliable. It uses a simple FS design with only one large pivot that has no play at all even after + 5 months of use. I’m still impressed with the precision and detail that Klein has put into this bike. My local bike store helped me to adjust the fit and tune the suspension on the bike when I was test riding it and I have not had to change it much since then. I get no bobbing effect when I peddle so I have no need for a lockout feature. The front fork suspension has a lockout lever but I’ve never needed to use it. All of the components on the bike are XT except the 9 speed rear derailleur which is XTR. Even the crankset is Shimano XT. The biggest surprise of all is that there has not really been any additional maintenance to speak of with this FS bike. I check the air pressure in the rear shock about once a month and it never seems to need any additional air. I run it at about 250 pounds. I have to put air in the tires a lot more often than this. For a while, the rear derailleur down shifting was a little sluggish, but I switched from White Lightning standard chain lube to WL Race Day blend and the shifting has been perfect. The Bontrager Race wheels are still as true as the first day I had the bike. They are strong and light. The headset seams a little tight when I am off the bike, but not under load when I'm on the bike. The Mantra Race has been everything I hoped for and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent XC full suspension bike.
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Submitted by Talent Hound a Cross Country Rider from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: February 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Climbing, stiffness, looks and weight (23.75lbs).
Weaknesses:	Headset tends to get tight, slight play in the pivot.
Similar Products Used:	Cannondale Super V, Specialized SJ, Fischer Sugar 2
Bike Setup:	Got a "Pro" frame and fork for a deal at LBS, built the bike out as a "Race" + XTR FD, Manitou SXTi fork, Fox Vanilla Race R on the back. All for $2K, not bad.
Bottom Line:	Setup is key. Slide the seat back a little more than normal, put a little more air in the rear shock (I'm 6'1", 190lbs with 235psi) and play with the front to get it dialed in. Took me about a week of tinkering to get it right. LOVE IT!! Not noticing any over the bar stuff at all. Very smooth ride, no bounce on climbs or sprints. I was amazed at how light it ended up being (
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Submitted by Steve Stevenson a Cross Country Rider from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Virginia Creeper/ any single track
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Ease of setups, climbing, looks, stability, great for those looking for a quality machine. Great for older riders on the climbs!
Weaknesses:	Must ride for a while to appreciate. Headset.
Similar Products Used:	Gary Fisher Joshua, GF Paragon.
Bike Setup:	Stock. XT front, XTR rear.
Bottom Line:	CF frame is amazingly stiff and quite for a FS. At first didn't really think I had made a good choice. Then read the directions for proper setup. Made all the difference. I'm 53, 195 lbs, 6 ft. Shock set at 250psi, adjust the dampner, tighten up the Manitou, move seat back slightly, and you have a whole new machine. Am able to easily climb hills I had to push the Joshua up. No bobbing. Rides effortlessly over large rocks, roots. Took a little getting used to on DH, but just move back as you are supposed to and the puppy rocks! Couldn't be more satisfied. Only trouble so far is headset hard to keep adjusted, has a tendency to be stiff. Gets lots of looks. Quite plush on trail and DH. Once riding as directed, no OTB feelings. Just take some time getting used to it and you probably wouldn't trade it for anything. A couple of rides won't do justice to the machine. As the old saying goes, if all else fails, read the directions! Highly recommend!
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Submitted by Rick a Cross Country Rider from Pasadena Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Strengths:	Looks cool, lite weight, climbs really well
Weaknesses:	MC3 headset, geometry, "funky" ride characteristics. Loose piviot joint
Bike Setup:	Top end stuff
Bottom Line:	As far as design and looks go - this is the most beautiful bike I have ever seen. I have owned two Mantra Race's the 98 aluminum and the Carbon '99. I have worked part time at a bike store for many years and I have had the chance to ride many different bikes. I wanted to love this bike, and to be fair - the Mantra Race is a really nice bike. BUT, there were things about this bike that began to bother me after I had ridden it a while. The main problem as I see it and as many others have described - the geometry of this ride gives a somehat unpredictable feel on anything but seated climbs. On downhill and technical single track riding this bike puts the rider's weight high off the ground that - as others have attested - you have to really adjust your body to finesse this bike. After two years of doing this "adjusting my body for optimum ride" thing - I went back to my hardtial, simply becuase the geometry was predicable and neutral which to me is much better suited for technical XC single track riding. A few other minor detials also caused me concern. The MC3 headset deal that Klein is using, may be light, but it feels like crap. The headset on Carbon Mantra was either too stiff or when loosened cased play in the fork. I noticed this on other Mantra's that came in our store. A second issue that I began to notice again not just on my bike, but on a few others that came into the shop - was a slight looseness in the pivit joint. Mainly due to the ride characteristics of this bike, I sold it and repalced it with a Santa Cruz Super light. There is no comparison (at least for my style of riding) That the santa cruz is far superior in ride characteristics and geometry. I no longer have to "finesse" my body weight around to get the bike to handle well and perform the way one would expect for a bike in this price range. Overall, I would say the Mantra Race is a very fine high end ride for the intermediate level enthusiats - but if your things is technical singletrack where bike control and and handleing are paramount - look elsewhere. Most of the other reviews here confirm what I am saying -I don't understand how riders can be happy with a bike that requires so much effort to work with..."on donwhills pinch the seat with your thighs so the suspension will work better" or "After a few time over the bars I...." "Once I learned to adjust my body weight..." The truth is, this bike is skittish when the going gets technical and downhill and does not instill confidence - if you ride on modestly technical, rolling single track you will love this bike. For the $ though, there are much better rides out there. I
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Submitted by Bob a Cross Country Rider from Mesa, AZ USA Date Reviewed: January 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Monarch Trail, Colorado (11,500 ft.)
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Quick, light, nimble. Climbs extremely well. Excellent suspension. Superb cross-country sprinter. Sleek design draws lots of long looks.
Weaknesses:	In loose terrain, the bike is skittish at first. Long Stem and high center shifts weight forward more than most. A couple of trips over the bar, you adjust to it. Overly tight headset. Trek rep has promised to adjust it when he's back in town.
Similar Products Used:	Gary Fisher Joshua X0
Bike Setup:	Mostly stock, Bontrager Race Lite Riser, Shimano M747 pedals, WTB ST98 saddle
Bottom Line:	A terrific ride with a wide range of performance. Just plain fun on most days and a true racer those days you want to push. When I fist rode it, I was ready to trade it in at a loss. It felt completely unstable on downhills, sandy washes and seemed incapable of any type of jump. 300 miles later, I love it! Best bike I've ever ridden. Smooth, agile and responds to simply thinking about a line through the rough. Takes a lot of change in riding style: more seat time, weight back, drop the elbows, loosen grip, greater body english, more drift control. Talk's cheap. You just gotta grab-it-and-growl. Take heart; when it comes around, you're going to love it! Five chili value thanks to end of year closeout price. (Four stars at MSRP.) Five of New Mexico's finest chilis for form, function and fun.
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Submitted by Hayes Baber a Cross Country Rider from Little Rock, Arkansas, Pulaski Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:	Tsali
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	The Mantra has the best ride of any bike I've owned and I've owned a variety of mountain bikes. Once you learn to stay in the saddle, you can handle any terrain. You can pedal through rough stuff with ease. Makes technical trails much easier to ride. Out of the box is set up great (XTR, XT, Thompson, Bontrager, etc). Will roll over logs like they're not there. PLUSH yet stiff when you need it (climbs great and goes through tight single track with ease). Love the carbon fiber fuselage and the new rear triangle. Best looking bike made.
Weaknesses:	When you first get on one, steep downhills can be a little scarier than normal. Get your wieght back. I got rid of the flat handle bars and went with risers. That took care of the downhills. Really not a weakness, just an adjustment.
Similar Products Used:	Trek Y, K2, Cannondale V 900 (lead sled), Mantra Race (aluminum 98), Santa Cruz Super light, Litespeed Unicoi.
Bike Setup:	Stock. Added Bontrager Riser Crowbar. Changed out pedals (went to Bontrager), and put Hutchison Pythons on.
Bottom Line:	This is my second Klein Mantra (owned a 98 aluminum Race) and my fourth Klein. Klein products are one of the top mountain bike products (with the exception of Trek messing them up for a couple of years). Having previously owned four other full suspension bikes, I can say without a doubt that the 99 carbon Mantra Race is the best ride of them all. At Close to $3000, its a little pricy, but you get what you pay for and then some. Its not for everyone. Intermediate to advanced riders will be able to ride it hard enough to get the full benefits of its amazing handling.
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Submitted by Mike a Cross-Country Rider from Morganville NJ Date Reviewed: December 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Chimeny Rock
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	light, excellent suspension, climbing
Weaknesses:	nose dives under hard braking
Similar Products Used:	K2 4000
Bike Setup:	mostly stock, riser bar added
Bottom Line:	Needs a little setting (fork/shock balance) up and getting used to, added risers to help distribute my weight back a little. Bike climbs anything you can find as long as your legs hold up. Mega 9 drive train works great, especially after coming from a 7 speed, extra gearing makes impossible terrain possible. Haven't had a single problem with the bike, have had a few hard crashes, paint and CF have held up excellent. Suspension will flex under stand up acceleration but when seated and pedaling it barely flexes. Have changed my riding to 90% seated. Overall an excellent cross country bike that handles any trails in NJ (from flat sandy to steep rocky terrain) that I've ridden.
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Submitted by Herb a Cross-Country Rider from Chicago, Illinois Date Reviewed: December 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:	the one where you ain't!
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	nice component mix, excellent in tight, twisty singletrack, excellent technical climber
Weaknesses:	a bit skittish on very sharp drop-offs; limited to clamping seatpost in repair stand
Bike Setup:	stock, + Bontrager bar ends
Bottom Line:	I've had it only about 5 weeks, but have taken in out for about 15 rides; I just can't get enough! My first dual-suspension, and am amazed at what I can ride up, down, over and through. You just need to keep your weight back on steep drop-offs. Fox shock seems to hold air pretty well, so far, and I weigh 230 and run it at 250 psi! Got a great deal on '99 closeout from LBS - less $$ than 2000 Mantra Comp! I probably wouldn't be as excited if I'd paid MSRP, but I didn't, so I am! Tons of fun. Plus, with the black & red color scheme, and curvy carbon fiber main tube, it's probably the best looking bike out there.
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Submitted by Steve H. a Cross-Country Rider from Millsboro, DE Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Patapsco State Prk/Middle Run, DE
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	ONCE SET UP!!! ...this is the fastest, most comfortable bike I've ever raced/ridden. But it comes as kinda generic...play with the parts, Went with Cane Creek for a few rides, but Fox is back on now...better ride, more solid feel
Weaknesses:	none so far...really! Even the high-gloss black is holding up well!
Bike Setup:	SID SL (with adapters from Klein), Paul brakes/levers, Easton carbon flat bar, Bont. Race Lites, XTR ,with Kenda Kosmics....<23lbs, with WTB Lasers 24.
Bottom Line:	Don't give up on this bike after a test ride. If you have the patience, it will be your best ride ever.
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Submitted by Stephen Leach a Cross-Country Rider from Calgary,AB Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	Climbing, Handling, Stiffness, Feel, not to mention the good looks
Weaknesses:	A bit strange going downhills at first, stock bar/stem is absurd. Once you get used to the unique suspension feel it is no problem at all.
Similar Products Used:	Trek Y, SC Heckler, Cannondale Super V, RM Element etc....
Bike Setup:	Stock except for Bonty Crow Riser in place of flat bar and 120mm stem instead of the 135! Oh and some Panaracer Fire XC PROS as well!
Bottom Line:	A great cross country bike...lets you ride hard one day and not feel so beat up so you can ride the next! Not made to be a downhll bomber (dunno how many times I've been asked about my downhill bike) but holds its own and then some on the downhills when you have it set up right and get a few miles in the saddle. Would recommend trying it to anyone interested in a FS bike just to see how differently they really all do ride!
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Submitted by j m dacanay a Weekend Warrior from secaucus,nj Date Reviewed: November 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:	ringwood state park
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	great ride. light responsive and quick,gives a sense of speed.firm feel
Weaknesses:	cant go anywhere without someone saying something
Similar Products Used:	cannondale,giant
Bike Setup:	all xtr comp,manitou sx shox
Bottom Line:	geat bike. everything i could ask for and more. surprised by stiffness in ride for a full suspension. visually stunning beautiful bike. recommend to anyone
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Submitted by Will a Cross-Country Rider from Texas Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Light weight, superb climbing, quick handling
Weaknesses:	Attracts too much attention?
Similar Products Used:	Cannondale f1000
Bike Setup:	Stock setup w/ raceface cranks
Bottom Line:	For the money, a very good cross country ride. The geometry encourages you to ride faster. Climbs like a banshee, turns on a dime. Plus, it looks cool. What more could you ask for?
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Submitted by steve Cohen a Cross-Country Rider from san francisco Date Reviewed: November 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:	laurel dell
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	very plush decsending. Feels safer due to rear suspension. I can climb nasty single track much better, and faster on general trails.
Weaknesses:	none yet
Similar Products Used:	I am 6'5 tall, so there are essentially no other bikes that fit (I have the XL frame)
Bike Setup:	upgraded to XTR cranks, front derailleur, bottom bracket and spindle, front and rear cogs. Kept the XT brakes.
Bottom Line:	I love it. I have thousands of trail miles behind me on other bikes, and this bike makes a huge improvement in my performance and enjoyment in riding
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Submitted by Richard Donoghue a Cross-Country Rider from Shirley Ma Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:	gritty's grind
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	Climbs well comfortable fast on downhills
Weaknesses:	head set sucks keeps getting tight needs big re-engineering why re-invent the wheel
Similar Products Used:	es pro specialized
Bike Setup:	stock with disk's
Bottom Line:	would be a great bike except for the headsettake a little getting used to a very different riding style
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Submitted by Steve H. a Weekend Warrior from Millsboro, DE Date Reviewed: October 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Patapsco State Pk.
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	stiff, light, quick
Weaknesses:	stock parts mix
Similar Products Used:	Attitude Race, Joshua, Super V
Bike Setup:	SID SL, XTR except for Paul Brakes/levers, Bont. Race Lites, Kenda Kozmics (22.9lbs)
Bottom Line:	Different, but easy to learn. Once there...it rocks, ride it like a hard tail, it likes it, ride it like FS, it likes it...learn to mix techniques, its perfect. Still working on the best rear shock (AD-10 or Fox Van. Float R).
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Submitted by Rob Wagner a Weekend Warrior from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Climbing weight
Weaknesses:	none
Similar Products Used:	GT,Specialized,Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:	Bontrager clips & raised handlebars
Bottom Line:	This bike rocks!!!!!! I get more and more comfortable on it each time out. I never get beat up anymore with this bike, at the end of each ride I feel great. I ride through stuff I never could before with my old bike. THIS THING CLIMBS LIKE A MOUNTAIN GOAT!!!!!! I read earlier reviews about how you have to stay seated when climbing hills, I thought to myself no way, I always stand going up a steep hill, Not anymore. With this bike I'm almost always seated and I'm amazed at some of the stuff I go through. I ride alot with my brother-in-law and I could never keep up with him, well things have changed now. He's saving his dough to buy a Klein like mine. I give it five hot ones!!!!
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Submitted by Jim Fedele a Weekend Warrior from McElhattan, PA Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Paint, weight, ability to climb
Weaknesses:	Takes time to learn how to ride.
Similar Products Used:	Trek 7000
Bike Setup:	Stock.
Bottom Line:	I have put 200 miles on this bike and it keeps getting better. First ride however I was disappointed, I thought I could just jump on it and go. I wiped out the first ride and got a pinch flat. But, after taking the time to adjust the seat back a little and tweak the seat post height while wearing my fanny pack and water bottle, this bike came to life. I also ran the tire pressure up to 55lbs. This bike climbs like a goat, you will run out of gas before you will spin it. This bike really shines on tight single track with steep rocky climbs. Downhills however takes some finesse. You need to very aware of the breaking characteristics on down hills, once you master it it is not a problem. This bike has made me a better rider, I have added 2-3 mph to my average speed. Downhills are almost a full 8 mph faster. The best part is you can hammer it on the trails and not feel beat up at the end. IF you are looking for the best do everything bike I think this one is worth taking out and test driving.
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Submitted by Chris Schuster a Cross-Country Rider from Huntington Beach Ca. Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Chaquito Trail
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Strengths:	Climbing on any terrain,Lateral Rigidity
Weaknesses:	Decending
Similar Products Used:	Raven,K2,Gary Fisher,(non of wich are similar,but hey ,what the hell)
Bike Setup:	M1 Bam (front shock) Power-Post adjustable seat post. The rest is stock
Bottom Line:	Ok guys, dont get all over me.....mines a 98 ok ? Its aluminum too. Anyhow i bought this bike because i knew i was going to spend about 90% of my time going uphill with it and most of the terrain was going to be technical single track. I did alot of research on it and others as well. Even bought a different brand (K2) first , then sold it in disgust and got this Klein. Ive got a good 200+ dirt miles on it now. ( gee, ya think i like it ?)Heres the deal with this bike (as i see it).This bike will make you a better climber, espicialy when it gets really steep. The only time it breaks traction is when your way over the bars......and by that time your about to fall over anyway. You need to stay in the saddle as much as possible. (you need to learn this) This is due in part to the rear suspension action being compromised when the seat post is unwieghted. This bike will hold a line no matter what. I think this is not just because the two frame pieces are so beefy, but mainly because of the huge pivot bearing and its location. This is one rigid ride guys and a must for steep techy stuff ! This bike does not go down as well as it goes up though ok. All the stuff about no suspension and stink bugging.....welp, im hear to tell ya ...its true. But in the same breath i can tell ya that you don`t notice it........! Unless high speed downhilling is your bag. This is the wrong bike for that ! Anyone who whines about the way there Mantra goes down hill didnt do there home work before they broke out the plastic. I laugh everytime i see one with a triple clamp or a long-travel fork (destroys the geometry!) This is a climbers bike first. But it can be riden down hill pretty fast (about 35MPH+ according to my cycle computer) You need to stay in the saddle as i stated before...youll get all the suspension youll need and itll track real nice. Ive got a secret weapon on my Klein that pretty much cancled its rough spots. If you can get your hands on a Power-Post seat post buy one !!!....now!! This thing will keep you seated no matter what your doing.......up or down. You never have to stop to make a seat adjustment(if your into that sort of thing) Itll riase the seat and move fore and aft as well......the things trick and pretty much makes the bike. I knew goin in that id do the trick, and it did. Altogether this bike is the one for me......maybe not for you though. But hey....the B.S. stops when the tailgate drops.Happy Trails
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Submitted by Don Rainwater a Cross-Country Rider from Houston, Texas Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Ho Chi Min
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	Cool Looking Great Suspension Manuverability Fast on the Trails
Weaknesses:	Haven't found one yet
Similar Products Used:	Demo'ed just about everything
Bike Setup:	No upgrades....yet
Bottom Line:	1) The sad thing about full suspension bikes is that we (me) are not able to test them on the trails, but are relegated to the LBS's parking lot. 2) I tested every bike I could get my hands on....FSR, FSR XC M4, YSL, Ellsworth, Ventana Marble Peaks, VRX 300, GT, Haro, etc.....and I think that full suspension is the best thing that has ever happened to the bike world...... 3) The Klein has a very sophisticated feel....the suspension and the frame feel in sync...I liked that the Mantra was very responsive, and became more so when I learned what the bike wanted from me. 4) Still don't understand what the lock out is when standing....My friend and I watched each other go off 1 and 1 1/2 foot edges while standing in the saddle, and noticed that the suspension responded, but with more dampening.... 5) I am 48 years old, and the bike is getting me through sections that had me shaking in my boots before.....I especially like climbing the technical sections.....the trails don't even look the same anymore, my perception changed overnite.... 6) The last thing I wanted to hear from my bicycle salesman is ...this bike performs more like a hardtail than the others.. I am not a racer, and I have more fun finessing the trails. The rear shock on the Mantra Race can be pumped up and dampened to run just like a hardtail, but if I wanted a hard tail, I would have bought one. I put about 10-15% more pressure than my body weight, and dampen about 7 or 8 clicks. This gives me a plush, safe ride, and I am having a blast...... 7) I would recommend this bike to anyone (have spent about 20 hours on the trails), and I look forward to upgrading the bike in the future. The scales at my bike shop weighed the bike at 25# 11ounces...... 8) Will review this bike again after I have put more miles on it, but for now My Mantra is getting 5 habaneros........yeeeee haaaaaaaaaa!!!! all the way from Texas
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Jamie a Cross-Country Rider from Blacksburg, Virginia Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Pisgah National Forest
Duration Product Used:	1 Year
Strengths:	A great design crafted with expertise craftsmenship, created a strong frame for the weight.
Weaknesses:	The cable routing for the rear brake very much resembles a crossword puzzle which slows down the spring rate on the rebound.
Similar Products Used:	Fisher Joshua ZO Litespeed Obed GT LTS-1
Bike Setup:	Cross-Max Full XTR
Bottom Line:	This is a review for those of you who want to know the truth about the Klein Mantra Race. There is no politics involved in this review being that I dont try to defend my most recent purchase just to make myself feel better. The first thing that I must agree with most of the true Mantra riders out there is that riding this rig is much different than any other FS on the market. It takes a little bit more caress to get around a technical section as well as a little bit more effort to tackle the downhill sections. But where the Mantra shines is on uphill battles and the real rough stuff. Because of the high pivot point, the rear suspension is one of the smartest I have ever been blessed to take on. It is a simple design for the rear suspension: When the rider is on the saddle, the suspension is active, but if the rider is out of the saddle, there is little to no bob or sag when you are powering uphill. The rear suspension is what makes the Mantra such a great contender in the overcrowded FS market. Another feature about the Mantra, which could be a plus for some or a turn-off for others, is the carbon fiber body which does take the overall weight down, but its carbon fiber. My first encounter with CF was the classic DBR Welded Carbon Fiber, and after multiple cracks and fractures and hunderds of repairs, I gave up on carbon fiber. But Klein appears to have a much better grasp on laying a good carbon body. Overall this rig has been a truly exciting ride. If you are looking for a light but stylish setup try equiping it with full XTR, Crossmax or Bontrager Racelite wheels, and a few of your favorite logos and your on your way to NORBA or at least it makes you look like your a pro. If you do this you get a 22-23 pound rig that is worth every penny. Good riding and remember share and spare the trails.
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Submitted by Carl Rubiz a Racer from Oshawa ontario Date Reviewed: September 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Bottom Line:	This bike is sweet! people who demoed this bike should not write horrible reviews about this amazing bike! Maybe its because they are scared to admit how well made this bike is! every bike needs getting used to anyways, so quit complaining, if you want to write a review, at least be familiar with your bike, so get off your computer and RIDE!
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Submitted by David C. a Racer from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Mary's Loop/Horsethief Bench near Fruita, CO
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Climbing, by far! Also quality of components, inc. wheels.
Weaknesses:	Descending, unless you tweak it, then it's ok. Paint job isn't as durable as Pre-Trek Kleins. Takes time to adjust to a different riding style than on most FS bikes
Similar Products Used:	96 Gary Fisher Joshua Y 94 Klein Fervor hardtail
Bike Setup:	Stock, except for Magura brakes (mine)and an Easton Monkey Lite downhill bar.
Bottom Line:	After riding this bike over 900 miles (all on dirt), I am liking this bike more and more. When I first tried it on some tricky downhills, it's descending was SCARY! But after 1. lowering the seatheight slightly, 2. moving the seat way back and finally, 3. replacing the straight handlebar with a downhill bar, the descending improved 110% and now is just as good as most other FS bikes I've ridden. Still, I wouldn't use it as a downhill bike; it is a great XC bike: light, climbs incredibly, doesn't bob as much as most in sprints or climbs (the front shock lockout is noticably helpful)and is EXTREMELY manuveurable in tight corners and switchbacks. This bike requires alot more body english than most FS bikes, but I like that in a bike. Adjusting your riding style to this bike may take a while; don't give up on it after one or two rides. I found that the more I rode it, the more I liked it. Minor problems have been tightness in the headset (that is gradually improving), initial seeping of oil from the left Manitou fork blade, and paint that isn't nearly as durable as that on my Fervor.
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Submitted by Tom Walrod a Weekend Warrior from Westland Mi Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:	island lake
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	Great bike for first time full suspension rider.
Weaknesses:	Time pedals take some getting used to. Learning curve going from hardtail to f.s.(as with any f.s)
Bike Setup:	all stock
Bottom Line:	Love this bike. Went from stiff hardtail trek 8000 to Mantra race. I no longer feel beat up after rides, ride a lot longer and further. Demo'ed Jamis Dakar, Cannondale raven and Specialized f.s., Did alot of research on full suspension design, and don't regret my choice. I'll give more of a review after I put some more miles on it.
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Submitted by Nick a Cross-Country Rider from Yorkshire, England Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:	loads
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	Climbing, x-country riding. Laterally very stiff
Similar Products Used:	Pro-flex, AMP, Marin
Bike Setup:	'99 MAntra race, as original plus hayes disks and rolf wheels
Bottom Line:	It is strange how many of the negative reviews come from people who have only test ridden the bike. I have had mine for 6 months and know what it rides like. It is not the best descender out there but it still better than a hardtail. The rear shock does not lock out when standing but stiffens. If you keep your weight back and ride normally, you still get plenty of travel. It climbs amazingly and on long day-rides it is relly plush. The stiffening suspension when standing can be looked on as a benefit as when you need to lay the power down, you can. This is a URT bike and thus needs to be judged as so, it works differentky from other bikes and therefore has different pros and cons. There is no such thing as a perfect bike, especially in the full suspension world. This is a good bike that does what it is designed to to very well. It will not suit everyone, but then again what does. An excellent bike with a god balance of componentry and a great ride. Judge for yourself and listen to those who ride them.
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Submitted by fly714 a Cross-Country Rider from New York, NY Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Mahlon Dickerson
Duration Product Used:	2 Years
Strengths:	Climbing
Weaknesses:	Descending
Similar Products Used:	Cannodale Raven
Bike Setup:	ESP 9.0 shifter, rear derailluer, brake levers, front fork is a SID XL, Easton Monkey lite bars
Bottom Line:	The bike climbs extremely well, but descending or standing the bike loses alot (i.e. almost all) of the rear suspension action. Cracked the frame about 4 months ago and Klein customer service absolutely sucked. Be warned.
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Submitted by Jubbi a Cross-Country Rider from usa Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:	all tech trails
Duration Product Used:	tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:	Looks, maybe components
Weaknesses:	Design (Like trek--the mother company)
Similar Products Used:	Many full susp (k2, trek, specialized, schwinn, klein, cannondale, santa cruz--they're all mostly crap, except K2/Proflex--get the original, it's still the best)
Bottom Line:	The floating drive train on this bike amounts to making it a high price seat post suspension system. The bottom bracket and pedals attach to the swing arm, and the distance between your feet change as you ride. I can get a good susp seat post for $150, why bother with this horrible design? I think the only advantages might be when you climb out of the saddle to go up very steep hills. But you shouldn't have to do that much if you are a good rider and know how to slide on the seat to keep pressure on the rear.Don't be conned folks. Two chilies for looks and an okay front shock
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Submitted by Steve a Cross-Country Rider from Roanoke, Va Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:	????????
Duration Product Used:	tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:	This is a nice bike with NICE components which is more than I can say for Cannondale. Also backed by a great warranty if you have a LBS worth their salt.
Weaknesses:	Not sure but no bike is perfect and I am sure there is.
Bottom Line:	Jubbi or what ever your name is, man what are you some 10 year old that thinks they are a bike expert??? This guy rides one for a 10 minute demo and now he is an expert. There is no bike that can be rode for a quick Demo and have a proper and honest review done. If you are not a 10 year old then with your attitude you will never find a bike you like because your a unrealistic and expect perfection. No bike has that unless you have someone maybe custom build you a bike. Even then though you would still find fault. The Kline, Trek, etc are great bikes for some and not for everyone, but it is a shame for people like this to trash companies just because of poor attitudes and unrealistic expectations when they have no idea what they are talking about. Enough said and don't judge Trek or any other bike company based on this morons review. Ride a bike and take the time needed to form your own opinion and use the reviews here only as a guide. Some people posting here have never even owned or truly tested the products they trash and a lot of post if you read them are based on biased and totally unrealistic expectations. You have to be realistic folks. By the way I have rode one of these bikes and for more than 10 minutes and I could find fault but not the trashing of the bike done by Jubbi. I personally don't care for FS bikes so for me to give a review would be unfair. Get it Jubbi?? Time to ride!!!
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Submitted by Jake a Downhiller from San Francisco Date Reviewed: August 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:	tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:	Light weight
Weaknesses:	Rear suspension, stinkbugging when hitting the brakes.
Similar Products Used:	Trek Y bikes, GT LTS & I-Drive, Specialized FSR, Cannondale V & Super V active
Bike Setup:	'98 Klein Mantra Race, stock components
Bottom Line:	Huh, it is surprising that the reviews on this site are so well written considering purchasing this bike. I have never ridden a bicycle that required so much special accommodation from the rider. This is supposed to be a full suspension bike right? The rear suspension does not work unless you sit down, just the thing I normally do when I am about to hit a bump or take a jump. Oh, then the stinkbugging effect every time I hit the brakes, love it! That is just what you want when trying to slow down. It is cool to feel the rear of the bike rise up underneath you and put more weight over the front end while raising the center of gravity. Plus, I like how the rear end locks out and refuses to absorb any bumps while on the brakes. I tried the rebound trick to eliminate brake jacking and it did help. Problem was it reduced the ride quality even further in all other situations. What amazes me is that I am able to detect all of these faults on a simple trail ride but the owners of these bike swear they are the best things going. Sounds like a group of people is in denial and has or will not try any of the better designs that are out there. Future buyers beware!
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Submitted by jesper a Cross-Country Rider from Denmark Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Any
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Simpel, light, good climber, easy switch fromt ht.
Weaknesses:	Rocketsceince headset, fork is not that smooth, and rebound nob was broke. custom service lacks.
Similar Products Used:	GT steels, specialized st. jumper, baracuda alu, trek shx 8000.
Bike Setup:	Chris king wheelset, Syncros steel cranks, wtb sattel ti, frog steel pedals, xtr-drivetrain/brakes, tune bottombracket
Bottom Line:	The bad first, delivered in april, fork kind of broke when rebound knob missing, emailded klein for some details -no answer. The good. very light, the switch from ht. very easy can go much faster on tight singeltrack, and handles the bumps very good. a good climber. the handcrafting og the bike quite satisfying. I feel much better after a 4-5 hour drive than with my preivius bikes, minimal ache in back and shoulders afterwards. the bikes feels very fast and steers quick. Downhills is not its best side but it is okay.
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Submitted by mike lawliss a Cross-Country Rider from plattsburgh NY Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	STIFF, climbs like a goat,stiff, tracks SUPERBLY, did I mention stiff?
Weaknesses:	Swapping forks is a pain
Similar Products Used:	Joshua Z2 Cannondale Super V
Bottom Line:	I have had this bike for a few months now and it keeps on getting better and better.. I had back probs.. and I can still ride this rig !! the rear susp. is so smooth .. As for the (so called) problem mentioned below with rear-end-jacking.. that happened to me a couple of times .. then I LEARNED TO BRAKE SO IT DOESN'T HAPPEN .. WHICH TOOK ALL OF 10 minutes.. Geeeshh..
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Submitted by Maxime Imbert a Racer from Ottawa ontario Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	everything, stiffness, weight, race worthy
Weaknesses:	no bull horns
Similar Products Used:	trek y , pro flex
Bike Setup:	stock
Bottom Line:	This is an amazing bike, I won my last race on it , and the best thing is that 3 people on the podium had kleins, one other Mantra race, and a klein hardtail. overall this is a sweet b i k e d o n t b e s c a r e d, b u y t h i s b i k e
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Submitted by B-DUB a Racer from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:	ANY
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Gorgeous Design,
Weaknesses:	Fragile Paint Job, That Crazy Proprietary Headset & Stem
Similar Products Used:	OWNED: '97 AMP B-4/F3XC, '98 GT XR1000, '98 MountainCycle MOHO CXS, '99 Heckler SuperLight, '97 Mantra RACE, '99 Specialized FSR S-Works, '98 Trek Y-33, '98 HardLand FS-1000
Bike Setup:	Bought the full bike stock, stripped it; XTR cassette/shifters/front derailleur, RaceFace Ti BB/LP cranks/RaceRings, Bontrager RaceLite wheels, Frog Ti pedals, RaceFace carbon bar, KookaRacha levers, Panaracer Fire XC 1.9 tires, GreenLite tubes, Titec Ti stem, stock Thompson post, CaneCreek saddle /AD-10 rear shock, '99 RockShox SID XC--22lbs, 3oz. (on a certified scale)
Bottom Line:	Well, after deciding I needed a new bike (read: WANTED a new bike), I evaluated my current bike inventory. Over the years, at several shops, I have accumulated quite a few bikes. Most have come and gone, but of all the bikes I've ever owned, my '97 Mantra RACE was ALWAYS in the stable. Naturally, when looking for a new lightweight '99 FS bike, I chose the Mantra . I originally ordered the Mantra PRO fuselage in Janurary, but after 5 months of getting the runaround by both Klein and my local dealer, I finally cracked and just bought the whole Mantra RACE bike for a few dollars more. I had already purchased a full XTR kit , RaceLite wheels, and other assorted goodies for the PRO fuselage, so upon delivery of my RACE, I promptly tore it down, weighed the frame/ and built it back up. The original plan involved building a super-lite 22lb Mantra. With a sub 5lb. frame WITH rear shock (4.8lbs. for my MEDIUM frame/CaneCreek AD-10), you can't possibly go wrong. The bike started out quite portly, alot of which could be attributed to the MEGA-9 XT kit, Bontrager Race wheels, and 3.8lb. Manitou SX shock. However, with the addition of lighter wheels, a new fork, and tires/tubes, the weight came off fast. What a difference! I was told by my local dealer (coincidentally the only one within a 2hr drive) that Klein would not offer reducer cups in the future., so I custom machined some aluminum reducer cups for the crazy proprietary headset, and switched forks. It was difficult to get them to fit properly, but now the front end is like buddah! I was concerned that the fork/headset/stem combo would leave me without a bike, or regretting my purchase. Several buddies of mine have owned various Klein models over the years, and most of them were plagued with problems, especially from the proprietary MC2 headset/stem combo & BB found on older Adroit fuselages. They all spent quite a few bones on their rides, and never got to ride them 'cause they always needed service. Fortunately, Klein has informed me that reducer cups are now available, and mine should be here in the next couple of days. More on that when they arrive.As for the ride, nothing has ever matched the ride of my Klein! The bike truly does everything well. I have raced my '97 Mantra all over the southeast, and have competed in several 12 & 24 races with no problem . I never have had a problem keeping up with my buddies, but the bike helps me out climb, out sprint, and descend faster in almost every situation . With this steed under me, I can ride things my buddies can't or won't consider! Although my '97 only had 6 of rear wheel travel, I haven't noticed the extra inch the '99 Mantra RACE & PRO offer. Only the PRO models offered the full 7 in '97 & '98. One thing I have noticed is the difference in size between my MEDIUM '97 and MEDIUM '99 Mantras. The '99 is a tad smaller, due entirely to the advent of an XL size for '99 and the removal of the XS size of previous years. Klein reconfigured the rear triangle to shave some weight and in the process, made it size-specific. This made for slightly different numbers, but still a great fit! The only other problem lies in the extensive 10-coat paint process. Since Klein doesn't use decals, the graphics are an intergral part of the paint. That's O.K. when it comes to my '97, but for only 2-3 months of riding, my '99 is showing much more use, and a few spots of the carbon underpinnings. The paint is typically quite strong, as my '97 looks almost new, but the slightest thing will chip the paint on the carbon models. I suppose this is no fault of Klein.; Due to the inherent properties of carbon-fiber , it typically doesn't take paint well. However, with as much thought as Gary put into the entire bike, it seems as if he didn't consider paint as it relates to the new frame material change. No matter, the paint is warratied by Klein, and they can expect my frame pack for re-spraying in the near future. The only other thing I would like to add to this ever-growing dissertation, is owners BEWARE! Klein spec'd the '99 Manitou SX on the Mantra RACE, and the '99 SX Ti on the PRO. Klein (really Maintou) has reportedly had problems with a few of the forks bottoming all the way and taking CHUNKS out of the head-tube 'cause of the brake arch. At the very least it could ruin that beautiful paint job. If you own one of these bikes, or plan on purchasing one in the near future, have your local dealer inspect the fork, and install the neccessary second set of elastomers in the fork. if it was aluminum, don't worry about it, but carbon is known for critical failure! Otherwise, this bike is, in my humble opinion, the best performing dually rig on the market. I would recommend it to anyone unhappy with their current suspension bike, and ESPECIALLY anyone looking to upgrade to full-suspension!! A full 10 flaming whatchmacallits!!
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Submitted by Michael Lawliss a Cross-Country Rider from Plattsburgh, NY Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	Light weight nice adjustable damping on front and rear susp.
Weaknesses:	not fully active
Similar Products Used:	Cannondale superV's Gary Fisher Joshuas
Bike Setup:	Used my own wheels Hugi hubs and Mavic rims
Bottom Line:	I have read every mag review and have always wanted a mantra.. I finally had the chance and took it. It is truly the best of both worlds, a dually that rides like a hardtail.
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Submitted by J. Ford a Weekend Warrior from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Levis Mound
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	Light weight, great climber, Klein stiffness coupled with a plush ride
Weaknesses:	Shimano Brakes & pads,
Bike Setup:	Stock + bontrager Lite Bar ends, Bontrager Revolt SuperXC tires, Liberator Ti saddle
Bottom Line:	After loving the stiffness, lite weight and performance of my '96 Klein Attitude and hating the bone jarring ride on ruff terrain I came to the conclusion that it was time to treat myself to A plush ride. Though the Mantra isn't what one would called super plush, it does eat up the bumps without affecting performance in the least. climbs as well or better then my Attitude only gained about 2.5 pounds over it. Very quick bike, but does take some time to learn the new weight distribution to the rear over a hardtail. some brake jack but nothing bothersome. Overall another wonderfull product from Gary. If you are looking for a nice lightweight XC bike to be used for exploring new trails and long distance rides you will be hard pressed to find one better. Plus it come set up well enough to compete in all but the top classes of Citizen class racing.
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Submitted by pedaling perry a Weekend Warrior from new orleans Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	carbon fiber structure lighter and stronger. gary klein designed.
Weaknesses:	stock parts, MANITOU FORK suck for '99.
Similar Products Used:	'97 klein mantra race '95 mantis profloater
Bike Setup:	amp carbon fork (2.17lb) king hedset, paul brks, kooka levers, monkeylite riser bars, ringle' stem,spox wheelset, srp carbon crankset, ritch ti pedals, flite ti seat,
Bottom Line:	Great bike, best all around bike I have ever owened or riden. If you have the cash I would highly recommened getting one fast, long wait and hard to find.
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Submitted by Scott a Cross-Country Rider from Chapel Hill, NC Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Hobby Park, Chapel Hill High School Trails
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	Stiff frame Excellent suspension Climbs superbly
Weaknesses:	my legs and lungs headset was initially stiff but easily remedied at Paceline bicycles bike shop
Similar Products Used:	Specialized Stump Jumper FSR
Bike Setup:	Standard Only thing I have changed is the tires...replaced Bontrager Revolt SS with Jones F/R I'm 6'0 and 180 lbs so I use 225lbs of pressure in the Fox Vanilla rear shock...this allows me to ocassionally bottom out but gets rid of significant bobbing
Bottom Line:	I posted a review shortly after I purchased the bike 3-11-99. I have ridden about 300 miles on the bike and all I can say is that the rig is incredible. I am a MUCH better biker on this bike. Sport riders that I had difficulty hanging with on my c'dale I can keep the pace. Climbing agility has actually improved...my c'dale climbed well but on technical sections my line had to be good. This bike gets me up the hills bad line and all!
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Submitted by Bartman a Cross-Country Rider from Sydney Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	stiff & light
Similar Products Used:	1997 Klein mantra race
Bike Setup:	stock, it is straight out of the box
Bottom Line:	Some nazi scumbag decided that he liked my old mantra red rig more than i did. It was insured & so I got a new for old replacement but had to wait & wait & wait as the '99 models were not in oz yet. I was dubious about the carbon fibre but having ridden it solidly for about 3 weeks it is everything that I remember. This baby fairly flies up the hills & bombs the twisty singletrack. I still get the same mud encrusted endorphin fuelled grin that i remember. Love it, roll on sunday!!!!
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Submitted by Steve H a Cross-Country Rider from West Bloomfield, Michigan Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Pontiac Trail, Highland Park and many in Germany (Taunus area)
Duration Product Used:	6 months
Strengths:	Light weight (after tuning) Nimble handling, excellent climber Very stiff frame, especially the rear Quality craftmanship and an eye catching paint job
Weaknesses:	so far, no significant weakness detected. However, rear end stiffens somewhat when you go out of the saddle and unweight the rear (but this is nothing serious)
Similar Products Used:	hardtails, e.g. Klein Attitude, Specialized Stumpjumper Pro, Marin Team Issue
Bike Setup:	Stock 99 Mantra Race medium (weight before tuning 25.75 pds) Tuning: changed wheelset to Chris King Hubs, Mavic X517, Wheelsmith Spokes and alloy nipples, KORE Ti QR, Bontrager Super X tires, Race Face LP crankset, XTR Brake/Shifter combo, XTR brakes, Ritchey WCS Ti Pedals, Flite Ti Saddle, Bontrager Race Lite barends Weight after tuning 24.25 pound
Bottom Line:	This bike is no nonsense. When you are looking for a single track star - this is it. I'm riding the rear shock about 50 psi above my weight of 155pds and the rebound dampening knob turned in 7 clicks (basically in my case eliminating almost all of the so called the brake jacking). The front shock Manitou SX is tuned to the soft side.
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Submitted by Dan a Weekend Warrior from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	Better than a hardtail climber, rides light, great singletrack bike.
Weaknesses:	Rear Shock Mount (you normal have to put pressure on the saddle to tread the pump to the shock). Proprietary fork diameter (Hope you like Manatou Forks). Not a Time pedal fan, yet.
Similar Products Used:	FSR XC S-works, Klein Attitude Race, GT Avalanche, Super V, Ti Cycle Skoocum, Specialized M2
Bike Setup:	Stock Shocks, Upgraded to an XTR Drivetrain.
Bottom Line:	Probably the best climbing bike I've been on, with very little biopacing. It is responsive and wants you to be aggressive. Typical Klein reliability and great for wet technical trails.It does want you in the saddle most of the time, which feels a little weird on fast downhills.I plan on racing this bike over the next few months; I will send an update.I would recommend this bike to anyone.
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Submitted by pete the rib Winding a Cross-Country Rider from Copenhagen Den. Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:	anything technical
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	incredible torsional rigidity. supeldrool paintjob!
Weaknesses:	rear shock
Similar Products Used:	spec.fsr downhill models,marin, mongoose and of course klein Adroit..
Bike Setup:	white bros front and fow vanilla X rear
Bottom Line:	I bought the frame only, and applied a full XTR gruppo, along with bits of syncros, azonic, crossmax and of course the White Bros. fork. So I guess there´s little doubt that it´s a custom job. I´m a skilled bikemechanic, so no worries there.. first of all, in terms of riding all kinds of terrain, this bike shines brightly over all the bikes, I´ve had the oppotunity to try out, in the past many years. this of course also has to do with the overall set-up, wich makes it a pretty danm light flight, especially when talking full sus.the bike is supprisingly easy to flick around in the technical stuff, probably due to the small size. I picked it in size M, being a 180 cm tall guy. Don´t have a clue as to wether it´s too small, but it seems to work just fine with me. Perhaps some of the American riders are used to larger steeds? All´n´all it´s not a bike for slow riders, as it shows most of its´ glory at very high speeds, preferably downhill. Mine is a `98 model, and I´ve looked at the new ones without being able to see any changes, other than the carbon boom and the Airheadset. if there are any serious geometric changes, I´d like to hear about them, from anyone who knows. After all, we are few who get the oppotunity to ride these bikes,so we must help eachother out, right? It is a killer ride, once you get the hang of it. Any Mantra owners who´d like to come a ride the slopes of our little country, are wellcome in My house!!
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Submitted by Johnny Pump a Cross-Country Rider from Tacoma, WA Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Victor Falls
Duration Product Used:	3 months
Strengths:	light, agile, plush, responsive
Weaknesses:	none so far
Similar Products Used:	Cannondale S2000 (full suspension rig)
Bike Setup:	stock: Manitou SX fork, Fox Vanilla-R rear
Bottom Line:	This bike is absolutely incredible! I feel like a kid who's just fallen in love for the first time. This is my first foray into suspension -- I've ridden a rigid Scott for 10+ years -- and what a difference. For a variety of reasons, I'm not in as good a shape as I was 3 years ago. Still, this bike allows me to clean stuff that I never could have on my old bike. I'm working hard to get back in shape, because I can't wait to push -- er, pedal -- this absolutley exquisite machine to its limits.The only complaint I had was w/Klein's delivery schedule -- it just kept getting pushed back. There's no question, though, that it's been worth the wait. I'd give this rig 6 stars if they'd let me -- I LOVE IT!
Overall Rating:

Submitted by David a Weekend Warrior from London Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:	Penshurst
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	Killer Looks, Superb Ride, Cool Kit, Stunning Ride and rides lihter than it is!!
Weaknesses:	The bike appears not to have any weaknesses what so ever?
Similar Products Used:	Specialized Fsr's, Rotwild RDH 03CD
Bike Setup:	Fox Air Vannila R
Bottom Line:	The Bike rules Full Stop! As an all round bike there is no other bike that even comes close to. It is the best climbing bike ever produced. If you want to try one out give me a call @ WHEELIE SERIOUS in COVENT GARDEN on 0171 836 1752. This bike is with out a doubt the best ever full suspension bike ever produced and for what it is designed for it meets and surpasses all of its goals!!!!
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Submitted by Phil a Cross-Country Rider from Truckee, CA Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:	OTB
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	Light and quick, very responsive! Perfect fs to change the hard nosed hard tail enthusiest.
Weaknesses:	None!
Bottom Line:	This is a perfect fs for hard tail/cross country riders. You can't go wrong! Kleins craftsmanship shines through at a resonable price. This bike is no gimmick-it's the real thing!
Overall Rating:

Submitted by scott a Cross-Country Rider from little rock, ar Date Reviewed: April 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Bottom Line:	May not be selling this baby afterall.... Won the Louisiana State Champioship yesterday (Master 30-39) on the Mantra. This was only the fourth time I had ridden the bike. 30 miles of tight single track. This bike was faster and more comfortable than my Ti Hardtail that I prerode the course on. Ran the shock 40 psi over my body weight and turned the damping 3/4 the way up. At that setting the bike still soaks up the big hits, allows for rampant whaling on the pedals with no bobbing in any gear, and has none of the brake jack action you may have heard about. Biggest factor in riding one of these right is to remember to just sit down and pedal and let the bike do its thing.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by scarroll a Cross-Country Rider from arkansas Date Reviewed: April 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:	less than 1 month
Strengths:	simple, light, stiff
Bike Setup:	stock 1999 mantra race carbon
Bottom Line:	Just purchased the bike after careful study. Road it once on some of the most technical trails around. Liked it a lot. Fixed the so-called inch-worm or brake jack effect by turning the rebound damping up a bit. Bike does not flex at all and very little to no po-go action sitting or standing. Bike really shines on fire roads and rocky creek bottoms. Bikes are small, I got an x-large which measures the same as by 20 hardtail. For a light cross country all day rider.. its the bomb. But, I want a more freeridish scoot and am willing to part with this machine at a loss if anyone is interrested $2250 delivered.
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Submitted by Rick a cross-country rider from Pasadena, Ca Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999
Bottom Line:	Just an update from my earlier post now that I've logged a couple hundred miles or so. This bike is truely exceptional. Climbing, decending, and technical single track... This bike instills confidence. I've climbed some short steep technical stuff that my hardtail would just sputter out on...Not the Mantra, pedal smooth and stay seated and up you go. I've noticed that the bike handles downhill stuff much better that earlier models too, I've been bombing the fire roads around here and the bike feels really stable. That being said, Dianese armor wearing, full-face helmeted riders should look elsewhere, this probably isn't the bike for you. However, if you are looking for a FS bike, that eats up the technical stuff, is fast uphill, and weighs what most hardtails do... check this baby out. It has a simple, elegant design that is bombproof...no linkages and multiple moving parts... I have been more than pleased with the Mantra Race and would encourage others to test ride it prior to dropping your hard earned cash on another rig. As of now, availability is still limited, so it may require patience. The only problem I have had so far, is that people keep stoping me when I'm out riding to check out my bike. I'm happy to talk Mantra, so no real worries!
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Submitted by Scott a cross-country rider from Chapel Hill Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999
Bottom Line:	Since some of the reviews, unfortunately, appear to represent older Kleins, let me start by saying that this review involves my JUST purchased '99 Klein Mantra Race. This bike is phenomenal. First ride was smoother and faster than my '95 Cannondale F500. The bike actually climbs better...especially over steep technical and rooty sections (no spin out). This is my first cross-over to full suspension bikes and, assuming nothing else changes, I will probably not go back. The Mantra is very responsive to a seated rider but I noticed no loss of power when standing either. I'll add more later when I have had the opportunity to ride this bike 200-300 miles. Nevertheless, my first ride involved a very hilly and fast single-track and the bike negotiated as close to perfection as one could imagine. NO REGRETS!!!
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Submitted by Mantra Race Rider a cross-country rider from USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999
Bottom Line:	To Paul below....Review the bike, not your FOX shock. Fox has its own page. Surprise...bike parts require maintenence, this is not Klein's fault! Get a grip. Also, this page is for the 99 model, which has acompletely different rear shock Vanilla float R.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Paul a cross-country rider from North Jersey Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999
Bottom Line:	I used to love the bike. Now I am not so sure. I've got an Fox Alps on my Klein Mantra. I have ridden about one season and the shock still works but some oil is coating the cylinder each time it cycles (yes I run a lizard skin and keep it clean). Fox tells me that they need to re-build it. It seems the seals are in need of changing. This will cost $80.00 Since I heard that New shocks are about $250 I asked about buying the latest model. I hoped that the seals were improved. Not only will Fox not sell you a new version, they will not sell you a new unit to back-up the one you already own! Re-builds Only!!! What a freakin racket. They get to soak me for $80 every year. I spent $$ for my bike. I can't beleive their policy... it sucks. If the shocks on your car needed to be re-built every 8 months no-one would stand for it. They tell me that the Klein manual says that the shock needs service every 200 hours. Who the heck reads the manual BEFORE they own a bike?? If you want to have your bike down every single year while you send Fox 80 to 100 bucks then the shock works fine. Me, I'm angry
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Rick a cross-country rider from Pasadena Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999
Bottom Line:	After what seemed like an eternal wait, my bike arrived and I just built this bike (Large) up a few hours ago. This bike is a work of art! Swapped out the wheels for Bontrager Race Lites and exchanged the XT brakes for XTR's. Also swapped out the striaght bar for a Riser...Bontrager Crow Bar . Weighs in at 25.5 lbs! What impresses me most is the ride quality. The bike is signficantly beter balanced than last years model...probably due to a slightly longer wheelbase and minor change in front fork geomerty. The bike is not quite as twitchy as the 98. The large frame is actually a large and fits better that the 98 did. The rear suspension also feels a bit more compliant. The Carbon top tube and gradient rear triangle are beautifully matched, and the graphics are killer. The thing looks like a stealth bomber on wheels. With a lighter front fork and full XTR group, this bike could easily be in the 23-24 lbs range. I'll post again after logging some miles, but initial impresison lead me to highly reccomend this bike if you are looking for a light weight XC full sus ride!
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Tall Drink a weekend warrior from San Diego Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999
Bottom Line:	This is the last update for a while I promise! The honeymoon ended yesterday. My wife told me I can't keep the bike in the living room anymore so there is no need to just take sissy rides so the bike doesn't get dirty. I took it out in some of the ugly El Nino washouts from last winter and rode through the rocky rivereds and down some of the steep rocky trails close to my house. The bike amazed me how well it absorbed the nasty stuff. The MC2 headset/stem has got to be the most rigid steering system out there, it just ignored the rocks and tracked true. I found myself sitting much more than I ever have before and over much worse terrain. With the softer rear suspension, the bike bobs more out of the saddle than last year's model but not at all when seated. There was considerably less chain slap than I experienced before, probably due to the plushness of the suspension. One thing I noticed, maybe because the chain slap noise is gone, is that the frame makes a funny hollow sound when shocks are transmitted to it. I'm sure it has to do with resonance in the carbon fiber main tube. Going downhill is significantly less dramatic than on last year's bike but the bike is still not a downhiller by any means. The suspension compliance along with the new geometry helps a lot in this area. I tried the stupid fork lockout a couple of times and can find absolutely no need for it, I guess it doesn't hurt anything just being there.Just one note on the brakes. I substituted Avid Arch Rivals for the XT's when I could squeeze the levers almost all the way to the bars and watch the XT arms deflect. Had Avid 10's on last year's bike and loved them. The Rivals are way better. Super powerful, minimal flex. With a booster you could crush the rims.I only met 3 other riders on the trail yesterday and two of them stopped me to look at the bike. Don't buy one if you want to go unnoticed and mind your own business. It just won't happen for a while.To say that I'm a happy camper is an understatement. 5 steamers for improving a bike that I thought was great last year.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Tall Drink a weekend warrior from San Diego Date Reviewed: January 28, 1999
Bottom Line:	I have received my bike since the last review and I must say that it was worth the wait. It is the most awesome looking bike I have ever seen. I'm too tall for the '98 large Mantra I used to have but the XL fits me perfectly after I put on my old riser bar. The stem is a 135 mm which would have been too long on the old bike but feels much better on this one as far as the OTB situation goes. I may still trade for a 120 mm when they become available in about a month (takes a 1 5/16 for the large steer tube) but I havn't made a decision yet. The air shock felt a little squishy at first but you get used to it abd the suspension action is awesome. Pedaling in big gears used to cause some bobbing in the rear shock but even though the suspension feels much more compliant, I do not feel the bob this year. Must have something to do with the change in geometry. Subtle change but effective. May also have to do with the fact that the bike fits me instead of being too small. The front fork is a nice improvement over the Spyder R on last year's Mantra although it add significant weight. Speaking of weight, I was surprised that the bike weighed just under 27 lbs on the same scale my old Mantra (black model) weighed 28 lbs. I really expected the carbon frame, new rear triangle and upgraded components to get the weight down around 25 lbs! My scale weighed the bike exactly the same as the scale at the LBS.The bike came with XT cranks vs the Bontrager Race that all the pictures showed. They shift nice but probably add a fair amunt of weight and are not very stiff at all. With the pedal at the bottom of the stroke, I can apply downward pressure and watch the curve in the arm change shape. Pretty disappointing in a bike that is as stiff as the Mantra.Al in all, I love the bike and it was definitely worth the wait.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Tall Drink a cross-country rider from San Diego Date Reviewed: December 9, 1998
Bottom Line:	Since paying cash for the bike in the middle of October, one would think that I would be giving the bike rave reviews by now. However, the delivery date continues to be pushed out from the original mid November to the the latest promise at the end of December. I'm giving Klein ZERO chillies for delivery performance until they get off their butts and ship my bike! I sold my '98 Mantra and have had nothing to ride during the nicest riding weather of the year.
Overall Rating:

Submitted by Dave G a downhiller from Anchorage Alaska Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998
Bottom Line:	Mantra Race is SWANK. Sub 5 pound frame, Sweet components, eficient suspention. It also has the best paintjob out of all the mantras. It is the best deal in full sespention for 99.
Overall Rating:

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