Submitted by
sluderp
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle,WA,USA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2008
Strengths: Bike still rocks after 8 years of riding!! I looked at Intense,Santa Cruz,etc and read all the hype (VPP) but cant part with my Mantra. No mechanical problems ever.
Weaknesses: There are alot of lighter bikes out there now. Bike is considered heavy today. Need to upgrade components to get the weight down.
Bottom Line:
The bike is a classic and still performs at the level of new bikes in it's class with some upgrades. Definetly not a big hit insane downhill bike. Great epic,all mountain bike.
Similar Products Used: None.No reason to use a different product.
Bike Setup: upgraded components: Fox forx RLT,Mavic crosstrail wheelset,XT cranks,SLX shifters,XT V brakes(no disc available anymore),Kenda tires.
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Submitted by
Pete
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003
Strengths: Very responsive bike, Great for technical trails, reliable performance
Weaknesses: Handlebars sit a bit low for a large rider (6"3", 215lbs, Large frame) such as myself making it less forgiving riding off drop-offs. Slight bobbing from rear shock.
Bottom Line:
Overall great bike. I am thinking of upgrading the rear shock to the new 5th element(best shock on the market) to decrease bobbing. I have considered upgrading to the Palomino but am upgrading the components of my Mantra instead.
Bike Setup: All currently stock. Rishi Race Black/Red paint.
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Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Georgia USA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Strengths: Great feel for the trail...climbs as fast as it descends. I haven't experienced the 'weak' frame problems like the ~200 pounders (I'm not far behind at ~180), but I think it's all relative to how you ride. I've only bent 1 hanger, so overall I've been VERY pleased! Oh yeah, you like like a bada$$ riding it too!
Weaknesses: Components suck bigtime...ESPECIALLY the wheelset. Slap some stronger rims with Smoke/Dart kevlars and you're flyin'. The bontrager clipless pedals are a joke too...grab some egg beaters!
Bottom Line:
It's the 300Z of mountain bikes-I feel like I'm in my own little club with my kick-butt bike tearin' up the trail (figuratively, of course).
If you love to ride (and I mean on trails, not on the sidewalk)...grab one...grab two even. I'm never letting go of mine, so good luck finding one! If you're not that serious, you may find that you can only ride for a little while before your lower back starts screaming-it's not a beach cruiser!
Advice - I went for the Black/Red mantra b/c it's a much better paint job than that sissy blue and white comp...but...TAKE THE BONTRAGER JUNK OFF!
Bike Setup: Smoke/Dart/Sun RhinoLite rims w/XT Disc hubs Avid CPS Disc brakes. Removed almost all of the Bontrager junk (except the crankset, but it's time is nigh!) and replaced them with quality parts. Flite Titanium seat and cordless TARGA cyclometer.
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Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Strengths: Good rear suspension travel, great uphill rider, excellent looking bike, light weight, setup for disc brake upgrades in the future.
Weaknesses: Some average components but my components have worked flawlessly to date. I found the handle bars too low and away causing me to have to bend over too far which was strenuous on the back for long trips but probably fine for those serious riders. I changed the stem for one with a steeper angle bringing the bar closer and higher up - A riser bar would also help cure this. My rear air shock is starting to make some "squishy" noises but I assume this due to wear - only noticeable when it really compresses
Bottom Line:
I can from a no-suspension bike (Norco Bigfoot) to this and there is absolutely no comparison. The Mantra is much lighter than my old bike and has full suspension! I find it much easier riding up hill on this bike vs. my old one and I can absolutely fly on fast downhill sections that would loosen my fillings on my old bike - I look forward to these trails now vs. hanging on for dear life trying to keep up. I tried out several bikes before purchasing the Mantra but I chose this one due to its rear suspension feel (great going uphill and lots of travel for fast downhills that are bumpy). I also think this bike is better suited for large folks like myself (~200 lbs). I also love the simple looks of this bike and it get lots of compliments on the trail. If you are lucky enough to find a used one of these I would definitely recommend it if it is still in good condition.
Favorite Trail: Forest Park (West Hills of Portland)
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At: River City Bikes, Portland, OR
Similar Products Used: Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Trek
Bike Setup: Fully stock except for different stem with steeper angle. XL frame size.
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Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from NC, USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002
Strengths: Lots of strengths - 1. Great Frame, one of the best designed and best built ever, 2. Has Great Travel, 5-6 inches, 3. Gets killer looks on the trail, 4. If built right it will work like a dream, 5. No other product like it, 6. Performs like a lightweight xc or a killer big travel freeride.
Weaknesses: 1. Shifting, due to the single pivot design - when the frame shock compresses it throws the shifting off drastically (ghost shifting), this becomes a real pain in the ass and makes me want to ride my hardtail, this is the only problem i have discovered but it really sucks, Mountain Bike Magazine said to lenghthen the rear cable and housing that attaches to the rear derailleur, i have tryed this and it didn't work for me, i need help - if you know how to fix please e-mail me
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, wouldn't trade it for the world, it is a thing of beauty, but it is nice to have a spare bike due to the shifting problem, i would definitly recommend buying one of these if you can find one, it is probably one of the best if not the best full-suspension frames made thus far in the innovation of f.s. frames
Strengths: This is the best climbing full suspension bike on the market. All components work well together, but they are a little cheap if you are forced to pay the full price
Weaknesses: none. If anything maybe the level of the components, but they still work well.
Bottom Line:
If you can still find one of these bikes buy it!!! This is one of the fastest and most comfortable bikes you can buy. I have ridden a lot of different fully suspended bikes and none of the climb as well as the Mantra. Even though I have the lockout on my rear shock you really don't need it. I rarely use it and I race every weekend. This bike is perfect for ahyone who loves a good fast ride, but might be a little too much for a beginner. 5 Flaming turds for this bike.
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel, Trek Stp, Cannondale Raven, Schwinn Homegrown Pro
Bike Setup: Full XTR, Fox Float fork with lockout, Fox Float Rl rear shock with lockout,
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Submitted by
Boudreaux
a Weekend Warrior
from North Carolina, USA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002
Strengths: Totally Awesome Bike!!!! Looks great, with this bike you will get all kinds of looks on the trail. It is kind of rare and hard to find one of these beasts. It has the weight and speed of a cross-country bike with the strength and travel of a free-ride setup.
Weaknesses: Components. I didn't like the LX components. Didn't like the stock wheels or tires. None really though, great bike.
Bottom Line:
Totally Awesome Bike, wouldn't trade or sell for the world. Completely awesome if you can get past the LX components and wheel/tire combo. If you can find one buy it fast. Its totally worth every penny.
Favorite Trail: Anything with dirt, climbs and descents
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$670.00
Purchased At: Private Sale
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Team Saeco Hardtail - Great Bike
Bike Setup: Complete Custom Setup - Cost an extra $1500, but well worth it for this bad ass frame. Shifters - Shimano XT Rapidfire Front Derailleur - Shimano LX Rear Derailleur - Shimano XTR Rapidrise - Awesome Crankset - Shimano XT Hollowtech, Octalink - Lighter than XTR Cassette - Shimano XT - Better than XTR due to gearing Brake Levers - Shimano XT Cables - Shifters - Gore-Tex/Fibre Optic Brakes - Gore-Tex Handlebar - Titec Hellbent Stem - Azonic Brakes - Shimano Deore Mechanical Disc - Heavy, Not very good but cheap for the money and who needs brakes anyway Pedals - Time Atac Carbon Rims - Mavic Tubeless - Awesome Hubs - Formula Disc Tires - Hutchinson Pythons
Strengths: The bike is very responsive, quick to negotiate the roots, rocks, holes, and misc. when you are all out. The travel in the suspension makes for a great ride.
Weaknesses: The rear triangle broke at the rear axle. Klien fixed it, but it took them 6 weeks to respond. The angle of the front fork is quite verticle, which gives it the quick response, this combined with the Manitou fork makes the bike very quick to pull the rear wheel into the air when going over logs, dropping into holes, or steep decents. I broke a pedal within 30 days of owning the bike,(they replace it), The rear derailer hanger bends very easily and I need to keep a stock pile of hangers, due to the lead time of a couple of weeks to get a new one.
Bottom Line:
I ride hard, I weight 200 lbs. I like the bike. The bike is aggressively responsive and is not designed for the casual rider. A taller front fork would be a benefit to the geometry.
Strengths: Agile responsive climber,Good looks,plush ride.Rear has plenty of travel.Very strong frame,can take my 240 lb with ease.
Weaknesses: Steep descents can be very very scary till you get used to it.Stock revolt tires lack traction.Front derailuer needs lots of adjustments.
Bottom Line:
This is my second FS bike the last one being an entry level bike.There is a definite learning curve with this bike and unless you spend some time on it , a test drive wont tell you crap about it.Getting over the steep head angle takes time and a few endos.But when you get dialed into the ride its unbelievable. It will take you through tecnical rocky sections with ease, the rear stays in contact with the ground always .Making climbing super easy. Its as if it wants to climb all by itself. Being a Clyde I have set this bike up with the Stiffest spring in the Manitou SX forks and run the Fox R at 350 lb's. The Hayes give excellant stopping power. I love this bike and it has improved my riding skills in technical areas and descents. And contrary to what one guy said this bike is NOT a Trek. It is 100% KLein,with all the Klein quality you expect. Sadly you will only get this bike used in the future as its design has been dropped ,not because of bad geometry but because of competing popular designs.Hence the Adept. Which may be my next bike, as I am sold on Klein.Yes you pay more for the name, but the quality is unmatched. This is not a DH bike,more like of an all around bike. Great for the long rides.
Bike Setup: stock except for Time atac pedals,Hayes hydro disc,Mavic223 disc rims,Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires,Bontrager FS 2000 Saddle,XL frame,bar ends
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Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Strengths: Lite weight for a xc full suspension bike, built quality and unique design.
Weaknesses: Racing downhill... trees up ahead, turning to avoid unnecessary confrontation, soft breaking applied, rear tire went sliding but not locked up, turned a little more, both tires not respond to the direction I was pointing, found myself traveling sideways for about 3 seconds then... "BAM!"
CONCLUSION: The stock tires ((F) Bontrager Super-X 49/48 & (R) Bontrager Super-X 47/46) are fast but has absolutely no grip, I might as well use slicks.
Bottom Line:
Its been a year now, I still love my Mantra. I looked around and still have not found a bike that's more appealing to me (the Trek STP soft-tails came in close, I know, I know, its a totally different ride). Dispite its lite weight, I continued my research on better parts with less weight. As a result, I decided to hold off on any purchases, wear the stock components down a little more, and change all the components to xtr (or what ever Shimano has to surprise us in the next year or two) at a later date.
Bike Setup: Change: tires (IRC Mythos XC) Addition: bar ends (Bontrager)
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Submitted by
Haze
a Cross Country Rider
from A2, Mi. USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001
Strengths: Strong frame. lightweight, and comes in an XL frame
Weaknesses: none, but cheaper bikes will copy klein's designs
Bottom Line:
not an entry level bike, but it suits my needs just perfectly, I found a '99 model brand new but has a few scratches on it, store owner claimed it was shipped from klein that way, which I find damn hard to believe...but if the price was right, I'd buy it, upgrade the components and keep my GF off of it!
Similar Products Used: this is my 2nd bike..I upgraded from a Trek 4500 which I outgrew in about 1.5 months, I knew I wanted a FS bike and happened to come across one in a local store. the frame design is distinctive, and more peole stare at this bike..:)
Bike Setup: stock for now, I pumped up the rear shock and dialed up the pre-load on the manitou sx fork to almost max to diminish any bob on long climbs. I'll upgrade components & wheels next year and keep rollin'...it works great on trails or concrete. much more comfortable than my hardtail. '01 mantras paint scheme looks lame.
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Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashua, NH, USA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Strengths: -Smooth and and responsive on flat single track -Climbs great as long as you are seated in the saddle -Solid spec of components for the money -Not too much pedal bob while climbing
Weaknesses: -Bobs alot on downhill with stock Fox Float and Manitou SX -Semi-Slick tires do not hold well at all while cornering or climbing -Sucks at climbing when you stand up on the bike, you get pedal bob like theres no tommorrow -Bontrager RE-1 pedals, use Time ATAC -You pay more for the Klein name and frame and thus recieve lower end components than on a comparably priced bike.
Bottom Line:
An extremely smooth ride that climbs great(while in the seat) and with a suspension design that eliminates most of the bob that plagues other FS designs.
I would suggest paying the extra money for the comp version to get the higher end components, this allows you to control dampening on the suspension and gives you a smoother lighter weight drivetrain.
Change out the tires and the pedals and this is a great comfortable agile ride. Too bad Klein discontinued this line in favor of the Adept series. I suspect they will be back next year.
Favorite Trail: Catamount Hill, Bear Brook State Park
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At: LBS
Similar Products Used: First real FS
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Tunkhannock, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001
Strengths: Frame design, weight, looks. As most said, Climbs awesome. Almost, if not better than my old, quality hardtail(during climbing).
Weaknesses: A riser bar would be a plus.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I tested several FS bikes. This was by far the best for the money.(the Jamis a close 2nd) It's light. The frame design is pretty simple and it rides like a hardtail if you want it to (by airing up the rear shock). In my opinion a riser bar helps alot. The stock bar makes me feel like endoing over the bars. The components are run of the mill, but work great. I had to install a stiffer elastomer in the front fork because of my weight. Overall I am very pleased. This bike does it all for me from the technical to the pavement. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go FS, but this bike made the decision for me. Great bike.
Strengths: Plush ride, excellent climber, smooth drivetrain. Looks soo sweet. You'll sacrifice the body to save the bike.
Weaknesses: Pedals were hard to get the right hold vs release. Swapped with old Richey's I was use to. Either I couldn't get out of them or would "bounce" out of them going over large log ramps. Probably just needed to be "broke in."
Bottom Line:
I switched from a 99 Rockhopper FS. No comparison, I climb better, negotiate obstacles with eaze, and my chode isn't sore afterwards. I had no problems transitioning from my hardtail to this bike. I don't want to stop riding but my cold winter muscles start screaming at me after 3 hours. FYI this was the last base Mantra in OR, ID and WA. I called all but about 4 shops listed on Klien's site. Grab one quick if want a new one. A few comps floating around though. Last years inventory is almost dry. Paying 1K new made this a steal.
Bike Setup: Stock except pedals. Medium frame and I'm 73" tall.
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Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from Commerce, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Strengths: Best looking bike on the market, Fit & finish is perfect, great rear suspension.
Weaknesses: I might try a riser bar, it does seem a little endo-prone on steep downhills
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It has made me a much better rider. The rear suspension has this ability to only be there when you need it, and never bobs on the flats. It is very light and agile - the handling is almost instinctive, it's a hell of a step up from my costco Mongoose. I guess this model is getting hard to come by, so snap one up if you can, as the 2001 model is butt ugly.
The shop that I run just had a customer purchase a couple of high-end bikes (a Superfly 100 and a Cannondale Quick 1) and bring two bikes in for a "trade"... a Klein Mantra and a C Read More »
2000 Mantra Comp been stored inside for 8 years. Ridden hard for 2 years, everything is original and functioning. I have a 2001 Klein Attitude and love the thing, but I might buy t Read More »
2000 Mantra Comp been stored inside for 8 years listed on craigslist. Ridden hard for 2 years, everything is original and functioning. I have a 2001 Klein Attitude and love the thi Read More »
