Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004
Strengths: Geometry, laterally stiff and light frame. Perfect fit for me.
Weaknesses: I'd be stretching to find any for the price I paid.
Bottom Line:
I call this an all-day XC bike. Not extreme travel, but light and stiff for great energy transfer. I ride a lot of high desert stuff and technical singletrack, where this bike excels. No big drops or downhilling, but lots of elevation gain/loss, narrow twisties, and a healthy dose of roots and rocks thrown in. Wish I had discs, but maybe in time. Right now this bike feels like a 27 lb bedroon slipper, and will keep me happy for some time to come.
Note I bought it from a guy who wanted a more aggro bike (ended with a Heckler). Don't mistake this XC specialty machine with a freerider - they don't mix.
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Ketchum, ID
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2003
Strengths: Solid frame. Balanced at any speed & on any surface. Nimble. Lite. Responsive.
Weaknesses: None that I am aware of.
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't trade this bike for any other. If you point it and can hang on, it will take you there and back. The gears have never missed thru all 27 on a day's ride. What's not to like. My only fear is that someone will steal it and I'll have to settle for "something else." Im giving it 5 Chilis for both ratings. Bike Line of Wilmington (Del) is an excellent store too. I'd buy another bike there in a heartbeat.
Similar Products Used: Sugar 2, Fuel 90, Specialized, Rocky Mtn.
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
Tyler Stimely
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003
Strengths: The guy I bought this bike from said it best: "the bike climbs like a billy goat on crank!" The adept grabs onto steeps and allows you to crank right up...no pedal bob in sight.
The bike is just as good decscending. Control is solid through turns and the 4 inches of suspension is just enough to take on thick rock gardens.
Weaknesses: The top tube was a bit short for my taste, but that was easily solved with the combination of a set-back seatpost and a longer stem. Also, the bottom bracket loses a lot of clearance due to suspension sag, so I find myself tapping obstacles more often than I would like.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a solid cross-country platform. I highly recommend it to anyone who is weary of making the switch from hardtail to full suspension; it will change minds. The bike sticks to the uphill steeps and holds its own going back down, just watch clearance over obstacles, the bottom bracket is slightly low.
Purchased At: From a friend (*just bought frame and fork)
Bike Setup: LX drivetrain with a Truvativ stylo crankset and bb, Avid mech discs, SUN Single Track disc specific rims, Time ATAC alium petals, and a 2003 Marzocchi Marathon S
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Submitted by
Devyn Pelley
a Downhiller
from Marietta GA USA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002
Strengths: Fast as hell at acceleration and decending. Hayes ahhh i love em. Then XT/LX drive train works well.
Weaknesses: Bottom Bracket height and had a weak linkage that had to be warenteed but the warentee doesn't cover labor. GAY!
Submitted by
casey
a Weekend Warrior
from st.louis
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2002
Strengths: Great climber. Quick steering. Awesome frame.
Weaknesses: I was a little disappointed with the lower end bontrager cpomponents. Since I was mainly interested in the frame I replaced most of the components anyway.
Bottom Line:
I can climb like a damn monkey on crank with this bike!!! I've put a lot of miles(and crashes) on this bike and its held up great. I'd highly recommend at least test riding one. I wish they would put some better components on the bike though.
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001
Strengths: Extremely fast climber, geometry of top tube makes it more maneuverable in technical conditions, clean welds and awesome paint job, component upgrades are not a worthless endeavor on this frame set, it only gets better. This frame is for the weight freak in all of us. The less weight the better.
Weaknesses: In 2001 the tubeless rolf wheel set up did not seal well and the dealer had to supply you with free after market rim strips and presta valve assemblies. Avid digit 3 v-brakes have to go right away, Klein should stick to the LX/XT plan all the way which doesn't go without saying that the bontrager cranks and sram rear cog set need not be there either.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Anyone looking for a great time on local trails should check this one out. Remember Kleins are nimble creatures for those who can land a jump smoothly and navigate technical terraine both on and off the seat. If you are someone who likes to sit in the saddle and drive the bike into the ground all day, don't waste your time on this one. This frame begs for you to manipulate it and do your part on the trail in order too optimize its full potential.
Similar Products Used: My other Kleins have all been hard tails so I am new to the full suspension scene and love it.
Bike Setup: Easton EA-50 monkey bar and stem, Chris king no-thread head set, Yeti ODI Lock on grips, XTR V-brakes and Rapid rise (R) deraileur, XT Cranks and (R) Cog set, LX (F) Deraileur and Rapid fire mega 9 brake lever combo.
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Submitted by
RICK
a Cross Country Rider
from JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001
Strengths: LIGHT WEIGHT,DISC BRAKES,FIRM BUT BALANCED SUSPENSION,RAILS CORNERS,LOOKS FANTASTIC,STIFF,FITS LIKE A GLOVE,FRAME MANUFACTURING IS PURE ART,WELL THOUGHT OUT REAR PIVOT DESIGN
Weaknesses: FOR THE PRICE , BETTER COMPONENTRY SHOULD BE SPEC'D.
Bottom Line:
THIS IS A CLASS BIKE THAT WILL GIVE ME MANY YEARS OF FUN OFFROAD RIDING WITH MY SON AND FRIENTS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE A PLEASURE TO OWN. IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO BUY A KLEIN ADEPT, AND ARE THE TYPE OF RIDER WHO RESPECTS AND ADMIRES A QUALITY MACHINE, I CAN TRULY RECOMEND THIS BIKE.
Bike Setup: EASTON MONKEY LITE RISERS,XTR CRANK,BB,CASETTE,R-DERAILER,
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Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from East TN
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001
Strengths: Stiff, climbs like a mtn goat on crack! Paint and welds are the schznict.
Weaknesses: BB a little low, UST compatible rims are problematic.
Bottom Line:
Wasn't sure if I would find a dualie I liked as much as my 97 Attitude, but I did. Debated a long time before putting down money, the Klein is definitley worth the difference in price. I'm making climbs that I used to have to dab on and just grinnin at the top. Reminds me of the DBR Vlink I had(RIP) but much better suspension quality and range of adjustment. If you're not a free-ride, big hit, know the the EMT's by first name kind'a rider, this is the dualie for you. Prolly not for weight weinies, it's light but not stupid light. Had a problem w/ air leaking around the spokes of the front UST rim, working on a fix. 4 chili's for value(had to give alot of plasma)5 for overall, best bike I've owned.
Bike Setup: Stock, mix of lx/xt, "The Tick" mojo for karma
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Submitted by
Dale Hewitt
a Cross Country Rider
from Hood River
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Strengths: Super stiff responsive frame. Geometry is like a refined Sugar, not quite so "genesis" but longer top tube than most.
Weaknesses: Bontrager cranks.
Bottom Line:
First ride I cleaned (very easily, it felt like I was cheating) technical climbs I've always had trouble with on my Rascal. Short chain stays, long top tube, quick steering make this thing a climbing and single track demon, it's un-real. Where this bike really shines though is in the 15-20mph tight technical single track. It whittles! Bike will rail through tight corners, stomp the pedals 2-3 revs setting up for the next little delight and this thing just leaps. Unreal how responsive it is. Tried the Sugar's (they were nice), the Treks, FSR XC, this thing just feels better and is more responsive all the way around. You pay a premium but you get one of the best frames out there and that in the end is the make or break deal. I was a little skeptical about the Rolf Dolomites at first but the actually feel stiffer laterally than my 32 spoke Mavics. I'm 175 and am totaly digging the Rolfs. 2.75" rear travel is plenty, allows you great feel for the trail and takes the edge off the hits. Hayes Hydros are awesome, if you haven't tried them they are a huge advantage in power, modulation and reduced fatigue on long fast technical descents. This bike is just head and shoulders above the Fuels and Sugars in ride quality,, they were nice, this is just better. Since I got a good year end deal, 5 flamers for value, I just about went with the Sugar since I couldn't see 2599.00 retail for the Adept Race Disc, you get the best frame out there but the Bontrager will leave you wanting at 1899.00 though - SOLD!!!
Similar Products Used: SC SL, Titus Racer X, Trek Fuel, GF Sugar, FSR XC
Bike Setup: Stock Adepts Race Disc. Hayes Hydros.
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Submitted by
Dino
a Cross Country Rider
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Strengths: Awesome handling bike! This thing zips around corners. Rides just like a hardtail. Light weight and stiff frame. No bobbing/diving while climbing which makes it a great climber. The frame is the product.
Weaknesses: Bottom bracket is real low. Previous bike is/was a '97 Mantra. I was used to plowing over rocks and roots. First ride on the Adept was an experience in re-learning a trail I've ridden for years. Not really a weakness tho.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! I rode on moderate trails and first noticed the awesome consistent stopping power of disc brakes. Next was the quick response of the frame with very little frame flex. Great climbing machine compared to my Mantra. You lose the Barcolounger feel of the Mantra but pick up the response in cornering and climbing. This thing flies downhill too! On the technical trails, I noticed the low bottom bracket. My only problem was hitting rocks and roots with my pedals going uphill. This will take time to adjust to as I was used to barreling over these same obstacles on my Mantra. Just a small riding style change. If you want a great XC bike, this is it. The strengths of a hardtail combined with the strengths of a full suspension.
Similar Products Used: Mantra Race, Sugar, FSR, Homegrown
Bike Setup: Spec'd Adept Race w/Disc brakes. Upgrade as needed.
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Submitted by
DD
a Cross Country Rider
from Syracuse
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001
Strengths: Very light, very responsive, very rigid, very fast, awesome paint job I have never had a bike turn more heads.
Weaknesses: Too stiff for some applications desires, the frame is so pretty I cringe when riding through rocks.
Bottom Line:
Okay, here's the deal. I had a fuel 90 disc. it broke, I kept the components, and trek sent me a fuel 100. It cracked (I'm really big and ride alot)so they sent me a Klein adept ( I could have had race or pro, they had a race so considering there isn't any difference except for shock I took it). By the way, Trek was incredible in turn around on these. I love the bike but the fuel did fit me better. I am 6'6" and the klein is a little short in the top tube but otherwise it is a very fast ride. The fuels I had were incredible fits and over really rough terrain they were much faster, you could blow through rocky sections whereas the klein throws me a little no matter how I have it set up. I honestly think the fuel is a better ride in that sense, and it has better traction on fast technical stuff. but for someone who wants to race and doesn't ride really technical rocky trails the klein is the best choice. The bottom bracket is a little low, almost to the point of annoyance, but you can get over that. I as well wish that any division of trek would build a respectable freeride bike, and this certainly isn't it. Very fast, very stiff, the klein is probably the perfect meld between fs and hardtail. The sugar could be more of a freeride and I hope Gary Fisher comes up with something. Bottom line: Klein is the fastest, stiffest fs xcountry bike on the market, and a killer paint job to boot.
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel 90 and 100. Sugar (test ride)
Bike Setup: Hayes disc, Rolf dolomite disc specific wheels, bontrager bontrager bontrager, xt/lx, tim atac
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Submitted by
Guero
a Cross Country Rider
from Orting, Wa, USA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Strengths: Great handling bike! Rides just like a hardtail, but climbs better, downhills better, feels better. Light weight. Stiff frame. No bobbing/diving while climbing
Weaknesses: Klein's paint just aint what it used to be.... Spec'd a little cheaply... lx? have your bike shop upgrade to xt/xtr for a few extra dollars
Bottom Line:
I like this bike more with each ride. I have about 300 trail miles on it so far and i always finish my ride wanting more. Very quick and precise handling. unbelievable climbing (on loose, super steep stuff) and really fun downhilling. It is obviously not a dh bike though, with only 2.75" rear travel. I have been a hardtail purist forever, and i was very nervous about entering the fs world. Now, i will never go back. My main concern was the unwanted mushy feel while climbing and sprinting, but i swear this bike is quicker and a better climber than my hardtail (also a Klein). Go buy this bike if you are looking for fs/xc ride that will put the grins back into biking.
Bike Setup: stock except for xtr upgrades already mentioned. king hubs with bontrager ceramic rims. zoom adjustable stem. panaracer fire tires.
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Submitted by
Bob Wu
a Weekend Warrior
from Hoboken, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Strengths: The frame is the backbone for any bike. Attention to details, not only the excellent paint job and welding, but how clean the bike looks, Klein runs cables through its top tube. The stiffness of the bike makes it ride like a hardtail, minimal lateral flex as well as minimal bobbing when pedaling. This bike looks and rides better than a Sugar. We have to give Mr. Fisher some credit though. The rear suspension was 'Borrowed' from the Sugar, but Mr. Klein X-frame is stiffer, which gives the bike more speed and power.
Weaknesses: The stocked parts could be better for a highend bike. Should come stocked with XT shifters, XT/XTR front and rear derailers. Otherwise, this bike kicks ass.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a keeper! The frame is just amazing. You can't beat the attention to details on this bike. Some of the parts could be better, but you could always upgrade when they wear out on you. You are paying extra for the frame, and it's well worth the extra cash. This bike screams! Not to mention that it's a head turner when this baby is on my Yakima rack cruising down an expressway. 5 flames, baby! You won't be disappointed with this bike.
Similar Products Used: Test drove Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Trek Fuel 90 and Specialized S-Works FSR XC. Too much bobbing on the Specialized. Klein is the best of the bunch.
Bike Setup: Upgraded to Hayes Disc brakes and Shimano XT shifters.
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Submitted by
Mossy
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001
Strengths: Fantastic XC ride quality, quick handling, stiff, beautiful frame workmanship and paint. SX-R fork has been a pleasant surprise.
Weaknesses: For the money, component spec could be better. Ive had a few minor quibbles with the Dolomite wheelset and Bontrager crank, but overall, its a solid if not fancy selection
Bottom Line:
The current trend seems to be that an all-around "trailbike" needs at least 4 inches of travel front and rear. Maybe in some places, but where I ride, the Adept is perfect. The X-Frame design really stiffens up the front end. If you already love a Klein hardtail, this is a perfect complement. Handles just as well, descends (and probably climbs) even better than my HT.
That said, Im not sure I would have bought this bike if I didnt get it for $1400 out the door, including upgrades. $2000 seems a bit much, but Kleins have always required a premium. The paint was scratched at a trade show -- no biggie.
I was probably going with the Fuel 98, but Im so glad this deal came up. The frame is the one part you'll never upgrade, and thats where this bike rocks!
One warning to prospective buyers. The Rolf wheelset is pretty nice, but the skewers are terrible. I thought my freehub was creaking, but it turned out the skewer wasnt tightened down enough. It takes a TON of handpressure to get it fully closed (there is a hard stop, eventually).
Overall, these are minor quibbles. If you can afford the cost of entry, and love the way Kleins handle, you will not be disappointed.
Submitted by
Richard B
a Cross Country Rider
from Bridgetown, Barbados
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Strengths: Paint Job, No bob, smooth ride, great climber
Weaknesses: could come with better parts for the money lx parts should be at least xt. Paint chips easily.
Bottom Line:
I came from a hard tail and was worried about the bob, however there has been none. This is a great bike with a fantastic ride, I am extremely pleased and would recomend it to anyone interested in a XC bike (which is what I wanted). However this is not a free ride bike.
