Similar Products Used: none, i have a schwinn, homegrown an have never liked it much. but i have not ever just got on a bike and loved it right away.
Bike Setup: xt,xtr
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Submitted by
Charlene
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, MD
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002
Strengths: Quality construction and finish, geometry, handling
Weaknesses: original SX-R fork
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic handling, fast hardtail that climbs effortlessly. After 3 years it has held up great and I've had no problems with it.
I recently replaced the stock Manitou SX-R fork (why did I wait so long?) with an '02 Mars Elite. What a difference! The bike handles just as great, it's as nimble as before, but about a pound and a half lighter and even quicker.
I e-mailed Klein about what to do to use a fork with a 11/8" steerer. They recommended contacting Reset Racing, a German engineering firm, (www.reset-racing.de or e-mail at info@reset-racing.de) that makes replacements for the proprietary Klein integrated headset, an exact component-for-component match except that these components are machined for a 11/8" steerers (instead of the 11/4" steerer of the original).
Dealing with Reset was great - the new headset arrived promptly. The cost was about $ 100 for the new headset and an adapter that allows use of the original Klein stem (not required). My husband and I do all our own work on our bikes. I love this almost as much as riding, so I was a little disappointed that Klein specific tools were requires to remove the original headset and install the new one. I ended up having this done at Mt. Airy Cycle and Fitness in Mt. Airy, MD.
Steven Hoover, the mechanic at Mt. Airy, did the work and was impressed with the quality of the Reset headset. I've been riding the new set-up for several months now and I'm very pleased with the purchase. The German replacement headset, which is pressed into the head tube, is just as smooth as the original Klein MC3 Airheadset.
I would recommend this upgrade to anyone with a 2000 or earlier Klein with the large headtube. Putting a light cross country fork on this bike has truly made it an awesome performer.
Bike Setup: '02 Mars Elite fork, all XTR drivetrain, Avid Arch Supreme brakes, Avid ultimate levers, Racelite wheels with King hubs, Terry Fly saddle
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Submitted by
James
a Racer
from Ottawa, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001
Strengths: Two years since my last review and the bike still makes me smile every time I jump on it. This thing is far faster than I am!
Weaknesses: Expense to replace stock SX-R. I can get good deals through the LBS but I would have to special order a fork from Klein to fit the headset.
Bottom Line:
I'm a light rider (140lb's) so a light bike is a must, this is it. Just ridding it back to back with my Attitude Race demonstrates the huge difference in the position of the CofG. The Adroit just flys. It is a shame Klein don't equip a bike like this any more. In fact for 2002 the Adriot is gone, no more super adjustment/maintenance free airheadset. The Race lights are back but no Chris King hubs in sight. In conclusion, those of us lucky enough to have the 1999 Adroit most likely won't be giving them up in a hurry! PS: I figure a 2 year gap should allow me to make another post.
Similar Products Used: 1999 Attitude Race (owned) F1000, Every Rocky Mountain, Every Trek, Klein..... (Worked at LBS)
Bike Setup: Stock but have used ONZA HO ti pedals since day one. Weighed bike at 22.8-22.9lbs (maybe scales were a little generous)
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Submitted by
ROLF RIMROTT
a Racer
from WAYNE, PA USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001
Strengths: This bike is bulletproof, I weigh 205 and have broken frame sets of every other bike I owned. I have been racing my Klein Adroit for 5 years and it has not even fatigued yet. The Klein Adroit is stiff but also complient, it is the only alloy framed bike with a complient ride. The frame has internal cable routing so cable snages are not an issue, the Klein Adroit is the lighest mountain frame set period. Klein has a lifetime warrenty.
Weaknesses: The Adroit has Klein's "Airhead" headset, this causes a limited choice of compatable fork and headsets.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a reliable, stable, bulletproof cross country bike that is light and complient the ADROIT is for you. If you are just a weekend joyrider this is to much bike for you. Be sure to run all Shamno XT or XTR, pretty aftermarket componets will just have you walking out of the woods with broken components.
Similar Products Used: I have used TREK and Specialized mountain bikes and the framesets broke in no time.
Bike Setup: I have a 1993 model Adroit, I use a 20 cm frame with a MAG 21 SL fork, full XTR group 8 speed and a ASE suspension seatpost, Flite gel sattle, The group is Old school XTR, rapid fire 8 speed, the bike weighs only 23.6 lbs
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Submitted by
Richie Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Strengths: (Technically,I bought my bike in '98,so I refer to it as a '98 model,though it's really a '99 model.Confused yet?If not,you should be!) I was in the market for an aluminum hardtail to replace my AMP B-4(dog),and I heard many good things about Klein,so I decided to give them a try.And I have come to this verdict:Among the big bicycle manufacturers,this feels,looks,and rides on another level.This bike screams "racer" to a T,with its agressive climbing ability and sharp handling.Although Trek now owns Klein,the quality is still far above any other big conglomerate.The paint is flawless,with a gorgeous green-to-blue iridescence,and the welds are perfect.There is nothing to complain about on the component side of things either.Racelite wheels(with the original Chris King hubs),XT/XTR componentry,all quality parts.This bike is a wonderful addition to my stable.
Weaknesses: The race geometry exacts a price in ride quality--it's very stiff and unforgiving,which I actually happen to like as part of the bike's nature.I don't care for the internal cable routing--although it cleans up the asthetics it also makes maintenance a challenge.The proprietary Airheadset and heavy steel-steerer Manitou SX-R fork are a bit of a dissapointment:Though the bike is wonderful stock,I would love to see how it rides with a Z-2 Atom 80 and Chris King headset up front.Still, everything performs well and I am far from dissatisfied.
Bottom Line:
This is a marvelous ride.Everyone looking for a big-company bike company with high value,excellent componentry pick,and fine workmanship should consider a look at Klein.I did and this '99 Adroit is one of my favorites.It earns 5 chilies from me!
I've just completed my second season riding this bike and recently upgraded the drivetrain from the stock XT parts. Despite lots of miles and a few crashes, the bike has held up extremely well. One or two small scratches - otherwise the paint is perfect (no chipping or peeling).
Despite one of the reviews below, the bike has a replaceable rear derailleus hanger - I've replaced it once after a nasty crash that bent the hanger but didn't damage the derailleur or the frame.
This bike is a wonderful hardtail to ride. It's incredibly stiff and responsive, its quick and nimble, a real pleasure to ride on technical singletrack or bomb down powerline trails. And absolutely nothing climbs or accelerates like this bike!
This bike also turns heads. The smooth welds and incredible paint draw comments everywhere I ride.
After two years I am well satisfied with the Adroit. It has been very reliable, the frame and paint are as new, and the Bontrager Race Lite wheelset with Chris Kings hubs is one great set of wheels! I also like the custom Klein headset very much - it hasn't been touched service-wise in 2 years and is perfectly smooth with just the right amount of tension.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the bike and recommend it highly to anyone looking for a quality frame, a great geometry for cross country riding, and a bike to last for many years.
Similar Products Used: The Adriot is my only hardtail; have a SantaCruz Superlight full suspension bike.
Bike Setup: All XTR with Avid Arch Supreme brakes, Avid Ultimate levers, Easton CT2 Monkey Light bar, Terry Fly saddle, stock Manitou SX-R shock
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Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from bethlehem, pa, usa
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Strengths: responsive, good components, great looking
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
This is my second riding season with the Adroit Race. In a sentence, this bike DEMANDS performance from its rider. I've found that when I pedal to my Klein's satisfaction, it hums and rewards me with an exhilarating, precise ride. When I'm lazy, the bearings on the rear hub chide me for my slothfulness: "you're not worthy...you're not worthy". I'm not a techie but I know what I like and I like this bike. It will climb anything and make you feel guilty for not putting in enough effort.
I have had it with Trek handling all Klein's warranty claims! You expect some hassle when you have an $200 bike that has been clearly abused, but people that spend $1500+ on a bike usually take care of their investment. Likewise, manufacturers that sell $1500+ usually take care of their customers. To add to this, that paint job WILL cost around $350 on top of the repair charge when the Nonreplicable deraileur hanger snaps off. Klein will not budge on this issue, which is why I put all their dealer info in the trash.
Similar Products Used: Everything, I am the manager of the local bike shop.
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Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Voorhees, Nj, USA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2000
Strengths: The Paint is unbelievable. sometimes it is green sometimes it is purple. Also the XT/XTR isnt bad either.
Weaknesses: The wheelset takes a long time for the spokes to set. I have ridden my bike 10 times since I have purchased it and everytime I have had to true the wheels. Also The front brake screams no matter how much toe in is on it. i have had to reverse toe to get the noise to stop.
Bottom Line:
I oowrked at a bike shop and got a killer deal on the bike. If you can get one as a leftover or on sale you wont regret it.
Submitted by
Laureano
a Cross-Country Rider
from Caracas, Venezuela
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999
Strengths: Look, feel, weight, wheels
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Clibs great. Its really fast (maybe too fast going dowhill with the REvolt Super X tires. I just had to change the steem for a shorter one. I love the zzzzzzzzzzzz of the Chris King rear hub. Just get one (try to find a sale) and ride it!!
Bought it because of the fit/geometry, and if I'm honest, because of the paint job as well (I could have afforded the Pro but with the 99 paint choice, Yuk). Brilliant ride, especially tricky climbing. Cheap forks better than I expected, but still too heavy with the steel steerer and the steerer rusts! What! a steel steerer on a £2000 bike. What are Klein playing at. Otherwise excellent. Oh yeah, LK front mech! Well, I suppose somethings had to be compromised to get the Racelites on there.
Submitted by
eric sanchez
a Cross-Country Rider
from visalia, ca
Date Reviewed: November 1, 1999
Strengths: light, stiff frame sick paint job
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
this bike takes on all other cross-country rigs and blows them out of the water, the mission control stem and head set go where you point it. it's a great climber and decender. I have to give this sick bike a fivr out of five
This is the second Klein I have owend/own. You may have noticed that I have posted a review for an Attitude race which I loved. I had the opertunity to get the Adroit so I couldn't resist. I think the zzzzzzzz... from the chris king hub may take a little getting used to but it is cool. If you don't toe in the front brakes these rims will give you the loudest squeal of all tome. As soon as you do though all is silent and stopping is excelent. I have to go riding now so I will leave with a 5/5!!!
Favorite Trail: many trails in Banff national park
Duration Product Used: less than 1 month
Similar Products Used: Attitude race F 1000 etc..
Bike Setup: stock
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Submitted by
chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from cobourg, ont. can
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999
Strengths: it's a Klein paint?
Weaknesses: too much money you're paying for the paint
Bottom Line:
Demo'd the bike. Nice paint, but that doesn't make a great bike. This is not a great bike for the money. Way too much money for a cool paint job. The previous review by Paul may be a bit misleading in regards to the paint process. The process that he explains is nothing special. What he has explained is simply a urethane paint job nothing special. However, he does not mention the actual material cost of the paint. This particular type of paint costs over $3000.00 cdn per imp. gallon. Believe me I know, I own an auto body shop and have painted several bike frames with this paint. Enough about paint, the bike is real nice bike, but you've got to wonder about the headset size and the spec'd fork on a bike of this price. Mind you the frame is beautiful but worth that much? Don't think so. If it were cheaper I'd mark it higher.
Bike Setup: Klein Adroit Race Manitou SX R Bontrager Race Lite Wheelset Paul brakes & levers RaceFace Cranks & BB Sram plasma shifters Thompson elite post WTB Ti saddle XTR front & rear Derail XTR Ti 12-34
