Submitted by
Ray Kleiner
a Weekend Warrior
from Milano, Italy
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2008
Strengths: Perfect Single Track machine Fast Acceleration Smooth Climber Quality/Stunning Paint Finish Amazing Craftsmanship Joy to ride
Weaknesses: Weight
Bottom Line:
This is my 5th Klein! I would compare this bike on 2 levels, one with the Scalpel, the other with Klein hardtails.
There were very few Adept Pro's ever made. The Plum Crazy paint is amazing. There is no better singel trail bike out there, period. It has zest and is a joy to ride.
To compare with the hardtails is a tough call. Its a question of horses for courses. But with this bike you can ride longer and easier, arguably therefore faster but I would debate that. If it came down to it, I would probably choose this for my long distance rides and the hardtail for the shorter disctance but more aggressive ride.
From a design aspect the Scalpel is ceratinly well thought through. I can't help wondering what that design with Klein's ZR9000 Alloy would be like. I chose the Adept everytime over the Scalpel. Its the single trails best kept secret! The Adept is very responsive. Klein knows a) how to get the max power to the rear wheels b) how to use aerospace materials for a unique ride c) and finishing like no other.
Bottom Line: The moment I got on the bike I wanted to ride all day with a big grin. This is a sweet bike and the fact its not the lightest doesn't really matter. The best fully I've ridden so far. It gets my vote everytime.
Weaknesses: i've had some general component wear and bizarre chainsuck-like problems after about 2000 miles. starting this season, the chain gets trapped up underneath the bottom bracket between the small ring and the pivot flange on the chain stay. i almost think it's a design thing. anyone else have this? it's really bizarre, intermittant and annoying in a race situation. i also wore out the green stock ceramic-compatible brake pads before the season was over last year b/c we had soooo much rain and mud. new ones holding up better. i like the weight and power of the v brake on ceramic rims but the manufacturers appear to be going the way of discs. i've had no problem with ceramic coating wearing off. i did have a rear hub/freewheel problem b/c of a cracked roller bearing--probably a manufacturing defect, but past warranty which cost me way too much after having the bike only a year. rear derailer cable gets stretched due to my hitch mount bike rack passing through the small space b/t rear shock and top tube--but not the bike's fault!
Bottom Line:
i used to race hardtails back in the day for several seasons. this klein is my 5th mountain bike--first full suspension bike and it is AMAZING! it is perfect for super fast xc on any surface, but a dream on technical, bouncy, rooty single track. as an out of the box racer, i couldn't have made a better deal. my racing is so much improved that i'm always placing in top 3 now. i'm sure i'm no more fit than i was ten years ago, but now that i can afford the top end technology, my riding is better. however, although i love this bike and have yet to max it's capacities, if these little quirks don't get ironed out, i'm buying something else and probably getting disc brakes.
Similar Products Used: demo'd specialized and cannondale's top line, but bought the klein! used to ride specialized, khs, and bridgestone hardtails.
Bike Setup: still all stock stuff that it came with: fox float rl front fork and stock rear shock (might upgrade to 5th element), all xtr components, triple ti eggbeater pedals, and bontrager racelite ceramic rims, bontrager hubs/bar, i recently changed to michelin 1.9 green tubeless tires because i never even knew the stock set had tubes--weird that klein (or the shop) did that.
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Submitted by
Paul Gray
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark, Delaware, USA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003
Strengths: Very light weight, top end componets (XTR), and quality suspension make for a very fast & comfortable ride
Weaknesses: Expensive bike; bottom bracket is slightly low but not a problem; Fox RL rear suspension seems to loose a lot of air in between rides but this is my first full suspension so maybe that's normal; I haven't tried changing the cables yet-looks interesting.
Bottom Line:
After reading the reviews on this great website I felt pretty confident about purchasing the Adept Pro. I was able to e-mail and ask questions to everyone who had previously posted a review and I received valuable info.. This bike is indeed awesome and I recommend it to anyone who loves to ride fast for long durations. It simply flies over logs and rocks with little effort and I use the rear lockout on the Fox suspension quite often when I climb. You can really feel a difference. If you're thinking about buying this bike-DO IT!
Strengths: This is actually my wife's bike. She was state champ in sport catgory last year and has never lost a mtn bike race. She's also taken on trips to Durango, Moab, and New Mexico for full day excurisions and has nothing but praise for the bike under those conditions as well. I've been on the bike for test rides, etc. Like everyone else says, fast, super handling, excellent racing bike. She just loves it and I concur that it's just an outstanding ride!
Weaknesses: Watch out though! I maintain our bikes and I'm ready to throw the damn thing on a scrap heap because of the through the top tube cable design. This is a major pain-in-the-a**!!! There's supposed to be a cable guide available to assist with maintenance, but it's hell finding one and the manufacturer has yet to respond to my request to send me one. I received a frame only for build up sans the cable guide. If you accidentally lose your cable pull through, a simple 3 minute procedures turns into a nightmare trying to get a hanger to thread back through the top tube holes.
Bottom Line:
If your a racer or you like to ride fast with fast friends AND you don't maintain your own bike, I think you ought to buy one. It's really fast! However, if you maintain your own bike, I'd get something else with a similar ride because of the 'cable through tube' design. It's too much of a maintenance hassle.
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel, Santa Cruz Light, Specialized M4
Bike Setup: XTR everything, except for Bontrager tubeless wheel set.
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Submitted by
Richard Reilly
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2003
Strengths: Fast, light & durable. Excellent frame and component quality.
Weaknesses: Not too many. It's not self-cleaning?
Bottom Line:
I reveiwed this bike almost a year ago when I first got it. I like it even more now after putting some hard miles on it. It's a great bike, that despite the light weight has been very durable for me. The bike flat out flies - fast, fast, fast. It handles like a dream - climbing, decents, techincal stuff, twisty rooted single track. It just goes where you want it to. I think the Blur and Scalpel are nice bikes, but I think the Adept Pro is better - quality, craftsmanship and ride. It's solid. If you want a fast racing bike or just a great cross-country machine this bike is the best I've riden. It takes a beating as well and stiull looks pretty.
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel, Santa Cruz Superlight & Blur. Cannondale Scalpel & Raven. Used to own a Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: Mostly stock. I mean why not? The components are really good. Currently, riding tubless Hutchinson Scorp's. Air Flite Saddle.
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Sebring, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2003
Strengths: Lightweight, awesome geometry, perfect suspension, beautiful color. This bike really does well in straight out downhill, but really shines on the technical trails. You can roll over 6in logs like butter.
Weaknesses: At first ground clearance was a problem, but the light weight made up for it making it easy to hop most obsticals.
Bottom Line:
I upgraded from a GT idrive. I thought the GT was an awesome bike, but never realized what a top end product could do for me. This bike got me re-addicted to hardcore riding. I loved the Klein so much, I've ordered a 03 Palomino to replace it in 9/02 and should have it soon. Waiting on those new XTR shifter pods.
Submitted by
M Tran
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002
Strengths: Agile, precise steering, perfect for single track, hardtail-like climbing,
Weaknesses: small paint chips after 3 rides. another inch of travel would be nice
Bottom Line:
I've own a klein rascal a few years, and that was one of the best frame ever built in my opinion. unfortunately, it was stolen, so i had to ride my old gt pantera until i have enough to build the adept. Although I've spent a fortune on it, I must say it's worth every penny. The bike is ultra responsive, light, quick and very agile. The 2.75in of travel is enough for most crosscountry single tracks and drops less than 2-3 feet. Although i would consider building another if Klein ever produce a 3-4in travel bike with the same handling characteristics. I was able to climb faster, descend faster and still have some left after every ride. My roomate owns a specialized fsr and giant ac air and after riding my adept once he was offering to buy it off me. One thing for sure, I'll not go back to a hardtail, nor v-brakes. The adept maybe pricey, but you'll definitely get what you pay for. You may have heard of people talking about the soul of the bike. what ever it is, this bike has it. "nothing else ride like a klein" is not an exageration. You'll be one lucky dude if you get to ride this baby every day.
Similar Products Used: giant ac-more for downhill, specialized fsr, klein hardtails, gt hardtails.
Bike Setup: xtr drivetrain, hayes hmx1 brakes, raceface next lp, crossroc tubeless wheels,
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Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Winter Park, Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
Strengths: Handles everything well. Very fast! Great specs. Very stiff laterally.
Weaknesses: Seat. But everyone has their own preference.
Bottom Line:
THis bike is as good as it gets out of the box. I've ridden lots of other bike (Yeti's feel like a wet noodle in the rear end). Nothing handled as well or came as well spec'd. Single track is effortless and this bike climbs like a goat! Other review stated problems with cable routing. The routing is clean and protects the cables from dirt. Great design. Easy to change cables, just need to be smarter than the bike. 1000 miles on the new ride and the same set of cables! I would buy this bike again! THe bike rides great for everyone from a racer to weekend warrior!
Similar Products Used: Trek fuel, Ellsworth, Yeti.
Bike Setup: As speced with XTR except Monkey lite SL bars and SDG seat.
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Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, TX
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002
Strengths: Light weight, well made, cool paint job, quality components. Climbs and handles very well.
Weaknesses: Cermaic coating on rims appears to be wearing out. Tubeless rims are hard to change out the tire.
Bottom Line:
Very impressive. Much better in every respect than my Cannondale Headshock Hardtail. Handles and climbs very well and does not beat me to death like the C-dale. Mars front fork and Fox Rear shock are great. Shifts and breaks very well. I like the ceramic rims, but the the coating on the rims appears to be wearing out. Stock pads wore out fast. I replaced these with XTR ceramic pads and these look like they will last longer. I can stay in the saddle and rest my legs while blasting over rocky trails. I would never go back to a hardtail after riding the Adept Pro. Rims have stayed perfectly true (500 trail miles). Got it on sale (2001 model) for 2K. 2002 model lists for 3800.
Weaknesses: Less than 3 inches of rear travel. 4 would be nice!
Bottom Line:
A wonderful bike to ride! Handles tight singletrack and climbs better than my Superlight. Precise steering and handling. Handles similar to my '99 Adroit hardtail, except it provides more control (and comfort) in rough stuff. Beautiful frame and paint. Typical Klein quality and handling.
I have the small frame which is a clean triangle like the hardtail frames. I recommend this bike to anyone looking for a fantastic handling, cross country ride.
Bike Setup: Full XTR, Thompson post and stem, King headset, Easton carbon flatbar, Marzocchi Marathon fork (80 mm), Fox Float RC shock, Conti tires, Terry DragonFly saddle
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Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Fe, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002
Strengths: Beautiful ride. Fast as hell, uphill and downhill. Rides like a tank with a cushion.
Weaknesses: um... i guess the price, but what can you do. I'd say It's worth every penny, esp. if you ride a lot of technical stuff.
Bottom Line:
Unbelievable. I've been riding the same Klein hard tail for 12 years now, and I was pretty well convinced I would never need to upgrade. Then I turned 30 and my body started asking me if I'd please break down and buy a full-suspension. ;)
No regrets here. My hard tail is certainly a beauty to behold- stiff as hell, rides like a f@#$%n tank. Great on climbs and incredibly easy to throw around on fast, technical downhills. The adept pro has >all< of these characteristics-- times about five.
This bike rides smooth as silk, uphill and down. Feels more like sailing or flying than it does riding over rocks. It's the kind of bike you can ride all day and not feel like you've been riding all day, ya know?
I actualyl bought this bike partially based on reviews I read here, and I am in no way disappointed. It's truly a sight to behold (and ride). I give it my highest recomendation to anyone who has the inclination (and cash) to lay down this much bread for something they will treausure for a long, long time. Your body and soul will thank you, I promise.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock- all XTR, Fox fork, etc. Swapped out the default pedals for SPD's
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Submitted by
matt gersib
a Racer
from lincoln, nebraska
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002
Strengths: -amazing, almost telepathic steering -way more comfortable than my hardtail -very good climber -very stiff laterally -durable -easy to care for -easy to set up -almost perfect xc racer -amazing paint
Weaknesses: -heavier than my hardtail -recommended loctite on pivots makes small pivot-tightness adjustments a hassle (and the loctite is necessary) -very narrow rear tire clearance (can't race the bike in muddy races)
Bottom Line:
i've been racing mountain bikes for 12 seasons now, and this is the finest racing mountain bike i've ever ridden. the comments people have made (below) about the amazing handling are definitely true. even versus my hardtail klein attitude, my adept feels like i can go into corners harder and more aggressively, yet can turn tighter. it's freaking amazing.
the poor rear tire clearance is sort of a bummer, but i like to race my hardtail in mud anyway, so it's not a super huge problem.
Similar Products Used: intense tracer, s-works fsr-xc (2001), trek fuel 100 (2002), klein attitude hardtail
Bike Setup: pre-production 2002 custom adept. built from a frame with a 2001 manitou x-vert super fork (at 100mm travel), bontrager racelite wheels (custom '99 king-hub models), xtr drivetrain (save for prototype 2002 bontrager isis crank), xtr v-brakes, hutchinson python airlite front tire (set up tubeless via stan's), bontrager revolt super x rear tire (fits in stays better), thomson post and stem (130x5deg), answer protaper 1" rise bar, flite saddle
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Submitted by
Stewart Stoute
a Cross Country Rider
from BARBADOS
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002
Strengths: Very positive, Insane fro climbing hills
Weaknesses: Had a rear swing arm play, taken care of immediately!
Bottom Line:
There is only one word to say about this bike, coming from a hard tailer that thought i was riding the trails and downhills hard.
"SICK" I am impressed, seeing that i just bought the bike, did not have the chance to try other bikes. But I am extreemly satisfied. Would recommend it to anyone that likes hard tails but needs the rear to stay on the ground.
Submitted by
Odi Tsagaris
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, Greece
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002
Strengths: Rigid, agile, light
Weaknesses: Low ground clearance, price
Bottom Line:
Yesterday we switched bikes with a friend who used to have a KLEIN Mantra and recently got the Adept. This bike is so nice that getting back to my mantra was really difficult. He had to surgically remove me from his bike. It is stiff when you accelerate giving you a real advantage on uphills. It rides through ripples with minimum fuss and good absorption. It goes through gullies without a hint of stress. It just gets you to the other side. Just watch the ground clearance, I have never hit the ground with a pedal in my Mantra but the Adept is a low rider. Downhill you hang on and it goes. It needs some getting used to because it is ultraresponsive. This is a no sleeping on the wheel bike. If you are into taking control and showing the thing a trick or two this is the bike for you. Im selling my Mantra! But hey Mr Klein, why not lower your prices a little?
Similar Products Used: Klein Mantra carbon (my bike) Ideal safari hardtail
Bike Setup: Pace fork, Mavic wheels, Middleburn cranks, Icon stem, XT, Magura HS33
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Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from New Rochelle,NY USA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2002
Strengths: Great handling,cool USPS Masters paint,light weight,climbs very well
Weaknesses: Stupid through frame cable routing,a real pain in the a$$ to change cables,the absolute worst customer service in the bicycle industry.
Bottom Line:
Excellent handling bike.I purchased the frame only so I could build it as I wanted.Aside from the above weakness I have not had any other problems.If it were not for these problems it would have gotten a perfect score.
