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Submitted by
DavCohen
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, co
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | warranty replacement | | Strengths: | feather light, lightning fast, beautiful paint job, internal cable routing, stiff and responsive | | Weaknesses: | internal cable routing is fantastic unless it needs servicing or it breaks. Non-detachable rear derailleur hanger | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized Stumpjumper, Klein Rascal | | Bike Setup: | Mostly XTR, Bontrager rims, Kore & Race Face | | Bottom Line: | I now ride a Trek Fuel 6.5 Dual-Suspension which is a serious offroad machine.. but sometimes I miss the fast, tight handling of the Attitude. I wouldn't be able to ride the Attitude on some of the trails I now ride with big bumps and big drops. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
girly-blue
a Downhiller
from Arlington, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | only been in DC | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | parts on ebay | | Strengths: | smooth, light as air, speedy, still looks new after 7 years | | Weaknesses: | don't know | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | put together custom by someone else, XTR parts, shox and all the good stuff, lady seat covered with a cushion | | Bottom Line: | didn't know when I bought it around 2003, don't know about original Kleins, but the Klein Attitude V circa 03, is an awesome, headturning bike. It gives me confidence the way a nice pair of heels make a lady stand up tall. I came to love this bike; ride through the city mostly and have not ridden anything else since. I would love to take this baby to Espana. I agree with the dude that said it becomes an extension of you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kleiner1951
a Cross Country Rider
from Milano, Italy
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Passo del Giova, Italy | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Geometry
Build Quality / Attention to detail
Paint finish
Weight / Stiffness
Mission Control System - responsive & accurate
Sealed BB
Joy to ride XC | | Weaknesses: | Easy to damage
Tough on rear department
Fork adapters are expensive / difficult to find | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Scalpel, Team Marin, Pulse II, Adroit | | Bike Setup: | MC2 System, PMP cranks / Middelburn rings, Sram XO, XTR brakes, Bontrager X-Lite wheels, Race Face seatpost, Selle Italia saddle, Continental Mountain King 2.2 tyres | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this frame on eBay USA for around $500 including shipping. What a bargain! So far, I have done 1,600kms of different kinds of riding and can say that this bike was at least a decade before its time. Probably, 1996 was the utlimate 'best' year for Kleins before the accountants at Trek started to cut manufacturing costs. Frames of this callibre will probably never be made again!
The bike rides silky smooth and is totally suitable for XC riding and the trails. The geometry is ideal for this terrain with tight rear triangle and lateral stiffness.
In fact, this bike is so good, its going with me across the Himalayas this August (2009), that's how confident I am with it. The most imporant thing I can say is that you need to connect with the bike you choose to ride: and I'm connected!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kleiner1996
a Cross Country Rider
from Milano, Italy
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Parco Ticino | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | In Switzerland on eB | | Strengths: | Increbible build quality and attention to detail.
Lightweight / Stiffness
MC2 Mission control precision
Night Storm paint finish
Simgle Track and X country performance
Smooth as silk
Agressive geometry / small rear triangle
| | Weaknesses: | Can be a bit unforgiving in the rear department! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Scalpel, Klein Pulse II, Adroit | | Bike Setup: | Ringle hubs, Mavic rims. XTR brakes and gears. Middleburn (96) crankset, Vredestein tyres. MC2 Mission control. Rock shox XC forks | | Bottom Line: | These bikes are now real hard to find. I bought this frame in Switzerland on eBay and took my time to set it up. The ride is silky smooth and the MC2 combination is remarkably accurate on corners. This frame is from 1995 and is probably the most desirable of all the pre Trek Kleins to own.
Its such a pleasure to ride something which has been really handmade, with fanstastic attention to detail and is after all, a product that is approaching 19 years old!
Gary Klein was some 15 years ahead of his time and this bike is still up there with the very best on offer today. If you are lucky enough to find one, just buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedro Tello
a Weekend Warrior
from Lima, Lima, Peru
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anya, dirt, mud, XC. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Mavil - Lima | | Strengths: | Bought it on 1996, still in pristine condition. Paint almost as new. Super light but super strong | | Weaknesses: | None yet (after 12 years???) Have to clean & wax it every week to maintain it´s beautiful finish. A bit large for me, should have bought small not medium. (my fault, I'm 5-7") | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanche, Trek 7000 & 8500, Bianchi. | | Bike Setup: | Switched all LX to XT, including brake levers w/shifters
Changed original seat to gel; Panaracers to Hutchinsons, to Maxxis, to WTBs. Now using Michelin's A/Ts | | Bottom Line: | Though I ride religiously every saturday & sunday from 10.am to 10 pm. And have fallen 6 or 7 times trying to DH, the bike is in mint condition. Will climb or accelarate better than most newer tech bikes. Made approx 350,000Km so far. If you find one, BUY IT !!
It would be a blend of Jaguar & Paris-Dakar Rally special; depending on where you use it. As the Ad once said: "Yes, it's very expensive, as you would expect" (and worth every penny) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy zarkovich
a Downhiller
from dewitt, mi, usa
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | boyne highlands | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | from friend | | Strengths: | i belive i have a mid 90's klein attitude hardtail. I was told it was a 1996 but i dont know how to tell. this bike feels stout, climbs well, looks good, and is very fast and fairly light for an older hardtail. i love the paint job and the cables that go into the frame. mine has regular u brakes that work excellent. the rims are also quite strong. | | Weaknesses: | my front fork broke because i was jumping it down hill which is not the bikes intention. i went to replace the fork and the bike shop told me that i have needed to get an adapter kit to use any other fork because that year the head tube was like 1' 1/8 to 1' 1/4 and all the new forks are designed a 1' 1/8 head tube. this little adaptor was going to cost me like 200 to get fixed so now my bike hangs in the garage because i dont want to spend the money on a bike that i dont use that often. | | Similar Products Used: | mostly downhill bikes (the klein was my 1st bike and i knew nothing about mt. bikes) | | Bottom Line: | make sure that you are prepared to deal with this issue on the front tube before purchasing this bike! if you have a fix or your bike dosent have this issue then this bike is an excellent bike. i have gotten many complements and have really enjoyed this bike.
if anyone knows a better fix or would like to own this bike let me know... email me at andyzarkovich@gmail.com | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sven
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | One of the best climbers ever. This bike is stiff, and has a short rear triangle. It really gets the power to the ground. A very well crafted frame. | | Weaknesses: | You really take a beating from all that stiffness. You really feel the bumps. I tend to flat out a lot too, possibly because of the short rear triangle - your weight is right over the back tire. The internal cable routing looks slick, but can be very problematic. It's tough to service, and shifting/breaking performance suffers sometimes. The MC2 handlebar system limits your ability to upgrade components. | | Bike Setup: | late '90s XT, Mavic. RockShox Judy fork. | | Bottom Line: | This is a '96 frame, which I built up in '98. It was designed for Cantilever brakes! After a few years off, I started riding again. I told myself I would ride this for the rest of the season, then treat myself to a full suspension bike next year. This bike has really been eclipsed by technology. This bike is a mixed bag - it climes so well that I'm able to beat road bikers up paved hills. When riding in rolling hills, I pass the full suspension bikes on the uphill, then they pass me going down. And the brakes and rough ride are killing me. I do like this bike though, and I am thinking about upgrading it. But I need to be very careful not to spend more than it would cost to just buy something new. I believe this is doable. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edwin
a Racer
from Portland, Or...USA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Strengths: | This bike is the best climing bike that I have ever ridden!! The way that I have my Attitude built up, it weighs just under 23lbs. Everywhere I go (public walk,jog, bikeway, trail in the middle of nowhere, ect.) someone says, "sweet ride". It's like they follow me just to tell me! Try getting that from a '95 Trek! | | Weaknesses: | Trek has given Klein a bad name now that they own them. Fortunatly I got mine first!! | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Trek, Diamondback, Cannondale, Alpinestars is close in the climing world though! | | Bike Setup: | '95 Klein Attitude! Full XTR (900 series, Mavic Cross Max SL, Old school JUDY with GEM inside and 80mm travel, Syncros post, Flite Titanium, Panaracer Fire XC pro folding, Gorilla brake boosters and all for 22.14lbs! | | Bottom Line: | This bike is probably, no for sure, the finest bike that I have ever owned! It is a smart buy for any rider and they are getting harder to find, due to the fact that loyal Klien owners are buying them up as back-up bikes for them selfs! If you see one for under $1000 and you have the money untied up, BUY IT!!! You wont regret it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ciad
a Weekend Warrior
from kent UK
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | second hand classifieds | | Strengths: | very light and agile. superb power output makes climbing hills so easy compared to other bikes I have ridden. great handling. beautifull paintwork if you like ironic colours(orange sunburst I think). | | Weaknesses: | frame dents and chips easily. its an xc only mahine and anything too technical it will not like. stay away from drop offs 1 foot+ | | Similar Products Used: | spesh enduro 99/02, prince albert dialled bikes, spesh hardrock, orange patriot many others | | Bike Setup: | kona project 2's, mainly LX components,thompson seatpost,spesh body geometry saddle, bonty race light wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this second hand nearly 4 years ago and it had been well used at the time. I had to scrap some of the old components and with a bit of attention I got it back to its best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mort Cairns
a Cross Country Rider
from Cirencester, Glos, UK
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chiltern Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | From my brother | | Strengths: | Simply the best hardtail ever. Build quality, appearance, geometry, desirability. This bike has the lot! | | Weaknesses: | Pardon? | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Attitide Comp. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike from my brother at a bargain rate to fund the purchase of his Ellsworth. A year on and he wants the Klein back again, having sold the Ellsworth and bought a Yeti. The power output from the Klein is amazing and whilst I mainly ride XC, I have recently purchased some skinnies and have ridden with a road cycling team, keeping up with the pace very nicely. It always gets admiring glances from those in the know. I'll ride it 'till it dies which ain't going to happen for some time yet! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CurlyBob
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder CO, orig Wales UK
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Bike Setup: | 98 attitude comp pearl blue! king, sid sl, xt through xtr V's monkey bar, salsa shaft time's ritchey wcs stem 517 on hugi's | | Bottom Line: | I will call my 1st born Klein. WOW I love this baby, | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Reid
a Racer
from Seattle WA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mtn Bike Specialty | | Bottom Line: | I bought my Klein #A723 Horizon Linear Fade back in 92 when bike prices were high and shocks were a luxury. My bike has been through mud up to the axles and on century rides. Each time back home it was washed and waxed and still looks new. Its the best money i ever spent..ive never regretted it. I almost bought an Adroit in Gator Fade with XTR but went for this instead....oh well....some day ill find a used Adroit and pick that up as well. I pull up to my health club on my bike and i might as well have driven up in a Ferrari Modena. All the trainers come out to gawk at my bike and tell me how lucky i am to have such a mobile work of art...yes thats what it is....hence the wax and polish :)
Hey any of you old pre trek klein riders know how to mount a shock to this oversized headset? If so email me the hints
Thanks Mike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Borrenpohl
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Story Hill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Idaho Mountain Touring | | Strengths: | climbes like a goat, aerospace AL, beautiful welds, light, paint that looks like it did when I first saw it in the showroom, "why paint a Porsche like a Pinto?" | | Weaknesses: | "hum" itching chin, it wants to go faster than I can ride it and you can not be an idiot while changing cables | | Similar Products Used: | put everything about Kleins together and not one bike is "similar" | | Bike Setup: | '97 Klein Attitude Race, xt/xtr, thompson seatpost, judy xc | | Bottom Line: | Two bottom lines
1. Beauty never goes out of style. I just laugh inside when someone on a brand new bike wants to ride my 3 year old bike.
3. It takes the best to make the best. Take the best Aluminum, shape it the best way, put it together whith the best welds, have the best chainstays, put on the best paint, both looking and performing, add the best parts. We all know what you get, the handcrafted science only Klein can bring you.
"When you care enough to ride the very best"
Thanks for reading, now go ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirk Van den Berk
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Incredible frame; Very light and stiff; The most beautifull paintjob in the universe; telepathic handling; climbes like nothing else;... | | Weaknesses: | Are you kidding!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar LE | | Bike Setup: | 1995 Attitude with MC2 stem/bar combo painted in Sea&Sky; Handbuilt wheels with ChrisKing hubs, mavic X618 ceramic rims and Sapim CX-Ray spokes; Custom Rockshox Judy SL with Total air cartridges and ti hardware; Full XTR drivetrain; Avid Arch Supreme brakes; Syncros hardcore seatpost and thudbuster for those longer rides;... | | Bottom Line: | This is the real thing: Trek took over Klein in 1996 so this is an original!! MC2 painted to match the frame, pressed in bottom bracket, Klein Chain suck device, paintjob that doesn't chip (even after 5 years of hard use). From 1996 on quality got compromised in order to make the frames more affordable. This bike can handle everything and still makes me smile when I am on it. It is an icredible eyecatcher.
I will never sell this bike. Ok it is very expensive (especially here in Europe) but perfection has a price. Newer Klein are still great bikes but they aren't the same anymore. I am very proud to own this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Steeple Bumpstead, Suffolk, UK
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Edale | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Extreme Mountain Sports, Holmfirth, UK | | Strengths: | Finish, attention to detail, Pure engineering quality.
The rear end is tight and tracks brilliantly through technical stuff. Overall the handling is awesomely responsive and really inspiring. It lets you tackle stuff which is way beyond your abilities yet more often than not you get away with it.
It is so damn light!!! | | Weaknesses: | Very few. Care must be taken when replacing cables not to pull the plastic tube inserts out of the internal cable routing. Can be tricky to re-insert them. (TIP: Use a strong magnet and a needle and thread)
Sometimes at the end of a day's hard riding when you're really tired the handling can be a little unforgiving. I've often been left lying a muddy puddle because I wasn't concentrating properly. The bike is way too involving. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Paragon 97 | | Bike Setup: | 97 Klein Attitude Comp
Pace RC36 EVO forks
The rest as standard spec. | | Bottom Line: | It is the perfect racers machine, but is also fantastic for long, hard day rides. You can take on anything and know the bike's limitations far exceed your own.
It's also beautiful and as an Engineer everytime I ride it I marvel at how well it is designed and built.
My girlfriend is getting fed up playing second fiddle to "a piece of aluminium" (as she puts it). But that's the effect owning a klein has on you.
Buy, ride, enjoy, and never look back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from BEDFORD, MA USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | LIGHT, AGILE, FANTASTIC ATTN TO DETAIL! FAST, NOT MASS COOKIE CUTTER PRODUCED! PAINT JOB THAT NO ONE ELSE CAN TOUCH IN BEAUTY. | | Weaknesses: | COST, BUT AGAIN WORTH EVERY PENNY SPENT! SQUEAKY ICON STEM & BAR. | | Similar Products Used: | CANNONDALES, GT'S, K2'S TREK'S | | Bike Setup: | FULL XTR, THOMPSON STPST, CANE CREEK CRONO, FLITE SADDLE, CHRIS KING HDST, ROCKSHOK SID | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE RIDES AS AN EXTENSION OF MY BODY. TURNS HEADS WHEREVER RIDDEN, HAVE ONLY SEEN ONE OTHER IN MY 3YRS OF OWNING IT. I WAS GOING TO BUY A FISHER XCALIBER, BUT ONCE I RODE THE KLEIN ATTITUDE PRO THEN RODE THE FISHER, I KNEW THE I WANTED THE KLEIN DAMM THE COST!! I PLAN ON NEVER EVER SELLING THIS BIKE. I USUALLY CHANGED BIKES EVERY 2 SEASONS.
THIS BIKE IS FOR THE RIDER WHO HAS OWNED A COUPLE BIKES, BUT NOW WANTS A BIKE THAT STANDS ALONE IN CRAFTSMANSHIP, QUALITY, AND ONE HE CAN RIDE 3-5 DAYS A WEEK YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT AND STILL MAKES THEM SMILE AFTER THE NEWEST BUYERS GUIDES HIT THE NEWSTANDS! THIS IS PERFECTION! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Traverse City, Michigan
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
North Country, VAsa | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light climbs well stiff | | Weaknesses: |
Can have a harsh ride for the weak | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Attitude Sid XC Crossmax XTR | | Bottom Line: | I have owned this frameset since 97. It's the 96 Klein Attitude with the mission controll. Since then I bought the headtube reducer and now run Sid XC's. This has been an awesome bike. Climbs great, and extremly well suited for fast singletrack. The ride is nice and stiff (NO FLEX)due to the short chainstays. Equped smartly you easily have a sub 22 pound bike, without giving up any integrity due to fragile lightweight parts. In closing as far as aluminum bikes go this has to be the best thing out there. It does not ride like steel, or give like Ti, but it's a Klein pure and simple. So when the ride seems rough just remember how fast your going, and it will all make sense. Anyway 5 big flammin piles of $%#@ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big B
a Racer
from Cadillac,Mich
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Nth.Country Udell Hills | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Climbs like stink.Uphill fast.Wow what a paint job.Tight singletrack?Just carve it.The faster you go the better it flys. | | Weaknesses: |
Its a racing bike.Not a three hour pillow ride.In other words its a little stiff. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale Killer V,and CAAD3/LitespeedObed FS/Specialized FSR Pro | | Bike Setup: |
Topline cranks,World Class ti b.b.,Nuke Proof Atom Bombs wheelset,Kooka brake levers,XTR BRAKES AND DERAILLEURS,Speedplay Ti pedals,bontrager tires, greenlite tubes. | | Bottom Line: | This an Adroit,not the Attitude. 21.5 pounds of single track trail burner.If you want to race and go fast this is the way to fly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
k.Saling
a Cross-Country Rider
from Portland
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Gunsight | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
weight
Mission Control System
Sealed Bearings
Climbing | | Weaknesses: |
Mission Control System
Customer Service
expensive parts | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein Pinnacle
Var. Kona bikes
Gt Zaskar
ect. | | Bike Setup: |
96 Klein Attitude (Pre-Trek)
99 SX-Ti
nukeproof wheels, Carumba cranks, grip shift, ritchey WCS tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is wonderful, but you can figure that out from the other reviews. My bike has the mission control bar/stem/headset system and the pressed bearing bottom bracket. I have ridden it hard on all types of terrain and never been dissapointed. The paint still looks great and I have never had any problems with the frame. Klein makes some of the best bikes in the world, no doubt about it.
I have had some problems with Klein though, and I think they are worth mentioning. The mission control system works great but it does limit the options you have when it comes to forks, and that is a big problem for me. My bike came with a Mag-21 and when it started to wear out, I called Klein to see what I could do. After countless e-mails, calls and visits to my LBS, Klein (or trek rather) sold me a 99 Manitou SX-tiwith Kleins special steerer tube for $540. Expensive, but a lot less than a new Klein. What they didn't tell me was that a new set of bearings are required to change the fork, My LBS wanted $80 more for those. Then they told me special tools and techniques were needed and the labor would be an additional $100. I finally got them to do the labor for free- really nice of them but I'm still pissed at Klein for making somthing that should be simple into an expensive and annoying trial. I have heard of a conversion kit in the works but Klein denies having one and won't offer any additional info. I had pretty much the same problem with my BB, when the bearings went out, it cost over $100 parts and labor to get them changed. Kleins are great bikes- I never had any problems with my Pinnacle but they should make parts more affordable.
P.S. If anyone wants advice/ info about either the Bottom bracket or Fork/ headset problems, feel free to E-mail me with questions.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from Huntington Beach
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
This frame is so stinkin' pretty it's ridiculous. I was afraid to ride for a while. =) Didn't last long. Incredible Klein craftmanship. Awesome paint. Nifty internal cable routing. This bike handles twisties. My frame weighed 3.2 pounds with the headset so that's not too shabby either. Great ride. | | Weaknesses: |
Too pretty... i cringe when i fall. I don't care about the pain just the paint. | | Similar Products Used: |
Raleigh M6oo | | Bike Setup: |
Attitude Race. I think it's a 97 or a 98 frameset. Not sure. Manitou SX-Ti, Raceface cranks and BB(with the maple leaf no one will ever see), and XT tranny. total bike weighs 24.5 pounds. It'll probably lose a pound after i get my new wheels and tire combo... maybe. Definitely under 24. | | Bottom Line: | Klein makes beautiful bikes that ride as good as they look. Accelerates like a rocket. Gradient chainstays that go from square to oval to round are pretty darn cool. Makes the tail real stiff. Lives for singletrack. Great climber cause it weighs so little. I love my Klein. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JoBu
a Cross-Country Rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hardrock | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light, responsive, nimble, and as the name implies, adroit | | Weaknesses: |
Maybe the price, but that leads to exclusivity. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized, Trek, GT, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: |
1997 Adroit, Judy SL, MC2, ESP 9.0SL shifters/rear der, XTR brakes/ft. der, Machine Tek Zero Flex brake levers, Race Face cranks, Crossland wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | Since there's no posting for the Adroit, I'll post here since the two bikes are so similar. Fantastic ride. It climbs like it was shot out of a cannon and shreds up technical singletrack like there's no tomorrow. A little stiff but nothing a suspension seatpost won't take care of. I've never felt as much a part of a bike as I have on this one. It is truly incredible. The bottom line, IMHO, this is a bike that rewards smooth, controlled bike handling in spades. But if you ride like a clod (as I sometimes do) be prepared to deal with the consequences. I couldn't recommend this bike any higher to anyone with at least moderate riding experience. I wish I could give it 10 flamming Mr. Hanky's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
light
linear fade paint job
rigid | | Weaknesses: |
some components could be better
handlebars (I prefer a straight bar)
LX shifters
brake pads
shimano chain (get a sachs powerlink) | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein Pulse Comp
Mongoose Switchback | | Bike Setup: |
Stock
XT front/rear derailluers
Avid brakes
Bontrager wheels and accesories | | Bottom Line: | I purchaced the Attitude Comp to replace my 3 year old Pulse. Both are very similar and the review could probably apply to both. Decided to do this instead of upgrading. For $1049 its a sweet deal. Climbs so well it's unbelievable. I haven't tried everything out there, but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better hardtail than a Klein. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Racer
from Traverse City
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
North Country Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Rigid and stiff. The short chain stays and rake make this bike super quick and agile. Sublimated logos insure cosmetic durability. Gradient tubing allows the lightest stiffest framing possible. | | Weaknesses: |
Gradient tubing also makes the down tueb subject to denting easily. Don't let this disuade you though. After abusing mine it still shows little wear. | | Similar Products Used: |
As a bike shop manager...everything under the sun. | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Attitude Comp Frame.
XTR derailleurs
XTR cassette
'97 Judy SL with Ti kit
CrossLands wheelset
RaceFace Taperlock BB
RaceFace Next LP cranks
WTB headset
Thompson post
NUKEPROOF Stem
Profile carbon h-bar
Bontrager Barends
ESP 8.0 Sram/Gripshift
IRC 1.7 Notos tires
WTB SST.X Ti saddle | | Bottom Line: | Super stiff fast setup. A performance cookie baked out of utter adrenaline coated in speed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Coral Springs. FL
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Markham, Park city | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Awsome, nice frame and really light. | | Weaknesses: |
paint. | | Similar Products Used: |
Crankifail F-1000, Gary Fisher Procaliber | | Bike Setup: |
'97 Attitude comp, Judy sl, full XTR, Crossmax | | Bottom Line: | The Klein Makes any bike out there look like a welfare case plain and simple. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a weekend warrior
from Apex, NC
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
If you want the best hard tail money can buy, look no further...This is a silly bike...Puts the C-dale and Fisher stuff to shame...And the best testament to the attributes of this bike can be seen below. Look how many racers have these bikes...And look what kind of ratings they give them...I myself do not race much, but with this bike I can handle almost any techincal obstacle with ease - now if I only had the lungs to go along with it!!!Sweet paint job, although I have managed to chip it on a nasty wreck between to boulders. And the frame can be dinged - I now have 3 dings on my top tube from the cleats on my shoes (don't ask how I hit my feet on my top tube - I still can't quite remember). Components are a bit weak, but for $1099 what do you expect?? Get rid of the LX brake pads and ride the Indy SL shock as long as it will hold up (and Rock Shox will give you one free rebuild - supposedly); besides the Indy Sl is about the lightest shock Rock Shox makes. Frame is super stiff, but after the first couple rides, I have gotten used to it and my back never bothers me now. Now if Klein would only make me a new set of lungs (b/c I despise road riding to train for races) I would be set... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skip
a weekend warrior
from Moab
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've taken this bike through every type of hardcore off road test you possibly could imagin (some air that would bust up most FS bikes)without a faulter. This has got to be the best hardtail frame ever made. To bade they did away with the internally routed cables, nice job Trek... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sammy
a weekend warrior
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is the best combination of geometry, balance, weight, stiffness (stiff but not to stiff), and overall rideability of any bike I have ever ridden. Got mine hooked up with a WB SC70UL, I wouldn't trade it for any other hardtail out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a racer
from SLC, Utah
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Been racing now for 5 yrs and this fork is deffinetly the best thing since front suspension started! Ridden (and maintained) bikes with Zokes and Manitous, both good forks, but don't compare to the lateral stiffness, smooth response and adjustability of the SC70UL. Englund air cartiages are a dream, easy to service (if you even have to) and super light (mine goes 2.675 on my digital scale!!). Forget the SID and those others, if you want THE BEST fork in all catagories, get a white. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a racer
from TN
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well first you are not going to believe this story. Bought a brand new 96 attitude pro frame in sept raced it once and somehow my chain almost ate through the chainstay. So I took it back to the shop and with in 5 weeks Klein sent me a brand new 98 Attitude Pro and threw in XTR cranks and BB for my trouble. This bike is fully loaded Crossmax and full XTR but here is the best part I've only got $1400 in the bike!!!!!! So THANKS KLEIN!! for setting me up... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a racer
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike replaced my Zaskar and is quite an improvement. The oveall geometry seems to be better suited for not only all out racing but cross country and single trak use also. Super agile, light, strong, with a kick as* paint job to boot! Get one, you won't regret it. By far the best hardtale out there | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ridden just about every decent high end hard tail out there, the Klein Attitude is bar far the best overall ride there is, hands down. Light, fast, stiff yet not jittery, excellent rider postion, etc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a weekend warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: December 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Built my 98 Attitude Race from the frame up. Frame weighted in at 2.75 lbs. to start, complete bike, 21.5!!! This is my third high end hardtail I have owned, and is by far the best. Everything from the geometry, to the performance (crosscountry, downhill, pavement, singletrak), to the looks are nothing short of awesome. The craftmanship, and quality that goes into this bike is bar far the best I have ever seen. I run a White SC70UL on mine and it climbs and handleslike nothing elese, yet dosen't seam overly stiff on the rutty downhill sections like my S-Works did. I'de give it 100 flamers if I could!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a cross-country rider
from Nashua, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bit the bullet and picked up a 98 Attitude Comp. I replaced the Judy XC with a 98 Judy SL and Chris King headset and wheelset. To take off the edge of that stiff rear triangle, I added a USE post with stiffer elastomers and springs and a Sella Italia Ti saddle. The bike weighs in at 22lbs.
It's great, it's so agile, I can ride things that I'd thought were previously impossible to do ...it's a great bike overall. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean
a cross-country rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Klein Attitude Comp last February. It now sits in a recycling bin. In between I experienced the myriad of highs and the occasional lows that lurked beneath its shiny paint.
I loved that it turned on a dime. I bragged about the way it climbed like a spider. I marveled at the way it carved through corners. But after riding steel for years, it felt like I was riding a jack hammer. And it really liked to show me who was boss on the steep stuff. I often went over the bars due to its steep head angle.
I added a few goodies to make it work for me. First came the riser bars which seemed to helped to keep me on behind the bike a bit more. Then I demo'd a Thudbuster Quadrapivot seatpost which really softened things up. I bought one immediatly and found it to be a good addition to this bike.
This frame is ultra stiff and light and delivers every time you ask. However, I found that the super thin walls dented easily, and that the internal cable routing, while looking nice, made it difficult to change cables and impaired the performance of the rear deraileur. I had ordered an Avid Rollermajig to alleviate this shifting problem but before it arrived, disaster struck! My coveted Klein folded on the down tube right where the cables emerge about 4 inches up from the bottom bracket. This may be a weak spot in the design as I understand that the 99's will have the more conventional external cable routing. Klein has been quite good so far as they have agreed to replace the frame under full warranty.
I think this bike is a great bike, the best I have ever owned but for me it is too stiff. The Quadrapivot helped smooth things even though it seemed liked such a low tech device to put on such a great bike. If you are into pure performance without a need for comfort, this is the bike for you. If you desire a little resilience in your frame to soak up the bumps, you may want to look elsewhere. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a cross-country rider
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '98 Attitude Comp and the bike has been great. The frame is stiff and responsive to everything that you are riding over. It is also extremely fast. But the best part about is that Klein stands behind it's frames. I noticed a crack where the bottom tube connects to the headtube. Within 2 weeks, I was back riding on a brand new frame. 5 Chilis for a great bike and for a company that stands behind it's products. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Traverse City MI
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought an 96 Attitude with the mission controll and pressed bottom bracket a few years ago and words cant begin to descibe it. The frame in awesome in every way, light fast and very stiff, it climbs like a goat on steriods and carves with the best of the them. What i like most is the feel of the bike. Being so stiff it lets you know exactly where you've been. My friend owns a litespeed ocoee and that bike rides with the spftness of a lazy boy sofa. He likes it though and it's one sweet bike, but in my opion the klien attitude is the finest hardtail made because it implies exactly what the name states hardtail and you just cant beat that. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Brewer
a racer
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I built up my Klein Attitude Pro from the frame. I have full XTR, Mavic Crossmax wheels, Chris King headset, Time Carbon ATAC pedals, SDG Ventura Comp seat, KORE Elite stem, SID fork, and Thomson seatpost. It weighs a staggering 19.6lbs. I have thouroughly loved this bike, it is quick, agile, nimble, a great climber, great flatland, and excelent handling at high speeds. I was just going to use this bike for races only until I found out how well it handled on the trails. You might think that the price on this bike would be a little high, for a consumer, well it is. But if you bought it from the factory like I did, then you could buy 3 bikes for the msrp of one. I paid a total of... $1563!!! for the complete bike built, with no labor charges since I built it myself. Don't be jealous! you just have to shop around. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael DiStefano
a weekend warrior
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After doing a three month investigation on which bike I would prefer to kill myself oN, I narrowed it down to the Klein Attitude Comp and Specialized S works. Both bikes are great but when I jumped on the Klein directly riding the specialized their was no comparison. The Klein was the most lively and fast bike that I rode in the three months. Fisher, Cannondale, Kona, Trek and Specialized don't even compare. The components on the bike were not the best for the money. I had to do a little upgrading (King headset - incredible performer and full xt). But the FRAME is awesome. If you are looking for a bike definetly choose the Attitude. I was also scared that the thin walls would be proned to dings. But after 5 months of hard riding and harder wrecking, I am excited to say there are only a couple of tiny scratches on the rear triangle.GREAT PERFORMING BIKE - COMPLEMENTS OF GOOD OL' GARY KLEIN | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nature Boy
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, Ontario
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
So we don't have a whole lotta mountains here...I love my bike. At first i rode it and thought, well, I guess it's okay. The geometry is a little different, don't know if I'm that comfortable.But within 5 rides I was one with it. It carves so well through technical, tight turns. But where it shines is climbing. This hard tail absolutely kicks up any hill with amazing balance and it's so nimble. It looks beautiful tool. The finish, the internal cabling make it look so clean. (And I don't get cuts and scrapes from cables if I dump it! Call my a wimp, whatever, I like that!)My only caution is I'd say it is good for shorter rides (under 3 hours) but if you do get in to longer rides, I find it hard on my back. That tail is HARD!I can no longer use any tired excuse of well, if my bike were better/lighter/quicker.... Now, my only barriers are personal! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Ross
a racer
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a 1992 Attitude, which Klein gave to me as a replacement of my 1990 Attitude which had a defective seat clamp design. I must say that I am duly impressed with the incredible engineering put into the design of the bike. My other bikes (road and MTN) are constantly in need of expensive repair and upgrading, but the Klein keeps ticking despite the licking. My 92 has been riden to a few top 3 finishes and yet it has but 1 scratch. The Frame looks g-damn brand new! (The '90 XT parts look like they've been through the war - though they function fine.) Looking at the current models, all that has changed substantially is the addition of front suspension. All in all, despite the seemingly high sticker price, the longevity built into this machine makes it a VERY economical bike - AND IT KICKS ASS IN COMPETITION (ie: uphill, singletrack). I do worry about wrecking it though, and because of its harsh Formula 1 kinda ride, I will be buying a full-suspension bike soon for day-long rocky mountain trail riding.If you're gonna XC race - it's the right Klein of thing! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carsten Fenner
a cross-country rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Took a holiday in the states and bought myself an Attitude Comp 98 to ride some great singletrack in Washington State and Oregon. Not only did I save enough money to pay for my trip by buying this bike in the US, but I got one kick ass bike!!!! The frame is a work of art, the paint job is perfect and best of all it rides faster, is more responsive and is lighter than anything I've ridden. Great bike to hammer around steep ascending and descending singletrack. Buy one now, with the the 99 model coming out they are going at very, very good prices. The 99 model will loose the best part of the current Klein Attitude frame - the inetrnal cable routing, so get 98 quick and get a cheaper and more beautiful frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cool Guy
a racer
from los angeles
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best damn hardtail around. I have the 98 attitude comp with some riser bars and I don't need to change anything else.Out of the box the bike weighs under 24 pounds for an XL frame. This bike is the best climbing bike around. Period. The geometry is best suited for tight singletrack and technical riding. The handling is a bit twitchy for 45+ mph fire roads but otherwise perfect.
The paint on the bike is of high quality w/ a beautiful finish that is very durable.
The only problem i've had w/ the bike is the anti chain suck device which loosens periodically under hard riding. Otherwise this is one badass bike that can't be beat. Needs more than five flamings shits. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from NM
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a my Attitude as a left over when I was working at the LBS and split it with another of of the tech's. I got the frame and tricked it out with XTR Syncros and Race Face, and it kicks serious butt. It is super light and stiff.
I couldn't have bought a better bike.Iwished I could give it 10 chili's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terrence Justice
a weekend warrior
from Miami, FL
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was all set to buy a '98 Fisher Ziggurat (I still like this bike, too) but after a day on the Klein on some great trails in N. Georgia, what can I say? I had no choice! I climbed stuff I promise I couldn't touch on my old Cannondale. I'm not a weight weenie. C'mon, I weigh 220 myself, so what's a few grams here and there? But this bike just rides and climbs so damn well. I got a '97 Race and swapped out for '98 rapid rise XTR rear, '98 XT shifters, Avid 1.9/2.0 braking (don't like alignment cams on Shimanos). No previous experience with shocks but Judy XC seems very nice to my no longer chattering teeth. One more thing: Cartecay River Bike Shop in Ellijay, GA did a great job working with me on upgrades, testing several other bikes, and more. Lived up to their promises, too. I've only been on this bike for a few days now, but I am suddenly and legitimately a better rider because of it. I'm enjoying my cut, scraped, and bruised self more than ever. What more can I ask? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Hoover
a cross-country rider
from Los Gatos, CA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up my 1997 'tude Race for $1700. What a great ride! It loves to climb, and now I do, too. It loves to descend, too, and is wicked fast on the downhill. (And after replacing the guts of the '97 Judy XC fork with the '98 upgrade, the ride is not nearly as harsh on the tricky stuff as you might expect for a stiff Al bike.)Note: the bike steers very quickly (i.e., it oversteers like a sports car) so you have to stay on top of it when you get going fast. This is great for an advanced rider/racer, but it is a bit spooky for an intermediate like myself.Five stars for Mr. Gary Klein!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a cross-country rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got a new Attitude Comp 97' for $999 as a left over at my local shop.
What can I say, the bike rules!. The only thing I might change is the uncomfortable WTB seat.
Other then that, It's great. I bought Northwave shoes and know I am getting
ready to start my on team. Thanks Klien for all the product support and help.
Pat 14 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Kleiner
a cross-country rider
from United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike has real ATTITUDE................... I had the Judy XC's coloured keyed in to match the bike. Having riden a number of different road and MTB's , well , this is IT. Fast uphill, fast downhill, you are in control. No surprises, it does what it is designed to do, It is one of the sexiest machines around. Can't wait to try the 1999 MANTRA PRO , what do you think? To go for it or not to go for it, that is the question. How about setting up a worldwide ATTITUDE MTB club, we could travel and have some radical fun.... well, guys what do you say? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a cross-country rider
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is the shiznit!! I've had my Attitude Comp for about a month now and feel I can give it a full review. The frame is incredibly light and stiff, making climbing a joy compared to my old Mongoose. I'm climbing things seated which gave me trouble standing before. This bike wants to be ridden aggressively on technical singletrack - the harder you push it the better it responds. Components were solid: LX or better, with SRAM 9.0SL shifters and rear derailleur. The only upgrades I plan are the fork (Indy SL just isn't rigid enough) and brake levers (to SRAM's 9.0 levers). 5 chilies for an incredible bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a cross-country rider
from usa
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Man this thing is the best. Light and an uphill monster!! You couldn't buy a better or lighter hardtail. I have mine at 20 pounds, and thats not even trying to keep the weight down!! Get a 96' or a 99 if you can thought , the klein MC2 headset ios on the 96' (mines a '96) and the new ones have the MC2. Klein is a good company they have backed me up and answered questions, you just can't go wrong. Buy a attitude!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Augustine Tan
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Klein Attitude RULES !!!
Dun believe me ??
Look at the ratings. Although it is not ranked at the very top, it is close and why are the other brands on top ...???Because they all have each less than 10 reviews and this baby's got 90 !!!!Try beating that losers !!!!!I repeat: Klein Attitude RULES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Ellensburg,WA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got a 96 Attitude with the MC2 and Klein rigid aluminum fork and after riding about 20 different bikes in the last 5 years (I worked in a shop) My attitude is the finest mountain bike I have ever had the honor of riding. Its light (20.5 lbs) handles fantastically and is super stiff. I think its a shame that Klein did away with their rigid high end hard tails because I have yet to ride a bike that tracks any better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FAXXMAN
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got a '97 Attitude Race and absolutely love it. It goes where I point it and makes climbing a joy. The ride can be a bit harsh over the worst terrains, but that's a trivial sacrifice for the exceptional power transfer. A incredibly light but durable bike. I hope Klein keeps the beautiful blue-to-blue linear paint scheme. Five flamin' Mr. Hanky's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a racer
from CT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great bike, escpecially for XC racing. The frame is STIFF. The only thing comprable to this frame is a Spooky Darkside. I love this thing. Although, some adjustments must be made and I made a few upgrades. First, the WTB saddle is THE most uncomfortable saddle i have ever ridden. I replaced it with a Serfas ARC Kevlar/Ti. Next was the fork, it sucks and so does Rock SHox, I put a Bomber Z.3 Light and it rocks. Then ditch the tires. I put on Fire XC pros. Then I put on Magura brakes and Grip shift Attacks, to I do prefer SRAM derrailuers, I could not afford them. The drivetrain is fine, by ditch the brakes too. Get XT V's. Otherwise this bike rules and all the rest of the parts will last. I only have to upgrade when they wear out. I love this bike and Klein is true quality. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KLEIN BOY
a racer
from Canada, Nova Scotia
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is ready to go right out of the box. You don't need to add
anything to it. For a race bike it's all you could ever ask for.
The climbing is just amazing. It's fast, light and quick. Oh yeah it's
a real head turner too. Their is nothing else like a Klein. It's just
a differnt then anythign else. Their are bike as good maybe better. But
nothing rides like a klein | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Spry
a racer
from Kingwood TX
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
well....this bike rox for cross country racing. it has the stiffest rear end in the bicycling industry, and you always know that. it climbs better than any bike that i have ever been on, but then again it also is a rough ride on the downhills. the klein integrated MC2 stem/headset/fork assembly is incredibly lightweight and strong, but it takes something like 300ft lbs. of torque to keep it tight, now myself at 158lbs can't do that so it is kinda a nuisance. another gripe is that the frame is fairly susceptible to dings i ate it hardcore on a 7 foot table-top jump the other day (came out with almost breaking a couple ribs) and i found that i had dinged the top tube of the bike. it is nothing serious, but a little disturbing to say the least. i can live with this because i am sponsored and can get a new frame at the snap of a finger, but still is a hassle. overall, the bike is incredible, but i wouldn't consider it perfect due to the ding-ability of the frame. so will give it 5 chilis for function, and 3 chilis for durability. overall, a solid performer at 4 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHUCK
a racer
from TOLEDO,OH
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
GOOD NEWS! KLEIN HAS BROUGHT BACK MISSION CONTROL FOR 99! ALL KLEIN MTB'S WILL HAVE MC2. THE PULSE IS GONE AND A NEW GRADIENT FRAME WITH EXTERNAL ROUTINGS WILL REPLACE IT. ON THE MANTRA FRONT WE'LL BE SEEING A NEW CARBON FRAME. FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH OLDER MC2 SYSTEMS, THIS SUMMER KLEIN WILL OFFER REDUCER BEARING SET'S SO YOU CAN USE ANY TYPE OF FORK
OH YEAH A QUICK REMINDER, KLEIN WILL REPAINT ANY CHEHALIS MADE FRAME ANY COLOUR (THEIR CURRENTLY USING) FOR 375.00 TO 500.00
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aggie John
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What can I say that others have not already covered? This bike is superb! I had an XTR rear derailleur put on and now it as perfect a bike (under $3,000) as you can get. Sooooo smooth riding. I got my '97 for a mere $800. Love the burning sand color and internal cabling, and you can't beat 22.8 lbs (yeah, I'm a weight-weenie, as if there's anything wring with that). Oh, yeah, T-Hump is an ignorant moron, who has NO IDEA what he's talking about. He calls that Attitude computer generated??? Apparently he has no idea that it takes 21 days to make each Attitude frame BY-HAND. Klein makes the best bikes on the market.GIG 'EM! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T-Hump
a cross-country rider
from Mountains of New Mexico
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is way over rated. It is not a bad bike but you can do better especially for the price. Both my Bontrager Race(see my review) and Ritchey are better bikes. This bike is not bad, but it lacks SOUL. For the money I expect more. The Bontrager and Ritchey deliver it. It all depends on what you are lookig for in a bike. If you like a super sano computer creation is is hard to beat this bike. If you want a bike that has soul and will become an extension of you.........look elswhere. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fatjack of Mill Valley
a cross-country rider
from Mill Valley, Cali
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Last week I went riding with six buds and my brother....5 kleins, a schwinn and me on my Procal LTD carbon. My bike is sweet but the kleins rock! While harsher on the downhills the kleins excel in every other respect. Great climbers! My brother has a 96 pulse which since TREK is the same as the attitude. Don't buy any of the new pulses, just look at them side by side with the attitudes or even pre-trek pulses, you'll know why........Ride baby ride! if anyone would like to check out the sweet trails around Marin county e.mail me I'll hook you up. Especially if you're a cool bike girl!! See ya on the trails!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Kahuna
a weekend warrior
from Vista, CA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a '97 Attitude Race just the other day, got a screamin deal I couldn't pass up. After 2 rides I have a totally different outlook on life. Yes, this bike does it all. It handles extremely accurately, climbs like a 22 lb stiffy, but the amazing part is the ride is smooth. I bought the bike on the promise of accurate handling and light weight, but the smoothness is both a surprise as well as a great benefit. The best way I can put it is this bike requires less effort, which allows me to ride faster and longer.
It would be hard for me to imagine that ANY frame, regardesss of material, design or manufacturing process could be more effective for a cross-country bike than the Klein Attitude. I came off a Trek 8000, which by comparison was a slow turner, a good climber, but it really hammered me on the fast chatter bumps. So you might think that the Trek is more stable at high speed, or the Klein is less stable, but I would say that there's no difference. If you can afford one, buy it.The single most important component of a bike is.... the frame. And for any and all reviewers who whine about stuff like rims and grips, just try upgrading your frame. This package is what I prefer to buy in a bike. A top of the line frame with middle of the road components, that I can add my prefered components to over time. BTW, some of my favorite components are a Marzocchi fork, some high end hubs like XTR's with light rims, Bontrager Jones' and the trick pieces made by ProShift (check out their pieces at your local highend bike shop, or on the internet at www.proshift.com).5 Chilli's for sure. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn Ross
a cross-country rider
from South Bend, IN
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't own one of these, but four of my friends do. Whenever we go out to the trails they beat me by alot on the uphills. THe components are very solid. The frame is beautiful and considered by me to be a piece of artwork. I will be purchasing one very soon. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry
a racer
from Harrisburg, PA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike (barely) used for $700. I thought I would fall over when the guy said he'd take 7 bills for it. This bike rocks and gives you the confidence to go fast fast fast! It climbs better than anything I've ever ridden and tracks sbeautifully in the rough single track. The only things I'm going to change are an upgrade to XTR derailleurs, a lighter, stiffer crank set, and lighter race wheels. This is my first Klein, but certainly not my last. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a racer
from Ellensburg washington
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i purchased a pulsII about two years ago, and for those of you that know the klein line of bikes, it's almost the exact same frame as the attitude. my friend has a 97 attitude and when we comared them there were hardly any difference. as far as the rest of the pulse line goes, i don't even consider them a REAL klein. anyway, as far as the review of the bike goes, i gave it 5 stars because it's the best bike i have ever set eyes on. i'm a member of the central washington university's bike club which frequently takes group rides through some of the toughest, fastest, and most technical terane i have ever ridden. in all the times i have ridden up here i haven't once been able to blame the bike for my falure. if anything it covers up any falure on my part. the bike lets me push myself to the crashing point. i specifically purchased this bike with the idea that it could transfer as much power possible to the rear wheel, and sofar i haven't been dissapointed. i've never been a person who get's attached to a bike company, but the attention to detail and practicality(no unnessesary trinkets) put into the desighn makes me believe that klein stands alone at the top. no one even compares. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Tubbs
a cross-country rider
from Marysville, wa
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Attitude Race end of '97. Great bike, climbs great, ultra light stock. Only complaints: the chain kept getting caught in the anti-suck chain thing and broke off. The Brontrager Mustang rims that were spec'd are now garbage. In washington st. there is alot of mud, the XT V-brakes ate through the rims in under 500 miles. Klein must know this being that they now use Cane Creek Rims. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scrumpy
a cross-country rider
from Stillwater, NJ
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Outstanding ride. Responsive, frameset tighter than a...um... climbing becomes effortless and fluid...downhills a bit of a rattle but who needs fillings anyway?
Tip: if you've been riding CroMoly yer whole life don't jump w/ this bike till you're used to losing the poundage. Broke my freakin clavicle on my 2d ride! Yow. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul McPhee
a weekend warrior
from Brisbane, Auatralia
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride a fairly old Klein and it still carves on everything I can set it apon.
The only bike I can find that beats it is my mates Attitude and it is just as
unbelieveable. I will never stop riding Klein bikes and when I get the funding
Klein can rest assured that I will be giving them my business. Every one should
get themselves a Klein. Also my mates old Klein was stolen, so if antone sees
some kid riding a red prelude aroung Brisbane, get it off them and tell cycle world( we know it's the only one around). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cranky
a racer
from
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I can't say much more than what's already been said, but here's my 2 cents. Let me start by saying I've had every conceivable frame material and design; from straight guage os al, Easton Elite, OCLV carbon, double butted Tange prestige, 3/2.5 ti, mac-struts, and URT's. I can honestly say, the Attitude is my favorite. My first Klein was a '96 Adroit and I absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, I didn't want to deal w/the Airheadset, MC2, and precision bb, so off it went to the auction block. I went through a couple bikes in the interim(AMP B4 & Schwinn Homegrown Factory), but I always missed that perfect feeling I had w/the Adroit. I realized at that point that I had let my perfect bike go, so what else could I do but get another one. Knowing I didn't want to deal w/Klein's proprietary parts, I went w/the Attitude(knowing it was the same frame minus the hs/bar-stem/bb). Well, I now have the bike of my dreams. One that carves singletrack, climbs effortlessly, is forgiving in all the right places, accelerates like a Porsche on nitrous, and has one of the most beautiful paint jobs I've ever seen(second only to my '96 Adroit). I've built it w/plain ol' '96 XT w/a Judy SL. Everything is reliable to a fault(w/the exception of the Judy) and tips the scales at a piddling 22.5lbs. As a side note, I also have a Mantra(great fs btw), but if I had to choose just one, the Attitude would be it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Forrest Smith
a racer
from oklahoma
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 98 Klein Attitude race which i got from klein thru sponsorship. It has all XTR and a SID. it wieghs an honest 21.8 lbs, and is SICK fast!!! I can big ring almost everything on it, (in fact i removed my granny ring). It climbs like a goat, and is almost too fast on downhills. As expected, it is a little harsher than a cromoly hard tail out back, but if yer racin' who cares? but honestly, Klein has the art of making an aluminum bike ride smooth quite well in hand. I love my bike and would not ride another bike, PERIOD! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Trohkimoinen
a cross-country rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Awesome ride!! I had a Marin Nail Trail for six months until it got ripped off two weeks ago. I went out and rode a lot of bikes but couldn't find one to replace the Marin I loved so much. It was like losing an arm. The second I hopped on this bike, I fell in love. I have gone for several rides since purcahsing the Attitude. Each time I am impressed at how well it handles. It climbs wonderfully. Downhills are a breeze. Needless to say, this bike kicks my old Marin's butt! Plus I got one hell of a deal. My insurance would not reimburse me for the Marin, so I had a limited price range. I got my Attitude Race for $1400. Not bad for an upgrade to Judys and XT components. Plus it is a lot lighter and stiffer than the Nail Trail. If you are ever in doubt where to buy a bike in the Denver area, check out Wheatridge Cyclery. If you can't find the ride you are looking for there, it doesn't exist! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garett Wolfe
a racer
from Williston, VT
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The attitude is my second klein! the first one I had fell off the car on the inter-state. The frame was undammaged after the huge fall and a 20 foot bounce!
And the performance, Holy WOW! I just got the '96 (way better than the new ones,
just my oppinion.) Rock on klein! everyone should have one! AMEN! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
INTERNATIONAL WORLD OF BIKE INC
a cross-country rider
from IOWA CITY,IOWA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
AT W.O.B. ALMOST EVERYBODY THAT WORKS AT THE SHOP IS A KLEIN JUNKIE HAVING AT LEAST A COUPLE KLEINS EACH. WE ALSO SELL THEM. WERE IMPRESSED BY THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND THE WEIGHT OF THE BIKES. WE HAVE A GREAT TRAIL SYSTEM CLOSE BY WHICH IS ABOUT 11 MILES. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Gupta
a weekend warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Man I love this bike! I've been looking for over a year to replace my Cannondale, and it was worth the wait. I got a '97 Attitude Race for $1300. More than I wanted to spend, but I couldn't pass a bike like this up.I cannont believe how this bike turns! My old Cannondale showed some hesitation when you pointed the wheel, but this thing just jumps right in. And it's so damn light, I can burn up hills that slowed me to a chug before. This is my first Klein, but I am so impressed with it, I would recommend it over Cannondale any day!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JAY SPRY
a racer
from Knoxville, TN
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
damn this thing rulz. i have always been a big klein fan and have only recently retired my old klein fervor (if anyone is interested it is still for sale:) i thought that my fervor was incredible, well it is a lead sled in comparison to the attitude. my attitude weighs in at an even 22lbs. incredible. it has the special klein MC2 stem/bar/judy XC combo and it is light as hell. i couldn't believe how easy it was to pull up on the front end of this bike. and this thing climbs anything in existence. the stiff rear end pulls you up and over any obstacle available in the mountainbiking world. and on the downhills, i expected it to be awful, but it tracks very well and actually works to keep the rear tire down and in control unlike my fervor which had the tendency to bounce around on the downhills. i race for hte University of Tennessee mountainbiking team and we recently changed our sponsors and they hooked me up with a FULL BIKE for 1300. typically the fuselage for this bike is much and i got it will full XT. Kudos to INTERWHEEL INC of knoxville. if you get the chance and the cash to get one of these, you will never be disapointed. L8TRZ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TrailBomber
a weekend warrior
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Riding Klein Attitude for two years now, this bike as you most likely have heard kicks ass. If you like to bunny hop and jump this is the bike for you, it hardly weighs anything...I think like 20 pounds. Climbing on this bike is the best I have ever experianced. You will blow away any full suspension bike on an uphill, as they bend and sag their way up the hill, with all that extra weight. Downhill can be a little crazy unless you are a decent rider. this bike is fast, and is by no means for the beginner or average rider! Downfall, can be the fact that this bike dents very easily, so 1.) don't ride hung over, I did this and paid the price, nice little dent in my chainstay...oh well If you really dent it you can sent it back to the factory, pay an arma and a leg and have the bike fixed. Anyways the bike is by far the best hardtail out there. But make sure you buy a Klein, that is still a Klein, and has not been tainted by Trek and there assembly line way of pumping out bike. A true Klein is the way to GO
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan
a weekend warrior
from IN
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
found a '97 Attitude comp for $999.00, and all i could
say after riding it was where do i sign? it is really
the best/most fun bike i've ridden, after looking through
cannondales and specialized. this Attitude with LX/XT
(mostly XT) was only forty dollars more than the c-dale
F700 with STX-RC/LX that i was previously considering...
was there ever any chance for the c-dale? no, i don't
think so!!! this is a NICE ride, stock indy SL fork is
more than good enough until i get the money for a bomber...
left the spuds on, thinking about Time A.T.A.C.'s later on...
overall, this bike kicks ass!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just rode my new '97 Attitude Comp today for the first time. It absolutely flies up the hills. Easily the best bike I have ridden. I did not even miss the rear suspension of my S-20. It is stiff but not really harsh on my backside. The Duster II tires are quite good as well. I did swap out the LX pedals for some Time ATACs. They are easy to get in and out of and are just super smooth. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E-man groovin
a cross-country rider
from Ft. Wayne, IN
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought my '97 Attitude comp about a month ago on closeout. Swapped out the spuds for Time A.T.A.C., the Indy sl for a Zoke Z2, outfitted it with riser bars to get the riding position down tight and MAN WHAT A RIDE!!! This thing handles infintessimally better than my previous steed (a'94 Trek 7000) in all conditions. It loves hills, tracks well in the rough stuff, is light and stiff enough to keep it going in the soggiest of conditions!
The harsh ride isn't as much of a deal for me, I'm young and tend to stand up and back on those brutal descents, and I wouldn't trade the power you get out of the stiff bottom bracket for the world! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vinny
a cross-country rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a '97 Attitude Race on a closeout. 1500 including all taxes. It replaced my old 1993 Miyata hardtail. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! This bike is
absolutely fantastice in all aspects. Appearance, performance, value!Perhaps it should be called a Kleim (climb), since it just goes uphill with much
less effort. At nearly 40, I can use all the help I can get. GREAT BIKE!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaime Saladrigas Cussons
a cross-country rider
from Barcelona, SPAIN
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It´s been over a year since I bought my blue Attitude Race and what can I say?...I'm thrilled!!. It's handles rough and gentle and seems to enjoy it as
much as I do. I too suffer from pains on my back, but I don't seem to notice them that much any more - and I do love long, steep as well as endless rough
singletrack downhills! What's more; most of my bike pals have one or other type
of KLEIN to brag about! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding a 97 Adroit xtr/sl for about 6 months and this has to be one the trickest hardtails out there. I rode the Ventana and Ellsworth hardtails, both of which are comparable to the Adroit, but aren't as precise. The Klein sealed bottom bracket and one piece stem really make this package a winner. If you're in the market for a under 21lbs racing machine, the adroit is the tool.
Ti frames are the butter-knife, and this thing is the stilleto, choose your weapon! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pimp Daddy
a racer
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is truly one of the best bikes out there. It kicks ass on any climb, put in a harder gear than your normal bike and sprint up any climb. I've ridden everything including, Trek,Bontrager, Yeti, Manitou,Litespeed, Merlin, and other bikes including full suspension and this bike kicks ass on any xc ride. Downhilling on the other hand is a different story. The bike has great handling but is extremely hard on your behind.I bought the 98 Attitude Comp and the components are decent but I will be upgrading as I go along. Overall the best hardtail made. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aug.
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Excellent Bike ! i have my 22 pounds Attitude Comp (97) with white ind hubs and 517. light VERY stiff and fast. Acceleration is good and it is easy to change lines during ride due to fast reponse from the bike. vertical stiffness eliminates power loss but hurts your soft tissue | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Sapp
a cross-country rider
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: March 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Purchased a closeout 97 Attitude Race and I am quite impressed. i came off a stiff Cannondale, so I am accustomed to rigidity. After the first ride I was amazed at the prowess, agility and quickness of this bike. As a former motocross racer, I ride rather hard (occassionally at the expense of smoothness and finesse) and this bike tracks great. And even the quickest reflexes won't exhaust it's potential for great tight travel.
My eyes widen on descents (yes, steep albeit short descents can be found in the florida flatlands), but I'm going to upgrade to a 98 Z2 BAM before going to Colorado this summer. This should provide a bit more security. An xtr rear derailleur would be more befitting this steed, but 98 specs remedied this qualm for a substantial sum. (I gotta take my one and only chance to gripe)
Pick up a closeout '97 and save loads of cash. Also, you can ride assured that you are buying one great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RBG
a racer
from NJ
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Unless you have ridden a KLEIN you can never understand the way a
REAL MTB can climb, sprint, and carve singletrack with this kind of
efficiency. This is the STIFFEST frame available. Not for those who
can't handle the ride, because this frame let's you know where you have
been. Make those DUELIEs curse you on EVERY uphill. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean
a cross-country rider
from Burke, VA USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my '97 Attitude Comp for about 6 months now. Having ridden many bikes, ranging from Specialized, to Bontrager, the Klein has the best ride of any comparably equipped bike. You do pay a price premium for it, but its performance more than makes up for it. The stifness of the bike can take its toll on you while on a long ride. I highly recommend this bike for those who are really into the sport and are willing to fork over the premium for it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a cross-country rider
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Like most of these other reviews, I agree that my Attitude is a fantastic performer.
The quality of workmanship is excellent. However, the frame is so stiff that I get tired more quickly than on my old steel frame. By the end of the ride, I feel pretty beaten up. Also, the frame seems susceptable to damage from minor falls and drops. Because of a very minor ding on the downtube, the internally routed derailleur cable vibrates against the tube in the inside, causing an annoying rattle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a weekend warrior
from martinez, ca
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just purchased my 97 Attitude Comp. Closeout $999 !!! If you can find a deal
like this or better, jump on it. After months of looking, I was never quite satisfied with what was available at the asking price. Now I am glad that I took so much time. The finest craftmanship of any bike I looked at. This bike is a masterpiece. This bike deserves more than 5 chilis. More to come after I get some miles on my
new ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wyatt Austin
a weekend warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased the Attitude Comp and it is pure magic. Light, fast and tough, it makes me want to skip work just to be out on it. In comparison, my old Ridgeback (rode to destruction without really trying) seems like a piece of lead. Buy it and ascend into biking heaven! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean
a downhiller
from Burke, Virginia
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
You can't rate this higher than 5 stars???!!! This is probably by far one of the best bikes I've ever owned or ridden. Never has a bike made climbing steep inclines so easy. Stiff doesn't even begin to descibe the frame. This is the standard by which mountain bikes should be judge. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a cross-country rider
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is one great ride!! I upgraded from a Giant ATX 890 and even for a somewhat occasional rider like me, there is a huge difference in the feel of these bikes. I have a '97 Attitude frame spec'd out with all XT and ESP 9.0 components and a Judy SL fork. This is a climbing machine. I'm not much for serious balls to the wall screaming downhill runs but this bike is tight in the single track. The thing that sets this bike apart from the rest is its light weight and STIFFNESS which makes climbing those steep, technical hills funner that you ever imagined. I now find myself LOOKING for hills to climb. This part of my riding has improved so much that my transfer from beginner to sport class racing was easier than I had imagined it would be.
I highly recommend some sort of a suspension seatpost to take the edge off the shock transfer from the rear triangle. I have a USE seatpost...it's not plush buts suits my need quite fine.
If you have the means to purchase such a bike, it comes highly recommended. The investment is well worth it!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PJ Flattop
a cross-country rider
from Columbia SC
Date Reviewed: February 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The 96 Team Attitude is a great bike for tight singletrack. At 23.5 lbs it slices through the woods with precesion close to a surgeon's knife on hot flesh. In ridding a GT beforehand, I was used to barreling over any obstacle but with this dream machine, I have learned to cut the tightest track and made myself a better rider. With upgrades such as 636 pedals, Master/Control tires, Xt V-brakes, and Synchros bar ends, this bike deserves nothing less than 5 accolades. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jennifer Minard
a weekend warrior
from Nanaimo BC Canada
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is the most amazing peice of machinery I have ever ridden! I was looking
for a bike that would handle tight twisty singletrack without flinching and this bike
does it all! It seems to be a bike made for trials because I can sit it still and inch
over every root log and twist without fear that it will betray me! It's high bottom
tube makes climbing logs a snap and because of it's short top tube I can get in
an aggressive poition without overstretching my very short body. I would never
switch to another hard tail, although the newer Trek made ones dont seem the same
Putting any statused ideal aside this bike rides really really well! It is race ready
out of the box and not so expensive as some might have you believe. I picked
mine up for $1,800 Canadian although other less reputable shops have tried
to sell me frame alone for $5,000. Ha Ha!
P.S. Velociraptors are about 50,000 times better than Death grips! How could a company
from Chehalis feel it made sense to out fit this bike with tires that loaded up with mud
in less than several seconds!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a cross-country rider
from toledo, oh
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am pleased to see that so many other people agree with me, my 96 attitude is the best handling and climbing bike I've ever owned. For the record (eric from grand rapids) the klein pulse series rear triangle is the ONLY part made by Klein Bicycle Corp. in Chehalis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
juan baldez
a cross-country rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
One of the best bikes ever built. I have the 96 Team with the red to yellow to white fade. Pressed in headset and BB truely stand alone in terms of functionability and lightness. I also own a 94 Fervor and I can say that the Attitude is a better ride but the attention to every detail was lost with the Trek merger but I have heard rumors that Klein will be leaving that bastard company at the end of the year. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mads Gjoedesen
a cross-country rider
from Denmark
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a ´93 Attitude with XTR. I have upgraded everything, excerpt the frameset with straight fork, and I would not change it, even for a new one. It is light (19.7 with crossmax), stiff and sexy. The old kleinbikes (before 96) are the coolest ever made. Why the hell did you sell it, Gary!!! Trek is destroying Kleins image by making cheap models. But still -NOTHING ELSE EVEN COMES CLOSE- | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from Grand Rapids, MI
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a 96 Attitude about a year ago and this is by far the best bike I've ever owned. It takes a little getting used to if you're coming off a heavier bike, especially on downhills, but once you tune it in, you won't believe the ride. The 96 is the best buy in my book since you get the amazingly light MC2 bar and the Klein proprietary BB, unlike later models, and they have that awesome red yellow and white fade pattern. Go for the all Klein frames too; they're worth it. The pulses have Trek rear triangles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stu
a downhiller
from Tx
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a `97 Attitude.............First Class Bike!!!!!! First Class Company!!!!!!One of the best hardtails ever made!!!!!! I had a 7005 series aluminum bike before this and the comparison is a joke. Its like comparing a Ford to a Mercedes. If your thinking of buying a bike and wanting to upgrade the frame for years to come, look no further. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DEAN NOWACZYK
a racer
from LUDINGTON, MI
Date Reviewed: January 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'VE BEEN RIDING MY 97 ATTITUDE COMP FOR A YEAR AND I AM AMAZED AT HOW QUICK THE BIKE FEELS. UP HILL'S ARE FAST AND DOWNHILL'S ARE SCARY FAST.IT GETS A LITTLE BONE JARRING AT TIMES BUT I FEEL IT IS WORTH IT. TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, I STIFFENED THE RIDE FURTHER WITH A PAIR OF SPINS. CAN YOU SAY CARVE A TURN. LIKE BUTTER. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Barshop
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles CA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had this bike since 1992. It's been crashed and ridden very hard for 6 years, and outside of a new paint job (sent back to Klein's Chehalis factory three years ago), the frame doesn't even show a dent.
It started with a rigid fork (very rigid oversize aluminum!) and now has a Mag 20, and is still the best bike Ive ridden. It's not a beginner's bike, and you have to keep on it on a rough downhill since it's stiff and quick, but it's the best single track bike I've ridden even if it kicks you in the butt with its stff rear end. When you get acclimated to this bike, there is none better.Since I've had it so long, I keep looking to buy myself a new toy, but nothing I've ridden handles better. Plusher, yes; but not better overall. Even with all the high tech dualies out there, this is probably still one of the most often seen frames in So. Cal and for good reason. It rides and it lasts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a cross-country rider
from NYC
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
96 Attitude with MC2 bars. very very stiff. incredibly responsive on tight singletrack but painful at speed. of course, it was never meant to be a comfortable, long wheelbase cruiser, but its still scary-jittery at times. when in its element, it performs perfectly, maneuvering flawlessly and climbing effortlessly. my only gripe is that sometimes over stumps and large rocks the mc2 was jarred loose. you have to tighten it on the steerer tube with much much more torque than you'd ever imagine to keep this from happening. | | Overall Rating: |
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