Strengths: Design, quality, mine is pre takeover - it matters, durability, the mantra is an underrated bike - i used mine with Z1 Bams and have switched to carbon rigids - this i strongly believe gives you/the rider the best balance. It is not a full susser so if you buy one expecting it to be you will scare yourself to death - XC at most. Gary Klein designed this machine to have rigid front ends.
Weaknesses: If you have one with forks when braking it dives all over the place, misuse it for downhill etc you will ruin it, and eat those pivot bushes - this isnt a product weakness but a lot of how it was marketed at one point or another. A true weakness is very early rear triangles often broke with no warning.
Bottom Line:
Get one - its a love or hate bike, most that dont like it havent owned one - look after this and will be worth a few some day but for riding pleasure when set up its ace and fun. Try and get a pre Trek one, they look better and are retro as hell.
Similar Products Used: Klein hardtails, Klein Palomino, Kestrel, Specialized, Pro flex, Kona lava dome 1992 in white with splatter paint - i miss that bike!!
Bike Setup: For the Mantra - Large frame in Koi (orange/yellow fade), White industries carbon straight forks, full XTR, Conti race king tyres, Mavic 512, Hope, Race face next forged carbon crank, Syncros stem, Selle italia saddle, Fox alps 5 R rear, Cane creek and so on.
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Submitted by
mashimaro
a Downhiller
from Landskrona
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2011
Strengths: Reasonably light. Stiff frame. Great climber both in and out of the saddle. The bike accelerates like no other full suspension bike I have ridden. Quick and agile handling. No pedal bob, or to be specific, the pedal bob does not affect the pedaling efficiency. This bike pedals just as good as a hardtail bike. The finish of the frame (welds, paint job and so on) is very, very nice. It has an exclusive and expensive feel to it. The bike always gets a lot of attention, even though I must admit that not all of that attention is positive. People either love or hate this bike.
Weaknesses: Descents! When you brake with the front brake, the rear suspension extends all the way. This results in the bike's wheelbase shortening and the rider is lifted up, to a higher riding position. The handling becomes more nervous and there is an increased risk of an OTB. The steeper the hill and the harder the front brake is applied, the more this effect is noticed.
I always hit the inside of my knees off the frame at rear pivot as this is placed on the top tube, very close to the saddle tube. The frame is very wide at this point.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, but it also has one large flaw.
I love riding technical cross country on this bike. It's just so fast, stiff and responsive. But I get a bit nervous when I have to brake hard going down steep hills.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Super V, lots of hardtail bikes, YT Tues DH downhill bike, Giant DH Team downhill bike.
Bike Setup: 1996 Klein Mantra Race frame, Gradient tubing. Full XTR 950 group with the exception of the front hub which is a White Industries Ti. Thomson Elite seat post. Flite saddle. Mavic rims (model unknown). Syncros stem and headset. Klein bullhorn handle bar. Fox Alps 5r rear shock. Rock Shox Judy SL fork. Continental Vertical Pro tyres. The frame and all the components are from 1996, with the exception of the tyres.
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Submitted by
brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, WA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2009
Strengths: Single track, climbing
Weaknesses: high speed descents
Bottom Line:
This bike is very different from any other full suspension bike and has received an unwarranted reputation for "stinkbugging". Those who have experienced that problem with the Mantra series have not taken the time to understand the design.
Gary Klein designed the bike to be ridden as rear suspension only with a rigid fork, so you need to use a much stiffer fork setting than you would on any other bike. The rear shock compresses when the front wheel hits a bump, so you can get away with a stiffer setup (such as the original boron wrapped aluminum fork Gary intended the bike to have).
Do that, and stay in the saddle on steep descents and you will have no troubles - except for the fact that it is a very quick steering bike (designed for single track)so it can be handful at very high speeds.
It is right up there with the Maverick/Palomino in being the only full suspension bikes that rival hardtails in climbing.
I have never ridden another cross country bike that makes me feel more at home on the bike than this one. For me it engenders a feeling of confidence that has been unmatched by any other.
Submitted by
Tim Beeching
a Cross Country Rider
from Hendersonville, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2007
Strengths: Great climbing manchine; the short wheelbase and narrow bars make the twisty trails a snap; soaks up the rough stuff real good; fun for the downhills as long as you throw your weight off the back seat
Weaknesses: creaking in the frame; large bearing headset
Bottom Line:
I've been riding this bike since 00 or 01. Gone thru a few different back-up bikes during that time and always gone back to the Klein. This bike fits me like a glove and I have more confidence on it than any other bike I have owned. I plan to buy another one at some point so that I have two. It has been dependable and I don't plan to let it go any time soon. I wish Klien would reintroduce this bike.
Bike Setup: Hayes Hyd disc brakes, Manitou R-Seven fork, Thomson stem, factory Icon bars, King 1 1/8" headset (custom made adapters pressed into the original races), XTR shifters and deraileurs, changing over to Tru-Vativ cranks and rings, SRAM chain and cassette, Thomson seatpost, factory seat (brand is worn off, forgot it), Bontrager Race Lite Disc rims, DT Swiss hubs, FSA ISIS bottom bracket, Panaracer Fire X 2.1 tires
26 lbs
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Submitted by
Dave Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2007
Strengths: 1. Its a Klein 2. After nearly 10 years its proved indestructible 3. Looks fantastic 4. Suspension works well 5. Its just the dogs nuts
Weaknesses: 1. Standard factory components were a bit weak
Bottom Line:
This was the first MTB I ever bought, to keep me fit in London. I loved it from the day I got it, and still rate it. I have seriously thrashed it all over England, Wales, and New Zealand, hence the non-standard components (4th set of forks, 2nd drivettrain etc etc).
Fail to understand the fuss over the downhill aspects. Maybe coz this was my first bike i just assumed that it was how it was. I have taken this bike full noise down some good sized mountains and found it to be less frightening than my other bike - a hardtail Cannondale. I still prefer it for downhill over any of my friends bikes. Maybe its the way i ride, or the fact that I am a smaller guy, but I found that keeping off the seat and my weight over the bars and keeping the front planted where I wanted it, the back of the bike did a great job of soaking up the bumps and holding the line.
Its never thrown me or become unstable or complained about me jumping off buildings or big drops. The frame is still as solid as the day I bought it. Its rigid, light, and just makes me feel more confident about going hard, which is what a great bike is all about.
I would *never* sell my Mantra. One of the best toys I ever bought!
Without a doubt one of the coolest mountain bikes ever made and *still* better than any other FS bikes made today. Totally love it.
Bike Setup: Oh too much to mention - replaced seat, replaced crank set and brakes (added disc to front), replaced forks, straight bars etc etc
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Submitted by
Chris Brewer
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006
Strengths: Carbon Fiber Mantra Race Weight, Climbing, Rear Suspension set up, the fastest bike I have ever ridden!!
Weaknesses: Sealed Headset specific to carbon fiber models only, Mystery noises from frame and or bushings.
Bottom Line:
I am in the weight range of a great xc bike, the bike shreds local trails. I find it extremely easy to rip through technical and rocky terrains, at the right speed almost effortlessly. Though I would have to agree with most that the downhills can become quite tricky with this bike. It just has to be ridden differantly on steep technical downhills though you can still haul ass. It may take a few face plants to figure it all out. I suggest for this, if you do not have to carbon fiber version that flanges at the headset to get a true downhill front fork it will make a huge difference. A great bike for the money and if you can get your hands on one resonably priced you will fall in love as have many of us. I would not sell this bike for the world.
Bike Setup: Carbon Fiber Mantra Race, Rockshox SID Race, Bontrager Race Lites, Cane Creek Curved V brakes with carbon fiber brake boosters, Easton Carbon Monkey Lite riser bar (the hard to find 125g version) SRAM 9.0 SL Betsy Ross Edition Carbon grip shifts, brake levers, and rear derailleur, XTR Front derailleur, XTR Cog sets, RaceFace Carbon Fiber cranks. Thompson Seat Post with standard saddle. Including Nashbar cheap pedals. All together weighting an amazing 22-23lbs.
Similar Products Used: well im a mtb builder so iv tryed most
Bike Setup: fall xtr hope front ankers middleburn drivers
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Submitted by
Todd Emerson
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Junction, Co, usa
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2006
Strengths: Stiff and tight frame...lika a Klein
Weaknesses: Raise the front end a bit if it still has an 80 mm fork
Bottom Line:
Those who own a Klein are usually xc or climbers. I love the brutal climbs. After buying my first Klein I was religiously hooked, never to go back. I still have my Adroit(will NEVER part with it) and my Attitude, so I will switch off riding a bit. I was amazed at how well the Mantra climbed. Back when I bought it I still lived in So Ca and mostly rode the local mountains...San Juan trail, Harding trail, Joplin, etc. I love my hard tails but this was a nice change. Soon we headed to Moab and I tried it on some of the most brutal trails on earth. I love my adroit but theres no way I'm taking it down the Portal trail (it's built up fully rigid). The Mantra has never disappointed me. I bought it new in 1998 and have ridden it consistently ever since. I can not think of any issue I have ever had with it. Would I buy it again if it was lost? IN A SECOND!! It has been a GREAT investment!
Similar Products Used: Gt Pantera, Klein Adroit, Klein Attitude, Klein Pulse
Bike Setup: put a 100mm Bomber fork on it after 2 downhill endos...eventually upgraded just about everything
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Submitted by
Smeguk
a Cross Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Strengths: Great bike
Weaknesses: desing fault in the frame
Bottom Line:
Guys these are the most amazing bikes but be warned if you start hearing that noise and think its the bottom bracket it aint! It is the frame shearing by the pivot just next to the USA flag and Klein do know about this fault in the design of the race and earlier mantras but just don't tell you as per Don below
Klein do offer lifetime warranty and great customer service BUT you need to have the original paperwork or you will be left with a broken frame to put on the wall
Strengths: Beatiful Color Good Parts for its time. Solid Frame. Best Paint job. Adjustable shocks. XT parts.
Weaknesses: Needs upgrades. 1997 Parts. Thin Tires. only 24 speed with no gear indicators.
Bottom Line:
I have been ridding a hard tail for around 7 years and just the upgrade to a dual suspension already makes my back and bottom say thankyou. The bike preforms wonderfully on light trails and Road due to the OLD but still efficient Shock system front/rear. I have only tested it in Forest Park NY and road and it has taken all the big hits no problem. It is ULTRA LIGHT even with the old technology and does feel safe and easy to control. I recomend this bike to any one that can buy one under $800 and plans to upgrade some parts. you will definetly be happy and you will be sure to get a lot of WOWS just cruising down yor block. PS. keep the seat low when doing heavy down hill it can be a little scary, But climbs like a monkey.
Similar Products Used: Trek 7000 w/upgrades, Cannondale Raven 700x W/lefty.
Bike Setup: Original parts except New saddle and XT brake set. Bike comes with XT all around. Ceramic Mavic Cross.
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Submitted by
Ro
a Cross Country Rider
from The Hague-Netherlands
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2003
Strengths: Great bike, wonderful design, headturner, great design, great climber, great stability yet lightweight
Weaknesses: pivot creaks sometimes killed after Trek took over Klein, discontinued
Bottom Line:
Klein managed to create a wonderful design with the one-tube frame and deserves full credit for it. This bike belongs in the museum of modern art, as far as I am concerned. A modern classic I am proud to own and enjoy every time I ride it.
Bike Setup: Klein Mantra race (modified) - Rock Shox Sid sl - King headset - Fox Float RL rear - XT-R front and rear - Rolf propel wheels - Magura 33 - Selle Italia TransAm prolink
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Submitted by
Don Beyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Lemon Grove
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003
Strengths: Great climber, fast single tracker, good overall ride.
Weaknesses: A little scary on rocky downhill. Steep head angle takes some getting used to. Center of gravity a little high
Bottom Line:
Fantastic ride, Sycamore Canyon has just about every type of terrain you could ask for and it handles it all very well untill you get to the steep rocky downhill. I added a quick release for seatpost adjustment. I lower it about and inch just before the steep rocky stuff and have learned to stay off the back of the seat. It has given me a lot more confidence in handling it (Used to get off and walk some of it). The coating on the bushings in the pivot gave out on the side faces from what looks like a little missalignment of the arms surfaces. The Klien replacement bushings did not have the proper clearance. (They just slopped around in the frame when they are supposed to be a press fit.) Being a machinist by trade I replaced them with a Delrin plastic bushing and they have worked great so far Yesterday after hearing a wierd creaking sound on the last two rides my rear arm snapped off just below the pivot. This drove my fron sprocket into the ground and brought me to an abrupt stop. I take very good care of this bike so this took me by surprise especially since I just had it torn down a couple months back to do the bushings. It broke at the bottom edge of the weld just below the pivot. If you do a lot of hard riding check this area out very closely. Well, looks like I need to make a run over to the local Trek store this morning to see what they will do about it. Up until yesterday I have been very pleased with this bike. I suppose if they will do the right thing and replace it for me I will still be happy with it. Will let you know how Trek performs.
Bike Setup: All stock XT with Manitou SX fork, switched out tires to Raptors. Rebuilt fork works very well. Replaced stem with 1" rise and 2" shorter and moved seat back as far as it would go to get weight off front end. Replaced seat with Specialized COMP. Once you get these setup right they are great.
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Submitted by
Jeff Verink
a Cross Country Rider
from Deerfield, WI
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Strengths: Unique looks, climbs incredibly well, nice component spec. (I actually like the WTB grease guard bits). The frame is solidly built and laterally very rigid. A really good bike for rolling double track - faster and more comfortable than a hardtail.
Weaknesses: The Mantra has two in order of severity:
-riding downhill -riding downhill singletrack
Living and riding in the midwest it wasn't until I took it out west to ride that I discovered the dark side of the Mantra. What others have said about descending on the Mantra is true - it was truly frightening. Applying the brakes caused the rear end to jack up, raising the center of gravity, the wheel base to shorten, making the bike less stable and essentially giving it a weird variable geometry - the Mantra completely destroyed my confidence when descending.
Bottom Line:
First off, Trek bought Klein in 1996. Most bikes from mid-1996 on were made under Trek's management. Hence some of the less fancily painted models like the monocromatic Pulse.
At first I really liked my Mantra. Nice components, modest weight, great climbing, especially on rough terrain. It was faster than most hardtails I'd ridden, especially uphill.
Living and riding in the midwest it wasn't until I took it out west to ride that I discovered the dark side of the Mantra. What others have said about descending on the Mantra is true - it was truly frightening.
Applying the brakes on steep terrain caused the rear end to jack up raising the center of gravity, the wheel base to shorten, making the bike less stable and essentially giving it a weird variable geometry - the Mantra completely destroyed my confidence when descending anything technical.
If you ride wide or non-technical trails, or fireroads, this is a fine bike. Especially if you can get a good price on it. I went back to a hardtail and a Kona Stinky for stoopid stuff.
Bike Setup: Stock 1998 Mantra Race (Large, Koi)+ velociraptors, eventually swaped fork for a white brothers
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Submitted by
Charlie Spano
a Cross Country Rider
from Ttiusville, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002
Strengths: Simple design, climbs and handles sand like no other bike can do; handles fast not too technical trails as in the NJ pines with whoops, stumps, tight turns and average speeds on the flat of 15 to 17 mph really well
Weaknesses: Scary to descend steep stuff on. I think placing the pivot 2cm back would improve this. I changed my Thompson seat post to a Weyless to get more setback, which improved descending. I do not feel comfortable in knarly heavily rooted trails where one must fly or creep. When the breaks are hit in this situation the back shock rises and the front compresses.....at slow speed a perfect set-up for a head plant.
Bottom Line:
Awsome bike if you do not do radical descents and you are not afraid to keep the speed up in heavily rocked trails to give the bike a little float. Nothing climbs close to it or can keep up with it in the sand. Does woops really great.
