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Submitted by
Leeroy
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Climbing, Price, Paint, | | Weaknesses: | To make this bike preform correctly you must purchase the mono-link upgrade ($225), the d-mount arm, and a road bike front derailleur. I would also recommend upgrading to a maverick rear shock over the fox m-bits. Especially for anyone over 175 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | This is an amazing bike. I bought this bike new in 2003 and have no plans to trade in any time soon. Be sure to make the mono link upgrades listed above. Together these items will fix all shifting problems, and cause the rear suspension to become much more active. Although expensive these changes make a vast difference. With these upgrades their is really no difference between this frame and the Maverick ML7. Except that this is far cheaper and better looking. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a cross country bike. A light set of wheels and pedals can shave up to 2 IBS from the bikes weight making it a strong race bike. ENJOY | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Payne, AL
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Desoto State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | East Ridge Bicycles | | Strengths: | Excellent Climber, Excellent in Turns and Downhill, Amazing Paint, Quality Factory Components for beginner | | Weaknesses: | V-brakes (only after an upgrade) | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn full suspension, bu nothing that compares to this bike. | | Bike Setup: | Standard Klein Issue with Mavic SL tubless wheels, Klein Deathgrip Tube tires with Stan NoTubes, Xpedo SL/MG pedals and Avid Juicy 7 disc brake upgrades | | Bottom Line: | I recommend this bike to anyone. I mostly ride on the weekends but compete in a few offroad triathlons each year. After the upgrades, I don't think there is anything else I would change about the bike. It stands out in a crowd and performs like a champ.
Once you get the pressures in the shocks like you like them, which takes a while to get the feel, the ride is top notch.
My next bike will definetly have to be a full suspension Klein, unless this one never wears out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harold
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | lightweight - good climber, nice parts and looks | | Weaknesses: | bike architecture inherently flawed | | Bike Setup: | factory original | | Bottom Line: | In the year since I bought it, this bike spent more time at the repair shop than on the trail. I did not get any performance from the rear shock, when I tried to adjust it to my weight it messed up the front shifting. Klein reps tried to solve this problem by replacing parts on the front shifting structure so that it moved to the side when the rear shock kicked in. This worked for a while, but after a few months I was having the same shifting problems. Despite its good looks and features, this bike is not a solid performer - it fails in the most basic attribute any bike at this price should have: good shifting | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from Stevens Point, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Island | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Most of the components are amazing. Can't beat the paint job. Fox suspension components are unbelievably good. Has that "Yes, it's a Klein" mystique. | | Weaknesses: | Cheapo Avid brakes were the first things to go. Tires are horrid in corners. Seat was a joke. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except XTR rim brakes and a blue Schwinn Sting-Ray seat. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is amazing on the trails. Light enough, very fast. The front end is higher up than I'd like, but that can be changed by adjusting the stem, etc. The tire are terrible, as are the Avid V-Brakes. I put the seat on my Scattante road bike and like it there, but on the Klein, it was terrible. I replaced it with a Schwinn seat. Watch the bolts and bushings on the rear suspension parts, and you'll be fine. I really enjoy this bike, I do. I moved up from a Giant ATX 880, so this was a pleasant surprise. If you can find this bike for less than 2k, go for it, but only after you give it a thorough test ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Looks great, rides great. Comfortable ride. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailer, rear brake. | | Bike Setup: | XT front, XTR back, Hayes disk. | | Bottom Line: | After every ride, something broke. Be it the front derailer or the rear brake. Yesterday was the last straw - a misc. screw wound itself out of my rear Hayes brake and was grinding in the disk. Bike store owner couldn't account for it. Was also told that the problems associated with the front derailer were inherient with the bike and could not be fixed. I tried, tried, tried to make this bike work, but could not feel the love. If you're thinking about it, don't do it.
And yes, I studied all the reviews and wrote down all your suggestions for fixing the front derailer - even the one about using an Ultegra - and brought them into the store... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from Dresden, Germany
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Demo Forrest, Braille (CA) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Reeds Sport Shop | | Strengths: | very fast bike (light and NO bob at all), nice paint job, good equipped, fits me perfect (but it is definately a bike that should be tried out before being bought), in L with battery lights, bottle cage+bottle and setup mentioned below exactly 30.0 pounds | | Weaknesses: | LX cassette (11-34) adds 100g more than necessary. The Avid SD3 rimbrakes were soon replaced by SD7. No quick release for the seat post. The 2005er frame finally has the slit for the seat clamp showing to the front, on the older frames it shows to the back (towards the dirt what causes cracking noises once dirt entered the thin seat tube).
Also, I rode a dent in the rear rim using too little pressure (on 1.95" tires) - my fault. | | Similar Products Used: | I can compare to a Trek VRX400 (freeride), a Trek ZX7000 (HT) and a few I tested over the last years | | Bike Setup: | changed only to shorter stem, riserbar, Fizik Nisene saddle, better brakes and some semi slick tires | | Bottom Line: | I used the 2003 model now for 2000mi (1800 street, 200 great trails) and since I'm biking in rain AND sun I'm tempted to say that the bushings seem very durable to me. I read the other reviews carefully when deciding the bike and was sure to buy new bushings once every 1500mi, but they are still fine. Besides of this, the bike doesn't come with a quick release seat clamp and uses a 38.3mm (!!!) clamp, that only may be changed to another KLEIN one w/o quick release (so grab a electric drill and help yourself). Another strange point is the frame height: I'm 1,85m and until this bike, a large was enough. Here I have to pull out the seat post up to the max (a 440mm one!) and still need to use a high saddle (the Nisene adds another 15mm, I guess) to make the frame fit. The suspension works perfect but it doesn't feel like 100mm.
In a nutshell, except for minor weaknesses it is a great bike for marathons, cross country and because of the excellent fork even a little freeride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roxanne christesen
a Cross Country Rider
from corvallis, or, usa
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | extendo | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2599.00 | | Purchased At: | corvallis cyclery | | Strengths: | almost no bob
great component package-xt xtr
fox rl fork is incredible
climbs over roots and rocks like a mountain goat
great on the downhills
beautiful paint-metalic orange
| | Weaknesses: | Unable to get a quick release for my seat post. The seat tube is not a standard size. | | Similar Products Used: | demoed rocky mountain, trek fuel, blurr, santa cruz julliana & gary fischer sugar | | Bike Setup: | factory setup with hayes disc brake option (I highly recommend the disc brake option)
| | Bottom Line: | This is an extremely fun bike to ride! I ride 2-3 times per week year-round. In the winter it is on logging roads and in the summer it is on single track. I am guessing I have ridden 1500 miles in the 1.5 years that I have owned my bike.
Every time I rode my bike for the 1st month or two that I owned it I thought it was even more amazing than the time before until I just became accustomed to having such a sweet bike.
The bushings were replaced under warranty after 10 months. This was because loctite wasn't applied at the factory, and the bushings would loosen without me realizing it, resulting in early wear. I had the LBS loctite the new bushings and they have not loosened in 8 months, and all is well.
I love my bike and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to cross country ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phillip Lucas
a Cross Country Rider
from Oegstgeest, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything technical with great views | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | frame purchaed on Ebay | | Strengths: | This bike is quite amazing. It performs like a hardtail when the trails smooth and the full sus bikes are bobbing and gives you the edge on rough terrain where you see the hartail riders suffering. I was amazed at how well the sus worked the first time i took it of road having done a few miles on the road beforehand. The climbing is impressive, I've never clumb quite so fast on a FS bike but to be fair nor have i tried all of them so. The powdercoat is sexy too. Cant ignore that. | | Weaknesses: | Not the lightest possible bike out there, but very light all the same (+/- 12.5 kg current setup).
Not as comfy as some other fully Sused bikes but it's not intended to be so not really a weakness. The fact that the rear shock is a structural member of the rear triangle may mean I'll have to replace it within a year or two, especially if I get a little lax on pivot inspections, so that is a weakness inherent to this design. I havent had any of the much discussed rear suspension problems, but my bike has been revised. Ive done at least 500 miles since i got the frame, but i have taken it apart and greased the pivots 2 times so far just to be sure. I also found that the friction coeficcient between the copper bushings reduced noticably when i grased it, even though the engineering handbook says lubing copper on copper bushings will make little difference. (the handbook did give dynamic friction, not static so that my be why - it does react to bumps a little earlier)
I have notice the rear triangle flexes considerably under high chain load, even enough for me to feel it in the direction the bike is tracking. I do find that annoying. But thats what you get if you want a lightweight bike. This effect is most noticable when the bike is in smallest spocket to the large and middle chainring, logical as the moment of force around the pivot point is then the greatest due to the distance from the centreline of rotation.
The front triangle tubing seems VERY thin, so I'm not looking forward to the day my bar of the arms from my fork linkages meet the top tube at high speed, especially if i still happen to be clipped in. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra Comp (old bike). Specialized FSR (bros bike ridden often), Gt I drive 3.0 (2 week test), Lapierre diamond XC (bros old bike ridden often), Sunn Exact flex (week test ride) | | Bike Setup: | XTR shifters, disks, cranks, derailleurs. SRAM 9.0 Cassette. Chris king f&r hub and headset. Look Fournales Shark XC fork. Carbon Fibre seatpost, bars, barends. Mavic X517 tubless rims. IRC Mythos tires made tubless with a slime like material. M-bits rear shock, flite ti seat. Speedplay ti frogs. | | Bottom Line: | A cross country dream. Not a super plush ride, nor was it meant to be. A no compromise, XC whippet that pulls more complements than I had on my mantra. Climbs like a mountain goat, but descending isnt as good as say the Idrive 3.0 or the mantra. This is what I was looking for when i was trying out the sunn exact flex a few years ago.
Bottom line: A XC dream. The guy who sold this for so cheap was nuts. Or maybe he should have just set a minimum sale price when setting up the auction. In any case I have what I consider to be the ultimate XC machine. Hopefully this one will last me as long as the mantra did.
Value 5 flaming chillis cause I lucked out and found a bargian. Overall? where's the 6th chilli? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Co
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Today, Kenosia | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBC | | Strengths: | Climbing and looks. | | Weaknesses: | Take some tweaking and is not as good a downhiller as some. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Idrive, Many different 4 bar links. Santa Cruz VPP. MAverick | | Bike Setup: | Straight XTR with Fox Talus RLC. 50 lbs rear 70 front. Tubless tires Continentals. 30 Lbs frt and rear. | | Bottom Line: | THis is a follow up to a review I did months ago. I have had more time to work this bike out and it is dialed now. The key as many seem to know is sleve locking the bushings into the frame and thread locking the bolts. It should come from the factory dialed but it does not. I finally got the beta from a mechanic in Denver at Turin. Klein finally figured this out and let them know. I am still on the original bushings and the rear end is tight. This bike climbs as good as any full squich out there. IT does give up a little to the more active descenders but after a year the bike has won me over. It handles well and is holding up to continual use. Lube those bushings now and again and all is well. It htink it is a good value since you get the Maverick ride at a huge discount and you really do not give much up. I do not want to give it a 3 since I love it now but considering the intial trouble and the difficulty in finding a shop able to ohaul the rear shock I have to knock it down some. I have never given anything 5 flamin poops. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | Great climber, good suspension | | Weaknesses: | THE BUSHINGS! 200 miles on the first set. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I owned a Fisher hardtail and switched over to the Klein. I love the feel of the bike, it really saves the legs on the technical terrain, and climbs like a hardtail. The tires could stand to be a little narrower. I live the bike, but am a little weary of having to replace the bushings so often. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike H
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill, Maryland | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeline | | Strengths: | Climbs like a rocket! Comfortable cockpit, great for epic rides. Wicked paint job. | | Weaknesses: | Front shifting. Gotta get the rear shock tuned to your weight. Once corrected, the shifting problem resolved itself. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 55 Specialized fsr disc. | | Bike Setup: | Factory w/ Avid Mechanical and Mavic Crossmax Disc w/ Panaracer 2.1. | | Bottom Line: | I'm happy w/ the Palamino. The bike performs like my friends' Santa Cruz w/o the 3-4K price tag. The problems I've had have been of my own making or were quickyl taken care of by the folks at Bikeline in Newark, DE. I've gone on all day rides at Kingdom Trail in VT (7-9 hrs) on this puppy with no problems. Not a big hit bike, but if you are reading this, you already know that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Falls Church, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycles - Clarendon | | Strengths: | Climbs like a scalded cat, light. | | Weaknesses: | Bushings, 03 rear shock, bushings, headset, rear suspension bolts, bushings | | Similar Products Used: | Now riding a Trek Liquid 55 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, apart from wheels - switched to 03 Crossmax XL | | Bottom Line: | A fantastic bike for lighter riders.
I bought this bike in May 03. I was 220lbs at the time. I had problems almost from the start, the guy (and gals) at the shop I bought it from were great, Trek (who own Klien) were pretty good. I forget the exact order but I had problems with the brakes, the bushings, the headset and finally the rear shock.
The brakes (Haynes) had to be bled - twice, not a good thing on new brakes. They've been fine since (they're on my new bike). The headset came adrift twice, after the 2nd time the LBS (and Trek) replaced it - no problems after that.
I destroyed the bushings fairly quickly - they were replaced.
After about 6 months the rear shock failed - Trek replaced this with an 04 model.
This is a great bike, but not designed for those of us over 200lbs. The 04 rear shock is a huge improvement over the 03 model.
After many trips back to the shop I finally gave up on this bike when I went to go for ride and noticed that one of the bolts securing the rear suspension had come very loose.
If you're a lighter rider this is a great bike, espcially with the 04 rear shock, which is a huge improvement over the 03.
I can't recomend this bike for everyone - I don't think it's built for heavier riders, mind you that could be said for a lot of bikes.
I finally sent this bike back, and got a Trek Liquid 55 as a replacement - I'll write a review on this one too. My personal opinion is that when Klein/Trek adapted the M7 design (to make it cheaper) and used bushings instead of bearings for the shock mounts they lost the ability of the rear suspension to support heavier riders. The headset is a mystery - the one on my 7 year old Kona (which is also an Aheadset) is fine after many years of (ab)use.
The LBS I got this from has other customers who have put his bike throught a lot more than I did and it's still fine, but he weighs a lot less than me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Wiltshire, UK
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Afan | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | When it works, it's brilliant. Fast, light, climbs like a whippet. | | Weaknesses: | Bushings. Front shifting. Bushings. Erm...did I say bushings? | | Bike Setup: | Stock except...Thomson stem, WTB saddle | | Bottom Line: | As has been mentioned many many times, the suspension bushings on the Palomino are a joke. My latest set lasted 2 months. Not all shops out there seem to know how to replace them properly...make sure they use Loctite 680 (in the US), or Loctite 638 in the UK. I'll report back after the latest overhaul & see if they last longer this time. If not, it's trade-in time for this Palomino. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY, United States
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | cherokee Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Schellers | | Strengths: | The Klien Palomino X will climb anything you can peddle, there is no bob in the rear, even if you stand up. The bike is great it is very smooth. The front doesn't wander on climbs. A very comfortable bike good for riding long periods. | | Weaknesses: | Price (anthing not free is a weakness), Didn't come with disc brakes, or even disc ready rims. Chain jumps a little when the rear shock pressure is exactly right | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar Sport 2001, GT i-drive 4.0 I owned both of these, cannondale Jekyll, Specialized epic, Gary Fisher Cake 2 (test rode these three) | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float 100 RL, Rear Shox M-Bits by Fox, Klien Death Grip tires, XT crank set. | | Bottom Line: | The price on this bike is not bad for what you get. I have not ridden a bike that climbs as well as this one does. The rear shock does well eating up most of what you dish at it. This bike is very comfortable. On a number of bikes I have ridden my wrist hurts, with the Klien I can ride with out any pain in my wrist or back. This bike does well in all areas I have tested it so far. I you want a bike to ride that will let you just enjoy MT. Biking this is it. This bike makes up in some areas for my lack of expierence and ability. It is a little heavy for racint it wieghts in at 26 lbs.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
craig schmaltz
a Cross Country Rider
from kalamazoo,mi,usa
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | yankee springs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | breakaway bicycles | | Strengths: | great handling, no bob supple suspension | | Weaknesses: | front shifting | | Similar Products Used: | prior fs bike was a specialized fsr | | Bike Setup: | new m-bits rear shock, updated front derailleur strut, ultegra road derailleur thompson extra long seatpost
crank bros pedals, easton ea70 carbon bar upgraded hayes
brakes chris king headset | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike when my beloved fsr disc was stolen.
I felt right at home the first time I rode this bike, the
suspension was heads and shoulders better than my fsr (which I thought was great) The thing I hated the most was the front shifting. I'm 6' 200lbs and when I ran the rear
susp air setting at the low end of the recommended setting
(where the bike felt best) my front shifting was unacceptable. When I ran it at the higher setting front shifting was marginal. This spring I took the palomino in to the shop and they advised they had a fix. Trek replaced the rear shock, derailleur strut and the front derailleur, with of all things a ultegra road derailleur. All at no cost to me. The bike is now incrediable. I've been mt biking since 1986 and have had several bikes, the palomino
is by far the best bike I've ever riden. I have had no bushing problems that other buyers have had, but from the
service I have received so far I'm sure that it would be taken care of. Also looking at the 04 paints I dont think they compare to the orange paint job on my 03, I have guys ask me if its a custom paint job! Anyway if your thinking about buying a Klein this is a great bike, no need for a pro-pedal shock, you can take it on the pavement and feel no bob its a great design. I would just make sure the front shifting is addressed when you buy. I see 04 bikes on the showroom floor are not fitted with the shifting fix. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Buck
a Cross Country Rider
from Local Town, N.J., USA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The one you are not on. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Climbing, Climbing ,Climbing! Sticks to everything you go over. Great for technicals stuff unlike most FS rides. | | Weaknesses: | Bushing? problems, however that has been remedied.
Bontrager Hubs, crunchy and slow. | | Similar Products Used: | Prior Hard Tail Guy | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Avid BB Disc(No Vibration what so ever) XT Cassette, Hubs, WTB Rocket V seat( super light and comfortable). Shorter Bontrager stem with a greater rise(stopped the endo's). | | Bottom Line: | O.K. AS with most people I too had the whole bushing problem. They were replaced several times in the first 500 miles. Yes, the correct Lok-tite was used! My bike was then sent to Trek and came back with a new Rear triangle, a new Mono-Link, and a Maverick Rear shock. After many Emails I had to conclude that the mono-link was not milled or cast to the correct size. Called Klein and they told me to take some measurments using a micrometer. Result, way off specs!
300 miles later, same bushings, no loosening up at all!
Oh yea! I had them replace the triangle because it was bowed causing the rear wheel to ride slightly cocked, the new one is fine.
I believe the problem was in piecing a bike together with improper tolerances and not due to the presence of bushings.
Bottom line, I love this bike, however, it's not for everyone. The 04 should be a 5 flamin' Chili's bike
No bike gets 5 Chili's for value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Fambrough
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, Texas
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Dino Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Stability in technical situations
Amazing climbing performance for a FS bike, best I've experienced
Quality welds and finish/paint | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur is rather touchy due to floating drivetrain (Nature of its design)
Bushings if not assembled correctly following Klein's specs | | Bike Setup: | New M-Bits shock (oil/air), new Shimano XT octolink cranks, XT shifters, rear derailleur and cassette, XTR front derailleur, Fox Float 100 RLC, Thomson stem and post, Maxm carbon bar, Avid 7 levers and mechanical discs, Egg Beater pedals, Ti Selle Aspide Arrowhead saddle, Hadley Racing Hubs land Mavic rims with DT Swiss spokes, Hutch. Alligator gold tires. | | Bottom Line: | Thought I would update my previous review after completing the IMBA epic, 2004 Ouachita Challenge. This was a gruelling single-day test of man and machine covering 63 miles. The terrain consisted of long forest road climbs, to rough single track with roots and logs, to extremely rocky single track (Blowout Mountain) covered with leaves, creek crossings, to smooth, flowing single track (the Womble) spanning the Ouachita Mountains. After upgrading to the new M-Bits rear shock (set up to 95% of your riding weight), reassembly of pivots with correct application of locktite and new XT cranks (extremely stiff with no flex), the bike performed flawlessly without any mechanicals. It cleanly shifted into all three rings, including the granny ring for extending climbs. What's amazing to note is that several high-end hardtails were experiencing a number of shifting issues on Blowout Mtn., but not my Palomino. It climbed up whatever my legs were willing to pedal. And descended over the rocks with confidence. I've never received so many cool comments from other riders on my bike as I did during this one ride. Things like: "Man, your bike is an awesome climber; Damn, that's a beautiful ride." One thing to realize regarding the overall ride: there are plusher FS rides out there -- Titus Switchblade is one that comes to mind. The Palomino doesn't completely isolate the rider from the trail. It's sorta like that VW phrase of There are passengers, and there are drivers. Anyway, thought I share with those of you interested in the Palomino. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, WA USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This is a follow up to previous listings. The strengths of this bike continue to be the overall spec for the $. Great balanced suspension and climbing abilities. Excellant singletrack manners and above average descending ability.
Fox Float RL fork, Bontrager Race Tubeless Rims (their durability is amashing), Hayes Disc Brakes (But not the levers) | | Weaknesses: | HFX-9 brake levers, continual rattling, the brakes themselves work fine. | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ egg beater pedals. Replaced under normal wear and tear. Tires, front brake pads, grips (due to tree bashing on our narrow wooded trails), and headset | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line still is that I would buy this bike again in a heartbeat.
The bushings are not an issue. If they are installed correctly, whether at the factory or as a replacement, they will last as promised. I had mine replaced under warranty at about 400 miles, since then they have not gotten lose or shown any signs of wear. The key was that my dealer did his homework and installed the replacements exactly how Trek/Klein specifies.
My original frame shock was replaced under warranty w/o any question just before the first year was up. It had started to lose air at abnormal rate. The replacement shock arrived and was installed in less than 4 days. The replacement unit is the '04 air/oil unit. I can say, that for me,this shock rides better than the '03 air/coil/oil unit. But I'm 195 lbs.
Buy this bike if you want a trail bike that is more cross country than freeride, has great suspension isolation without excess pivots or special shock valves and lockouts, and like the idea of a company that will stand by its products. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bruce
a Cross Country Rider
from charleston wv. usa
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | charleston bike shop | | Strengths: | killer bike. excellent climbing bike. very comfortable.cool paint scheme. | | Weaknesses: | no weaknesses. i did replace the linkage bushings the 1st. 6 months. i don't like the 121/2 bottom bracket heighth. | | Similar Products Used: | liquid 55 and jeckyl. | | Bike Setup: | hayes disks, fox f100rl. xtr rear xt front. irc backcountries 2.25's. great tire. | | Bottom Line: | everybody was giving me a hard time for buying a klein, but this is a great bike. i would recomend this bike to any hard core crosscountry rider. it kicks ass on the climbs, and great for narley singletrack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Jenkins
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Alpujarras - Spain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | shop | | Strengths: | Great ride with no bob, climbs like a goat, Klein finish is beautiful. | | Weaknesses: | Bushing problems, shock problems, geometry suspect, shifting problems as stock. | | Similar Products Used: | Maverick ML-7 and Reposado, Santa Cruz Blur, RM ETSX, Whyte Preston, Turner 5-Spot etc. | | Bike Setup: | Standard race disc with Thomson stem, XT discs, Conti Vert Pro UST tyres. | | Bottom Line: | After a year of living Palomino-ishly, I've reluctantly decided to sell the thing, here's why. First, the ride from the monolink suspension is great. No bob, no stupid gimmicks - you can stand and sprint and it feels like a hardtail. Also keeps you in touch with the trail, though there's a little more stiction from the Klein bushings than you get with the ML-7's bearings. All as promised by Maverick. It also climbs like a goat, so good it's almost like cheating, combines great pedalling transmission with the ability to eke out traction on improbably slippery surfaces. Not quite so good going down, but not bad either. Very stable and reliable feeling, steers exactly where you put it, but hard to throw around and steer fast round switchbacks etc, plus it somtimes felt like it was trying to put me over the bars. Just not quite right and not flickable enough, good as an all day bike though.
Unfortunately I've been through three sets of bushings in a largely dry year. The UK is wet and, where I ride, highly abrasive too - think grinding paste - in a wet year I dread to think what would happen. The initital problem was down to faults with original assembly, but after that, just wear. Those bushings aren't sealed in any way and, because of their positioning, take a lot of load.
I also trashed the rear shock when it started to leak air from the recesses where the upper shock mountain points are located. Sticking 150 psi in it and putting it under a tap (faucet, I think in the States...) showed it was bubbling air and lube from invisible cracks. I can only conclude that once the bushings wear slightly, a lot of torsional force is fed into the upper shock mount area and the brittle magnesium can't take it. To be fair, Trek UK replaced the shock promptly and without and quibbles. They said it was the first incident of this kind they'd seen in the UK. I'm guessing the alloy shock and the braced swinger on the 04 model will sort this.
I'm not confident they'll sort the bushing problem though, at least on the abrasive trails I ride. One solution would be to retrofit the Maverick linkage which has sealed bearings. The geometry is the same, but you either need to machine the frame to fit and invalidate your warranty, or have some different bolts and caps made up to suit. Been done already: www.angryasian.com for more details.
Not a cheap option, but would sort the pivot problems. I also had probs with shifting down to the small chain ring on any sort of uphill gradient. Eventually sorted by modding the XT front derailleur along the lines of the XTR modifications on the Maverick American web site which allow the derailleur to sit further back. The new Mav D Mount is the other option which is supposed to sort things out.
For me it's a case of love gone bad. I started off being blown away by the bike, its great looks and finish and the unique suspension performance - liked the Fox Float up front too - but the combination of the 'not quite right' geometry and the bushing / shock problems I had, eventually got to me. If it had just been the bushings, I'd have sorted it out with a Maverick link, but it was still going to be too stretched out and stable handling for me, so it had to go, the replacement, btw, is an ML-7...
Bear in mind though, that my bike was ridden a lot and took some real hammer and the fit is very personal. I still think it's potentially a very nice mtb - I haven't ridden the '04 version, but have heard some good things - but not for me and my riding preferences. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Still looking in the heat and humidity | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Variuos LBS in Kualar Lumpur | | Strengths: | No bob,No pedal kickback, stiff frame, light weight, great look, stares of jealousy, Superb handling | | Weaknesses: | High maintance rear bushes, tricky front derailer set-up | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | My own creation, Mavic crossmax wheel and hubs,Michlein UST tires, Thomson Elite seat post and stem. Easton monkey-lite handle bar, Full XTR disc except FD is XT, Fizic seat | | Bottom Line: | I ride when work and family allow, mostly after work and weekend. I've written this reivew after 700 km on the bike.
There are siginificant problems with this frame, but if you persist, the bike is magic.
I had plenty of problems getting the FD to shift in granny gears even under load load. Eventually I solved the frount derailer problem by simply enlarging the hole for the mounting bolt so that the entire derailer can be rotated towards the rear. After this, it shifts as good as my Kona hardtail. I might try Maverick suggestion if I can get the parts in Malaysia.
I had to service the bushing when it be come noisy, turns out that the left hand top hat bush had come loose. Put back in place using locitite 680 and problem solved.
Replacing the bushes is not difficult but you must use the loctite products mentioned in the tech manual.
The next project is to protected the bushing with some sort of covering,not sure exactly how but got some ideas in mind.
Over-all, incredible ride, climbs better than my Kona Hardtail, and a lot faster down hill. Points and turns fast and accurate, looses out a little on flat speed, but not much. The 04 version should solve the shifting problems ,but if was to do it again, I think that I would buy the Maverick frame since their support for the monolink suspension is outstanding compared to Klein.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Inman
a
from Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Strengths: | Great climbing without silly lockouts, SPV's, or inertia valves. Fabulous stability firmly plants front and rear wheels evenly. | | Weaknesses: | Pivot sleeves, busings, rear triangle hardware, wrong spring (no option offered at point-of-sale), fit is funky for some folks. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept, Rocky Mountain Speed | | Bike Setup: | Marzzochi Marathon SL fork, XT hydraulic, Thomson stem and assneck, LX Hollowtech crank, Monkey light bars, XTR rear derailleur, Ultegra front derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | As written many times in this forum, the Maverick design is fabulous, one of the top 2 cross country full suspension designs to date. Easily the most balanced fore-to-aft machine I've ever had the pleasure to ride.
Beware! This is not in the routine maintenance schedule, but DO disassemble and clean your pivot sleeves regularly or dirt will seep in and cause you to have to pound-pound-pound the daylights on the bolt head to get them out! This is where the Maverick beats the Klein in that sealed precision bearings take the load instead of bushings and contaminant-friendly sleeves. The Maverick gets about $500 per frameset, but the Klein total bike package is much less than that, and includes snappy Klein geometry even on this well mannered steed. Just don't forget to pull it apart from time to time.
Also, beware! For some reason, Klein put RED loctite on the small bolts that mount the chainstays to the shock. I was removing the shock to have the spring corrected, and one sheared off inside the frame. NOT good. After buggering up the bolt, a helicoil had to be installed, and hopefully, that will work. If not, cost on the rear triangle is 400 bucks! NOT cheap.
Also, if you weigh 190 pounds or greater, please insist that the coil spring be upgraded to the proper tension. The '04's solved that issue with an all-air shock, but even as good as air shocks are these days, coil's got to be smoother (so long as it's properly sprung).
I have tasted Cake,which is fine, my Adept (a Sugar in Klein clothing) which is good, but nothing gallops like my Palomino (when she's not broken down that is). The good thing about this colt is you don't have to shoot her when she breaks a leg! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from thousand oaks ,CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | latigo cyn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | westlake cyclery | | Strengths: | great flexability in the turns and a fast smooth ride with fantastic durability. | | Weaknesses: | Initialy had some suck issues, but with the help of Mike and Wynn at West lake easily solved. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale super Vs | | Bike Setup: | Standard XL | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike with good conponents.The bottom line is value for money you cant go wrong, although it does help to have a local bike shop that knows what its doing when setting you up.My cannondale was good to me , but it wasnt untill i got fitted for my Klein i realized just what a differance a good bike fitted to you can be.Thanks Klein , and thanks Mike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh NC
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | New Light | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling Spoken Here | | Strengths: | This is a follow up to a review I entered earlier. Since then I have ridden the bike 3 times as hard and as long and to be frank, this bike is AMAZING! The fit is excellent. The component grouping is superb for the money. The Fox Shox make me float over objects I used to have problems with. The bike climbs like a mountain goat because it is so sure footed and decends are a breeze thanks to the geometry and comfort level I get on it. The paint job continues to turn heads. This bike has definitely made me a better rider and has definitely increased my confidence level on trails. | | Weaknesses: | Have not had any real issues with this bike outside from the mentioned air leak in the rear shock. The Fox Float 100RL seems to make the bike feel like it rides a little higher. Great for descends but I have had to make some minor adjustments on really technical climbs sometimes. I think this is more of a rider technique issue than a component one though. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Suger 2+, Trek Fuel 98, Trek Liquid 20. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike if:
1) You have the money to invest in a bike you will not soon replace
2) You want a high quality frame and components to boot
3) Want the full suspension feel without the annoying pedal bob
Yes there are a few tweaks to make along the way and the front derailleur is a little touchy if there is not enough air in the rear shock but over all...those a really minor problems that can be remedied with a competent bike shop mechanic and an air pump. My bike rarely sees the shop anymore unless I take it in for a tune up. Not because it needs it but because I want it checked over before I take a trip to the mountains (all 5 hours away). I have rode over the numerous local trails and and tried it on some technical mountain trails as well. I really have nothing but praise for this bike and what it has done to the FUN level I experience when I am out on the trails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trygve
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Metro Bikes | | Strengths: | The bike handles extremely well both on downhills and climbs. There is no significant pedal bob. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting is a BIG problem. Figured out the front derailleur problem after adjusting the pressure on the rear shock up to about 50. however, rear derailleur shifting remains a problem, even after several visits to the mechanic. am ready to trade this bike in for another design in spite of good handling and good looks. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | If it weren't for the shifting problems, I would warmly recommend this bike for 'all mountain' use. It climbs and descends really well, but fails on the most basic of requirements--reliable shifting--especially when you need it the most: on steep climbs, or when riding hard. Perhaps you need to be a professional bike mechanic to keep this bike tuned? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amylynn
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | HawRidge, Norris, Occoee | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Handles great, aggressive ride..but at the same time feels comfortable and plush. Love the wild orange color.. makes me want to ride!!! | | Weaknesses: | The Manual for this bike did not provide any information on shock set up - had to refer to Maveric's website to dial set up for my weight. Bushings are a REAL problem area which needs to be addressed by Klein. Have to check rear triangle before every ride to ensure my bike does not come apart on the trail. Had to replace all bushings within the first 9 months at a cost over $140.00 -LBS said this was not covered under warranty. Fox fork also needed to be sent off within 6mo.. fork loose. | | Similar Products Used: | Tricycle..Big wheel..Pogo stick...Ducati | | Bike Setup: | Race disc with the following modifications: Thomson stem, chris king headset, avocet saddle, monkey lite sl, and of course...NEW BUSHINGS!!!! | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike more than life itself.
Not ready to give it up just because of the aforementioned problems but would like to see Klein take some responsibility and correct the bushing issue. (Have a '94 Trek Y-33 and it has yet to show any pivot point wear).
This bike is very forgiving, making it possible to ride long hours (12hr-24hr) in complete comfort. It is agile and responsive, climbs better than my hardtail and makes me smile everytime I look at it. :-)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
700 C
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | NorCal | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Great design (Maverick). Fantastic paint (Klein). Fox Float RL (100mm)is a great fork. Read all of the review and decide for your self on strengths. I don't believe Bushings are evil - God/Turner uses them:) | | Weaknesses: | Klein/Trek Service. Yea, everytime anything was defective or failed/broke it was remedied. But all of these problems were apparent/known at the time of purchase.
1) first set of bushings were incorrectly installed and lasted 200 miles, most of which featured poor/unreliable rear shifting. Second set of bushings were installed at 950 miles - because -
2)rear triangle was grossly out of true - easily visible to the naked eye.
3) I needed the heavy spring for "as Maverick designed" performance. Surprisingly, Klein was apparently unaware of this - even though it was common knowledge at Maverick - Maveick licensed the design to Klein and Klein had several years building Maverick frames under its belt.
4)Front D must be modified for correct shifting at the designed rear sag.
5) Klein's instructions were bad/wrong. There is no way the bike will perform as designed if Klein's rear-end set points are followed. | | Similar Products Used: | Blur -cramped cockpit,tight rear tire clearance. Epic with Brain- ho-hum rode alot like my NRS. I own 01NRS1 with 02Pyslo Race set at 100mm. | | Bike Setup: | I'm 6"3" leggy / 200lbs. XL bike. Easton carbon riser bar and seat post (410mm), Thomson stem (120mmX5), Cane Creek b-ends, egg beaters, WTB Weir Race 2.5F and Mutanoraptor Race 2.4R and Maverick modified rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike - it's a fantastic ride, but it took a lot of owner initiated work to get there. I was ready to chuck it through the dealers window/off a cliff multiple times. The bike is designed for, and gives a great ride, with 17-20mm of rear sag. You must use the heavy spring in the rear shock if you weigh (riding weight) more than 190 lbs. My riding weight is a little over 200lb, with the correct spring the air "cap" is 20'ish lbs and the rebound (2 setting)works. As supplied by Klein the underweight spring required 50-60lbs. for the correct sag and the rebound (5/6 setting) acted like a catapault.
Go to the Maverick website and study the Front D modifications. I have a XT front D, but the "philosophy" is the same as for XTR. Do the mod and your shifting problems are over.
So, all my settings/mods now give me the bike as it was designed to be and with the rear triangle now aligned the bushing problem may (I hope) be history.
The bike fits me great, the ride is tranparent/disappears beneath me. Climbs fantastic (better than my NRS on anything more than smooth fireroad).
If you, or your dealer, is willing/able to do all of the required mods/fixes you can have a fantastic bike and ride. if this doesn't sound like you... it might be better if you find another bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jake winfield
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Great climber, no bob what so ever. rear feel extremely stiff. feel as if your riding a hard tail until you hit the bumps. extremely light and thin tubing, klein life time garantee, amazing paint work and the name. I found the riding position to be one of the best. can't really fault it on performance for the price. | | Weaknesses: | pivots has to be maintain since they are bushing. Watch out don't ever spray any gt85 on the bushings!!!!!!!!!!!!!
since bushings are used there is significant striction compared to bearings. high pivot maintainance | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, santa cruz blur, marin mount vision | | Bike Setup: | standard but with easton monkeylite risers, ea50 stem, hope mini disc brakes, hope xc hubs on mavic x317 | | Bottom Line: | bike handles great, but there are improvements that could be made such as:
catridge bearings NOT BUSHINGS! (too much maintainace)
that's all, but i've heard you can fit a maverick ml7 mono-link to the palomino if you really want to, but don't bother as long as you don't mind the maintainance.
other wise the bike is a bargin for what is. i've riden the enduro and thought it was an ace bike, but if you a used to riding a hard tial but want something more forgiving on the rough stuff and still gives you the stiffness, this is definitely the bike for you. pesonally except for a few small problems i love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
c-man
a
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1799.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | great ride, smooth, no bob , due to its monolink design | | Weaknesses: | Width of the rear triangle, lack of responsible action from customer service , such as notifying registered owners regarding design change and replacement options under warranty | | Bottom Line: | Bought one of first Frameset available. The width of the rear triangle caused the cranks to often hit the chainstays while riding.
Klein/Trek redesigned the rear triangle, narrowing the chainstays. If you have one of these earlier frames they will not inform or notify you, even if registering your frame.
If you are having this problem you can send your rear triangle back to Klein, via your local bike shop, to be replaced under warranty.
For further info contact:
Eric Maves
Klein-Trek-Bontrager Warranty/Technical Advisor
eric_maves@kleinbike.com
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, WA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Singletrack Cycles | | Strengths: | Bang for the $, all around performance, durability of frame and components. Fox Float Fork, XT/XTR drivetrain, disc brakes.
The wheels are amazing, I weight 195 and they have not had to be touched at all after a full year riding in the conditions here in the Northwest.
Balanced suspension action. The bike feels like it has more than 4 inches of travel on big hits.
I really liked the stock tires in most conditions. They rolled fast for their size, really shined on rocky trails. I did replace them this fall for a tire that seems to do better on wet roots. But the original tires will go back on next summer when it gets dry again.
| | Weaknesses: | Hayes HFX-9 brake levers, it took several tries of tinkering and locktite to get the reach adjustment to stay and to keep the levers from rattling. The brakes themselves feel great.
I am not sure if this would be a weakness, but proper air pressure in the frame shock is very important to the function of the front derailluer.
Sizing is very specific, you either fit the bike or you don't. | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ egg beater pedals, and switched
to a little shorter Easton stem. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up report. I've had the bike for a year now and I still say that this bike has made me a better rider. It combines quality suspension travel with great climbing ability. The bike is very responsive in tight, technical trails. Does a more than adequate job in descending. Where this bike shines is on epic rides, such a the Classic Corral Pass, Noble Knob, Palisades, White River Loop, with 3,000+ climbing and descending over 21+ miles.
I'm 6'2" and ride a XL. When I was test riding, the L felt good in the tight technical stuff, but too short on open, faster terrain. The best set up for me was the XL with a little shorter than stock stem. I don't seem to have given anything up in bike handling in the tight stuff.
I did have to have the bushings replaced, under warranty, at around 400 miles. But since then I have put over 1000 miles on the replacements without any problems. I have to assume that they weren't installed correctly at the factory, which led to their permature wear. Thank goodness for Loren at Singletrack Cycles in Snoqualmie Falls. After a year I don't consider this issue a weakness any longer.
I had some of the rear brake vibrations that some poster's mentioned. They dissappeared after approx. 1000 miles on the bike.
Some of the maintenance that has been done this year: I wore out the grips and they were replaced with lock ons. New front brake pads, after a summer of numerous 9 mile + descents, the back ones show minimal wear. A new XTR chain as a precaution. The new tires mentioned above. A couple of minor drive train adjustments. Shocks overhauled and new seals(This wasn't absolutly mandatory, but more of a precaution). I did experience some minor air leakage on the rear shock which was solved by resealing the Schader valve. a call to Fox by Loren solved that minor issue. Nothing here that is abnormal for the type of riding that I do.
The bottom line is that I WOULD purchase this bike again if I had to do it all over. If I had a bottomless budget than I might have been able to expand my choices, but I don't. I think that this bike best fits a rider who is more of a Trail Rider than a Racer, but desires a bike that might be a little more responsive than some that are more free ride oriented.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jb
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Stable, rigid, excellent descender for how good a climber it is. | | Weaknesses: | See earlier post | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to my earlier post from September. My LBS did some research regarding the problem I was having with premature bushing wear. It turns out the bushings need to be installed with a specific type of Loctite (680), to specific areas, within a specific amount of time to keep the bushing sleeves from rotating in the shell. After their rebuild job, using the loctite, I've had no problems whatsoever, and it has about 40 hours of riding on it since then. It turns out the bushings weren't wearing, they were moving around within the frame (monolink). Watch out for this issue, and bring it right in to the dealer if it shows up.
Awesome bike. And now I feel like I can count on it too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, CO
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All along the front range | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Route | | Strengths: | It rides like they said it would, rear shock ride without pedal bob. What a pleasure it is for an old guy to ride a rough trail and not feel all beat up. I can ride further up the mountain without a touch than I ever have. It was like buying skill. | | Weaknesses: | I have had some brake noise and a few shifting problems like other reviewers, but it hasn't taken long to get things adjusted out. The only thing I will replace soon is the tires. | | Similar Products Used: | The only other mountain bike owned was a Schwinn Moab (XT) | | Bike Setup: | Stock with disc brakes. XTR, XT, Hayes Hydraulic | | Bottom Line: | I rode a few other full suspension bikes when I was shopping and none of them compared with this one. I rented the next model down (Palomino) and rode trails before I bought it and the Race model is worth the money because of the components you get. This bike fits me better than others, but then I guess that's why different companies make different designs. I would recommend that every one rent one and try it out. This is a great bike for the money. At 50 yars old, I ride faster up hill and down hill and I don't feel all beat up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Moles
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any that go up and down | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | warranty replacement | | Strengths: | Aside from a few adjustments, this bike is never a maintenance problem. I know I can just get on it and ride. If you can keep seated, there isn't an obstacle this bike can't ride over. Klein gave me this bike to replace a defective Mantra, and so kudos to their warranty department. | | Weaknesses: | Yeah, the front derailleur sucks. Wish I had kept the old xtr derailleur I had on the mantra, but the Klein people told me the xt front derailleur would work better. B.S.!!! IMPORTANT!! IF YOU HAVE JUST PURCHASED THIS BIKE, CHECK THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE REAR CHAINSTAYS TO THE PIVOT. THEY HAVE A HABIT OF WORKING FREE UNLESS YOU LOCK-TITE THEM. I noticed this on mine when I heard a wierd rubbing noise... which turned out to be one of the bolts hitting the chainring. Yes, it had worked its way out that far. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox SID Race front shock, xtr rear derailleur, xt front, Schwalb tires (sweeeet!) | | Bottom Line: | This is a second review on this bike. I wrote the first one after I had the bike 2 months, and it has now been a year. I think mountain bike people are a finicky bunch. We want an indestructable bike that can stand up to the falls better than we can. When this doesn't happen, people write and complain that this company or that company sucks. Mountain biking is hard on bikes and people. Just go the the picture gallery and look at the gnarly crashes/wounds page. I consider what I've put my Klein through and I think it's a modern marvel that this bike can put up with everything I put it through.
I used to ride with a guy that put 2200 dollars into a Gary Fisher Sugar 2. He had it in for tune-ups, trying to get rid of this noise and that noise, only to finally give up and quit mountain biking altogether. He said it was too rough. Well, my Palomino rides over everything better than any bike I've ever been on. Now that I've said such good things about my bike, I'm sure it's going to break, but for now, this is my review and I'm sticking to it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Logan
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, Ca
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Braille or Skeggs | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | used on Ebay | | Strengths: | Well thought out design, intuitive handling, stock with Fox, compatible with large tires
| | Weaknesses: | Failing internal cable routing. Not set up for disc. Tubing too thin | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-drive 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | King hubs/headset, Sun laserdisc rims, Avid mechanincals, Mutanoraptor tires | | Bottom Line: | Well, as you've probably noticed, by in large there are only two types of reviewers-- those totally impressed by the bike and those damning it. I'll try to be fair, but honestly I'm writing this to vent a bit.
First of all, I am not a rich man, so to save money, I found the bike on ebay for $1650. In attempt to cover my ass, I called Klein(Trek) to see if I could pay for at least a frame warrantee, but unfortunately if the original receipt isn't in your name, you're SOL. No real surprise there.
Flame #1: So, as luck would have it, on the first ride I hit a small tree that knocked me off my bike and when getting back on I noticed a large dent in the downtube. Now this had to be caused by my knee, not the tree, based on location, but my knee didn't hurt. Pushing on the dent with my thumb, I could easily see the tube flexing under light pressure. These tubes are so very thin, that even a small accident can compromise the frame's strength. Now I bought the bike because of Kleins legendary frame design. Tubing this thin belongs on a road bike.
Flame #2: All bikes retailing for over $2000 should be disc ready. When will manufacturers relize this? Does it cost an extra $40 for disc hub upgrade?
After lacing some King discotecs to some Sun disc-only rims, I threw the wheels on and slapped on the front Avid Mechanical, 15 minutes, piece of cake. When I looked back to put the rear one one, there was a definate compatibility issue, so I went to my lbs to get the adaptor. Come to find out, the bike doesnt fit any brakes... Who purposefully makes a hole pattern on their frame that doesn't attach to ANY brand of disc brakes? Have they been learning from Shimano or something? So half of Treks, and all of Klein full suspension bikes require a Trek-made adaptor, and to top it off, they are back ordered 3 weeks at the factory. So noone in California can put a rear disc on their Klein or Trek bike for three weeks. Someone in manufacturing or customer service should be fired for this one. You'd think when companies merge and grow, that the Mom-and-Pop frame shop supply issues would go away.
Flame #3 I cant get a quick release seat collar to fit this thing for the life of me. The 38.1 mm is back ordered at Cambria bike for 5 weeks. Its not Klein's fault except the oversized tubing requires a size that few aftermarket companys produce.
Flame #4 While attempting to replace my rear derailleur(sp?) cable I discovered that the internal cable routing was discontinuous, making it impossible to thread cable through the tube. Trust me I tried powerful magnets, long thin rods and even vacuumed 50 yards of dental floss into the top tube hoping that I could get a single strand to pass through. No luck after an hour and a half, so now I have a full jacket zip tied to the distance.
In summary, I wish I had the warrantee. It would have been worth the extra $800 at this point.
Other than the above ranting, it does indeed ride like a dream. It felt like I had been riding it for years, the first time I got on. Fox knows how to make shocks and they did very well on the rear design, and I love the front as well. Air is where its at because some days you just need it a little plusher.
I will continue to enjoy riding this bike for years, but next frame I buy will be from a company that is still small enough to care about each frame and stand by them, no matter who owns them. When is Chris King going to start building frames?! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Mareski
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali, NC and Loch Raven, MD | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Joe's/Mt Washington Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The Kalahari Red is gorgeous! What a beautiful job Klein has done with the paint. The ride is solid, handling is sweet and the bike is an unusual and fun design that works very, very well. The climbing, ride and handling are amazing for a 4" suspension bike. You really can ride it all day and it does not beat you up. | | Weaknesses: | Only had for a month, so don't know of any. Will be watching the bearings. Switched to Conti UST tubeless (2.3 fr and 2.1 rr) althought the Death Grip 2.3 are decent tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90 (own), | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Ritchie Comp V3 pedals, Speed V seat and Vert Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | Nice compromise of generous suspension travel and climbing ability. The gorgeous paint is worth a mentioning a second time. Will review again after more saddle time.
If you are looking for a sturdy build and excellent ride and handling, look at the Palomino. It comes in a variety of price $$$ and looks to me to be a very solid ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Little
a Weekend Warrior
from Pa.
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Brandywine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Fit | | Strengths: | Fit,Paint,Ride | | Weaknesses: | Front der., Rear disc vibration/squeelling. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized s-works fsr | | Bike Setup: | Full thompson cockpit, easton ec70 riser bar, raceface grips,flite trans am saddle,xtr front der. irc mythos ust tires, curve ti. skewers, xt cassette, hayes disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | The front der. shifting sucks!!! go to mavericks web site and download the pdf to modify an xtr to correct the problem. Now she shifts sweet, no matter what ring in the rear or compressing the suspension or not. Its a must do for this bike. Also the rear disc is noisy and vibrates on occasion. Other than that its awsome I havent had bushing problems.And with the mods I've done the bike is approx. 26 lbs. respectable for 4 inchs of travel front and rear. Oh, did I mention how great it looks in the sunlight!!! I'll give it 4 flaming chillis only because of the der. problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jb
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | A superb xc ride, both up and downhill. Climbs well while remaining nimble. Very centered balance, providing excellent placement in the cockpit, and a great stance descending. Shock is easily serviced with standard parts. Plush, sensitive, and can still climb. | | Weaknesses: | Bushings. Ridiculously so. I've gone through four sets in six months. I don't race, I don't freeride. The most recent set lasted one 12-mile ride on dry xc singletrack. One ride and it feels like a Huffy. It's off to warranty we go. Seat tube angle does require a very long seatpost, if you want to raise it to ride the road to the trail. Otherwise most people would get by with a Thomson 410mm. (2004 has a more upright seat tube). Front derailure is a tad futzy due to sag effect, as others have mentioned. Needs at least a 115mm spindle, not 113 as advertised. | | Similar Products Used: | none with this frame system | | Bike Setup: | very light, very strong. | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy it yet. The bushing system must be fixed, and it doesn't look simple to convert to a stronger setup. The system is not compatible with Maverick's bearing one, so that's out. All the other mechanical nuances can be tolerated and tuned. Not the bushings.
Great, no, fantastic ride when it's running. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Swerny
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Built up from scratch | | Strengths: | Suspension design, ride quality, climbing ability, descending ability, paint and frame quality, | | Weaknesses: | seat tube angle, the stock tires and Bontrager components (in my opinion), front shifting problems, stock LX chain/cassette). | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper Pro Disc (old ride), Palomino (base), Racer X, Epic, NRS 2, Fuel 90, FSR, Blur (in a parking lot) | | Bike Setup: | Large Race frame, Float 100RLC, XT/XTR drivetrain, XT Disc/Mavic 517 wheels, Avid mechanincal discs, SD Mag levers, EA70 bar, Thomson post, Race Face System stem, BG saddle, Oury lock ons, EggBeaters, Kenda Karma Stickee tires (2.0). 27.5 lbs | | Bottom Line: | Ok, this was built up from a frame off e-bay and a mix of new parts and a few I scavenged off my old bike. I had been a die-hard hardtail guy since i got into biking, and didn't want to believe the hype of FS. Rode the base Pal at a demo day and liked the suspension, didn't like the rim brakes or the Duke SL. Tried the Pal Race Disc at another demo day and loved it, though it was little small (Medium, and i'm 6'0"). My buddy (Mike Below) bought that very bike and loved it.
I felt i could build a "better" Pal for less, so built it up with my my Specs. I could have built it lighter, but I am hard on equipment, and weigh 200 lbs, so I thought the better of it. I have done 3 full rides (about 5 hrs total) on the bike, and am loving the ride. The suspension does what it is supposed to do, without the annoying "pogo" feeling of many FS designs. I am still learning to play with the suspension adjustments, air pressure, rebound and compression on the RLC, but the flexibility is awesome. I am using the Fox/Klein recommendations as a starting point, and tweaking from there. So far so good.
Coming from a Manitou SX-R, the Float 100RLC and the M-Bits on the back are fan-freakin-tastic! One word comes to mind "Butter" The rear end hooks up on the climbs, partly due to the tires i am sure. I find myself getting into corners at far higher speeds than i am used to as i can remain seated while cranking the pedals. Your favorite trails are new again. Descends very well IMO, again coming from a hardtail. Having some difficulty with front shifting now that the cables have stretched. My LBS is great and will dial it in for me i'm sure. I haven't ridden it in the wet as of yet, so no bushing squeaks yet. Overall, not an XC racer, but it's not hyped as one. If you want to go ride for hours and only quit when your legs do, this is the ride for you. Still pricey, but way chaper than some similarly spec'd bikes. My LBS sells both Klein and SC, and the owner states he would take the Pal Race Disc straight up over the Blur, let alone at $1500-2000 cheaper. Hey, he said it. I have long arms so the cockpit length is fine for me even with a 115mm 5 degree stem. Still pricey, but what isn't in this market segment. I will post a follow up in a few months after some wet rides and more use. 5 flamin' chilis! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chas
a Weekend Warrior
from Hood River, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tarbell, Lewis River, Post Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2350.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Some good componets for price, good point and shoot characteristics but.... | | Weaknesses: | Rear disc causes frame vibrations, front derailleur shifts poorly even with sag set down, bike is a twitchy descender. Poor quality seat and pedals come stock. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 30 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with eggbeaters originally. Added rear brake torque arm to diminish the annoying vibration. Now have slicks on it for use as a road bike. Up graded to higher quality saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Can't recommend this machine due to problems mentioned in weaknesses section. For price there should not any of these major problems. I switched to the Trek Liquid 30 for trail riding and converted this thing into a road bike for which it is much better suited. Would have just as soon sold it but did not want to take the loss and it never hurts to have a road bike around. Anyway Gary Klein let us down with this one.
Bottom line do not buy this product at this time. Wait and see if problem areas are recognized and corrected in future models.
Thank you for your time | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 24hrs course at Hardwood Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Skiis & Biikes | | Strengths: | Frame/suspension design - relies on geometry for anti pogo/absorb every bump rather than rear shock internal valving like some other designs, XT/XTR, dual Hayes disk, build quality, finish quality, Fox float RL fork | | Weaknesses: | - Seat tube angle - makes setting it up a bit tricky. Definately not an out of the box and go ride kind of bike. It takes a few rides to dial it in, but once it is, the bike is amazing!
- Seat and tires I don't like - switched tires to my favs - Tioga Factory XC | | Similar Products Used: | Coming from 2000 Specialized SJ Comp hardtail. Trek Fuel 100, Epic Marathon, Titec Racer X. Bikes considered when buying; Palamino Race, Epic, Palmamino race and the Palamino Race. Wanted to stay with Specialized and Gears Bike Shop, but ideal spec Epic (Marathon)was too pricey and too specific (didn't ride the way I was looking to ride) | | Bike Setup: | Palamino Race Disk - stock except; kept egg beater pedals from old bike, kept 70 mm stem from old bike (I felt too stretched out with 110 mm stock stem), kept WTB saddle. Had previously bought XTR cassette for old bike, never switched it, so I swapped it from the LX stock cassette. | | Bottom Line: | At the beginning of the season I test rode the base Palamino and instantly loved it on the trails. Before that I had only a vague concept of the Maverick design, and didn't know Klein had licensed the design. The Race Disk version had everything I wanted on it (minus the tires - Death Grip 2.3 - yikes!). So when a good deal came around I jumped on it. At first there was some definate shifting problems, but more with the rear derailleur. Acutally, shifting was fine, but staying in a gear while going up hill was loud and painfull! There were a lot of almost shifts, ghost shifts and general gear grinding. So, long story short, the top tube inner cable housing was replaced, as was the cassette (to my XTR) and some fine derailleur adjustments were made and my shifting and uphill "torqy" pedaling is perfect. This bike kicks ass - period. If you are like me and have been waiting for the cross country bike world to make a bike that doesn't pogo, but instead independantly smooths out any trail and climbs like a goat on deisel fuel, this is it. It's cheaper and more available than the Blur, and performance is very similar. It is by no means a superlight race bike (my medium is just under 27lbs), but if you ride often, race a little bit, and want a bike you can ride all day long - this is it. It's true what I've read in other reviews about the linkage creaking at bushings, but I used some Pedros Syn-lube and it took the creaking out. Bottom line: Best description I've heard yet is "...feels like a hardtail with suspension". You won't be disappointed!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Wright
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Idaho Mountain Touring | | Strengths: | A nice full suspension bike that feels like a hard tail while climbing, but nice and soft on the downhill. | | Weaknesses: | The Klein Deathgrip tires suck, now I know why they call them Deathgrip. The Bontrager saddle also sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid, Trek Fuel, Klein Pulse Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock Race Disc with Continental Vertical Pro 2.3 | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike with only a few problems which have been fixed. The first problem I had was a leaky front fork that wouldn't lock out, but Fox managed to fix that after sending it back to their factory. Also the Hayes hydraulic rear brake was never torqued at the factory, so after a few rides all the fluid leaked all over my garage floor and rear rotor. IMT fixed that with a new one and billed Trek for the charges. Other than that, this bike rocks. Although I would recomend replacing the tires, they suck. I weigh 155, so to prevent wash outs in corners, I was running lower air which meant pinch flats. The Klein tires are fine if you only ride on hardpack, but who would buy a bike of this caliber to only ride on roads, etc. I have since converted to the Conti Vertical Pro 2.3 UST and they are awesome tires which really unleash the potential of the bike. It still amazes me that at $2600, a bike with tubeless wheels comes with traditional tires and tubes. Trek needs to loosen up the purse strings and put some real tires on this bike. It is like putting $35 tires on a Porsche. Overall I would recomend this bike to anyone who wants to spend the money on a bike that climbs well and descends even better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Ward
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, WA USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Singletrack Bikes | | Strengths: | Fork, overall components for the $, overall performance, Great climber, superior singletrack manners. The wheelset is much better than I had expected. This is a true all day mountain bike. I rode the Noble Knob/Palisades(23 miles, 3000+ climbing) epic the other day and the bike performed flawlessly. This bike has made me a better rider. | | Weaknesses: | Bushings, my first set were toast in less than 400 miles riding in the wet conditions of the Northwest. To Trek and Klein's credit they were replaced under warranty. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Schwinn Homegrown, SC Superlight, | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/Disc brake option, shorter Easton stem, and eggbeater pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a followup report. The Palomino still a superior bike even with the bearing issues. It seems to be a problem with those of us who live in the wetter climates. (That has to be quite a few riders) Still I would give this bike high marks. Most if not all full suspnsion bikes have higher maintenance issues. But you shouldn't have to replace bushings after only 300-400 miles on your bike, no matter what conditions you ride in. Now that the conditions are dry my replacement set of bushings has had no problems. I would have thought that Trek/Klein would have realized that the bushings were going to be a problem in wet conditions before they released the product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dr Dolittle
a
from Manchester UK
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Afan Argoed | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike Cookson Cycles, Bury | | Strengths: | Pedals superbly, good spec for price, looks great | | Weaknesses: | Bushings wear out too fast. Seat tube angle means sizing doesn't suit all. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Mount Vision, Trek Fuel 90, Orange Sub 5, Rocky Mountain ETS. | | Bike Setup: | Race Disc with Selle Italia Prolink carbon saddle, Easton EC70 bar and Hope headset upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | Its a true trail bike. Its not a XC racer - though you probably could make it lighter, and its not a hardcore DH/freeride rig. Its built to ride all day and its very good at it!
The bushings in the monolink wear out very quickly, but that has more to do with local conditions. Trek reckon it can be fixed by fitting the bearing monolink from a Maverick (which will fit) but its not a cheap option. Trek UK deny that a problem exists.
The rear shock is not as custom as it sounds. Turns out its been assembled from Fox's parts bin, and hence uses mostly off the shelf Float and Vanilla parts. In theory anyone equipped to service Fox units should be able to fix it.
Niggles aside I love mine - its comfortable, fast and looks great. Everyone that has tried it liked it, from XCer to DHer. Its been everywhere since December, all over Europe, through snow and sand, across plains and down mountains without missing a beat. I've used it in an XC race, a 24 hr race, even a DH race! Everything was done with ease - even the stuff the bike wasn't made for. And aside from the bearings nothing has gone wrong | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FSBConvert
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh NC
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hog Run | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycling Spoken Here | | Strengths: | Fox Shox, incredible hook-up on climbs, component grouping, KLEIN quality. Beautiful paint. | | Weaknesses: | Tried avid brakes on demo, upgraded to disc. Could have used a better headset. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 98, Gary Fisher Sugar 2+, Trek Liquid Fuel 20, Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | All stock with disc upgrade | | Bottom Line: | This is the first full suspension bike I have owned. I did a lot of research (including MTBR, thanks to all the reviewers preceeding my purchase) after riding the Santa Cruz Blur to determine if there were any other bikes on the market with the same concept (no bob, plush ride). This one came up. For about a $1,000 less than a similarily equipped Blur, I had to give it a try. This bike delivers! It rides like a hard tail when accelerating but gives you the cushion when needed when blowing over the big stuff. Rock gardens are no problem now, rooty and rocky uphills are handled. As stated in a previous review, this bike, with the disc option for me has been a HUGE confidence builder. It climbs like a cheetah and descends like a champ. Not to mention around the Raleigh NC area, it is a conversation piece. Klein qualify and an incredible paint job make this a bike worth looking into. The performance of the Palomino Race makes it worth owning. Small note though. I love the Fox Shocks, very plush, have not bottomed one out yet. Had a VERY rare issue with the rear shock which was handled. Fox customer service though was sub par. (Coming from a customer service environment myself). It took them 3 weeks to return the shock. Thankfully I had my old hard tail to ride. That said, I would not hesitate to recommend this bike or the components, including the shocks. Try to catch one during a demo on a trail though. Trust me when I say kicking around in a parking lot on this bike will no where near give you the appreciation this bike deserves. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Heffron
a Cross Country Rider
from Chula Vista,Ca USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | The ride the bike hooks up really well.Great handling bike no bob at all when you riding hard. | | Weaknesses: | Top shock pivot has to much side to side play .Rock Shox Duke with no adjustment it dives really bad when you brake. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Fsr Enduro Comp | | Bike Setup: | All stock except the shifters I exhanged them for XT and I put Avid Mech disk brakes on. | | Bottom Line: | Bike rides really well. Rear shock works great and soaks up the hits really nice.But there is to much play in the top shock pivot.Klein should have made a tighter fit and put in a bushing.I'm afraid to tighten the bolt to tight because I don't want to overstress the top of the rear shock.If anyone else out there has had this problem can you drop me a email to tell me how you fixed it.Once the problem gets addressed it will only make it a better ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh F
a Weekend Warrior
from San Carlos, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Skeggs, Water Dog | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Suspension is terrific, no bob from rear shock, Fox Float 100 up front with Lockout. The coolest paintjob on the trails. Hayes Disc Brakes a great option. | | Weaknesses: | Not enough time to ride more. I haven't found any weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Santa Cruz Blur, Trek Fuel 98, Specialized Epic Disc. | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR Drivetrain, Hayes Disc Brakes, Time ATAC Carbon pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Klein hit the nail on the head with this one. It descends with no fear and the disc brakes give you the confidence to push it to the limit. I'm 6/1, 190 and the suspension works great. If you're in the market for a full suspension, you MUST test this bike before making any descisions. Paint scheme is unique and great looking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Fambrough
a
from Plano, Texas
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The one less traveled | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Efficient Suspension Performance, especially climbing
Klein Quality and Finish
Stable/predictable handling
| | Weaknesses: | Slack seat angle could be a problem for some
Wished it had sealed cartridge bearing vs. bushings
Rear cables rubbed legs unless zip tied
Front derailleur can be tempermental if rear suspension isn't dialed correctly.
| | Similar Products Used: | Follow-up Review | | Bike Setup: | Large frame with XT drivetrain, FOX Float 100 RLC, Maxm XC-1 carbon bar, Thomson stem and seatpost, Crank Bros. eggbeaters, Avid 7 brakes, Selle San Marco seat. Weight: 25.5 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I've had many hours and miles on this bike. Those of you that have mentioned front derailleur problems, you may need to upgrade the M-Bits spring with a heavier one for $35. It's recommended for riders weighing more than 190lbs. (Note: that includes camelbak and all your other riding gear on; so, if you weigh only 180 lbs. you may want to consider this upgrade.) Not only does this stiffen the rear suspension so it has less impact on the front derailleur functionality, it enables you to decrease your PSI. As a result, it puts less stress on the air seals and increases its durability. FYI: I'm 6 ft. and weigh 190 lbs. and 200 lbs. loaded with gear. I'm now running only 25 lbs. PSI in the rear.
Other tricks that work: running smaller diameter cables inside larger cable housing to reduce friction, and adding an Avid Rollamagig also lets you click off the shifts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Wheeler
a Racer
from Indy, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | I haven't found it yet | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Gilles Cycling | | Strengths: | Suspension front and rear that compliment each other. The best race fork going. Rear suspension that works. This bike will make you a better rider. Very predictable ride that resembles a hard tail with a suspension post (that's a good thing) when hammering through twisty single track; and like a downhill drop monster when flying down rooted out, nasty, steep hills. | | Weaknesses: | For me this bike has no weakness. The whole bushing v. bearing thing, could I suppose become an issue, but I've spoke with the local TREK Rep, my local shop, and a Traveling Demo Guy and all have assured me that Klein remedy the problem if it persists. As for Bushings, I have a 1997 GT LTS and the bushings on it are still going strong. Bushings shortcomings may be an issue of rider wieght and hieght. The front derailiuar is tricky, but if setup right (maybe not to every riders liking) it works great. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized EPIC (felt like a hard tail, not plush enough for my 38 year old frame) and Fisher Sugar 29er (different, it rolls over everything, not a highflyer, a really old man or 24hr racers bike). Other contenders for purchase - Truth, Blur, and Racer-X. Why the Palomino... ride and price, the contenders were a grand more with similar gear. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Race with V-Brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I'm 5'10" and anywhere between 145lbs and 155lbs - the medium fits my riding style best, I tried the large and it felt "big". I've owned a mountain bike since 1984, raced since 1990, this my second full-suspension bike, I ride both on rode and off daily, and without a doubt this bike has made me a better rider. Why? Confidence.
While my "old" GT LTS has a plusher rear suspension feel, it can be a problem. Peddle bob and bounce can really take their toll in a race... there is no noticeable bob with the Palomino. It works when it needs to without any effect on the drive train. I've heard people talk about small bump compliance, many FS race bike are lacking in this area, because they're trying to fill the HT - FS gap. The EPIC is not good at small bump compliance, but everyone seems to think it is the Second Coming. The Palomino performs like the EPIC with a softer feel (think of a HT Vs a HT with a suspension seat post). Before buying this bike ride it in a real world situation, a TREK demo event is the best bet... it sold me. Setup and fit make a world of difference on the Palomino (I'm just now getting used to the exaggerated seatpost height). Get it setup right and leave it. Tweakers, stay away from this bike, each adjustment has an effect on how the bike works (read other reviews). Up front the Fox Float is incredible. I have a 2003 SID Race and considered swapping it for the weight savings. But, after three races and numerous rides, I'll take the weight penalty. The best thing about the Fox is its stiffness. It doesn't wash out in sand and mud like the SID and the extra travel is noticeable (I like the SID's lockout better).
The one gripe I have with spec'd parts are the brakes Avid SD5 levers and SD 3 brakes). When pricing a bike at this level manufactures are trying to shave cash anywhere they can and compared to the other components these are sub-par. I've heard people complain about the tires, but I've been impressed. They really hook up in mud I've done three mud races and could not have asked for better rubber. This is by far the best mud bike I've owned. No problems at all, the chain only tried to suck once in a 16-mile mud soup race.
The Palomino likes air, it's easy to catch big air with it because the suspension is centered over the pedals and the rear triangle is light. This concept also aids in bunnyhopping and curb jumping, since there is less to pull-up. It certainly does not feel like a 27lb bike, because of this unique balance. If you're looking for a FS bike that has many ride characteristics of a HT, look no further, you won't be disappointed.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vlada
a Cross Country Rider
from Prague, Czech rep.
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Program Cycle, Prague | | Strengths: | best stable platform, no bob from padals, excellent in descent, even better in ascent | | Weaknesses: | pure Klein's tech. manual. You can learn where G. K. sudied, but information how to preload rear shock is confusing and misleading | | Similar Products Used: | several single pivot system, Adept tested | | Bike Setup: | XTR drivetrain, Mavic UST rims, DT Hugi hubs, Hutchinson Python tubeless | | Bottom Line: | The only weakpoint of this bike is documentation. It does't say that rear shock preaload has fatal impact on functionality of front derailleur. Just by attemt I found that the more pressure the better function. But the balance between drivetrain function and plush is to preload in PSI at 1/3 of your weight in lbs (my 180 lbs. mean 60 PSI). This is the answer from Klein's help desk: "Through continuing research, we currently recommend rear shock PSI be set at 1/4 to 1/2 rider body weight. 1/3 to 1/2 will lend to optimum drivetrain performance."
And they should add that if you shift to the large sprocket at the back first and after that to the smallest sprocket in front, you will not have any problem even in steep slopes.
By far the best FS I ever rode. Unfortunately I can not compare it with SC Blur, but reading about Blur's bobing a little bit, I think Palomino is better. As a "stable platform" bike at least.
Bike could be reccomended for whole day's cross country rides.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross Country Rider
from Kelso
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Growlers Gulch Creek system | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Byman's Bikes | | Strengths: | Lateral stiffness, climbing, over all cockpit feel,and the ability to hold a line downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailer set up,bottom pivot bushings. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept Pro, Trek Fuel 90 Disc | | Bike Setup: | Black frame, with Fox 100RLC Float, King head set,Hays disc comp, Sun Single Track (XT) hubs, 180XT Hollow Teck Crank arms,TIME pedels, XT F/R derailers,Welta rings Scram 7.0 12-34cassett,pc99 chain,XY Raceface seat post. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that this is a follow up from my review on 11-29-02. I am now down off my first love/lust high,and here are my findings.First keep in mind that at 6'4' and 215(or so) and riding at least 3 times a week over the terrain we do, any bike is subject to punshiment beyond your normal X-country riding.
1-Tall riders, need not fear the slack seat tube angle.Using Raceface XY seat post even at the max line has not been a problem. Both post and tube are so far very strong, Keep it lubed or it will squeek and creek and drive you and buddies nuts till you figure where it's comming from.
2-Bottom pivot bushings have got to go." Hello Trek" are you listening??? Both have loosened several times, front E type derailer makes the fore one tough to tighten. However to Treks credit they did replace both at no charge. If all of a sudden you have a very unstable ride down hill, check them.
Besides the above mentioned,nothing major. I would still and do recomend this bike to anyone who really wants to enjoy a true X-country and beyond kind of bike. It's climbing, tracking, decending, log hoping, root crossing, and stump dropping are amazing. I am able to ride with confidence and speed where I would of slowed or walked just 6 mos. ago. I still believe the rear suspension design is right on and will be around for some time. If I had a couple extra 2 grand lying around I would buy a Mavrick, But alas I seemed to of misplaced it.Oh well, I truley do enjoy this bike.
I hope this has helped some of you.
Bike On | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Fey
a Cross Country Rider
from Syracuse, NY
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Morgan Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Alley | | Strengths: | Beautiful Frame/Finish, components | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailleur, seat | | Similar Products Used: | none significantly, previously rode an old Cannondale M2000 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Entirely stock Palomino Race Disc: Bontrager kit, XT crank, XTR rear derailleur, Hayes hydraulic disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS bike and my first new Mtn Bike in about 10 years! I love it but am dissappointed in the front derailleur arrangement. I'm old and want a real plush set up. With the rear shock set up softly, the bike sags and shifts the front derailleur cage forward relative to the chain wheel; this makes it shift poorly or not at all onto the granny gear. One has to put enough preasure in the rear shock to prevent too much sag. It will shift then but still not as cleanly as I'd like. However riding and climbing is a joy. No pedal bob, great traction. I'm a slow descender but it wants to go much faster than I do. Over all I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan fix
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown's Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Cycles | | Strengths: | Maveric Design, Hayes disk brakes (although mine came with HFX 9's, not the Mag brakes that Klein continues to advertise... pretty lame guys!!!) | | Weaknesses: | Klein proprietary cable routing (gums up very easily in Pacific Northwest riding conditions), BUSHINGS vs. BEARINGS... for some reason the NUTS at TREK/KLEIN believe that bushings are better in all of their designs (yeah right, just another cost cutting measure by a company that cares about profits more than customer satisfaction, front deraileur setup, Klein tires... great in the summer, sucks in the spring when things are wet - switch to a pair of Panaracer Fire XC's, you will smile ;-) | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Sugar (2.5 years), Tested SC Superlight and numerous 4-bar designs | | Bike Setup: | stock except stem, bars, seat and headset... you will want to switch these to help the bike fit appropriately and to help your backside... stock seat is very uncomfortable | | Bottom Line: | OK Crew... I have had this bike for three months. Unfortunately, it has been in the shop for one of those three months. This is really too bad, because I ride several times/week... perhaps this is why the bike is in the shop! For starters, the bike rides very well... just like Maverick American and the reviews say. So, Kudos to Klein for licensing the design they were already manufacturuing; a smart move for a comapany that does manufacturing best. However, in the parent company's wisdom (TREK... aka the evil empire), the bike has bushings like all other Trek products. Unfortunately, this is not he way Maverick specs the bike and it shows. I live in a very wet climate, and, as such, the bushings are designed to have just enough play to keep them working smoothly. There is a sleeve that holds the bushings in place and after about two months the bushing/sleeve assembly is totally worn. They claim it is a manufacturing defect. However, it has been to the shop three times now for same issue... and, it is mainly a design problem. River City Cycle... thanks for your patience. This is a great shop, pay the retail for their service! Klein/Trek... I hope you are prepared to go the distance for me, the shop informed me that they have seen this same problem on a few other Palamino's and that with your guidance, they think the problem can be solved. But, don't seem to hold out the same hope the ever-optomistic Klein/Trek guys do. When the time comes in another 2 months, I will post a new review to see if Klein has actually found a way to fix the problem or if I am riding another frame!
5 flaming poops for Maverick... a great design when it works
3 flaming poops from Klein... I have some weird loyalty here having grown up down the street from them.
1 flaming poop for Trek... Only so I can throw it at them! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wayne martinez
a Cross Country Rider
from girdwood, alaska
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ressurrection | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike dept. | | Strengths: | climbing, tracting, comfort | | Weaknesses: | front derailuer must be set very precisly, but still doesn't shift as smoothly as other bikes I've had | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra, Ritchey | | Bike Setup: | Hayes dics',xtr03 cranks,carbon seat post and riser bars,american classic hubs w/valiant rims, continental tires 25.6lbs w/egg beaters, 26.4 w/platform pedals. frame size small | | Bottom Line: | If your looking for a cross country ride,this is what this one was made for. Worked great in the snow and rain this winter. On the trail it tracked perfectly at speeds up to 45mph. Handled rocks, mud and hills with alacrity. Take some time to adjust and break in. If rear suspension feels off play with setting dial. I found moving it off recomended setting[I'm 5'7",163lbs] made a huge differance. As for racing with my light setup it would be excellent. Probably a great 24 hour bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Jacobsen
a Cross Country Rider
from Astoria, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2599.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes and Beyond | | Bottom Line: | Just a followup to my earlier review, since I've had some inquiries:
I'm 5'11", weigh 155 pounds, and ride the medium frame size. Also, I still LOVE this bike! I did have it on a scale and it weighs 28 pounds (this, of course, is a hanging fish scale, so take it for what it's worth). The Bontrager hubs have been fine, but I really need to beat on them some more before I can make a really informed statement about them. OK, I think that addresses most of the questions I've gotten. Should anyone have any others, feel free to throw me a line. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | FreeWheel Bikes | | Strengths: | Fit and finish except rear V brake Mounts on Disk Version | | Weaknesses: | None except rear brake mounts | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 98 and Giant XTC | | Bike Setup: | stock disc | | Bottom Line: | Suspension takes the hits well and the bike tracks very well on the technical down hills. Has all the traction I have ever needed for climbs. I would recommend this bike for the long trail rides. The Palomino is very smooth and keeps your fatigue level low on those long trails. I love the bike and would recommend it to all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike R
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Century Cycles | | Strengths: | Next-generation design makes this a bike that sticks-to-the-ground for great control. Paint job & Klein finish. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailer is tempremental. and the guide that leads to it produced a kink in the cable. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic, Kona Kickapu, have since ridden a Blur | | Bike Setup: | stock:Hayes hydraulic disc brakes, Fox Float RL fork, and propritary rear shock, mostly XT drive train I've since switched to a shorter front stem | | Bottom Line: | I've been waiting a while to write this review. This is an all-around performance bike. If your a cross country racer --it's too heavy. A freerider--not enoungh travel.
But this is a bike that seems to live for the rocky, rooty, short and steep climbs and decents. I look like I've upped my game a couple of notches, but it's the bike. The Fox Float RL fork up front is sweet. The frame and pivot point system really does eliminate bob and work great on logs. Ironically, the same design seems to make bunny hopping harder. Oh well. As for the seatpost angle thing, it doesn't seem to bother me at all. By the way, I'm 5'8" and weigh 145 lbs. I got a size medium to accomidate my body type. For anyone taking a test ride, I would encourage you to ride it around more than the parking lot to get a genuine feel for the bike. This bike is for the rider who races occasionally and wants a bike that is at it's best on a challenging trail that doesn't have 3 ft. + drop offs.
I guarantee you will see this design copied numerous times in the next 5 years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stim
a Cross Country Rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | efficient ride, not a plushy though.....Klein name = quality | | Weaknesses: | sizing (due to seat tube angle). Not as active as I care for. reminds me of a GF sugar I've ridden. AND YES THIS BIKE WAS "DIALED" FOR ME. | | Similar Products Used: | Truth (current ride), switchblade, fsr, racer x, tracer, XCE....and many more.... | | Bike Setup: | stock klein. | | Bottom Line: | A very "efficient" design. Definitely digs in during climbs, but I don't care for the hardtail feel when it's not hitting the bumps hard.
Now, as for Mr. Brake (a previous reviewer). What gives? I can ride a bike for a few hours to know what's it's capable of (strengths/weaknesses). If I couldn't, I'd never buy a new bike. Would you? So let me (and others have our say). Secondly, and more importantly, the reviewer you b!tched about said about the bike it, "feels like you're riding a suspension seatpost" and I agree. Don't get me wrong it's a nice bike, but this guys feelings are just that......So, here's a good rule for life, Mr. Brake, stick to what you know, don't try to control others (it'll just drive you crazy, as it appears to have already done), let me know what you think about the product in your review. I'm smart enough (as I'm sure most mtbr readers are) to sift thru the BS reviews. Now that I've broken my own rules......get out and ride, enjoy YOUR bike, and stop worrying about other irrelevant stuff.
For the Klein, it's a great value (vs. Seven, Maverick, etc), but compared to other fullies I've ridden....4 poops! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Durham/Glen Major Forrest | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportswap | | Strengths: | Great traction on climbs and handling on technical singletrack. Plush ride. | | Weaknesses: | The Duke on the Polomino which I tested. Upgrade to the Fox Float 100 if you're buying the Palomino. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 98 & Epic Marathon | | Bike Setup: | Thompson stem and post, XT shifters, Avid Ultimate levers, XTR v-brakes and carbon risers bars. | | Bottom Line: | I could not stop smiling during my 2 hour demo ride. I went to trails I frequent on the weekend which is technical with hills and short steep ones also. This is f****** NICE bike. My mind was made up after the first hour. I'm 5'7" and weigh 160 lbs. The demo was a medium with a few adjustments is was fine for me to ride. I did find the bike a little too cumbersome when negotiating logs. The frame was just too big for me. The Klein website suggested a small size for my height and came to the conclusion after my demo ride so I went with it. If you're around my height, make sure you try both the medium and small sizes just to make sure which one you want. The bike does not feel heavy at all when you ride it. For the value compared to the Fuel 98 and the Epics, no comparison. In terms of performance, I found the Palomino climbs better than the Fuel and Epic and also find the suspension also works better in the Palomino. Value comparison from the other two bikes I tested, the Palomino is the best you'll get for your money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Brake
a Cross Country Rider
from Hopkinsville, Ky
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Canal Loop LBL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Wood and Wave | | Strengths: | Super plush ride, excellent traction on climbs, light weight for the travel that you get. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Dean Jester softail | | Bike Setup: | 2003 XTR shifters and rear derailluer, Avid single digit 7 brakes, Thompson stem and Monkeylite carbon riser bar. The rest is all stock. | | Bottom Line: | I want to propose a new rule about posting reviews, if you test or demo the bike, keep your comments to yourself. How do you think that you could possibly know what your talking about by just demoing the bike. It takes time to setup proper rebound and air pressure settings to dial in the bike to perform correctly. For the last guy that posted a review, this bike is much more that what you say that it is a suspension seatpost. The design of this suspension is designed to travel up 4 inches and out 15 degrees. The wheel stays firmly locked to the terrain when the suspension is active. You will be hard pressed to find a better bike capable of the climbing prowess that this bike provides. A suspension seat post only moves at the seatpost not at the rear wheel as this bike does. So all I have to say is get a grip, literally! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a
from California
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | nice parts spec | | Weaknesses: | strut makes it feel like your riding on a suspension seatpost, not a full suspension frame. | | Similar Products Used: | 02 polmino | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | good bike, i just don't like the suspension feel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WILLIAM
a Cross Country Rider
from GA.
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | FREE FLITE | | Strengths: | No bob suspension. reasonably light, (rides even lighter), fox fork,nice spec's. this bike climbs like a goat | | Weaknesses: | The seat, original seat felt like I was seating on a rock. The steep angle of the seat tube could cause a problem concerning seat tilt;(I'm 5' 9" tall and was barely able to angle seatnose slightly downward the way I like it.) I don't mean to be nit-picky but for this price I think disc ready wheels should be standard. I know there is a disc version but I think the option of upgrading to disc without costing an arm & leg would be nice | | Similar Products Used: | sugar, specialized fsr | | Bike Setup: | stock,except for new seat. terry ti liberator | | Bottom Line: | If I sounded overly critical in the above section,let me say now that I love riding this bike. I truly believe that its made me a better rider and the comfort compared to my hardtail is beyond compare. There are many great bikes out there,but I think you owe it to yourself to give this one a try before making your purchase.Compared to the Maverick this bike is a bargain. I think this is a great epic/comfort bike that could also double as a solid x.c. racer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wingsprint
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Cave Creek Dam Reserve | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Super quality. Fantastic suspension. Climbs great. Handles like a Porsche. No bob at all, you will catch yourself thinking you are on a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Attitude, Adroit pro, M2, Truth, & Superlight. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Fox float 100r, Mavic Cross Max, Thompson stem & post, Monkey lights, Time carbons. Custom Klein paint job (bling bling). | | Bottom Line: | It is funny... You read the reviews by folks that have only demo'ed this bike give lower ratings, and make comments like "that new rear shock could be a problem". Well after 1000+ miles my rear shock is still working great! People who have owned this bike for a while rave about it. This is the best all around bike I have ever owned. You could spend $1000 to $2000 more on a bike that will not perform any better than the Palamino. If you are looking to buy a world class FS bike make sure you take the time to look at the Palamino. You need to ride this bike (much more than a demo, or test ride) to see how really good it is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lance
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chimney Rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Components, climbing abilities, Klein reputation, plush ride. | | Weaknesses: | None so far... | | Similar Products Used: | liquid, sugar, fuel, jekyl, Epic. | | Bike Setup: | Avid BBDS, Avid SD7, Bontrager select rims | | Bottom Line: | When deciding on a new bike climbing was an important part of my decision. This bike climbs like no other bike. It seems to lift you over obstacles better than a hard tail with less effort. It handles well over roots and rocks while staying planted on the ground. The Fox fork is a great compliment to the mono-link design, it seems to be stiffer than Rock shox, but it feels very smooth and you can feel what is beneath you.
Down hill this bike is very plush, both on the seat or on the peddles. Once you find your sweet spot on the suspension there is no need to change geometry or travel when you change ridding conditions as with some of the other bikes I rode.
This bike fits my riding style perfectly. Technical climbs and small drop offs are easily conquered, however I think it would be a little heavey for racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Jacobsen
a Cross Country Rider
from Astoria, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2599.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes and Beyond in Astoria | | Strengths: | super adjustable plush Fox suspension, Maverick American FS design, nice parts spec for the money, huge death grip tires, climbs well, incredible with Hayes discs and looks cool with disc-specific wheels | | Weaknesses: | cockpit became too long as I raised the seat (but I compensated for that other ways), not that heavy (but not that light) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, Specialized Epic | | Bike Setup: | stock with Hayes hydraulic disc spec (worth the weight penalty and the $), upgraded to a shorter Thomson Elite stem | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for a couple months or so now, and I feel I've been betraying my bike for not writing a glowing review sooner. I read up on this ride extensively prior to buying the bike, and everything cool you read is true. This is the first full-suspension bike I've owned, so I can't give a great comparison to other FS rigs. But, I can tell you that I had it out recently on Norm's trails east of Astoria and this bike could do so much more than my old hardtail. It made me really appreciate the disc brakes because I could actually control my runaway muddy descents to a great extent. And, while my friends were getting a running start to get over the huge spruce roots, I was able to soak up the big hits with my 4" of front and rear travel. One feature I REALLY like is the lockout on the Fox 100RL fork on the front. By reaching down to the right side of the fork crown, I can virtually completely lock it out by easily turning a dial on the fly. This really increases my ability to climb efficiently out of the saddle. I can hang with the hardtail guys on the climbs and smoke 'em on the descents!
And, descending on this bike is confidence-inspiring. The suspension is balanced well fore and aft with the Fox hardware, and when I go bombing downhill it seems like the Palomino Race Disc tells me "Go faster-- you'll be just fine!"
I like the parts spec all the way around on this bike. I did swap out the stem because it was too long and because I thought it was pretty cheesy with the peel-off Bontrager decal. Just like any bike these days, I've peeled of quite a few decals with important messages like "If you actually ride this bike, you could get hurt". I decided to stick with the Shimano SPD pedals, although I did consider putting egg beaters on. My hardtail has SPDs and they're fine, so I stuck with it so I can use the same shoes and cleats.
As I mentioned before, my rides on other bikes were limited. I didn't mean to need this bike. I rode the Fuel and the Epic in parking lots and they were both just fine. Basically, I meant to spend less and I wanted to ride the base Palomino. But alas, the shop didn't have that one in a small enough frame size for me to try, so they said "How about riding this Palomino Race Disc (just to check out the frame size?" So I rode it, and then I started realizing that for about $700 more than what they wanted for the base Palomino, I would get pretty much the whole drivetrain upgraded a notch, disc brakes (and rims and hubs), and a really really smooth flashy sparkly orange paint job. Then I convinced myself I've been working really hard and I deserve it and I found ways to come up with the dinero, and the rest is history.
My only regret with this bike is that I don't get to be out riding it more often. But hey, you've gotta expect that during the winter on the Oregon coast. When things get a little more pleasant out there, I'll be ready, and those bazillion miles of logging roads and trails better be bracing themselves. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Fambrough
a
from Plano, Texas
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dorba.org (listing of local trails) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Incredible rear wheel traction for climbing (best of any FS bike I've ridden)
Klein quality & finish
Pedal efficiency
Fox Float front suspension (only way to go)
Maverick American suspension design
Frame warranty
| | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox Duke (provides an unbalanced suspension feel, drives under hard pedal efforts in or out of the saddle)
Proprietary rear shock (could be a problem if it needs service)
2.3 size tires will be heavy for some, but great in the rough | | Similar Products Used: | Owned: GT i-Drive 1.0 for two years before frame broke
Ridden/Tested: Ventanna Panterra & El Salt; SC Blur; Specialized Epic to mention a few | | Bike Setup: | I went with the Black Palomino frame and had it built to the Race component specs. Added Thomson stem & 12-degree post, Avid SD-7 brake set, Italia Trans Am Max saddle & Crank Bro. eggbeater pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The most important thing in dialing in the suspension is to have the bike's sag set correctly at 17-20mm. Therefore, you must add the right amount of individual air pressure to ensure you're within this range. Otherwise, the floating suspension could adversely effect the front derailleur and cause ghost shifting when climbing or during hard pedal efforts. Also, running a smaller diameter cable will improve shifting performance with the mono-link design.
Some have commented on the Palomino's geometry and fit. I'm 6' and weigh 190 lbs. As a result, I went with the large frame for a better fit, eliminating the whole severe angle of the seat post issue.
What about the ride? So far, I've racked up over a 200 miles on this bike. About half singletrack with lots of roots, logs, rocks and quick steep climbs and half road. If possible, avoid the Duke. It's too soft and causes the bike to drive and feel unbalanced. (Glad I upgraded to the Fox Float RL 100, which is a lot firmer and stiffer up front and well worth the wait). Also, the addition of the Thomson stem makes the bike feel more stable and solid riding through rock gardens compared to the narrow designed Bontrager stem. Overall, this is the best epic trail/climbing FS bike I've ridden. At 26.5 lbs., it's not what I would call a FS race bike, except for maybe 24 hr. race events. Best of all, it's a lot less expensive than the Maverick ML-7, which is considered by many to be the best FS epic trail bike to hit the dirt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Lufkin, TX - USA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyler State Park - C&D loops | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn - Kirby Dr. - Houston | | Strengths: | Components (XTR / XT); Suspension package (Fox); No pedal bob but I only rode it around the parking lot & around the block. Serious 30-45 minute test ride needed to make accurate asessment. Workmanship is incredible (no-void welds) making for a beautiful appearance. Geometry of medium frame fits me great (5'10", 180lbs). Orange pearlescent paitjob is bold and beautiful. Easily upgradable to disc brake package if desired. | | Weaknesses: | None that I could spot right away. Front fork was set for a much lighter rider, but that's just a tewak. Potential concerns: welded gusset @ intersection of seat tube / down tube looks like it will be a mud-collector and huge clods of mud will drop right into the chainrings & front derailleur. Seat tube is raked at a steep angle so raising the seat "up" will also move it dramatically toward the back of the bike, which seriously changes the bike's geometry for the rider. You should set the seat where you want it and then make your decision about the fit. The rear suspension setup is unique to Klein so *major* maintenance will need to be done by someone familiar with this. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 & 100; Giant NRS1 | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock. | | Bottom Line: | I've never seen a more breautiful F/S bike for $2,300. I am shopping for a new ride to replace my Trek hartail with lots of tweaks. I ride competitively but my old (43 yrs) joints are begging me for a F/S bike. My choices were down to the Trek Fuel 100 and Giant NRS1... Until I checked out the Klein Palomino Race. Now I don't know what to buy, but I am sure leaning heavily toward the Klein. A serious test ride on a tough trail with steep climbs and lots of switchbacks will probably help me conclude which bike I am going to buy. If this bike rides as sweet as it looks, and as nice as it felt on pavement I'll definitely buy it. I gave 5 chili's for the value rating, as compared against both the Giant NRS1 and the Trek Fuel 90. Overall I gave 4 chili's but this is because I have not yet tested the bike on a "real" ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Moles
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Perry Lake KS, Porcupine Rim, UT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Replacement | | Strengths: | Little or no bob, smooth uphill and down, great handling, trails feel like butta! | | Weaknesses: | Marketing book shows Palomino with XTR components, which were NOT even available at the time I received the frame. Bogus advertising. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo II. | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox SID race, xtr shifters, brakes, rear derailleur. Chris King headset, Mavic 517 rims. XT front derailleur, crank and BB CUZ XTR AIN'T COMPATIBLE UNTIL THE 2003 STUFF COMES OUT.
| | Bottom Line: | The Mantra I had broke at the rear wheel hanger. Rather than weld on a new rear triangle, they gave me the option of upgrading to a Palomino, which was really nice of them. I wasn't happy when the bike arrived and the xtr parts I took off my old mantra wouldn't fit the new Palomino, contrary to what I was told. Once I got the bike all dialed in, I realized I shouldn't complain any more. I had a hard time adjusting from the Mantra, which I loved and was sad to part with. I waited a while to send in a review because I like entering legitimate reviews, not one based on a demo ride. Who the hell thinks they know enough to send in a review after they take a spin around a parking lot or 10 minutes on a trail? Anyway, I can't stop grinning when I'm on this rig. I've noticed the most difference in my riding on steep technical uphills with switchbacks. The suspension lets me stay hooked up regardless of obstacles, and downhills feel so smooth. The xt front derailleur and crank set were the only setup that would work with 2002 parts, until the 2003 line became available. The front derailleur pivots with the suspension, which looks sweet but seems to allow for chain suck when you're pedalling through rough terrain.
I give the bike 5 chilis for the value, mainly because I paid nothing for the frame replacement. Klein customer service people rock. They mean lifetime warranty when they say it.
I give the bike another 5 chilis for rating. I was sad at first to part with the mantra, but the Maverick design frame is all it's cracked up to be. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
victor chiappetta
a Cross Country Rider
from bridgeport,ct.
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | pequonock,paugusset | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle & fitness stamford,ct. | | Strengths: | super climber,frame stiffness,tracking ability,xt/xtr parts mix | | Weaknesses: | none so far-time will tell | | Similar Products Used: | fsr ground control,stumpjumper fsr,cannondale scalpel. | | Bike Setup: | stock palomino race-swapped the wheels for spinergy cyclones and the brakes for avid mechanical disks. | | Bottom Line: | I never thought I would spend this much cash but then I took this bike for a test ride behind the store through a schoolyard and some untamed woods in the area.I was blown away by this bikes climbing ability.Long steep technical climbs are my favorite and this rig allows you to go further and steeper than ever before.The bike sprinted up
steep hills in a gear normally reserved for flats.The overall stability of the monlink platform coupled with the awesome fox suspension creates a silky smooth confidence inspiring ride through the harshest trails.So far I've taken the bike on 5 snow/ice covered rides through demanding new england trails and I have been pleased to say the least.Even in the rugged winter conditions this bike screams up the toughest hills,jump out of the saddle and peddle as hard as you can-the rear susp. just digs in and sprints you forward.This bike has already made me a better rider.The balance and sweet handling inspire confidence.A word about the spinergy's-I'm a larger rider-6'2" about 220-I had a pair on my old rig for three years and had them trued once,not a typo,once in three years-they still hold true to this day and provide a bouncy plush feel on the trail while remaining efficient.Also love the avid mechanicals.Great power and modulation and they can be fine tuned literally in seconds.The xtr rear derailuer is also a standout item-super smooth imperceptible shifts every time.I can't wait to attack the
trails when the conditions improve-this bike wants to be ridden faster and longer but right now the conditions won't allow it.So far this bike has proven to be incredibly efficient and stable-Ilove the simplicity of this design-hope it will be as reliable as it is enjoyable.
Also-at6'2" the large frame seemed to be an excellent fit for me-just a reference point for prospective buyers.If you're looking for a super stable phenomenal climber definitely check out the Klein. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BILL
a Cross Country Rider
from WOODSTOCK GA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Great suspension design. Great value considering a maverick will cost you about twice as much. klein quality, nicely spec'd. | | Weaknesses: | proprietary rear suspension could possibly be a weakness when it comes to servicing. | | Similar Products Used: | I've rode a sugar (nice bike but not as plush and only 2.5 inches of suspension). tested specialized fsr stump-jumper, another good choice I was considering before I rode the klein. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Please keep in mind that I demoed this bike only, but came away very impressed. This is the same design of the maverick but at a more affordable price. If price is not an issue go for the maverick but If you're on a budget at least give the klein a try. Having said that I know this is not an inexpensive bike buts its half the price of a maverick and klein is known for it's quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Cross Country Rider
from maryland
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | decent suspension feel | | Weaknesses: | radical seat angle, long chainstay | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel, fisher sugar | | Bike Setup: | stock? | | Bottom Line: | I demoed this bike for about 20 min on rocky singletrack. No complaints on the suspension, it delivered a very damped smooth ride. Not much bob while climbing out of the saddle. However, the very slack seat angle limits the saddle angle adjustment. I was not able to level the saddle and had to ride with the saddle nose slightly up.. needs a seatpost with lots of angle adjustment. Also realize the the chainstay is longer than all previous Klein mtn bikes. Climbing traction will suffer some because of this.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, WA
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | singletrack bikes in snoqualmie | | Strengths: | Balanced suspension, handling, frame stiffness, component specification, value, and the dealer. The Fox 100RL fork is amazing. The frame construction is beautiful. I really like the type of welds that Klein uses. The paint job is outstanding as well. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Homegrown Pro- owned, tested Specialized Enduro, Epic, Santa Cruz Superlight, Gary Fisher Sugars, and Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Palomino Race w/Hayes Mag brake option, and Egg Beater pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is an update of an earlier post. I've put 120 miles, all singletrack, on this bike so far. Nothing has changed my mind about it. It is an ideal bike for the woods of the Pacific Northwest. The bike loves to be ridden in tight, twisty trails. It dives into turns and accelerates out of the turns very well. The bike has made me a better rider.
The bike does seem to be a little squirrelly in wide open descents where your speed is over 25. But that isn't the type of riding that this bike was designed for, and isn't the type of riding that I do.
I think that this bike is an outstanding value. I compare the performance of this bike to ANY other trail bike and it wins hands down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Berry
a Cross Country Rider
from Kelso,Wa USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all trails @ Growlers Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Byman's Bikes Longview | | Strengths: | So far everything.Stable in corners,no bob at all.Climbs better than my hardtail. A truely true point and shoot bike. | | Weaknesses: | None so far,however you long legged guys (36 inseamers and beyone) watch your seat post. Take a Race Face XY 31.6x400,and have it fabercated to a 450mm. You will find that you will be low enought below the bottom seam on the top tube. The XY has infinite saddle angle adj. The Thompson Elite is iffy and only 410mm. Just beware.
If anything comes up I will update this review. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 Disc,Klein Adept Pro | | Bike Setup: | Fox RLC Float fork, Kris King HS. Hayes disc, All XT components. Sun Single Track rims (XT)hubs. 2.1 Allagator Gold up front, 2.2 Tioga Black Turtle mud in back.Race Face XY modified seat post. Bontrager saddle,black(Thanks Toby) | | Bottom Line: | First let me begin by saying to everyone who writes a review,PLEASE give hight and weight,as this is a great value when reading your review. That said, I'm 6'4" @ 215 Lbs.Here in S.W. Washington,mud,roots,logs, lung bursting ascents and freaky fast descents through the woods are all in a days ride. The Palameno is the perfect bike,(at least for me). At last,I have a excellent fitting and handleing bike that is already having me ride better than ever.This bike is so stable in hard turns,you'll hardly even use your brakes. The balance is amazing, out of saddle climbs, behind the saddle descents, you name it.The action on the rear suspension is unparelled, as is it's lateral rigidity. It actually moves you up and over obstacles. It's right there giving you enought confidence to win a 24 hour race by yourself,
(just joking but hey,who knows). OK, bottom line, If your thinking about a FS, you need to do yourself a favor and check this bike out.If you are strapped for cash, wait and save, you won't be sorry.This bike is a Maverick design and I think Klein/Trek were smart to incorporate it in there stable. Special THANKS to Tim (inside man @Trek) and Toby local Klein/Trek rep,and Jeff @ Bymans. Because of this bike I now have to figure how to erase this silly grin off my face. On second thought, who cares. Enjoy!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul. Bryan
a
from Thousand Oaks,CA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dead Cow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Strengths: | Saddle was a little too stiff ,swapped out for a more ergonomic version. | | Weaknesses: | cannondale V,Sugar 2+,Enduro,Santa Cruz | | Similar Products Used: | I weigh in at 192 pounds so i needed an extra large, other than that standard. | | Bike Setup: | I have been very happy with the ride , the best desciption i can give to friends is it is like swapping from a ford Pinto to a Porche.This bike has taken me to a higher level of confidense in my riding.The sureness it provides on cornering and technical climbing is phenominal.I have ridden in Utah ,and all ove california , and feel that this bike can take on everything that these states has to offer.from a technical standpoint much has been discussed about weight, and peddle bob, and all i can say is go to your dealer and try one.Peddle bob is non-existent, and its weight seems significantly less that the 27 pounds i have read about.This bike would be idael for any rider who is serious about cross country , the bike just flows through single track, and eats up the hills. Can't wait for the week end to come! | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding for 3 years , and looking for the last 12 months for an upgrade from my Canondale V, which i still love , but have now left for another.i looked at , and rode many differant full suspension bikes , but when i tried the Palomino, i just had to have it.The bike is well balanced , fast and easey to work with over fast singletrack, or technical trails.This bike will take your riding to a differant level ,novice ,or expert.My friends all ride Jeykls with one exception who has a Turner.all have tried out the Palomino and commented on how good it feels.If you are looking for a fast technical bike, this is the one for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, WA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Singletrack Bicycles | | Strengths: | Balanced ride, superior rear and front suspension, XT/XTR drive train
| | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, FSR, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Tested a pre-production Palomino that was set up just like the Race. Ordered a Palomino Race with the Hayes disc brake option. Size XL. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that I was so impressed with the Palomino that I ordered one.
I had seen and ridden a Palomino that a local shop had gotten in. But I was able to take advantage of a demo day in the Seattle area and was able to test ride a Palomino on some singletrack trails. The Trek/Klein rep had set the bike up perfectly for me. It has a very impressive ride. You don't even notice the back end working. I couldn't believe how smooth it was. I knew within 10 minutes that this was the bike for me. I thought that this bike with the disc brake option was the perfect trail bike for the Pacific Northwest. I had been looking seriously to replace my old Schwinn Homegrown Factory which was pretty much used up. I considered many different bikes. I thought very seriously about getting a SC Blur, but I thought that the Palomino was a better value and it had a better warranty on the frame. Then after being able to actually ride a Palomino in single track riding conditions sold me.
The best thing is that the shop called and said the bike I had ordered should be in next week. It looks like the ski season may be pretty slim around here. So the new bike should get plenty of use this winter. I'll send in an actual report after I get some time and miles on the new ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Bakersfield
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Just outstanding | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Solid ride, goof feel, climbs very well decends well to, Kleins proven quality, great frame design and material, XT and XTR drive train. | | Weaknesses: | Bontrager parts. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Tracer, Turner XCE, ETC,Etc. | | Bike Setup: | Fox float 100 Rl, Avid v-brakes, Thomson seat post, Easton magnesium stem, Easton carbon bar, Bontrager Valiant rims laced with Hugi 240 hubs with Ti spokes, 2003 XT and XTR drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | The Klein rides very well I changed out all of the Bontrager parts. it's the exact replica of the Maverick. The bike is a great climber and a great decender, the bike feels very solid and it feels even better when you are riding it. I love the new XT and XTR parts the cranks look cool and it shifts without effort. this bike is a great bike I would reccomend this bike to anyone. people complain about Kleins cable routing but I think it's a great design. If you want a do all bike that is right in there with Intense tracer's and Turner XCE's buy the Klein. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Fambrough
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, TX
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dorba.org | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Pedal efficiency -- no bob
Frame build (ti-smooth welds)
Awesome paint finish
Quality specs (Fox fork & rear, XT/XTR drivetrain, Thompson seatpost)
Lifetime warranty on frame | | Weaknesses: | Wished it were lighter than 27lbs.
Proprietary rear shock (weakness if it needs repair)
Unique geometry with the extreme seatpost angle
| | Similar Products Used: | Owned for 2 yrs. GT i-Drive (frame broke)
Tested: Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized Epic, Ventana Pantera & El Salt | | Bottom Line: | First impression was how efficient it was sprinting (no detectable bob whatsoever) and solid the suspension was over bumps. The Fox fork is the most impressive I've ridden on the trail -- no flex, mushy suspension feel or nervous handling over the rough. Can't wait when Klein has their demo next month to really put it through its paces with an extended test ride. I was extremely impressed with how this bike rode and handled with my brief test ride. I'll post a more extensive review once I complete a thorough test ride soon.
I'll rate it 5 chili's for value because it's definitely cheaper than the ML-7's $6,000 price tag. And I'll give it 5 for performance thanks to its incredible pedaling efficiency compared to other FS bikes on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Open Road | | Strengths: | No Bob rear, well spec'd, great looks | | Weaknesses: | geometry doesn't seem to fit me well. | | Similar Products Used: | C-dale Jekyll 1000, Scalpel 3000, Trek Fuel 98, GT I-drive 1000, Marin Mt Vision | | Bike Setup: | Stock Palomino and Palomino Race | | Bottom Line: | I've really been trying hard to like this bike, as it's one I'm still considering purchasing for next season. I work at a shop that carries Klein and demo'd the Palomino Race at Interbike, and have taken our Palomino demo out a few times. I love the rear suspension on this bike. It's probably the best combination of feeling very stiff and efficient while still really eating up the bumps. Even standing and cranking on the uphills the rear doesn't turn to mush underneath you like other FS bikes I have owned. But, for some reason I just can't seem to get comfortable on this bike. Technical stuff just feels scary. Everyone else in the shop loves this bike, but I think that something in the geometry just doesn't work for me. I'd definitely recommend that folks test ride this bike before purchasing! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | superior rear shock technology - you can really feel the difference; Fox Float 100 RL forks - excellent performance; Klein Death Grip tires - large size for subtle feel; roll well and grip very well (right amount of tread, big contact patch); the one I tested fit me very well which made a big difference, but this is possible with a lot of bikes | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight (which I own and love); Trek Fuel 100 (tested); Fisher Sugar 2+ (tested) | | Bike Setup: | large size, standard Monolink rear shock (designed by Maverick, shock by Fox), Fox Float 100RL forx, XT V-brakes, Bontrager Race wheels and Klein Death Grip 2.3" tires, mostly XT with Bontrager drive train but with XTR reaf der. | | Bottom Line: | Please keep in mind that this was a test ride at a Trek/Fisher/Klein marketing even at a locat county park. I rode the Palomino with the parts indicated above and a Fisher Sugar 2+ during the test. I own a Superlight and I have test ridden a Trek Fuel 98. I rode the Klein for 20 minutes on steep fire roads with rain ruts and washboards on hardpack and gravel-over-hardpack surfaces.
Fabulous feel of the Monolink rear shock. Always active, very subtle feel, very good big hit performance (for a 4" travel system), I noticed some movement from the rear shock when standing and steep climbing but nothing that I would even call "bob" and nothing that seemed in any way to be energy-sapping. It seemed to remain active over even small bumps but did not seem to respond very much at all to my pedaling. I love my Superlight both because it's excellent and because it's my bike. The Monolink technology is superior to the Superlight's single strut design (which is lighter, cheaper and stiffer and has only slightly more bob). When banking over on tight fast turns with washboards, the Palomino seems to stretch out and grip very well. While all FS bikes will stretch out when they hit bumps, this was quite noticable with the Palomino. I found the stretching a little unnerving (my Superlight is way stiff laterally - one of its selling points), but I'm sure I could get used to it because the grip with the trail seemed to increase as the bike stretched. This stretching feel could probably be reduced by fiddling with the shock's set up.
The Fox Float 100 RL was a real revelation to me because I had never ridden either a 100mm fork or a Fox fork. These forx were excellent. The balance between the forx and the rear shock was very good. Well matched sensitivity, rebound rate and travel.
I like Klein Death Grip tires. I put one on the front of my Superlight. I like the cushness and the big contact patch 2.3" size and they seem to roll very well also (though this is highly subjective). The deep, closely spaced tread does well in northern Calif. dust/gravel over hardpack. I've ridden them in mud and they do OK there too. I don't know about deep, soft soil, however, because there isn't much around here. I have ridden them in sand that they do well there.
My own bike is perhaps 2.5 lbs lighter than the 28.5 lb claimed weight of the Palomino. I like light and I like stiff, but the Palomino by no means is heavy and it FEELS light and agile. I do not think anyone will think this is a 28.5 lb bike because the quality/performance of the FS system over-rides everything. It is fantastic. Don't ride one if you just bought something else. Ignorance is bliss. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross Country Rider
from Brownsburg, IN, USA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Nebo Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Handling, climbing and confidence inspiring. | | Weaknesses: | Slight gripe with cable routing, still a tad pricey. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 100, Klein Adept Race | | Bike Setup: | Pre-production prototype. | | Bottom Line: | I had a chance to take an extensive demo ride of the Palomino Race at the Southern Indiana Mountain Bike Festival in Nov. of 2002. The weather cooperated and you couldn’t ask for a much better trail system in Indiana than Valley Branch Retreat. First off let me say the Palomino Race is an incredible bike. Full suspension bikes have been around long enough that real refinement in ride quality and efficiency are finally taking place and Klein is leading the way with this bike.
This bike left me, and several other riders that I talked to who rode the bike, mystified – in a good way. How could Klein make such a plush riding bike such a great handler and excellent climber? It was funny seeing people come back from their rides on the Klein. Big grins were the order of the day.
The Palomino Race was a joy to ride down the bumpy and technical descents of Valley Branch. The suspension soaked up the bumps even better than almost any freeride bike I’ve ridden. It handles equally as well on high-speed and low-speed corners. The Fox front and rear suspension was smooth and well controlled. You can hit lines so well with this bike even through rooted sections it inspires great confidence. It just tracks extremely well.
What really amazed me was how well this bike climbed. The climbs on these trails are the longest and often steepest in Indiana. I experienced no bobbing whatsoever, it handles roots across the uphill trails with grace. I don’t hesitate to say that this bike climbs better than any duel suspension bike I’ve ever ridden and on rooted or rocky climbs this bike may even out climb lightweight hardtails. A lot of people (me included) worried when looking at the fairly extreme angle of the seat post that the front end would be hard to keep down on steep climbs. The worry proved to be needless. The front wheel stayed planted even without moving up to the tip of the saddle.
Brakes and shifting were flawless and the seat was a good fit for me.
I don’t know the exact weight of the bike, but lifting it I would guess it in the 26 to 28 pound range (for the medium frame). That’s maybe a pound or two heavier than the lightest dual suspension racers, but the bike felt much lighter on the saddle and during climbs.
One minor gripe was the routing of the rear shifter cable, which rubbed my inner thigh. The Klein rep zip tied the line to the upper frame portion of the swingarm and that took care of the problem. Also a lot of people looked at the unique rear suspension design and felt that having a choice of shocks from various manufacturers might be a problem.
I talked to a number of riders like me that spent all day riding different bikes and most everyone called the Palomino their favorite ride. Congratulations goes out to Klein for going from going from the best production dual suspension bike last year in the Adept Race and making an even better rig this year in the Palomino Race.
The other 2003 bikes I had a chance to ride at Valley Branch included the Trek Fuel 100, Specialized Epic and Gary Fisher Sugar 293. The Klein was easily the best overall package. Check out my reviews of the other bikes as well.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Decatur, IL
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bent Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Decatur Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Front Fork. Rear Suspension. No pedal bob. Great climbing characteristics. Beautiful paint job. Lightweight FS. Stiff Front end! Rear suspension design | | Weaknesses: | Fat (2.35) tires...but I've actually enjoyed them this fall | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I've been riding for 3 years, and this is the first time I've spent real money on my bike. I've ridden this bike in Central IL, Western NC, and at Conyers, GA (Olympic Course). The Palomino has stood up to all challenges. Beautiful bike...smart design (same as the Maverick). Great pedigree. I'll be happy with this ride for years to come. Would highly recommend this bike to anyone with $$ to spend who's looking for a serious improvement in suspension design. Hardtail riders who have been on my bike have been very impressed and mentioned that it would be a good first FS choice for them as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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