The Adept Comp is stiffer than other dual suspension short travel bikes, and offers better climbing and traction on steep ascents or descents. It is equipped with solid components and wheels that allow for smooth shifting, fast climbing, and improved performance.
Submitted by
Jaffy
a Racer
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: May 31, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
Originally i only bought the frame. First off the paint alone is beautiful, the frame is beyond light for full suspension, Very strong, but then again i only way 90lbs.
Weaknesses:
Their are only a few, well maybe only one, the paint gets monched, it chips very easy.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized StumpJumper LX, Sevencycles
Bottom Line:
Very nice bike, Worth the money, but it needs new components and a new rim set. Worth it all. Gets alot of attention.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Doust
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, California Date Reviewed: September 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Los Gatos
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Great XC bike, Climbs like a dream, Stiff and solid,Excellent value and it looks hot!
Weaknesses:
Drive train and wheels leave much to be desired
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rock Hopper, GF Sugar
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This was my first full suspension bike and going from a Specialized hard tail to this, I noticed only improvements. This bike can climb better than my old hard tail, it is very light, considering the components and it can handle like a dream. Absolute delight to ride for XC conditions.
I would however like to upgrade the deralleurs to XTR and the wheels set to Mavics, but I don't think my level of riding at this point warrants the extra cash!
If you are looking for a good value XC ride with great handling and sexy looks, and if you would like it to carry the Klein name, you can not go wrong with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rl
a Weekend Warrior
from san francisco Date Reviewed: June 14, 2003
this bike rocks! love the paint too. climbing is where this bike shines. hardly noticed any bobbing. it almost rides like a hardtail. you can getaway with the stock set up, but for a more aggressive riding, some components has to go. i had a shifting problems at the front but after calling klein for technical help they recommended swapping a 113x110 bb. since then. it shifts flawlessly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J.T.
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
El Corte de Madera Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Frame, weight, shocks, paint job.
Weaknesses:
Drivetrain, Seat clamp, tires.
Bike Setup:
Stock with XT Shifter/Brake Pods, Salsa Seat Clamp.
Bottom Line:
This bike is so comfortable to ride on bumpy tails and is an excellent climber. The Jamacian Gold paint job is hot. Biggest complaint is the shifting, the Bontragger front gears suck. The tires are weak also, they have very low tread and dont hold well on dry dirt, I've slid out numerous times. For Chain Reactions $999 deal though, I can't complain!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: December 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent Frame Build/attention to detail. Effective suspension design, very efficient.
Weaknesses:
No longer made, only made during 2001 and 2002 production runs.
Similar Products Used:
FSR's, Sugars, etc.
Bottom Line:
If you're into technical singletrack riding and are looking for suspension to make you a more efficient rider, buy this bike. If you're looking for expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, buy this bike. I love mine, I just wish it fit, I bought sight unseen and it's a bit too small, so I have to look for a larger frame once I can find a new home for my medium frame. I bought the 2001 Adept Comp with the killer Jamaican Gold paint scheme, which is beautiful. Klein should have a patent on their paint process. Overall, a great handling bike that deserves to soldier on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: December 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great frame build, attention to detail, efficient suspension design, excellent paint, excellent welds, excellent climber, excellent handling!
Weaknesses:
Klein stopped making this bike to make room in their lineup for the Palomino. Pity, for the Fuel and Sugar handle completely different from an Adept.
Bottom Line:
This is a singletrack lover's dream ride. Perfect travel and suspension design for efficient climbing, all-day comfort, and very minimal bob - hardly any when hammering. A great XC full-sus racer as well. Tracks and corners like a Porsche (or what I imagine a Porsche tracks and corners like!). I bought from the MTBR classifieds and it's too small for me, it's a medium and I need a large. If you're interested please send me an e-mail. Oh, and how I love that Jamaican Gold paint scheme!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
Wheatridge Cyclery
Strengths:
Great Frame, great paint job (but chips easily), nicely balanced. Good value at year end sale price.
Weaknesses:
Ralph wheels
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Privateer something or other
Bike Setup:
Stock, except brakes replace with Avid, seat replaced with WTB before 1st ride, tires replaced with Fire XC, added riser handlebar
Bottom Line:
Overall, the bike is a delight to ride. All of the monkey motion is beneficial, no wasted effort.
Some of the components are cheesy, but can be upgraded.
I though my Bontrager Privateer was resilient and a delight to ride, but after riding the Klein the Bontrager feels harsh.
THe big bummer is the Ralph wheels--so far I have broken 3 spokes on the rear wheel. The last time, after the bike shop had tightened all the spokes, the rim displaced so far laterally by the broken spoke that it rubbed the frame, so I had to carry the bike 3 miles back to the car. I had taken a vacation day, so I would have been really bummed if I hadn't had a spare rear wheel in the car (something I highly recommend).
I would give is 5 chiles for overall rating, except for the wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oregondann
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: June 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
River City Bicyles
Strengths:
Stiffness, weight, build, paint
Weaknesses:
off the shelf components
Similar Products Used:
Intense Tracer
Bike Setup:
Going for super lite...Monkely lite SL 3/4" rise, Ritchey WCS, Thomson, Flite...XTR on the way!!
Bottom Line:
Shouldn't be suprised with the bike, because it's a Klien. Looking beyond the name and good looks of any of the adept frames, this bike is amazing. It responds to rider movement unlike any bike you will ride. Its very light, if not the lightest short travel FS out there. For any serious off road riding, the components must go. The upgrades for the comp make it a better value in the long run than the Pro. This is a bike that I will hold on to for a long, long time!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Rix
a Racer
from Edmonton Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All good tight technical singletrack.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Redbike
Strengths:
Stiff and light
Weaknesses:
Fork, tires.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F-700, kona manomano.
Bike Setup:
9.0 brakes and levers 9.0 shifters and rear deraileur xt front. Rockshox judy sl 100. Syncros ti BB and syncros crankset. Panaracer trailblaster tires (the best) still stock wheel set.
Bottom Line:
With a few upgrades, this bike is simply unbeatable, if you race this is your weapon of choice, Climbs like a mountain goat on speed. After riding this bike I will never race on a hardtail again. I have no complaints about the wheels, they seem a little flexy but I have not had to true them at all and I ride hard. Oh ya it's stiff, and it's a klein.
I will compare this bike with an Ellsworth tuth, and it's as good if not better, and for half the price. Buy this bike if you are a racer, or if you just want a bike that shreds single track like no other.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Kim
a Cross Country Rider
from York, PA, USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Ridge/Lake Redman
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Not so local shop in Philly
Strengths:
Precision handling, great climbing, great frame
Weaknesses:
Wheels and tires, drivetrain, fron fork
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 80, my old Bontrager Privateer S
Bike Setup:
Stock, but planning to add Avid Disc Brakes
Bottom Line:
Hmmm... what can I say? This is a beautiful looking bike and rides like a dream going downhill. My problems with bike are that the front fork feels a bit soft and yet doesn't handle the smaller bumps that well. In addition, both the front and back wheel are slightly bent even after a few rides. I'm about 5' 11" and 165lbs, so I don't think it's asking too much to have the wheels remain true. In addition, shifting is a little rough which may be partly the fault of the bikeshop that set up the bike, but I have to play with that a little yet. My biggest gripe are the tires. On more than one occasion, while rolling over a log or root, the back tire has slid out to the side completely, dumping me off the front of the bike. Even on dry rocks, the rear wheel tends to slip when going uphill. For the price these bikes retail for, a better set of tires would certainly be appreciated.
With all the griping I've done, the question remains, would I buy this bike again? Definitely! It rides well as long as you don't roll over anything remotely smooth. I suspect changing out the tires would lead to better traction. Everything that comes stock can be upgraded when you have a little more cash. The frame is what I bought this for and it certainly is worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich Erickson
a Weekend Warrior
from Hayward, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Plunge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Livermore Cyclery
Strengths:
Frame, frame, frame. Not only is it just plain gorgeous, it seems (as an XL)to fit a big guy well (6'4, 240 lbs.) Value is good if the bike can be found on the leftover shelf for less than $1300. Full suspension bike that climbs very well and gives good feedback for weight placement as you stand on steep climbs. Rolf Satellite wheelset has taken mild abuse so far and performed well. LX rear derailleur performs well.
Weaknesses:
Not sure yet whether to blame the Bontrager crankset or the LX front derailleur/shifter for some poor shifting from small to medium front sprocket. Original tires are semi-street in appearance, not appropriate for any mud/gravel/loosepack.
Similar Products Used:
First FS bike... prior was Gary Fisher Rangitoto hardtail
Bike Setup:
Stock so far with small stuff added. Manitou SX springs upgraded to firmest.
Bottom Line:
Clydesdales take note: this bike in XL will fit you well, and the Rolf Satellites (so far) have held up to the challenge of mild trail riding/crossing/jumping with 240 lbs. of rider. The front fork, however, is too soft; I doubt anyone over 170 lbs. would find it appropriate. There's some upgrading of components in almost any buyer's future here... unmodified, the bike would only satisfy a very mild fire road rider... but they'd be very happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Moss
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL, USA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
The frame is incredible solid for being a relatively very light full suspension. Rides like a dream never dipping too much in the back during heavy climbs or hard pedaling. I looked around for a while and the only one that really came close to this was the Fisher Sugar 2. I like this one more and I got a great deal. You will love this bike.
Weaknesses:
Stock compenents leave a lot to be desired. The plan was to get the frame and upgrade over time.
Similar Products Used:
Trialed Gary Fisher Sugar 2 (sweet), Cannondale Scalpel 1000 (sweet), Trek Fuel (terrible), Ellsworth Truth (pricey).
Bike Setup:
Stock frame, 2002 Rock Shox SID SL fork, XT Crankset, XTR cassette, XT Brake levers and Shifter pod combo, XTR V-Brakes, XTR Rear derailleur, XT front derailleur, Thomson Elite seatpost and stem, Easton Monkeylite Carbon Lo-rise Bar, OTI Lock-On Yeti Grips, Hutchinson Python Gold Kevlar Tires, Shimano BB, Stock saddle, Stock wheels, Stock Pedals.
Bottom Line:
If you don't have a lot of cash and want to get a top of the line bike that can grow with you go Klein. Frame is great. Over time you can spend the extra cash here and there and eventually reach the potential of this phat frame. Recommend it highly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Colorado trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
Wheat Ridge Cycles
Strengths:
Light, stiff & responsive frame, klein reputation.
This bike really takes the edge off. I was looking for a little cushion, as I am getting older and do not like the jackhammer feel as much as I used to. I did not want or need anything with barcalounger comfort, that would suffer on the climbs. This bike climbs with great aplumb. I can't wait to take it out to the high counrty this summer to really test it. I will post later on that. I also chose this frame because I do not like to mess with a bunch of settings, with this I just pump it up and go. This is my third Klein and first full suspension bike,I chose a medium frame to mimic the lightening quickness of my old 89' Pinnicle, I feel that I have achieved this with the parts I have added. It is more like the Adept Pro, but at half the cost and over a pound lighter at 23.3 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RastaMoha
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, CA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Joaquin Miller/ Redwoods
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Rides smooooooooth. Frame is very responsive and tight, just the way I like em'! Great to look at but even better to ride.
Weaknesses:
Components suck. I replaced everything except the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Who cares. I ended up buying the Klein!
Bike Setup:
Zokes Z2 Atom Race, King HS, Thompsom stem & post, RF low rise, RF Turbine LP ISIS, RF BB, Egg Beaters, Avid Arch Rivals, Airborne Ti Skewers, Aerospoke Wheels , Michelin HOT S Tires, XT Drivetrain-Shifters-Levers, San Marco Era Saddle, Salsa Collar, and an empty wallet!
Bottom Line:
Rides like your impure thoughts. This bike likes it dirty and will keep you smiling. Ride one and you'll know what I am talking about.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1040.00
Purchased At:
Livermore Cyclery
Strengths:
Stiff frame. This bike is not for the serious mountain biker who is planning on doing sick drops, but the bike is responsive and easy to handle, which is exactly what I was looking for.
Weaknesses:
Components, but I only paid $1,000 so I can't even really complain about that.
Great bike that I got at a great price. But the frame is so nice you can't help but eye upgrading those components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve reilly
a Cross Country Rider
from houston Date Reviewed: December 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Area 51
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stiff and tight frame with Klein craftmanship
Weaknesses:
Components are weak
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 90
Bike Setup:
Zoke Z2 Atom Race, Cane Creek Ti, XTR/XT mix
Bottom Line:
Outstanding frame that makes getting the bike in your hands worthwhile. Yes, the components are not up to serious xc standards. THis is a perfect bike for someone with parts they wish to put on a nice frame. I have not had problems wiht the paint. I do my best to keep it well waxed (makes the paint more chip resistant).
This frame is so smooth and stiff that it makes navigating tough, rooty singletrack much less burdensome than on any other bike I have ridden. I am a better rider on this bike. By the way, I have ugraded significantly and have still yet to drop the bike under 26 pounds - it is an xl size though with a zoke. Oh, and yes, I have to give it the ole "but it rides lighter." I laugh when people say that, but this does ride "lighter". I guess I understand now.
Buy it if: you appreciate a first class, stiff frame, and do not mind upgrading (like ... uh, right away) Forget it if: you want a light xc fs bike off the rack
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bodi
a Cross Country Rider
from greenville Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
ITS A KLEIN !!! what more do you have to say...
Weaknesses:
spec'd with lower end componants.
Similar Products Used:
specialized rockhopper (old)
Bike Setup:
Stock set up for now. will be upgrading for the holidays
Bottom Line:
My very first mtn bike was a klein (purple and awsome)i bought it in th elate 80's. after it was stolen i ended up buying several specialized products because of the ;ocal bike shops willingness to support them (and the price was right. i have been off of my bike for 2 1/2 years and my wife has urged me into riding again so i decided to go back to klein. my local bike shop was great in helping me get the bike and the fit. it is everything a klein should be. i only gave it a lower rating because of the componants. if you haven't riden one then don't because the mmoment you do you will be $1500 in debt.:):)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Amir Moon
a Weekend Warrior
from Union City, CA USA Date Reviewed: November 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Still searching area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
ChainReactionBikes
Strengths:
Beautifully designed frame with great lateral stability and stiffness. The K-link almost makes you forget your riding a FS.
Weaknesses:
Components, but I am not complaining otherwise the bike would be too expensive if sold with upgraded components. I can always upgrade later.
Similar Products Used:
2001 Fisher Sugar 3, 2001 Cannondale Jekyl.
Bike Setup:
I just added cane creek bar ends and a Selle San Marco seat for now.
Bottom Line:
For a FS bike the Adept climbs smoothly. Coming downhill is when this bike makes itself noticed with incredible control and stability. I have yet to test it on some good singletrack, I can't wait. I,ve always wanted a Klien and the Adept was something I couldn't pass up. Trust me, you won't regret looking into buying a Klien. Don't fight it, just ride it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Berry
a Cross Country Rider
from KELSO, WA USA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything around Mt. St. Helens
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Byman's Bikes
Strengths:
Awsome frame geo. lateral stability min.flex or bob.Climbs easily and surefooted,easy to set a track on the downhill.Inspires confidence.Blast to ride,great welds and paint.
Weaknesses:
Stock componets
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 90 Disk
Bike Setup:
Manitou BLACK elite,Hayes disk ,XT11-34cass.,xt R.D.,Race face BB, Time carbon,Velociraptors,sachs 69, Titec stem,ODI lock grips.
Bottom Line:
Long story short.Did all my homework for my 1st FS.Settled for a 02 fuel 90 disk,upgraded many drive train componets,(thanks to all of the reviews @mtbr)with my LBS.Two weeks and many rides on the fuel I took it back to my LBS.I won't down Trek, just couldn't make it work for me, enough said.Borrowed a buddy's adept one sat. morn. Didn't want to get off of it.Soooo, now I had a problem, but hey, my LBS was willing to make me happy.Ordered a 01 Adept comp and swapped all of my upgraded componets.It's all I can do to go to work,I just want to ride. Have not done any epics yet but will keep you all posted. The very bottom line is try to ride familiar trails on whatever you are considering to buy. This is an awsome cross country bike, buy it if you can afford it and want quality, remember it's the frame that is your foundation,you can spec it as you go.Don't buy it if you are a free rider doing 4 plus foot drops and stunts and don't appreciate quality.Thanks Gary, great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deric Miguel
a Downhiller
from Salem, OR, USA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Bottom Line:
This bike has a good frame but it dosen't have carp besides that. I have this bike, but i'm going to have to buy disc brakes and new suspension. The wheels are ok, but i had to upgrade because they bent when i hit a rock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
1300
Strengths:
Great frame and geometry
Weaknesses:
Iffy components
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
XT rear derailers and shifters, time pedals, Geax tires
Bottom Line:
First time out in 2 years on a mountain bike and did this baby move. It was wet and loose and this bike climbed like no tomorrow. I figured after two years of not riding I would have a hard time, but this bike was smoking everyone else. Tracked great both up and down hills and turned great. I do wish that the initial components were better, but with my upgrades this bike rocked. I got a medium frame for my 5'11" height and flipped the stem 180 degrees to lenghten the cage :) for $1300 stock, year end sale, it rocks and is pretty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
International Bicycle
Strengths:
Stiff, light frame. Great steering. Very responsive and quick. Low-travel suspension smooths out the bumps without turning the ride to mush. Gorgeous paint.
Weaknesses:
Low-grade parts spec for the money (still better than anything I've owned before...)
Similar Products Used:
Dualies: Fuel 90, Sugar 2 & 3, Stumpjumper FSR, Santa Cruz Superlight. Hardtails: Stumpjumper M4, Klein Attitude.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is an update to the review I posted about 2 weeks ago, after my first testride: After 3 more testrides, and thoroughly checking out the competition, I bought the Adept Comp.
Riding other bikes, and re-, re-, re-riding the Adept pretty much confirmed my initial impressions. Although I really liked both the Superlight and the Fuel, I liked the stiff, responsive feel of the Adept even more. I also liked the slightly stretched-out (Genesis-esque?) riding position on the Adept more than the more traditional upright position on the Superlight and Fuel. But speaking of Genesis, the more I rode the Sugar, the less I liked it, especially the slow steering. And I cared for the Stumpjumper not at all; Bouncy and ugly.
The Superlight suffered in my comparison because I didn't have a chance to ride it off-road (no Boston dealers!) or head-to-head with any other bikes. It was also $1700 for starters. If I hadn't been able to get a very good deal on the Adept, I probably would have bought the Fuel 90 for $1300 with few regrets.
I'm surprised this bike hasn't received more attention. It seems to be a very worthwhile refinement of the Sugar; All the advantages of that bike, but stiffer, lighter, and with better steering.
After a few flogs on some tricky trails, I haven't uncovered any bad behaviors. And the paint held up fine on my first fall... I'm very pleased with this bike! Five chilis!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Leadville, CO, USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1599.00
Purchased At:
racer's edge
Strengths:
Beautiful frame, seat not bad for a cheapee.
Weaknesses:
LX and Deore drivetrain, same brake levers found on a Wallyworld bike, tires, SX fork.
Similar Products Used:
Sugar 3, Schwinn Rocket
Bike Setup:
XTR derailers, XT/XTR brake levers and shifters, Psylo XC fork, Panaracer XC Pro tires, lizard hand grips.
Bottom Line:
Almost bought the Sugar 3, but the Klein brought back past memories of owning one 10 years ago. The drivetrain is a joke as well as the fork and tires. I guess the idea is to upgrade the componentry down the road when one can afford to do so. Paint has held up pretty good. I figure that I will eventually spend the same amount of money as the price of a Race. Rear shock is not bad. I am 5'11" and 210, no problems with my weight. I took a screwdriver to the paint so I wouldn't freak out when I found a scratch or chip down the road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
A great stiff & light frame with a beautiful paint job. Stretched-out geometery. Climbs great, rides more like a hardtail than a dualie, with little noticable weight penalty.
Weaknesses:
Cheap drivetrain.
Similar Products Used:
Tested Sugar 3 & Paragon, Klein Attidude, Stumpjumper M4, each over the same route.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is partially in response to something "regular guy" wrote (see below): He's a big guy, and thought that someone smaller might appreciate the Sugar more than a bigger rider. But writing as a smaller guy (5'9", 150 lbs.), I felt exactly the same thing he did: The Sugar 3 was really good, but the Adept is better! The frame's stiffness manifests itself to me on the climbs, where the rear of the bike felt stiffer, and I just plain felt like I was riding a lighter bike (illusion? Don't know, but I know what I like...)
I'd rather pay my money for the best frame, knowing that I can upgrade the derailleur, cranks, etc. when they really begin to drive me crazy.
The Adept may not be the best value out the door, but I think it would keep me happy longer, since down the road I can spend a bit here & there to bring the components up to the superb standard of the frame.
Take this with a grain of salt, though; I'm still shopping!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Audrey
a Racer
from Jackson, Wyoming, USA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any cache creek trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Golsan Cycles, SLC Utah
Strengths:
Very sweet frame (lightweight w/ smooth welds and a good paint job), sprint power is intense, smooth riding, kicks every other full suspension bike in the ass.
BUY THIS BIKE!!!!!!! KLEIN IS THE BEST. Yeah, some of the components are crappy, but it's the frame that rules. Any body that loves mountain biking should buy this bike. It's a great full suspension xc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from muiddletown Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
its really light, good components for the price, and a good paint job
Weaknesses:
id rather go for a mars c instead of the sx
Similar Products Used:
fuel 100 i drive 2.0
Bottom Line:
this is a bike for some one who races at a competitive level. i borrowed my friends for a day and took it to my favorite singlwtrack. it really shone on the climbs, but still prformed very well going back down. im buying my own in a few months once i get the money. some people say to me that im going to pay too much for it (1500) because it doesnt have all xtr components, but i say to them that im paying mostly for a superb frame. it has to be the most well made frame ive ever seen. if possible id give it 6 flaming chilis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Florence David
a Weekend Warrior
from Hayward, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1899.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Bicycles
Strengths:
Awesome XC bike. very stiff, good amount of bounce on the suspension. Bike hardly bobs on the uphill climbs when dialed in on the suspension and rides over the bumps really well. Comfort of a suspension bike and lightness of a hardtail, Best of both worlds. Fit and finish is excellent as always.
Weaknesses:
components that came with the bike. Could have been better for the price. I upgraded to full XT which bumped up my price from $1599 to $1899. The paint chips easily. (What happened Gary? Your paintjobs used to look fantastics and were tough to chip. Now their still fantastic looking and wild but very easy to chip. Must be the Trek influence)
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Azonic DH riser bar, XT brakes, shifters, front and rear derailers. Bar ends. Panaracer fire XC Pros 2.1 tires. Stock Rolf wheels. Cateye Enduro computer.
Bottom Line:
Gary Klein came out with another well designed bike. This bike does what it was intended for. I own a 1999 Klein Mantra as well as a Klein Stage Comp road bike, so needless to say I'm a big Klein fan. I've ridden faster, jumped higher, climbed better with this bike. I haven't tried it out yet on a real technical trail but I've heard that this is where this bike shines the most. I was very disappointed at the components that came with the bike. For the price that Klein charges they could at least equip the bikes with better components. The quality of the paint was disappointing as well. My Mantra has been through several bad crashes and there is not one chip on that paintjob. I snagged my foot on a log the first day I took out the Adept and did a small wipeout and the bike already had chips on its paint on the seat stays. Bad, bad job on the paint Gary. What good is all that fancy paint job if it's not going to withstand multiple beatings. Great bike for XC riding, I highly recommend it. If your looking for a DH bike, this is not it. It handles itself pretty good on the DH but the bike reacts very quickly to minor movements and would do better at technical trails and single track. I would have given it a 5 rating if it wasn't for the component selections and the paint chipping too easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
regular guy
a Weekend Warrior
from winthrop, wa Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
out the back door
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
Terrific full bounce for technical XC. Great frame.
Weaknesses:
a few cheesy components.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSRxc, Fisher Sugar 3, Jekyl. Also several hard-tails.
Bike Setup:
stock plus bar-ends & bottle cage.
Bottom Line:
The Adept is a terrific full-suspension bike for technical XC riding.
Details and comparisons... ...i'm 6'3" and 190 lbs, with a size XL Adept. The frame is much stiffer, side to side, than the Sugar and feels less mushy... I thought the Sugar was a better value, and would be a great choice for a smaller rider where side to side sway isn't as pronounced. Also, the handling is much much nicer than the FSRxc (my previous ride) for XC; the slack seat angle placed me waaayyy tooo far back on the Specialized - something that is magnified in the XL size with a long seatpost - and the FSR always felt too short in the front end (yes, i know the newest FSR is a bit longer, but still it's a short TT). I didn't think the FSRxc handled technical stuff very well. The Klein Adept was the best-riding bike i could afford... ..if i could've afforded MORE, i would've gotten a higher-spec version of the Adept..
In comparison, geometry on the klein is terrific for tight, twisty, rooty, rocky train and any sick downhill. It's basically a reworked Sugar geometry with a stiffer frame, and slightly shorter top-tube, and given the standard, high-end, Klein frame detailing. I'm not keen on the paint color, but who cares?
Let's talk about these Rolf wheels for a minute. I've been very dubious about their durability, and the thought of a single spoke breaking on a long ride makes me shiver, since the result would be a long long walk. However, after the nay-saying, the wheels are so-far-so-good. Maybe they'll be just fine? Or maybe i'll start carrying a couple spair spokes... I think i would have a more secure feeling with a 32 hole standard construction wheel - even if the Rolfs prove to be everything they claim to be. I guess i'd rather leave the proving to someone else....
who should ride it? who shouldn't? ...if you're riding long XC stuff on single-track, and you're the sort who hates to dab or walk, then this is the choice for you. If you ride on roads a lot, then i'd pick a hardtail since it'll be lighter, and will accelerate more quickly - the Adept is not a street bike.
The component package is a bit thin for a bike in this price range... LX derailleurs and Bontrager stuff elsewhere... Functionally it's been good after the initial setup and adjustment iterations. The tires are not the best, though their profile is good on sand... It's sort of annoying to neeed to upgrade the tires after shelling out money for a bike.
hmm... what else? The fork is a Manitou SX and is pretty plush. No complaints at all - forks sure have improved over the past 10 years!
previous bike... ...after a string of hard-tails, my last bike was a Specialized FSRxc. It was terrific for absorbing the abuse of long rides on rough terrain, but lacked the precision of a hardtail on tricky stuff. So, when i went shopping i started looking for a hardtail again. I tried several - with a few that i liked. But i also tried a Sugar, which really turned my head back toward the possibility of full-bounce; the Sugar rode like a hard-tail! ...more research. The Klein, finally, was a better tighter feel than the Sugar. Terrific ride. For me, it's the best of the XC full suspension jobs.
But, after whining about the wheels and a few components, I'll refocus on The Bottom Line. The final word is that this bike is a great singletrack ride. It'll make you a better downhill rider than you were on your hard-tail. You'll really be suprised at how well it goes UP steep rooty/rocky climbs - it's great! It'll improve your recovery after long rides.. And it'll handle tight twisty stuff like your favorite hardtail.
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