The Adept Pro is engineered for pro-level riding rough terrain is encountered at high speeds The Adept Pro is light, yet tough. Its solid, responsive construction and new X-type frame make it a singletrack dream -— it's fast, precise, and offers ultimate trail control.
As a Klein aficionado (I actually own 5 Kleins: Adroit/Attitude/Pulse II's),I feel reasonably qualified to review this fuselage.
Having done over 500kms with this bike (in <3 months) I can say that its has really grown on me. The stunning paint finish is just outstanding (Plum Crazy) but the ride is simply amazing! The key here is that Gary Klein has produced a bike with almost 50:50 perfect weight distribution i.e. well balanced in a design which just takes the edge off the offroad terrain. Therefore, the weight issue is not actually critical.
This must be one of the best kept secrets in FS biking. I'm a hardtail fanatic but chose to ride this bike over the others because it is a joy to ride. It feels right and covers the terrain quicker than my hardtails!!
The attention to detail is incredible and I have put this bike through a lot. Uphill, with the lockouts its stiff and climbs realy well. Downhill, it instills confidence and I'm braking much later and am finding a better line through corners. It just goes where you put it!!
It is sad that large corporations (TREK) just don't appreciate the nuances of top end nitch products like this one and the accountants then kill it off before its even got established. BOTTOM LINE: The best all round FS bike EVER MADE PERIOD!! It will have cult status. My advice: If you can find a good one, don't hestitate, there were not many made!!
VERDICT: I love my hardtails and never thought I'd make the transition to Full Suspension. This bike is so sweet and it is far better than my Scalpel overall (I sold it to get the Adept Pro). Its the best bike overall I've ever owned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dominic John
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mount Diablo
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist.com
Strengths:
This is an unbelieveable bike. I had a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC and moved to this. I will never buy a Specialized again. This bike was velvet compared to the Specialized. My mate has a Specialized and he raved about how good his bike was until I was gracious enough to lend him my Klein for a 5 minute downhill.
So what do I like. The the frame is rigid, the seat position seems to gel for power to weight for my 6ft 2 frame, the front and rear suspension seems to keep the wheels to the ground no matter the speed and terrain.
Weaknesses:
Little heavy, V Brakes needed upgrading to discs as the stopping power on a serious descent is lacking. In addition I weigh 250 lb and managed to crack the rear triangle on the frame on an awesome downhill. There was no question about choosing another bike, I just bought another frame and still give this bike 5 chilli's (benefit of the doubt).
XT, XTR, Manitou SID forks, Fox Shock Race, Bontrager for most of the rest.
Bottom Line:
No regrets, I love this bike. It's perfectly balanced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joar Markhus
a Cross Country Rider
from A lightweight rider from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Technical terrain, roots & rocks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Glade Hjul, Hønefoss, Norway
Strengths:
Incredible bike! It has improved my riding in rough terrain dramaticly. The rear suspension's eating roots and rocks, while I'm able to remain seated - leaving my hardtail competitors behind. Won the last three races, much due to this extremely smooth bike! The lockouts makes it stiff and responsive when you're riding roads (but - hey, why would you do that!?)
Weaknesses:
At first I didn't like the 130mm stem, so I switched to a 110mm. The Manitou frontshock needs regular regreasing. Haven't found any other weaknesses. The narrow clearance between the rear wheel and the frame hasn't been a problem, though I've been riding mud for miles and miles. The frame is heavier than a hardtails, but the wheels are lightweight, making the bike accelerate quickly.
Similar Products Used:
My last bike was a World Force hard tail with a Hals-Lauritsen suspension seat-post.
Bike Setup:
As from the manufacturer, but with a shorter stem (Richey WCS 110mm) and a Flite TT (165g) seat.
Bottom Line:
The ultimate FS bike! If you want a FS bike for XC-competitions, it's your choice. Climbs great, but I wouldn't use it for DH. If so, by a bike with more suspension travel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bobba booie
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Strengths:
fearless;beauty;stiff and the quality.
Weaknesses:
Too many little areas where mud hids. This would be a problem for the truly anal.Umm... but not for me.
Similar Products Used:
Glock .40
Bike Setup:
X-Max wheels;Race Face/Sram drivetrain;Thompson seatpost and stem;Fox Forx 800mm fork;Speedplay pedals; and Terry saddle.
Bottom Line:
My last ride is high-end steel. I waited and waited for the full-suspension to be perfected. Thats why I bought the Klein. So light, so stiff. Its like riding a steel hardtail and not having to stand at all. It's as crisp as you could get. This results in a longer, more confident ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew
a Racer
from Mooresville,NC Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Cool Breeze Cyclery: www.coolbreezecyclery.com
Strengths:
The bike handles like a hardtail, but you can stay seated over the bumps. The bike climbs really well. I've already order my 2002 model.
Weaknesses:
The frame dints easily due to the tin walled gradient alloy.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra Pro, Klein Adroit, Gary Fisher Pro Caliber.
Bike Setup:
I bought it stock and changed to XTR: crankset, bottom bracket, and cassette. Also changed to Gripshift 9.0sl: shifters,brake levers, and rear derailleur. I put Michelin Wildgripper tubeless tires on and changed to XTR ceramic brake pad.
Bottom Line:
This is the sweetest bike I have ever ridden or raced. I never ride a hardtail again! Whether you are racing or just riding your favorite trail you'll enjoy this bike. It has the suspension of a Gary Fisher Sugar, but handles quicker due to it shorter wheel base and stiffer front end. What else can I say? This bike is awesome. And somebody please buy mine so I can afford next years model!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miker
a
from PA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
FRAME ONLY REVIEW:
Got this as a replacement frame for a cracked '99 Attitude Race.
Best ting about this frame is it's front end handling. Very respoinsive.
Rear suspension works really well. I was a dedicated hardtail fan but not after going FS. I climb better, descend better,legs stay fresher longer, stay more comfortable on a FS bike. The suspension does the job. It does not however soak up the smaller bumps as well as a 4 bar design such as that found on a specialized. But it does cushion well enough to keep you planted in the seat and keep the legs spinning. On the other hand the Adpets suspension design is relatively lighter and stiffer.
Weaknesses:
Just a bit more travel might be nice.
Similar Products Used:
Trek - suspension very similar; front end not as responsive Specialized - as above.
Bottom Line:
Hard to beat if your looking for a XC machine for racing or hard riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mirek
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamilton, Ontario Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
NewWorld Cycle in Burlington
Strengths:
Bumps? What bumps? Sweet suspension. The paint job is worth half the price (Go with the Plum Crazy!) Breaks are wicked (ceramic rims,pads), although a little hard biting at first. XT/XTR setup is great. Wheels are lite. This bike weighs just as much ast my hardtail (Trek 8500) and has a full suspension with anti-bob!
Weaknesses:
Bontrager's RE-1s. Had them on my Trek 8500 and hated them. They get really tough to get out when they pick up any dirt. I have to part with my old bike rack too...
Similar Products Used:
Tried the Trek Fuel 98. Didn't go off road too much so can't compare well.
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock. Will change the Bontrager RE-1's to ATAC Carbons in next week.
Bottom Line:
A great bike overall. No real weaknesses. Unless spending extra time getting the bike clean after every ride to get the paint to shine again is a weakness. Recommend. If you dont have the cash... promise the shop your first-born! If you think hard tail is the way to go... think twice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
arild skogmo
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway, Europe Date Reviewed: September 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff, fast, beautiful welds and paint, doesn`t bob much
Weaknesses:
Haven`t discovered any, though fitting Crossmax disc can be troublesome because of the large adapters they use... My wheel adapter had to be cut off a little i order to fit in.
Similar Products Used:
My first full suspension bike... previous bike was a G.F. procaliber.
Bike Setup:
Adept size L, Hope mini`s,Crossmax,Xtr gears,Sid SL, Race Face (cranks, stem and bar), Thomson,Time,Flite ti,Pythons
Bottom Line:
The ultimate in cross-country full suspension? If not, it`s very close! Excellent climber and very fast overall. I haven`t tried another bike that I`ve liked better. My friend has an Adept pro (stock) and he is also very happy with his... If you want to upgrade to discs I can recommend the Mini`s.They are good and also lightweight. My bike is not very light, but not heavy either.. (haven`t scaled it)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX USA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tyler State Park, TX
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2697.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Plus - Coppell, TX
Strengths:
Light, strong, beautiful frame -Great component selection -"Porsche-like" suspension and handling -Fits me perfectly at 6'5" 240lbs. -Climbs better than anything I have tried or can imagine -"Bike Envy" from everyone I meet on trail -Cool wheelset that is light, strong and versitile
Weaknesses:
-Flex in front wheel and fork -Doesn't stop the rain so I can ride more -Have not quite figured out the tubless tire system yet
Similar Products Used:
-Previous bike was Cannondale F1000 hard tail -Demoed and almost bought Trek Fuel 100
Bike Setup:
Stock with the following exceptions: -Easton aluminum flat bar -Terry Fly saddle -Yeti Hardcore grips
Bottom Line:
I knew this was a nice bike before I was out looking for another bike but never tried it. I was looking for a Trek Fuel 100 and LBS said they were not going to get anymore 2001 models. So they showed me this Klein Adept Pro they had hanging up in an extra large size. The componentry was similar to the Fuel and maybe a bit better with the XT crankset and Avid single digit Ti bakes. I took a ride and felt like I was “in” the bike instead of “on” it. It just really fit and felt right. And when the manager said he would sell me the Klein for the same as the Fuel 100, I was sold.
Rode the bike 100 miles in the first two weeks. I cut 2 min off my time at LB Houston over my F1000. WOW! The Adept instills a feeling of confidence that has helped me ride more, easier, and with much less fatigue. I am expecting to have a much easier time at the 24 Hours of Rocky Hill this year because the bike is so comfortable and fun to ride.
I have had some issues with the tubeless system. I have been trying some Hutchinson Pythons and have flatted a couple of times due to rolling the tire off of the rim and then getting dirt in the bead causing me to fight a slow leak the rest of the ride. I have the stock tires (Bontrager Revolt... good tires in dry conditions) and will experiment with higher pressures with the Pythons.
I also had a time finding a firmer ride kit for the Manitou Mars Elite. The Standard spring was too light and has contributed to a couple of endos. I finally found the extra firm ride kit (black spring) and now I am thinking it may be too firm. And the instructions for changing springs and setting the oil level are confusing at best. Fork works well though. A bit flexy.
Wheels have been good so far putting up with my 240lbs. Have to keep an eye on the spoke tension, especially during break in. The front wheel flexes and hits the brake pads at times. Seems to have no effect on handling just something odd to think about and get used too while riding.
When people ask me how I like my Klein I say “Sweet... Fast....FUN!”
I give the Adept Pro 5 chilies for being truly a great bike. And even though it is expensive... I have to give 5 chilies for value and you truly get everything you pay for with this bike.
Ride on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andreas
a Cross Country Rider
from Hannover, Germany Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4700.00
Purchased At:
ATB, Hannover
Strengths:
Handles like my Klein Adroit, it´s quick, climbs fast, stiff
Weaknesses:
Could be lighter (is 25 pounds enough ;-) ?), rear dropout (it isn´t easy to change the rear-wheel)
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pinnacle, Klein Attitude, Klein Adroit, Klein Mantra
The bike is great. I never wanted to ride a full-suspension and loved my Adroit. But the Adept is like an full-suspension Adroit... The Fox Float RC and the Manitou Mars Super are very good supspensions. I can go my favourite trails faster than ever before. The best bike I ever rode and owned! The price is high like any Klein but ist´s worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Riders Cycles in BC, Canada
Strengths:
Quality of materials and construction. Very agile. Responds to very little input. Very fast. Short travel takes the edge off and keeps the rear wheel down most of the time. Don't expect to feel a lot of travel (3.5"or more)...this is a race bike!
Weaknesses:
The stock Rolf Propels are very light but also very flexible laterally. Simply riding on a flat, shift your weight to one side and hear the brake pads rub. The bike is so fast you have to wait forever for your friends to catch up.
Similar Products Used:
None. I made the jump to this high end bike from a Specialized RockHopper hard tail.
Bike Setup:
All stock except I switched the Bontrager RE-1's for Time ATAC's. Plan on switching to disc brake/wheelset since the stock wheels aren't that great anyway. Don't get me wrong though, the ceramic coated rims and pads work great!
Bottom Line:
I would suggest buying the Race Disc version and use the extra $300-$400 to upgrade the Deore LX stuff to XT or XTR. All-in-all the Pro is a great bike and will drastically increase your riding skill and speed as well as confidence. Besides the bike is beautiful.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Overland Park, Kansas, USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Chainwheel in Little Rock
Strengths:
light, stiff, responsive
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
SID XC shock, SRAM 9.0, XT cranks, Chris King headset, Fox float RC
Bottom Line:
This is my first experience with full suspension. I am a Klein fanatic and was excited about the new fs design so I had to get one. I bought the fuselage from Chainwheel in Little Rock, AR (check'em out at www.chainwheel.com...Pat and Tony are great!!) and built it up with components from my Attitude. This bike rocks! It took about two good rides to get a real 'feel' for the bike. Now I am riding far faster and smoother than ever before. And more comfortable doing it. The short travel rear suspension soaks up the small hits and chop and allows you to not only pedal, but also accelerate over rocky terrain. There is absolutely no penalty on technical climbs. The bike is as stiff as the Attitude when climbing and the suspension keeps the rear wheel in contact with the ground so I find the climbing much more efficient. I have not found it necessary to use the lock out on the rear suspension, although this might be useful on a smoothe, nontechnical climb (none of those around here).
As you would expect from Klein, the plum crazy paint job is absolutely beautiful when the bike is in the sun...fades from deep purple to golden brown depending on how the light is hitting it. The pictures do not do this bike justice.
Great bike. the best purchase in biking I have ever made!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clancy Derrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, AK Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
www.themotorcycleshop.com
Strengths:
Handles like a Klein hardtail, accelerates very quickly, most responsive bike I have ever ridden. Quite light too.
Weaknesses:
I broke my clavicle and separated my AC and couldn't ride for 8 weeks. No remote lockout for rear shock, which might be nice, but
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, K2 Razorback
Bike Setup:
Custom Night Storm paint job, Marzocchi X-Fly 80, XTR components, Klein Stratium bar, Mavic Cross Max, Thompson Post, Terry Fly Seat, Ritchey WCS Stem, Time Atac Carbon pedals, Altek levers.
Bottom Line:
This bike is amazing. After ordering the frame with the Night Storm paint job, with my name painted into the frame, I hung the frame in my house until i finished building it.
First off, this bike rides like a Klein. It turns and handles like a hard tail, similar to the Attitude and Adroit, but takes up the chop like no other. It accelerates quickly, and you can keep your speed through the ride. Lockout the shock and you have a great climber. Engage the shock, and you have a very nice descent, as long as you are not free riding and taking huge hits and big drops, that's what a freeride/downhill bike is for. Word can't describe how well this bike handles and turns.
For the hardcore hardtail riders, this is a great bike to transition into full suspension. The best of both worlds.
As this is a Klein bike, the craftsmanship on the frame is superb, from the void free (not sanded) welds to the final superb paint job, you cannot compare this ride to the Sugar.
By far the best short travel, full suspension racer on the market. I've ridden the Santa Cruz Superlight, and it is a fine bike, but it doesn't have the control or the handling of the Adept.
About the broken clavicle. Yes I did crash on this bike, but it was not the bikes fault, call it rider error, and bad luck. But interestingly enough, there is barely a scratch on the bike. Any other bike in a crash like this would leave primer or bare metal visible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reed Weedakowski
a Cross Country Rider
from Belvidere, NJ USA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Bike King, Clinton, NJ
Strengths:
Light, strong & looks cool
Weaknesses:
None that come to my mind
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra Comp, Klein Mantra Race
Bike Setup:
Swapped out the Avid Brakes and bolted on Shimano XTR. Bontrager Crow Bar. Otherwise stock.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike without riding it. I had to have it just from the discription and my experience with Klein. I called several dealers and prices were all over the place, from $3300.00 to $2500.00. My LBS would go $2600.00 so I went with them. If you want a nice short travel full suspension bike this is your bike. I was suprised how light it is compared to the Mantra. This bike feels smooth and tight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bryan goode
a Cross Country Rider
from alaska Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
secret
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
the motorcycle shop
Strengths:
super rigid frame, no bobbing, killer paint
Weaknesses:
bottom bracket is a little low
Bike Setup:
mavic crossmax ust w/ huthinson python, full xtr, ritchey wcs stem, monkeylite carbon bar, king ti headset, thomson seatpost, ritchey ti pedals
Bottom Line:
best riding and handling bike i have ever been on. never thought i'd ride full suspension after being on a yeti pro fro for years... but now i am convinced, this is the best bike i have ever owned. dont even bother trying to find a better full susp rig... cause this is it. just the right amount of travel in rear for a cross country bike. sweeeet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Gersib
a Racer
from Lincoln, Nebraska USA Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Judd's Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Cycle Works in Lincoln, NE
Strengths:
Quick, accurate handling. Responsive climbing. Transparent suspension. Superb lateral stiffness.
Weaknesses:
Heavier than what I consider to be ideal, but hardly objectionable for a FS bike. I'd ideally like to see the bike with 1/2" more travel in the rear as well.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Sugar, Intense Tracer FS, Schwinn Rocket 88 Stage 1, Klein Mantra Pro, Trek Fuel, S Works FSR
The best example of a racing full suspension bike I've found. This certainly isn't a freeride bike, but it's amazing how fresh my body has felt at the end of a couple of hot, grueling races (I'm a NORBA Semipro xc racer). The handling is the best part about this bike. It does exactly what you want it to do, so be careful what you tell it to do. If you're lazy on this bike, you'll get spanked. If you ride it with intention, you can really fly on this bike.
Basically, I love this bike. The only things I'd like to see are a little more travel (which might make it a less inspired racer, so I say that with a little hesitation), and a little less weight (which I'll continue saying until my bike weighs 22 lbs, so yes, I'm neurotic). Other than these small quibbles, I'm just totally stoked that I'm able to ride and race this bike on a daily basis. I'm a lucky man. : )
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lars
a Racer
from Stockholm Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
I have only used this product for a few days, but I really have to say that it rocks! I have owned an Attitude for a few years and this bike is very close in performance to the latter, but way more comfortable on long rides. At only a slight weight penalty, the Adept handles everything beautifully. IMHO, this is a racebike and not for freeride, but for those seeking a fast and responsive ride without the harshness of a really stiff hardtail, this is it! I also feel more in control on washboards, stony descents, and similar terrain since the rear wheel does not bounce around as much.
Setup with Fox Float RC was easy and since it's performance is so close to a hardtail, it is very easy to get used to if one has not tried full-sussers before. It feels stable at high speeds and only has a minimum of bob when pedalling and standing up.
A great bike for XC-racers, what more can i say? Oh yes, it looks terrific too...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
So many....
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lightweight. Beautiful. Superb quality. Excellent handling. Excellent paint. Sweet handling.
Weaknesses:
Makes other riders jealous. Manitou shock isn't the best for big hits. Wheel hubs aren't set up for discs. Rear brake arch too close to tire and builds up with mud.
Bike Setup:
Speedplay Frog pedals (to match road bike), short bar ends. Otherwise stock.
Bottom Line:
When it first arrived with the custom Nightstorm paint, I almost hung it on the wall rather than take it riding. Just so pretty! But then it's beautiful on the trail too. This thing can climb those hills because it's light and stiff. Stiff handling also means it's great on tight switchbacks. It's also surprisingly comfortable despite the minimal rear travel and narrow seat. I've done 60+ mile days and many, many days with several hours in the saddle, quite comfortably. Pretty darn good for a bike set up for racing. For those really long downhills, I would like disc brakes. The super lightweight Rolf Propels have stayed true since I've had the bike, more than 1,500 very tough miles with my 180+ pound body onboard. Very impressive, but I at some point I think I'll switch to a wheel with disc hubs. (My other bike has hyrdraulic discs and they can't be beat.) While the Manitou shock is great at speed, handles great and is trouble-free, it's not my favorite for bigger drops and extended steps. This is one of the compromises you make to get a rugged 25-pound full-suspension bike. For the same price as a Trek Fuel or a Fisher Sugar, you can have this gorgeous bicycle. Nothing against those others, but just look at the Klein! Did I say how beautiful the paint is?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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