Submitted by
Scott Wickes
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: November 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Wheatridge Cyclery
Strengths:
Nice stiff solid frame. I have taken some good hits on this bike, it has rolled halfway down Apex mtn. it took some nice blue paint off but otherwise I got back on and finished the ride.
Weaknesses:
Front derailer, shifts aren't so smooth. not much weakness here.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized and Giant
Bike Setup:
Race face cranks and BB, xt/lx- just upgraded to sid sl.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, 3 years riding in Colorado and the thing just wants to take on more. It climbs like a banchee, super light frame, I'm now around 24.5 lbs with the new sid sl. I'm going to keep this bike until it breaks or I win the lottery then I'm gonna buy a Santa Cruz Blur. For the money you can't go wrong. I would highly recommend klein! 5 big red chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
roger
a
from piscataway nj Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything scary
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
somerville cyclery
Strengths:
Lightweight, looks great ,fast climber,fasterDH,great feel all around ....
Weaknesses:
seat really sucked ,paint chips (not too bad),some chain such (lubed it good and bought a lizard skin)
Thompson elite seat post, bonnie fs2000 gel seat, lx hubs,crank, and front derailleur, xt quickshift avid sd2 vbrakes and levers, control tech stem ,marzochi flylight z3, flat bontrager bars and grips, as well as mustang wheels and revolt st2 tyres
Bottom Line:
Wow if everyone was as satisfied as I am with this bike the shops would only sell replasement parts. When I bought it for 1k and change the first thing I did was change the shoch for something better suited for my 200+ lbs thus the air/oil 100cm travel fork then came the stem, raised it up a tad and bought it back just enough . after riding it about town I changed the seat . soap, water,air,lube, dirty up again .I now need brake shoes and tires and am hard pressed to deviate from the originals. This bike was put together by someone at the shop I suppose as I haven't seen one set up like this. If you get one, you won't be sorry ,just broke.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Powell Butte (cuz it's 10 min. away)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Extremely stiff. Good climber.
Weaknesses:
Extremely stiff. Chain. Seat. Pedals.
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Basically stock with Fizik seat, sachs chain and ritchey pedals.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. The chainsuck problem everyone is having I think is caused by the chain. First off, it's too long but that is a LBS buildup issue. The chainsuck got a litle better after I shortened it, but after changing over to a PC59 chain the chainsuck has magically disappeared.Yea! My next victim would have been the front derailleur(sp) since it kind of sucks too. I've been wainting for my frame to break so I can get a new one (my wife has a 2000 model and I'm jealous of the internal cable routing) but I guess I just don't ride hard enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Lake Grapevine
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Tx. Date Reviewed: October 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1099.00
Purchased At:
Valley Cyclery
Strengths:
Very fast bike. Great paint. Internal cable routing. Solid componentry.
Weaknesses:
Not the Klein, but the Manitou SX gave me a lot of problems.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
Duke SL, Full XT, Avid Arch 50, Thompson post, Sun-Ringle RPM.
Bottom Line:
This is my favorite bike I have ridden. I did break my original frame('99) where the deraileur hanger attaches. I weigh about 185 and ride pretty hard. Klein got me a new frame in less than a month. The service was great. The 2001 grey not as pretty as the blue 1999 but still a beauty. I finally replaced the Manitou with a duke SL. Could not be happier. I got a great deal, but Klein is usually a bit pricy. Buy it if you want the best. You wont be disappointed
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Doran
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Coral Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Lombardi Sports
Strengths:
Extremely stiff frame, great components, insanely lightweight and very reliable.
Weaknesses:
The Manitou fork obviously. Many disagree, but I feel the Englund Air shocks were a GREAT upgrade for them for me at 165 lbs. Also this is an ass pounding ride, very stiff with good handling as the prize for the pain.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 SLR, Diamondback X2, Old Novara hardtail, rocky mountain, GT I-drive 4000. And every bike at the shop I worked at.
Bike Setup:
Stock XT rear dr with Panaracer red XC tires front/back (great tires), englund air shocks in the crapola Manitou Sx shock. Kore stem, Titec hellbent handlebar with 1" rise - got both for total of 48 bucks at Cambriabike. The seat stays flat on XC terrain and a slight tilt back for DH makes the handling perfect.
Bottom Line:
Versatile, lightweight, tight handling, and durable. Take this bike anywhere, the frame is the best Alluminum hardtail you're gonna find period. I've taken this on some crazy fast DH and the worst damage I've ever had was bashing the chain completely horizontal on one section which was fixed with a few twists of the hand. If ass pain is a problem then get the Adept Pro. But if you're a hardtail enthusiast it's really hard to turn this bike down. It takes a lot of punishment considering its an XC racing bike I do freeriding with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a
from Texas Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
Stiff, great climber, one of the best accelerating bikes I have ever ridden!!!
Weaknesses:
rear dropout breaking and paint. Some people would put $s here. But if you don't know what makes this bike worth it, then you don't deserve it!!
Similar Products Used:
fisher/trek/schwinn/vodoo/spec./gt/etc...
Bike Setup:
Who cares?????
Bottom Line:
Don't get me worng, I loved this bike. I think that it is one of the best performing bikes on the market today. I really just wanted to give you my input about Klein as a company. I work at two diffent bike shops that deal Klein, so I have spoken to reps and on the phone with trek/klein. The team that I ride for has broken atleast 8 to 10 of these frames in the last year. Ok yeah, that is a big deal. But on the other had we all got new frames because of the life time warranty. I just dare you to compare Specialized's warranty policy with Kleins (I will save you some time, it says no racing, jumping, etc... Pretty much you should just buy road bikes from them becuase they aren't going to stand being there mountian bike for the reasons you would buy one, but I really haven't any break). Klein has been good to us, letting us upgrade frames, switch sizes and so on. So now I am riding an adpet pro, for almost nothing.
In general, the attitude has some of the best geometry on the market. So don't get all mad if your 99 has paint chipping or a broken rear drop out (if it isn't yet just wait another year), because you are going to get a brand new frame! Can I get a hell yeah for a life time warranty!.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: March 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The one 10 minutes from my house!!
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
Super rigid frame, great paint job.
Weaknesses:
Chain, pedals, front derailleur?
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Bone stock with bar-ends and new chain.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the blue Attitude comp ('99 or '00?). This bike is great, it is realy rigid and climbs like a goat. I haven't had the frame crack on me like some others, but then I don't routinely jump anything huge. The chainsuck problem was too much though, at first I just thought the chain was a few links too long. Took out a couple of links, no help. Went to a Sachs chain and it is much improved, if it gets bad again I will go to an XT front derailleur. The stock tires were fine for me but I don't ride in slop too much. Overall I would highly recommend this bike, it'll pick the right lines for you, or maybe it just makes any line feel like the right one!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flip
a Cross Country Rider
from Amsterdam, Holland Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$930.00
Purchased At:
a guy who rode it twice!
Strengths:
Nice stiff frame, climbs as hell, weight, really fast bike, color. (Most of) the bike setup.
Weaknesses:
The fork!!! When it's cold (it is at the moment) it works ok, but when its warmer, it really, really sucks. No problems with the paint... so far, no problems with breaking... so far. The wheels aren't the stiffest in the world, and the breaks aren't the best (especially after a few hours riding).
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 (with a Pace evo II fork !!!!!!)
Bike Setup:
Stock. Yet. Gonna replace the fork soon (with a Pace!) and the breaks. After that the wheels.
Bottom Line:
A really nice fast bike, but how could this guy 2 reviews below buy the 2001 model for $904??? If I could get it for that price I would immediately buy it (they are over $2000 in Holland!). But besides that I like the bike a lot, it's born for fast off the road riding and everytime I'm climbing I'm surprised (& pleased!) how easily it does the job. And the stiffness is great.... it's a great bike for a great ride. Four flames for the value (with a better fork and wheels it should be five), and four overall (there always must be something better out there you never know).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Hill
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything fast
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$925.00
Purchased At:
Geronimo, Tokyo
Strengths:
Great frame, the geometry really lets you carve through corners like on rails. I love the way you can exit curves and it's ability to climb. Other reviewers are right; the setup isn't too good on the road - but we don't buy MTBs for that reason any way! Frame quality is good - no breakages yet.
Weaknesses:
Don't want to sound cheap by the componentry does suck. A frame not designed for people with weak backs or soft butts. Paint job looks impressive new but isn't bullet proof by any means - it should be enamel baked or something.... Maybe some touch-up paint could be supplied.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 - before that was stuck on road bikes.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for XTR chain wheel, XT cranks and XTR rear derailleur. Oh, I also upgraded the seat.
Bottom Line:
Great brand with a great product. This product has been designe dfor the kind of person who wants quality and isn't afraid to spend money on it. I would suggest that if you haven't ridden such a stiff frame you might be in for a rude shock but give it time and the frame makes it all worth while. Nothing else comes close - I'd give it 5 Flamers except for the fact that I know the Attitude Pro is out there.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Kauk
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, NC USA Date Reviewed: January 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bicycle post trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$904.00
Purchased At:
Klein Factory
Strengths:
-very fast bike -paint job is beautiful (grey) -wheels are awesome -drivetrain is decent -stiff frame, climbs like theres no tommorow -it's a Klein!
Weaknesses:
-too rigid? my back hurts after the ride, and my arse -the paint is almost too nice -since you have a Klein you have no choice but to represent on the trail
Similar Products Used:
??don't know if it's similar but my other bike was a Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS, tested the Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
stock(xt/lx;not for long), with Time Atac Aliums, and Specialized BG Comp
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks, by far the best bike I've ever ridden. This bike has grown on me, it's now a part of my family and I won't sell it next year (probably:) but it's fast as h-e-double hockeystix. Must be willing to take a beating from the stiff frame, but pays off with it's nimbleness and it's climbing ability. Throw some new tires on it and it's golden. Beautiful "approaching grey storm" paint job. Buy it!! Oh yeah, this is the 2001 model :) heh.
5 flaming bile piles
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kuba
a Downhiller
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: December 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Ramseys
Strengths:
Paintjob WOW, different shades of blue depending on the light, great frame I found it handled really well, but not with the wheels it came with (Bontrage') Geometry is really good for cross country, although a little steep for some of the stuff I tried to do (ENDO). I found it very light and it would go where I pointed it, with a different fork. The stock fork that it comes with (Manitou SX E) just takes a lot of fun out of the bike, if you do get this frame change the fork. Again I really liked the frame....
Weaknesses:
OK now here we go, the weaknesses.... My frame just broke on me, rear dropout. I think half the riders experienced this (I hope not though). I was really happy about this because my paint was coming off like they put it on top of some grease or something??? The paint is coming off everywhere, even underside of the top tube? So I was hoping it would go on the rear dropout, cause the paint warranty is only good for one year( I think they knew what was going to happen). The components are pretty bad for weight so if you are a gramm counter invest some $$$ in lighter components.
Bike Setup:
Standart setup right from Klein
Bottom Line:
Overall I would not recommend this years model because of the rear dropout thing and of course the damn paint (if you want pictures of the frame and how it looks after a year email me, but it ain't pretty). The whole story takes a nice twist since the shop I bought it at went out of business the same week that it broke .... I'll keep you updated on how Klein handled this....
I liked the biek until it started shedding and then broke
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex
a Cross Country Rider
from pennington NJ Date Reviewed: November 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
End-o
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
the frame is like no other in every aspect from the shape of the aluminum chain stays to the paint finish. Gary takes so much time and puts so much finess into his frames. it is aluminum, so it's a harsh ride because the frame is stiff like a rabi, but this helps develop technical skills very quickly because the bike will bite back if you make a tiny mistake. Parts mix is good (LX/XT) and i love the plush manitou fork. the great thing is that the frame will never be outdated or wear out, you can keep a klein frame and hand it down to your grandchildren, but you can upgrade other components without feeling guilty (the wheels suck). no other frame matches the quality of a klein
Weaknesses:
the original wheels were always out of true, the original breaks squeel when wet, the pedals allow too much lateral movement when clipped in, yet not enough mud clearance. the beautiful paint job ships very easily, call me a ninny, but the sky blue paint scheme is gorgeous
Similar Products Used:
none so far
Bike Setup:
stock, w/ a selle italia flite genuine gel saddle, mavic crossroc disc tubeless, hayes HMX1, XTR levers, titec 141 enduro bar
Bottom Line:
i've had my bike for over a year now, i've taken it on epic rides on mt. snow, and many other places. and my it's held up very well. there's nothin' like a good aluminum hardtail, especially a klein. the main thing is the frame on this bike. klein made sure his frame was the best, and it is, u can go to the web page and read why kleins are superior, i think there are 12 reasons. Because gary made sure the frame would last an eternity and weigh in at 3.0 lbs (lighter than any other frame on the market) klein had to cut some corners in the parts mix. thats fine. the original components work very well, they're just heavy. i'd rather have the best frame with a crap parts group than a crap frame. i highly recommend any klein for that matter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Laguna Beach, CA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Strengths:
Once this bike hits the dirt it kicks into overdrive. The best tracking and handling off road. It loves to climb. After about one month, the bike felt like an extension of my own body and it just keeps getting better. The bike feels invisible--it's much easier to ride it on a climb than it is to walk the climb. I feel like I'm sitting high when I'm on the road on this bike, but once I hit the dirt it feels like the center of gravity lowers and I take off!
Weaknesses:
On the road, riding to the trail, the ride feels less controlled. I guess that's not a weakness really, since the bike is for off road. I read people complaining about the components, but give me a break--the bike is a great value just for the frame! Quit complaining and spend more if you want upgraded components. For the price it's a great value and you can always upgrade knowing you have a great frame. Despite the raves about the paint, I don't like my 2000 color. Red and yellow is a bit too, uh---red and yellow for me.
Bike Setup:
I'm carefully upgrading all the components--eventually. I switched to an XTR front D---the LX was sloppy and rough. The XTR is great. Sometimes I can't hear any shifting of the gear change---it's that smooth---I can only feel it in my legs. I have the Thudbuster seatpost---great but ugly (the blue plugs are right for my weight, but wrong for the color of my bike!). Next upgrades---fork and dump the LX shifters. For a few hundred bucks I end up with top of the line everything. Still a great deal for the whole package.
Bottom Line:
I don't want to buy a new frame every couple years so I wanted something with classic lines. Suspension bikes just look like there's too much going on for my tastes. I like things simple. Plus a good suspension seatpost lets me enjoy the cushy ride when I need it, yet retain the full transfer of my pedal stroke on climbs. Plus, with fewer moving parts, there's less maintenance worries for me. (I'm mechanically inclined but technically deficient). This bike fits the bill. Except for the color, it appeals to my aesthetic senses and challenges my skills. It's a great riding partner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alf Braseth
a Racer
from Norway Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Very good fit, rigid and light
Weaknesses:
Frame break at rear dropout, wheels are just crap
Bike Setup:
99 attitude with new xtr-517 wheels and xt bb
Bottom Line:
The bike is OK, but dissapointing wheel quality, also stupid to put a bolt through the chainstay near the rear wheel dropout, causes stress and the frame will break. I am now waiting for my new frame, not 99 model.
Remember to check for tiny cracks if you have a 99-model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The Frame
Weaknesses:
Components
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Stock except for XTR front derailuer
Bottom Line:
This bike flies -- A friend of mine bought a more expensive Cannondale at the same time I bought this bike and now can't keep up and is continually begging to ride my Klein instead. I read the reviews below and have not had any of the chainsuck or breakage problems even though my favorite ride has two 4-6 foot drops and many 2-3 foot drops. Maybe I am just lucky or the 2000 model has fixed these problems. I would recommend this bike to anyone but especially to those who have ridden a substantial amount before and want to feel just how fast they can go without spending huge money on a full blown race bike. For the price there is no better bike on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodinville Date Reviewed: July 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light weight, climbs like a mountain goat, faster it goes the better it tracks
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper, Klein Rascal, Merlin Mountain
Bike Setup:
XTR components, SID XC fork, Chris King Headset
Bottom Line:
This bike flies. I upgraded the LX components for XTR and the Manitou SX-E fork for the lighter more adjustable SID XC. Climbing is such a breeze with this bike. Just step on the pedals and it goes. It tracks well on the downhills and carves on the turns. Couldn't ask for a better bike for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JNB
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX, USA!!!! Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
EVERYTHING except the area near the replaceable dropout hanger on the frame.
Weaknesses:
Broken FRAME near the derailleur hanger
Similar Products Used:
Crack-'n-fail, gary fisher, haro, diamond back
Bike Setup:
Stock with XTR cranks
Bottom Line:
Read my review from when I first purchased the bike to get the review of the bike itself. This is to inform of customer service. So I was riding and noticed that it felt unstable like I had a flat and looked to see my rear triangle separated near the rear replaceable hanger. Well, I took it to the shop, and a week after it was sent off I had recieved a beautiful, magnificent, extraordinary 2000 attitude race frame. No questions, arguements or delays. This new frame, dare I say, is an improvement, you can even feel that it is laterally more stiff, etc. Hopefully this bike will last through several years of the racing I do and also rides like The Death Ride in Kansas (everyone should do this bad ass death ride!!!) Klein RULES, I guess others had to get the companies attention about the problem with the weak frame cause I had no hassle!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Traube
a Racer
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: May 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
looks, geometry, weight
Weaknesses:
they WILL break
Similar Products Used:
catamount (now that's a rear dropout!), Cannondale, Raleigh
Bike Setup:
XT/sid
Bottom Line:
Waiting on my 3rd frame now. Beware the rear dropout with the replaceable hanger.. the little tiny screw that goes through the frame is a lawsuit waiting to happen.. I broke 2 '99 frames.. waiting to see if they replace it.. and if they do.. with a 2000 or '99 again.. if I get the '99 for my 3rd Klein frame in under a year.. I'm gonna sell it.. that's for sure.. I'd be willing to give the 2000 model one last chance since it seems they went back to basics..
Those with '99 attitudes (race or comp) Clean it and check very carefully.. the one I just recently broke wasn't all the way through, just cracked through the top portion.. but it was ready to fail.. and probably on a rough decent where I'd go off a cliff and die.. man I hate Klein now.. I sent them a few emails with my concerns that the second '99 would break at the same place and that I wanted the 2000 instead since its different and beefier.. I saw an orange 2000 comp in the store that didn't even have a replacable dropout.. and it was 2X as thick in that area.. I even offered to pay $200 if they would accept a trade-in.. they said no no.. it won't break like the other one.. I believed them.. rode on it a while.. started to lose my fears of breakage.. bought a 2000 SID through supergo for $269 to replace the manitou it came with.. gettin all excited about the Klein name again.. just when I'm cleaning the bike before I install the new fork.. bingo, find the crack.. dang.. I'm just glad I didn't press my new King headset in it yet.. I'll say this, if they do replace this with a 3rd frame.. they have great customer service.. but I'd rather have a frame that didn't break than any service personally...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hugh Jardon
a Cross Country Rider
from Melonville, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Big Basin State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight, stiff, sexy, and feels great!!!
Weaknesses:
If there was a Klein Super Comp--a bike between the Att. Comp and Att. Race--I'd buy it if its price was also between the two (say at $1399). I didn't quite want to spend another $500 for the Att. Race, but better Manitous (I love tweaking my suspension setting myself!!) and at least XT front derailleur would have been nice. There is nothing bad about this bike. Nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Rascal ('92), Pinnacle ('94), Bontrager Race Lite ('95).
Bike Setup:
For now it's stock with old school Onza bar ends. The stock brakes work very well but I may upgrade to Arch Rival Mag levers and brakes just for the looks of those cool "copper" colored parts, oh and the lighter weight.
Bottom Line:
Dude, I get so jiggy with this bike on the trails here in the Silicon Valley. This thing is a chic magnet. They LOVE the gradient red/orange/yellow paint and the big manly Manitous. It climbs for me without effort...I called Klein to ask what horsepower motor they put in the frame...this thing is perfecto! It's light, stiff, and very responsive--all I can ask for in a bike. Thank goodness it comes with good quality Bontrager wheels and grips. I loved my old Bontrager and am more than happy to have Keith's wheels on this bike. I feel like I should be paid to say so many nice things about this bike. Now my third Klein, I have to admit I will never ride anything else. If you are out there in bike-shopping-land, and you are considering a Klein, stop right now and listen to me--GO BUY THIS BIKE. Other bike manufacturers use gimmicks to sell bikes...that are made with cheap child labor in Taiwan. Gary Klein makes these bikes in the USA with highly skilled technicians. BOOM! Get jiggy wit it and go get a Klein.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Fairbank
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Inchnadamph
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Excelent, responsive frame. Quality finish
Weaknesses:
Bad chain suck when mud is encountered. Finishing components not the same quality as the frame
Its a quality bike especially in dry, non-muddy conditions. However, it seems very susceptable to chain suck in the mud, this can be sort of rectified by removing a pair of links in the chain. The components are not the best though I'd rate it a quality long-term investment rig.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kurt vande vanter
a Racer
from newport,wa. Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any trail will do
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
looks great, extremely light, and a good feel to it.
Weaknesses:
the components blow, Imean they really suck.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The 2000 frame is better, considering that I broke the `99 at an age of 13. Do not buy this bike if you like to freeride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George Carling
a Racer
from Spring Lake NC Date Reviewed: February 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Devils Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Klein reputation.
Weaknesses:
Stock pedals, handlebar, and BB totally sucked. Who the @#$% rides cross country with a 8 degree sweep?
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale and Iron horse.
Bike Setup:
XTR, XT.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the money. I can't complain about the stock components too much since it is the best frame in the industry with a lifetime warranty. THIS BIKE ROCKS!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Golborne
a Cross Country Rider
from Leeds Date Reviewed: January 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Red Bull, Coed y Bernin
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great at going up, great at going down. Light. Ace forks. Looks well cool.
Weaknesses:
Effing chain suck whenever it sniffs mud (and there's a lot of that stuff around Yorkshire at the moment).
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
Frame changed after 1 month due to paint flaking off. No probs though and Klein were excellent. I got a 2000 Race frame as well - all internal cabling and stuff (no disk mounts though, but that's beside the point). Have done plenty of nice dry autumn riding of the highest order but the first sight of mud and we hit chain suck hell. Took links out of the chain, tried setting it all up again, and went out again, but no joy. Bike is all but unrideable. Took it back to dealers (Stif in Leeds). They diagnosed a worn driveset and that this is causing the suck. Replace the rings, chain and block, sir. These 9 speed components are very prone to wearing quickly. Ok, it's worn a BIT but should that make it chain suck so much, and I've only really ridden it for about 4 months, with maybe 4 days out in winter conditions. Does this mean that every time it wears a bit I have to spend 100 quid to get it sorted ? No chance. Anyway. It's off to Klein to be inspected by them. I shall post the results when I get them. 3 chillis coz it's great bike spoilt by a chronic problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew craig
a Weekend Warrior
from philadelphia, pa. u.s.a. Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
this bike is fast. it climbs well and is exttemely responsive. great paint job. klien has a nice frame.
Weaknesses:
original set-up was awkward. rise stem with riser bars with too many spacers. paint chips, but that seems normal with hard riding. i haven't experienced any serious problems as of yet, but after reading some of the other reviews i am nervous about the many promblems with breakage around the rear dropout and problems with the rear wheel coming out.
Similar Products Used:
the only other bike i had was a 94 specialized stumpjumper. awesome bike. stolen. welcome to city life. i don't remember the ride well enough to compaare. long time before could replace it.
Bike Setup:
replaced lx crank to xtr with xtr bb a highly recomended upgrade. dropped the spacers to a single 1/8 inch. changed to flat bar, cut down to 21 inch. xt shifter chris king headset marzocchi z.1 drop off 130mm dropped to 110mm. single 36 chainring, 9 speed cassette. no front shifter or front derailer
Bottom Line:
like i said before, i haven't had any major problems, but it seems many others have. i have put a lot of investments into my bike because i am saving to purchase a full suspension frame. i love the way this bike rides. even with a single ring, i'm waiting for the others at the top.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Jewkes
a Cross-Country Rider
from Warwick, UK Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Karrimor, Coed-y-Brenin, Wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Looks Good, Light, Climbs and Handles nicely.
Weaknesses:
Paint Chips Easily. Bad Distributor in UK - My 1999 frame cracked around the rear dropout through the hole for attaching the mech hanger. It took Klein's distributor in the UK 3 months to replace it, which isn't good enough.
Similar Products Used:
Specialised M4 Gary Fisher Excalibur Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Standard apart from XT chainset, hope hubs and Continental Traction Pro tyres (the Bontrangers were too slippy in UK conditions).
Bottom Line:
Dynamically the bike is five star, but the service I've received in the UK was so bad that I've got to give it a two star rating. I'm used to riding at least twice a week, and I haven't been able to get out on my bike for 3 months due to Klein's UK distributors failing to replace my frame quickly. For a company that prides itself on quality and service this is a poor performance, and as much as I love riding my Klein I am going to sell it and get a different bike because I just don't want to go through the hassle again.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave S
a Weekend Warrior
from Ramsey, NJ Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood, NJ
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great Frame Climbs real well
Bottom Line:
A great overall bike. I just got the 2000 Attitude Comp. The bike rides awesome!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kadillak
a Weekend Warrior
from Kamakura-city Japan Date Reviewed: December 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tennen Hiking course
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
very responsive, stiff, nice looking paint job
Weaknesses:
Paint chips easily, LX crank teeth bent in less than 6 months, BB52 bearings had to be replaced as well. Worst of all I had the frame completely break at the rear dropout. Klein is going to replace it with a 2000 model but that isn't scheduled for production until mid Jan.
Bike Setup:
replaced LX crank with XT and BB52 bearings with BB72.
Bottom Line:
This is my 2nd review and I'm less enthusiastic than before.Decent bike at a fair price for a recreational rider, but if you ride hard you need better components. Be sure to fill in your warranty card and if you have a 99 frame inspect in carefully before each ride. Good warranty!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from Blacksburg Date Reviewed: December 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light Love that linear fade paint job Climbs fast
Weaknesses:
Paint chips off easily (my 97 Pulse never had this problem)
Similar Products Used:
97 Klein Pulse Comp 92 Mongoose Switchback (I'll admit to owning it but I was young and dumb then)
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock, flat Bontrager handelbar Panaracer Fire XC kevlar tires
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike after owning a Pulse for 2 years. Great frame (light, responsive, tracks right to where you want it to just by thinking about it). Had a decent combination of components for the price. I ended up replacing the STX-RC front derailluer that it came with with an XT and also swapped the Bontrager crowbar race with a flat (5deg) Bontrager race lite. Hoping to put s Precision Billet brakeset on it to replace the Avid set.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Nothampton UK Date Reviewed: December 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Woburn sands /harlestone furs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Tight, light, fast frameset, always responds well, you grow into this bike.
Weaknesses:
too many chips on that paint job.
Similar Products Used:
Ridden most similar priced hard tails. Owned a first genration Kona for nearly 10 years.
Bike Setup:
Changed bars for Race Face risers, stuck some DMR v12's on. The bottom bracket lasted about 2 months. changed it for an XT. seems ok now. Looking at a disc brake setup next year.
Bottom Line:
I get all kinds of comments that 99 Kleins are in no way the same quality as the (pre Trek intervention) older first genration bikes. Well that's like saying Aston Martin have dropped their quaility since Ford bought them? B**llox. The Klein is a truly great bike. It is getting tough to find a bike you can put some distance on but also nail tabletops and big doubles. I am not the most skilled rider, and in the 11 years i've been riding my bottle has faded a little. But this bike has stayed together and pushed my riding further than I ever expected. Get one and cover it in clear protective tape. brings tears to your eyes.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary Date Reviewed: November 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
none yet
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff and fast A rocket on the uphill Great Bontrager tires Clean lines with internal cables and sanded welds
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Paragon Trek 8000 Cannondale 500 Various Full Supensions
Bike Setup:
Stock except for bar ends
Bottom Line:
This is the 2000 model I have. I tried quite a few other bikes and came back to the Klein. My price range was $800-$900, but the Klein kept beckoning like a lustful, voluptuous woman. And man she wants to be ridden hard! Oh Baby. Turns on a dime, very controllable! That was what hit me first. Real tight! Thanks for the advice Big Ed.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Potter
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oscelo, Pa Date Reviewed: November 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Deer trail and stinger
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
It is very fast on the up hills, fast on the down hills to. Handles great. Looks very cool.Great paint job.
Weaknesses:
Have not found one.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Pargon Reilgh Diamond Back
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bike is great. Want to go fast and stay on the trail get it. It's light, looks cool and very strong. The shock is plush and don't bounce. Good set up on it. It is a keeper!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
To~no
a Cross-Country Rider
from Los Altos, California Date Reviewed: November 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Fans of Death
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
this bike is sweet, it Is one word: RESPONSIVE
Weaknesses:
there are none, its all good
Similar Products Used:
Trek 820
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bottom like is, a bunch of you people are stupid. when it says 'product weakness' you dont; say how avid brakes suck, or how the componentry isn't good enough for your 'sturdy build' ( 498 lbs ) so lets review the KLEIN, THE KLEIN! its the best in its pricerange, if you don;t like the components, dont; buy it
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta Date Reviewed: November 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Powderface, Kananaskis
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
great climber light weight great paint job very fast good components to start
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F900 Trek 8000 GT Ricochet
Bike Setup:
changed to XT crank
Bottom Line:
I have been looking around for quite a long time looking for a great bike. I tried the previous three, and the Klein won out, although, the GT was second choice. I couldn't beat the price, and so I bought two!! I am getting my wife into the whole biking scene as well. I was able to test all of these bikes for a long time, off road, hills, everything that I wanted, just to make sure!! This bike climbs well, and I just did powderface for her first time, and in 3 to 4 inches of snow on top of the trail, she pulled through better than I did!! I loved the paint, although it won't last long, and I love the way this bike takes me further and further and faster and faster. I can't stay off of this thing!! If you have a little to spend, and are looking for a great bike, Klein has a reputation for making incredibly awesome frames, and making me incredibly happy with my purchase!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bloomfield Hills, MI Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
VASA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
acceleration, lightweight, killer looks, precise, climbs like a goat
Weaknesses:
great looking paint is alway chipping off, could have better shock brakes and wheels
Similar Products Used:
trek 8000, klein attitude race, gary fisher big sur
Bike Setup:
time pedals, irc mythos tires, Judy 100, XT brakes soon to be hayes disk, Race face crank, XT front der, XTR rear, crosslink disk rims, syncros BB, XT shifters, race face stem, chris king headset
Bottom Line:
very good but could use better components
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CHRIS
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Gatineaus
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light Tight and nimble Climbs like a rocket Great package for the money Excellent warranty - frame replaced
Weaknesses:
Paint flakes off easily Rear tire pops out if you are not careful Grips suck - Replace them!!
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX 890 Oryx Aluminum Hardtail Track 7000
Bike Setup:
Stock - except for XT brakes Ritchey Grips Lizard Skin Chainstay protector Soon to have XTR Lever/Shifters
Bottom Line:
Since the season is almost over for me (Snow will come in december) I thought I would write a review for my fav bike. I have been using this for 6 months - and well over 1000 km off road. What can I say....this was the best bike i could have bought for the money. I love it and no one can have it. I ran into some problems with breaking the anti chain suck device and the threads in the Bottom braket being faulty. Result? Klein replaced the frame in 2 weeks and the great guys at Sportable (Ottawa bike store) replaced my anti chain suck device - no charge.I have upgraded the brakes to XT and I am thinking of upgrading the wheelset next season - but I am keeping everything else until they break. Hey - did you know that the 99 XT crank is heavier then the 99 LX one?? I digress.Anyhow - Klein, you have made an excellent bike and a happy biker. If I ever buy another bike, you guys will be the first bikes I check out, and Sportable will be the first store I will go to.Thanks again,CHRIS
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Eatough
a Cross-Country Rider
from Reading, UK Date Reviewed: October 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Loads in England and Wales - not nearly enough where I live, though!!
that fragile paintjob longevity of the frame not much else!
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper M2 Cannondale
Bike Setup:
standard UK spec, so far (it all looks workable)
Bottom Line:
I had owned a Dave Yates Diabolo (Bitish custom-built bike) quite happily for about 4 years until it was stolen about a month ago. Did not really want to consider anything USA or non-steel, but when I rode my friend's Att. Comp. I was really taken with it. I had warned a friend off buying one about a year previously, which I think was a wise move, as this is clearly a lightweight bike for a lightweight person (I'm 10 1/2 stone on a good day). The new-found speed and agility I now have is down to the bike and the bike alone! The fork is smart at this price-point, and I've heard people moaning about the 9-spd LX/XT gears, but I just can't fault them after my 7-spd set up. Chainsuck was solved by taking a couple of links out of the chain. The paintjob is a worry, though: I moved a piece of tape on the frame, and it took the bloody paint with it!!! My supplier has been warned that if this continues, I will want it sent back to Klein UK. So far, necessary protection has involved a Lizard Skin on the chainstay and Scotch Magic tape on the down tube. Well it might work... The bike is basically very sensibly specced (although the b/b thing baffles me: is it like someone who pays a grand for a bike won't notice??!!). The only thing I thought of replacing in the short-term is the seat-post - a sus. job might be needed, although I haven't found the alu. frame over-harsh so far. My mate says those Jones tyres pinch-puncture rather easily, so keep them well inflated - use a trackpump. Around the grand mark, after some research there really is NOTHING to touch this bike! However, it's not for everyone: it's not a first-timers bike, and it's not for anyone even vaguely heavy. It needs handling with care, but treat it well and you'll blow the competition away! This bike deserves the full five chillis-just don't buy it thinking that you can chuck it about, because you will bust it. Happy riding!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Welsh
a Weekend Warrior
from Dearborn, MI Date Reviewed: October 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Poto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light comfortable beautiful paint job Handles like a dream
Weaknesses:
1) My frame has broken in two at the droppout because the bolt for the replaceable hanger goes thru an already weak point at the dropout (the replaceable dropout is gone for 2000). 2) The rear wheel comes out of the dropouts while riding (ouch!) because the dropouts face almost straight back (the angle at which the wheel is pulled out has been improved for 2000)3) Chain suck... I have no idea on this one. I have tried completely swapping the drivetrain to no avail. 4) That beautiful paint chips oh, so easily :(
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
stock + XT brakes and XTR rear deraileur
Bottom Line:
If you want a ride that you can count on, don't be seduced by the great looks and off the shelf ride of this beauty - look beneath the surface. This bike has serious problems as a result of design flaws.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bobp
a Cross-Country Rider
from boston,ma Date Reviewed: October 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
BlueHills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light and quick
Weaknesses:
Squeaky BB, regular chainsuck, paint chips easy, pedals, slight pull to side even off the floor.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Factory w/Thudbuster and Ritchey semi-slicks.
Bottom Line:
Adequate bike although a bit dissappointing for the price. Beware the XL size, the chain is one link too long and the rear derailleur wraps back on itself. (part of the chainsuck problem) The remaining problem has got to be the drive line angle between the LX front and the XT rear on the XL frame.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marko
a Cross-Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Loads of 'em
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Just about everything. So light and quick - it makes life easy so you just want to ride more and more and more.
Weaknesses:
Beware of the back wheel dropping out! I was flying downhill must have been doing at least 100 mph, hit a bump, flew into the air, with my back wheel just held in by the brakes and the cassette. Easy to fix though. It just makes me a bit paranoid sometimes. The bottom bracket's a bit poor.
Similar Products Used:
Tried nearly every bike at this price range and below.
Bike Setup:
Factory setup.
Bottom Line:
effin' fantastic!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richard christensen
a Cross-Country Rider
from orem, utah Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
can't tell
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light,stiff,fast
Weaknesses:
could use a better shock, paint chips easy.
Similar Products Used:
trek,proflex
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
if you are into tight single track with lung burning climbs and eye watering down hills that demand a tight line, this is the bike for you. if not, buy one of those soft tails and stay on the pavment or those extreme mtn. dew dirt roads. mine as been everywhere form the high hills in the rocky's to the red rocks in moab. love everything about the bike except maybe a nicer fork.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Hunter
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Big Trees, Joaquin Miller Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame: stiffness, acceleration, climbing ability
Weaknesses:
Paint chips easily; cheesy BB
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000, 7000, 8000 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo e Koo, Ziggurat GT Richocet, Avalanche Kona Lava Dome
Bike Setup:
Stock, save new wheels: xtr hubs, Bontrager Valiant Rims, DT spokes.
Bottom Line:
I love my bike! It begs to be ridden hard. When my legs are fresh, it flat out flys up the toughest of climbs. Handles well. A pleasure to ride.The paint does flake; the chainstay already has some big dings after 500 miles.This is a bike with decent components and an outstanding frame. It's quite rideable off the showroom floor, and as you go you can trick it out.PS the wheel upgrade I describe above saved 2 rolling lbs! Bike feels even more nimble that ever before. Well worth considering as your first upgrade. Keep the LX front derailleur, cranks and BB until they break. BB will probably go first.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chuck
a Cross-Country Rider
from ny Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
909
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light, fast, and stiff
Weaknesses:
harsh ride, frame cracked
Similar Products Used:
schwinn homegrown, trek 8000
Bottom Line:
without a doubt this bike is great for xc riding, the ride is better than anything i have ever tried. However the frame cracked at the dropout under normal riding conditions and i am only about 140 lbs. Good luck to anybody who needs warranty work done. Klein told me that they have a turn around time of 3 weeks. I have already been waiting for over a month. The good news is that my 99 frame is being replaced with a y2000 frame.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
FRAME SNAPPED!! doh!! I guess I can't make fun of my friend's crackin-dale anymore, with my cracklin-Klein.. failed where the chainstay meets the rear dropout and hanger.. and it snapped on an easy 10mph ride on flat terrain. Good news is that its under warrenty.. according to the shop, if the Klein rep oks it, I'll have a new frame within 2 weeks ( good service there). I still love the bike (well, depending on the outcome 2 weeks from now), just glad it didn't break on a decent or something, could have been killed!! too bad I have to miss some local races...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rockwall, Tx Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Rowlette Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
STIFF! FAST! Climbing!
Weaknesses:
PAINT, GRIPS, PEDALS
Similar Products Used:
First real mountain bike
Bike Setup:
all stock
Bottom Line:
Man Oh man, I am flat out mean to this thing! But, it keeps asking for more. I was also looking a Trek 7000 and a Schwinn homegrown. Bottom line is that the FRAME is just so much faster that it wasn't a hard choice, though more expensive!!! My first upgrade will be an XTR rear deraileur. The biggest minus is I constantly come uncliped from the pedals, if I knew at the time of purchase I would of payed $20 more dollars for some alu TIME's... I am totally happy with this bike and wouldn't trade it for the lesser Trek or Schwinn!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross-Country Rider
from York, PA Date Reviewed: September 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff, fast and efficient frame that somehow manages to remain comfortable.
Weaknesses:
Fragile paint.
Similar Products Used:
Scott Pro Racing, Lightspeed Obed, Trek 8500, Mongoose Alta SX
Bike Setup:
SID XC, XTR/517 wheelset, XT everywhere else.
Bottom Line:
I first rode this bike at a Trek demo in Pittsburgh in the spring and it blew me away. I was actually in the market for a full-suspension bike, but the Klein was unlike anything I had ever ridden before. It was amazingly fast. The bike just begs you to hammer on it and responds with lightening quick acceleration when you do. Since I got the Klein, I find myself having to slow down and wait for my riding buddies to catch up all the time. I made some substitutions at the dealer and upgraded to all XT with an XTR / Mavic 517 wheelset and a SID XC. Brought the weight down to just over 23 lbs. and the price up to about $1700. I'm completely happy with it but everything they say about the paint is true. Beautiful paint job, but very fragile and susceptible to dings. The performance of this rocket, though, makes it more than worthwhile.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Willcockson
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Worth, TX Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lake Grapevine North
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Just about everything, so far.
Weaknesses:
Rear tire could grab better.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I read and shopped for a while. I never thought I would be considering a $1K+ bike, but I decided I did not want to have to upgrade anything and I did not want half-ass quality. The test rides I took on the other products I test drove were OK, but gear shifting was not precise. The sales folks say that can be adjusted, but, hey, shouldn't it be adjusted when it is built and on the floor?I test rode the Klein and it performed flawlessly. The geometry felt great, too. I was sold. I got the '99 for $1000. Their first 2000 was on the floor, with the new internal cable routing, levers, wheels and crank - but it was not worth the extra $200 to me.I went for my first trail ride, ever, last Saturday on a fairly technical trail (according to my experienced buddy) in the 100 degree heat. The ride kicked by butt. I confirmed the bike was better than I was - just what I wanted. No problems whatsoever.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew
a Weekend Warrior
from Essex, England Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light, Responsive, made me want to go faster.
Weaknesses:
Paint chips easy, problem getting replacement parts (But I think that is down to Klien UK not having/keeping any stock) Suffered LOTS of chain-suck problems with my 1st bike...have had replacement frame/wheels/crankset/chain/brakes etc under warrenty...I think the only original parts are the saddle & Forks!!!
Similar Products Used:
a few in a simaler prce range (Marin, Specialized etc)
Bike Setup:
XTR Font mech,Required due to: 46-36-26 MiddleBurn Rings (used to rid Chain-suck problems I had with crap Shimano stuff). Replacement seat-stem...as the stock one was too short (I prefere to ride a small frame with lots of seat-post showing to get the correct leg-length). Yeti grips.
Bottom Line:
In the 9 months that I've had this,I've had all sorts of Problems with this bike, that I still love to death. Chain-suck problems from new ment the bike went back to Klien a couple of times to get sorted. The damage caused from the chain-suck ment that Klien got me a replacement frame under warranty. I sorted the chain-suck problems by outing the crap shimano 9spd stuff at eh front end & replacing it with MiddleBurn. No chain-suck problems to date. The Bontrager Wheels have put up with alot of abuse from my 230+lb weight, & still run true.....but they do have their problems. Within about 2 months of use, the black paint started to corrode, and I got a replacement set of rims sent, after a lot of hassle. They sent the wrong ones....& so by means of appology, they sent a complete set of wheels, which is kinda great......except I suspect that these will corrode/paint flake off, as the production method is wrong.....They paint the rims, them drill/punch the spoke holes out.....leaving raw edges waiting for water to get under......Also, in bearings/cones are shot, and I've had some new ones on order for about 5 weeks......I'm told there are non in the UK, HOW CAN THIS BE TRUE???!.I have a pair of Rolf Dolomite ATB wheels, that I've got a set of Specilized 26*1 slicks on....With such littlte rubber on the ground, and such a sweet frame...it flies on tarmac.The Avid brakes are a bit naff (They stop well, but under HARD breaking they rub on the side knobbles of the tire.....not norally a problem, but it shouldnt happen)All in all, I love the way the bike rides.......It climbs VERY well, gives me confidence when going down hill, & I can ride ot all day long when XC-ing..if only I could keep it running.....I guess I could loss about 20lbs of lard around my waist....but I'd rather the components were a bit more durable.5 hot chillies for the ride, less one for the aggro with trying to keep it running.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from OKC, Ok Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The frame, The price
Weaknesses:
Avid brakes and levers
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pulse Race
Bike Setup:
Stock except Thomson post, bontrager race lite bars, and saddle, XTR derailleurs, brakes and levers
Bottom Line:
After owning a Pulse Race for three years that I never had a minute of trouble with, this bike caught my eye at my Klein dealer and I knew I had to have it. I felt faster after the very first ride on the Attitude than I ever did on the Pulse. Maybe it is the Bontrager tires, or the 9 speed components, all I know is that I fly on this bike!!! The bike is a little heavy, for a Klein, but just the swaps that I listed above shaved almost a pound off of the bikes weight. The 99 9 speed components on this bike, even with a mix and match of low end LX and high end XTR have worked perfectly, I haven't even had so much as one episode of chainsuck, but from what I have read, the 9 speed stuff is really hit or miss when it comes to working properly. The paint does chip alot easier than it did on the Pulse, but who cares? You can always send them back to Klein for a repaint through the dealer. Overall, a great bike at a great price, which is exactly what you expect from Klein.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny Boy
a Weekend Warrior
from Leeds, UK Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere around Leeds
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Just about everything. Up hill and down dale, this bike makes me look like I know what I'm doing.
Weaknesses:
Grips didn't work with my hands (but that's only a personal gripe), front wheel (see later), paint job, though rather sexy, has chipped once or twice.
Similar Products Used:
Orange Gringo Orange P7
Bike Setup:
Stock, apart from a change to Yeti grips.
Bottom Line:
This is my first mountain bike and I have to say, I'm really impressed. It's light, fast and can take my considerably bulk (1.87m and 110Kg) without complaint. I did manage to buckle the front wheel on one of my first forays but that aside it's better than any other bike I've tried out. I get lots of admiring glances too (from enthusiasts and potential thieves alike). As I think one of the other reviewers said, this bike make's up for my lack of experience.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oak Creek, WI Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
greenbush
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very nice light frame, Descent stock components
Weaknesses:
Cheasy wheelset, Cheasy handlebars and stem, painfully underpadded grips
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
the bike im reviewing
Bottom Line:
This bike has an impressively light frame, descent stock components, but the crappy components can be easily replaced and this is a good bike for the money
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie
a Cross-Country Rider
from Defreestville, NY Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Still to be discovered
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Welds. Weight. Paint. Components for the money. Exclusivity. Stiffness. Paint. Understated, elegant apprearance.
Weaknesses:
For the money? You must be kidding!
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000, Gary Fisher Big Sur & Paragon, Kona MuniMula, Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Stock. Added Bontrager Mustang rims w/XT hubs & XT cassette for easy swap to road tires (Tioga City Slickers).
Bottom Line:
As an ex-roadie from long ago, I've just returned to biking after a fifteen year hiatus brought about by a motorcycle accident that claimed my left leg below the knee, partially paralyzed my right, and left me toting large quantities of titanium in my pelvis to hold everything together. Titanium is great for putting Humpty Dumpty back together again, but personally, I prefer Gary Klein's gradient aluminum for bike frames.Obviously, I am not a typical mountain biker, having purchased the bike for riding around the countryside with occasional forays onto well-packed trails. I am hoping to do more trail riding as I become more comfortable and start to scrape the rust off of my riding skills from years of inactivity, but for now I can't come close to the limits of this bike's capabilities.Given all of that, I can honesty say about the Klein: Wheeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!What a beautiful piece of metal. Artistry in aluminum. I spent way too much time researching and testing all of the bikes in my price range, and I was all set to purchase a Trek 8000.Then I saw the Klein. Then I read the lit. Then I rode it. Then I bought it. It is head and shoulders above anything else in its price range, if a prospective buyer is looking for an elegant, understated, (mature may be the best word), beautifully constructed and detailed bike that one can grow with in the future with confidence that the frame is worth any amount of money one may throw at it in upgrades.I am absolutely thrilled with the purchase; a feeling that is reinforced each time I ride it and each time I remind myself that I only paid $949 at my LBS for a '99.If you are looking for a bike in this price range and appreciate whispers more than screams; Gary Cooper and Laurence Olivier more than Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves; class more than crass, GET THIS BIKE!I plan to update this review in a few months after I've had a chance to break it -- and me -- in.But for now, five roasting red peppers (although I agree with the guy who says they look like flaming dead horses).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Cross-Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Joaquin Miller
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
amazing frame quality components price
Weaknesses:
avid 1.0 brakes and levers
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX 860
Bike Setup:
stock except XT V's, flat bar + ends
Bottom Line:
I had a Giant for a year with a stiff fork. Nice bike but I wanted something better. I spent a few months shopping around. I had always drooled over owning a Klein and when I saw this bike in my price range it was hardly a question as to whether I should get it or not. The very first time I rode it on the trails I was climbing hills I never thought I could. The bike accelerates like a cheetah and handles so well. I feel as of the bike is pulling me along the trails saying faster, faster I can go faster. it is almost scary. The other day i decided to try a new trail and ended up falling headfirst down a ten foot cliff. I slid along my stomach to a safe but battered landing. The bike whipped past me another twenty feet. The only scratch on the frame was where the brake lever hit the top tube. However the frame was not even dented and the metal was not exposed. After such an amazing performance i have to give it 5 flaming chilis
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Leeds, UK Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Pudsey area trails
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame. Weight. Looks. Ride.
Weaknesses:
Paintwork a bit delicate, but tape under the cables and no probs.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Gary Fischers & Orange around same price range.
Bike Setup:
Stock, but replaced riser bars with flats + bar ends (personal preference).
Bottom Line:
Easy the best hard tail bike for this money. Fantastic frame, good components, and very upgradable. Climbs like a mad thing and descends wonderfully. Love it to death. Buy one now.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JNB
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the one I am on
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Everything-- My favorite is how the frame is built, for example the head tubing (where the fork and handle bars insert) is designed so that it fattens to be flush with the top and bottom tube, also the chainstays are amazing-- of course who could miss the paint or the cool looking logos
Weaknesses:
Can't find any, still trying to beat this bike up to find them.....
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M900, Diamond Back Zetec, Haro, Gary Fisher Paragon
Bike Setup:
Right off the shelf, new xt brake levers
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike I have ever been on/ or seen. I have recently been getting back into intense riding as I did during college during the past six months since I got this bike (I dreamed of owning one during college after my zetec was stolen but couldn't afford it) and this bike makes me want to quit my job, move to colorado and ride forever. When I bought the bike I thought, what a great opportunity to get a cool frame and trick it out after these semi-adequate components die from my abuse (as the components of all my other bikes did quite easily, esp cannondales coda crap.) Well, after six months of serious abuse this bike has withstood all tests- I have only replaced the break levers in a cool downhill crash that wasted the old ones. The wheels surprise me the most- they are still true after 6 months and have only been trued twice. I am pissed because I wanted to waste all my dough getting new bad ass componentry, but this bike is so sweet that I haven't needed anything yet. I once thought that Cannondale was the coolest, but then found the truth . . . . . Klein rules, end of story
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Klein
a Racer
from Michigan Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
White Cloud
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiff rear Rapidfire Shifters Accelerates quickly Stiff but not too stiff Bontrager RE-I pedals
Weaknesses:
Fork almost too plush AVID brakes Heavy wheelset Riser Bar SDG seat
Similar Products Used:
Access custom Cannondale F-1000
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Comp SX-E fork (changing to SID) XTR Brakeset XTR Cranks, BB XTR Deraileur Bontrager Race HB's
Bottom Line:
Nice bike with a good price. It is very quick, responsive, and with a little changing, looks awesome. The frame is light and stiff and will stick around for many upgrades. I will have to give it 5 chilis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Wellington NZ Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Belmont Trig
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
The name, pose value, the ride, components
Weaknesses:
The frame; nice to ride but will not stand up to knocks.
Similar Products Used:
Steel DB Axis
Bike Setup:
Stock except swapped RS indy for Z2 bomber
Bottom Line:
Lovely bike in all respects, but should be sold with a warning Extemely thin tubing As long as you never fall off you should be ok, but mine even dented when a stone was thrown up from the front wheel. I originall thought that I would be upgrading the LX components, but they are holding up well after two years and approx 1000 miles of pure off-road. The frame is still going too, but for how much longer...Bottom line, if you ride hard, and occasionally tumble, this bike is not for you.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
some guy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999
Great bike.. except.. Swap out the bottom bracket right away, I had alot of trouble, creak, pop, snap, grind.. after 3 months.. then when I was replacing the BB, one crank arm seized on the spindle, so I ripped the threads on the crank using the park crank puller tool.. had to bang with hammer for 1 hour until it popped.. so, I have a new BB and replaced the LX arms with XT... I can't believe how they skimped on the BB, its a UN52 which is Alivio/STX/LX level.. the UN72 is only $20 retail.. I can't believe they didn't spec the UN72 on a $1200 bike.. Anyway, after that.. they really need a better chain slap protector, I used an old tire tube, wrapped it around like handlebar tape and closed the end with hockey tape, works great.. I don't care what people say, the SX-E is a fantastic fork.. it never bottoms out and isn't too mushy.. 9 speed .. its ok.. but I miss my 7 speed with XT thumb shifters... it worked about 10X better.. Anyway, this bike is perfect if you just swap a few of the cheaper parts out.. The USE seatpost is fantastic.. highly recommend it.. you will think your rear tire is flat the first few times you ride with it...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross-Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Any singletrack
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame, price, paint
Weaknesses:
Low end Klein??? Brakes, seatpost
Similar Products Used:
Klein Rascal, Klein Fervor, Trek 8900, Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
Basically stock except for XTR V brakes, Thomson seatpost, Selle Italia Flite Gel, XT cassette 34T low.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! I've owned three Kleins in the past and this bike is the best so far because the geometry is suspension specific. The older Kleins were designed with a rigid fork, and I slapped on a suspension fork. This Tude Comp is very agile and eats up singletrack. The fork is a lot stiffer and more supple than my old Mag 21. The back end has shorter chainstays than my Rascal and allows me to corner like a slot car. The stock Avid brakes were okay, but I wanted stronger V brakes and bought the XTR units and the bike stops on a dime. Seatpost and saddle changes are a personal preference. I swapped out the stock LX cassette with the XT cassette with the 34T low because I'm 220 and I live around a lot of steep long hills. This is my fourth Klein and definitely won't be my last.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilts, UK Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Quantocks
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame - lightning fast acc. Forks - Man SX-E (ok not adj but much better for heavier riders - compared with Jets). Climb anything gear ratios.
Weaknesses:
Cable routing rubs frame Fit a chainstay protector as chain slap is very heavy on this bike
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher HooKooEKoo
Bike Setup:
I hated the blue finish (personal pref) so I had a normal Attitude made up with the components from a comp
Bottom Line:
I thought there was'nt much difference between my fisher and this bike, until I completed my forst 50 mile ride, then got back on my hookoo and nearly fell off - This Klein is sooo plush and really nice at high speeds, climbs sooo well. I have to give it 5/5
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin D.
a Downhiller
from Mount Vernon, WA Date Reviewed: June 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all (i'm a slut too)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything!
Weaknesses:
THe only weakness on this bike is the LX front d.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pulse Comp. Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bottom line on this bike is that it just plainly kicks ass! It pays to look around to see what kind of deals you can get on it though. I think the retail for it is about $1,200 bucks or so, but i shopped around and got the price knocked down to 995.00! It climbs great, just knock it into an easy gear. lay down over your barends and pedal. I garantee you won't even break a sweat. (unless you're trying too.) I give this excellent product five flaming turd piles!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross-Country Rider
from Philly Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
No weaknesses
Weaknesses:
Refer to the strengths
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar, Avalanche Specialized S-Works Schwinn Homegrown Cannondale Kona Trek Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
RaceFace cranks, Manitou SXTi shock, Shimano747 clipless, Titanium rail saddle(smoothes out the bumps), Continental tires, Serfas grips.
Bottom Line:
Let's face it, we all want the best stuff on our bikes. For instance, I want a Chris King Headset, XTR derailleurs and shifters, custom built wheels with chris king hubs, a sealed bottom bracket, a titanium seat post, and full titanium hardware(skewers, spoke nipples, etc.). The bottom line is, unless you're sponsored or you have loads of cash, this stuff jsut is not necessary if you buy a bike like the Klein Attitude Comp. Hell, you could race this bike right off the showroom floor if you really wanted to. This is the fastest, most responsive bike I've ever ridden in this price range. I was lucky enough to get my Klein before Trek took over, so I got a beautiful frame. The area I live in has everything from technical singletrack to REAL rocky, super steep downhill and my Klein performs well all the way across the board. This bike is the best buy on the market; whether you're a cross country rider, weekend warrior, or beginner on the race circuit.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle WA Date Reviewed: June 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Handling. the frame is quick and responsive, a softer ride since they changed the chain stays to the current design, gotta love the lifetime warranty...been through 3 frames...in 10 yrs
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Have Ridden Kleins since 1989
Bike Setup:
White Brothers Shock, shimano 747 pedals, Chris King headset,CrossMax wheels
Bottom Line:
love the bike, climbs great and nimble as a mtn goat
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross-Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Iron Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lightweight frame, good components.
Weaknesses:
paint job (at least on mine; I'm getting ready to send it back to Klein to be repainted) top tube also bent; along with seatpost. Seatpost bolt broke on me 10 miles into a 14 mile ride. Had to ride the rest without seat.
Similar Products Used:
Paragon, Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Eats up singletrack and climbs like a goat! I can't ride it any faster. The best bike in this price range bar none. However, I'm not satisfied with the quality of the paint. Especially after reading about how great Klein's paint is. I give it five stars for rideability and take one away for the paint.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chelmsford, MA Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Greatbrook Farm
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame for sure! This is one stiff frame. Also, the Bontrager wheels and hubs are great.
Weaknesses:
Goofy Handlebars and rapid Fire Shifters
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Kaitai and Paragon.
Bike Setup:
Changed the handlebars to Bontrager flat bars and upgraded to XTR's front and rear DR's and GRIP-SHIFT PLASMA shifters.
Bottom Line:
I love this Bike! It climbs like a Billygoat and has the speed of a Cheetah! This bike is a great buy!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brenden
a Cross-Country Rider
from Derby, UK Date Reviewed: May 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
County Kerry, Ireland
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I can not put my love for this machine into words!!! The current trends for over-engineered playbikes or the power of Trek has finally allowed me to buy the bike that dreams were made of when I started off-road eight years ago. The only frame I've ridden that insists you accelerate up every possible incline due to the incredible power transfer.
Weaknesses:
One VERY BIG CONCERN. I had the bike built with a straight bar and found to my dismay that in the event of a crash there was a strong chance my brake levers would slice my top tube in half, maybe this is only a problem with the large size but if you plan to race with flat bars beware. To get around this I've fitted an X-Lite CC Riser bar, only 210g, made in the UK and it also sorted out my lower back problems.
Similar Products Used:
Looked at an Orange Gringo and a Rocky Mountain. Rode a Ritchey WCS frame for the last three years.
Bike Setup:
Original spec. except for rear tyre changed to a revolt semi-slick which suited my needs better. (and a riser bar, see weaknesses)
Bottom Line:
It's a Klein Attitude, like they say the man's an artist in aluminium.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leybowitz
a Weekend Warrior
from Lafayette, IN Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
The frame is stiff...makes me jealous. The Bontrager setup, too sweet. The looks, just like a blue pearl.
Weaknesses:
The fork is a tad rough...no damping adjustment.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Nx 7.1
Bike Setup:
Stock set up with XT derailleurs/shifters, LX crank, Avid 10s, Bontrager everything else and a Manitou SX-E fork
Bottom Line:
Jeez, bought this baby on a whim (more like the devil made me do it) and I took it out the same day. I was able to climb every hill like I was on a ski lift (couldn't do that before). I guarantee you'll be dreaming about this bike once you ride it. Klein is the shit.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AlfOve Braseth
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo Norway Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Nordmarka
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame, wheels
Weaknesses:
Don't like to scratch that lovely blue paint
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F700, Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Original components
Bottom Line:
Best bike at this price tag, the Cannondale is pretty close, but didn't like grp shift and the fatty fork
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Molly
a Cross-Country Rider
from Jim, Bob Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
This One
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
That horrible frame
Similar Products Used:
Claud Butler Merak, Penny Farthing.
Bike Setup:
As Supplied
Bottom Line:
ARSE! A complete let down. Not worth the money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: May 15, 1999
An absolutely great bike for the money that seems like such a steal. Awesome climbing power, very quick and responsive on single track, with a very good shock for a stock bike at this price level, in comparision with the Judy on my previous bike. Have owned or test ridden 6 or 7 brands, the klein has, by far, the nicest compromise between price and performance
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Bayonne, NJ Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Deleware Water Gap Area
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Awesome Paint Awesome Frame Amazing Finish Good Components
Weaknesses:
I feel bad thrashing that paint job in the mud. Never had that problem with my Giant.
Stock, upgraded to Shimano pedals, clipless on one side, regular on the other.
Bottom Line:
The best built, most beautiful, best equipped bike you can buy for 1000.00. It pays to shop around, I was going to buy one for 1200.00 and after a few phone calls found a shop that had my size in stock and was willing to sell for 999.95. This bike is for serious riders that don't need a lot of stickers on their bikes. Could this be the sleeper of the mountain bike world???
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Borden
a Cross-Country Rider
from Baltimore MD Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Frame, innovation, paint job, value
Weaknesses:
I know where the term hardtail comes from
Similar Products Used:
Test rode almost every other hard tail before choosing KLEIN
Bike Setup:
XTR rear, XT front, XTR brakes, Manitou SX-Ti, Ritchey pedals, Thomson post, original wheels (Bonty)
Bottom Line:
This review is for the '97 Pulse frame which is equivalent to the current Attitude. After 2 yrs. with the bike I can recommend Klein frame unreservedly. From my original Pulse Comp I've upgraded almost everything. I got the bike at the end of the '97 season for $575. Best bike money I've ever spent. I love the micro dropouts. I really can't criticize anything. Buy a KLEIN, you won't regret it. Incidentally I use Bontrager Revolt SS front, Panaracer Mach SK rear. Fast.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light and very stiff frame, good quality components. Begs to be climbed up hills fast - I need to upgrade my legs and lungs! Once I had the shock and tire pressures tuned it handles like a dream on the dry trails in the Bay area. Oh, and cool-looking too.
Weaknesses:
Brakes are just about adequare - but that's because I can go faster. Didn't handle so well in soft muddy conditions, but that's either my lack of skill or laziness in not changing the tire's rotational direction.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper '98 and '99 Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
Easily the best front-suspension bike on the market in the $1000 price range. I rode a '97 stumpjumper for 2 years, which was a great bike until stolen, but the Klein is much better.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Sutherland
a Cross-Country Rider
from Anacortes, WA Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Capitol Forest
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame Geometry Quality of build
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Specialized M2 Comp Trek 8000 Gary Fisher Paragon
Bike Setup:
Stock, went with flat bars chopped to 19.5
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike yesterday after doing quite a bit of research. I've been on single track all day and the biggest problem I have is that I have a whole new personal envelope to find. I was going so much faster with this ride that I scared myself. It climbs like it had a motor. I have a long torso so I like bikes with long top tubes. The specialized felt like a unicycle, the Trek was only slightly better, the Gary Fisher was real nice and had a great feel, but the Klein beat them all. No regrets, you can't go wrong.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ca Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
i Just reviewing to ofset that fag that give this product a one. Its obviously a good bike, since he is the only 1 to give it less than 5 stars.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
noene
Bike Setup:
jdkls
Bottom Line:
good bike
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan Shulman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Jericho, NY Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Stillwell
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike is fast!!I rode this thing all over the place. It descends really well, and climbs like a GOAT!!
Weaknesses:
It is a nice blue bike. I like the colors because they attract chicks, but in exchange i have to keep the bike clean from disease and uncleanly stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
Manitou Sx-E
Bottom Line:
Get a bike!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ceidw Owain a Gafodd
a Weekend Warrior
from Medford OR Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all, I'm a slut
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
The Frame: Nothing said Specs: Fair to Good
Weaknesses:
can't bring it down, ...well maybe the brakes
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000
Bottom Line:
This bike just Rocks, its a damn good bike at a damn good price.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronny
a Cross-Country Rider
from Memphis Tennessee Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tsali North Carolina
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame, Componets, wheels
Weaknesses:
None that I know of yet probably will upgrade to xt or xtr at a later date after wear and tear
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000, 8500 Gary Fisher and did alot of research
Bottom Line:
This is my second real Mt bike. I have upgraded from a Trek 930 which I kept for a beater. I got the bike before Christmas and have only ridden it sparingly due to the weather, riding my Trek in the muck.In the last month or so I have really run it through the muck and it comes out like a champ. I raced in my first race of the year and was very well pleased. The frame is light and responsive, the shifters never failed, I like the Crowbars, and the shock is great compared to my pervious bike. I have recomended the bike to eveyone that I know that is looking for a bike in that $$$$$$$ range and recomend the Klien to the ones of higher priced pocket books. The bike shop employes at Bikes Plus own them also( Adroit race) and they are loving them also. I can't say enough about it and what a paint job( LOOKING GOOD IS 95% OF ANYTHING)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AMC139
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, Fl Date Reviewed: April 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
My old Stumpjumper was stolen about 2 years ago . Driving around I stopped into a bike shop just to look around . A swee silver finish Zaskar cought my eye , I had seen the attitude but when I saw the pricetag I asked no questions, slipped out my credit card and walked out with best bike I have ever ridden . Bottom line, this bike is basically flawless, if you are willing to spend $900 dish out the extra cash and get it, and if you are willing to spend $1500 get it and save your self the $400 dollars .
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott T
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
POTO near Ann Arbor, MI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame, wheels
Weaknesses:
Anything LX.. but you gotta cut corners somewhere for a deal like this!
Similar Products Used:
Other bikes
Bike Setup:
Stock, recently replaced Crow-bar with raceface flat bar.
Bottom Line:
Best frame and paint job available for the money, the frame is worth the retail price alone! I recently raced this bike in San Antonio, now that was a mud fest!! The anti-chainsuck device came in handy. All the components worked great, a few ghost shifts towards the end, but with about 15 extra pounds of mud covering me, the chain, derailleur, and LX shifters .. I'll say it performed outstanding.. I like the Bontrager Crowbar, very comforable for 2 hour + rides, but for racing I think I prefer the flat bar.. steering seems just a tad quicker.. I still can't believe how well these wheels are holding up.. and I haven't even brought them in yet to be re-tensioned... If the bontrager Race wheels that come with the Attitude race are rated stronger, they must be absolutely bulletproof... This is a great bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross-Country Rider
from Hayward, Ca Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Weight, Frame, Components (for the money), Price
Weaknesses:
Have not found any yet. I'll keep looking, but I don't think that I'm gonna' find anything that I don't like about this bike!
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bottom Line:
I have taken the Attitude Comp up and down about every type of trail in the area and it has blown me away with its handling, smoothness of ride and all around ability to blast me up or down whatever I steer it into. I just did an 18 mile C/C ride through Half Moon Bay, Ca. I took this thing through standing water up to my crank set and carried off a few cubic yards of swamp on me and the bike, but I never had to put a foot down or stop to pick out the mash. I rode on the edge of sea cliffs and down gullies that peds fear, and I attribute a good deal of the fun that I had to the bike. I spun, but it got me through it all! What I still lack in skill, it compensates with design. What a bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe
a Cross-Country Rider
from cali Date Reviewed: March 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
I'm just posting this too help the Klein's average since this dude from hell obviously has some serious problems. This bike is very nice and it's obvious from the real reviews. Scroll down past this dude from hell to read the reviews.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Kamakura City JAPAN Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very stiff and Very responsive ride. Excellent workmanship and good componets for the price.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent bike for the money. Being 6'4 200lbs. and an agressive rider I feel this bike ( XLframe ) can take all I can dish out. I may upgrade the shock at a later point. The crowbar suits me fine. Can't wait until my next ride! Lot's of bike for the money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert jamieson
a Weekend Warrior
from london Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
Trying to stop that #@$hole (you know who) from ruining the sacred klein name. But I have tested this bike and what I have seen, I like.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Borden
a Cross-Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
Lack of bar ends
Similar Products Used:
Most of the others
Bottom Line:
The present Attitude line is equivalent to the Pulse line of two years ago. The new Adroit frame is equivalent to the Attitude frame of two years ago. If you picked up a 97 Attitude frame on sale at the beginning of 98, you made an astute buy indeed. I own a 97 Pulse Comp which I got on sale and have upgraded as follows, XT front derailleur and crankset, XTR rear derailleur and brakes/levers, Icon stem and bar ends and Manitou SX Ti shock. Awesome hardtail. The frame is indestructible; I weigh 245. The only thing, I wish I'd gotten the 97 Pulse RACE frame (exact same frame) because of its awesome fire-engine red color. You don't see many but is it ever a head turner. Klein is a great bicycle company.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mitch
a Weekend Warrior
from bedford Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Don't know
Weaknesses:
Don't know
Similar Products Used:
Trek, GT.
Bottom Line:
I'm gonna get a new bike this spring and just because of Burning in Hell's rabid and ignorant reviews, I'm gonna bake sure I check out this bike. He may be the best advertising that they have right now. I agree with Studly. How do you own a brand new 1999 bike for 3 years?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Studly
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
I'm just equalizing the review because the idiot below doesn't understand that you can't own a current year bike for 3 years. DUH dumbass, it's numbnuts like you who ruin this site.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tricky troy
a Cross-Country Rider
from south dakota Date Reviewed: March 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
let me start out first by stating that the fella below me should go *#%* himself and give a little constructive criticism on the '99 frame instead of critiquing a product that he has had for 3 years....HELLO mcfly, this is a '99 frame, how could you have had it for 3 years? anyway my friends, i just wanted to say that this frame, and the rest of the bike for that matter, is amazing. i did so much research on bikes to pick a winner after i got my last bike stolen (rot in he#% you bloodsucking bast#@%s, luckily my local police station is hot on the trail). i narrowed the frames down to cannondale, trek, gf, and klein, with klein just blowing the competition away for this price range. the components are just right for my riding habits too, i ride both on and off road and singletrack when me and the boys get to get out of this flat territory. the fork is very plush, it handles downhill with no problems at all. my only change to the bike was the swapping out of the handlebar for a flat one instead of the stock. once i get some barends on this baby, she will be complete. fellas, klein is the way to go...no more questions. there wasn't anyway to give this baby 10 chilis so i guess 5 will have to do!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A guy
a Weekend Warrior
from Hell Date Reviewed: March 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
There aren't any strengths. This bike just sucks.
Weaknesses:
Frame, components, warranty, THIS BIKE SUCKS!!!!
Similar Products Used:
SPECIALIZED, GT, CANNONDALE, JAMIS, KONA, LITESPEED, MOOTS, MONGOOSE. AND THEY ARE ALL BETTER
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE SUCKS
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt grey
a weekend warrior
from coralville, ia Date Reviewed: March 13, 1999
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, the frame is extremly light and the look is great. I pretty much bought the bike for the frame, and i'll upgrade the average components later. This is my first bike of any quality and i'm very pleased with it. I'm unsure of the strange seat placement(way back on the post), still trying to work out the fit. Just went through my serious amount of mud today, and it faired extremely well. I will update after a couple of months of riding.by the way, it sucked waiting six weeks for it to arrive.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Bergen
a weekend warrior
from OMAHA, NE Date Reviewed: March 7, 1999
Bottom Line:
THIS IS MY SECOND NEW KLEIN PURCHASE IN FIVE MONTHS.I THINK I CAN SAFELY SAY KLEIN ROCKS. THE PAINT IS BEAUTIFUL, WELDS ARE PERFECT, COMPONENTS WORK GREAT AND THE PRICE WAS RIGHT TO. AN UNEXPECTED SUPRISE WAS THE PEDALS, THEY WORK GREAT WITH MY SHIMANO CLEATS.I HAD BEEN RIDING 95 XTR COMPONENTS AND FIGURED THE XT-LX WOULD BE A DROP-OFF IN PREFORMANCE. WRONG! NO FLAWS I CAN SEE. P.S., MY OTHER KLEIN IS A ROAD BIKE. WE CAN'T ALL BE PERFECT!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a weekend warrior
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
Well, after 3 hard rides and 2 crashes, I can safely report on the new bike. Really outstanding! I'm riding the XL frame, which fits perfectly being 6'4. The big frame is still rather light, with the whole bike weighing in just a hair under 26lbs. I had my doubts about the bontrager crow-bar at first.. but after riding, I must say I'm a convert.. or at least until I get some of those new grips you can remove with an allen key.. then I'll be swapping bars frequently depending on the trail.. Also, I've been damn hard on the wheels, being 200lbs and liking drop-offs and bunnyhopping.. and they have held up amazingly well.. the back wheel is still perfect (32h) kudos to the wheel builder or machine..., the front (28h) has a small wobble.. which is probably from my first crash.. I did a superman bit when I hit a bad sink-hole in a stream crossing.. Some upgrades I did right away are a Raceface seat-post and avid rollamajig.. and I'm extremely happy with the entire bike with the current setup.. Also, I didn't think I'd be that impressed with the 9 speed cogs (drilled!), (moving from a 7 .. remember that?) but actually, its super nice.. you never run out of gears.. in either direction.. I have yet to shift into the big or small ring in front... One thing I do recommend is protecting your tube with the chain above it.. (do we call that a chainstay perhaps?) I used ancient chinese trick of wrapping a 1/4 piece of tire tube (one punctured about 12 times), around the alu-tube like handlebar wrap.. and using hockey tape at either end to make it stay.. works (and looks) grrrreat!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999
Bottom Line:
I use to own a Klein Rascal. The bike was perfect. After a few years in my search for the perfect bike I replaced it with a Merlin. The Merlin was an exceptional bike, but the Klein was better. I later got married and eventually sold the Merlin. It's been three years since I rode. I just bought a new bike. Guess what I bought? The Attitude Comp. Kleins have an amazing ride. Up hills the bike disappears under you. It flies. Downhill it yearns to go faster. In fact, the faster the better the ride. Point and shoot. It eats singletrack for breakfast. In my final search for the perfect bike the Klein has it all. A no nonsense ride. The one thing that makes the icing on the cake is the beautiful paint job which is tough to mar. Klein is the ride and will always be my ride from now on.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a cross-country rider
from Richmond, Virginia Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999
Bottom Line:
The 1999 Attitude COMP is an COMPetent machine for severe technical climbs and fast XC riding. Steering is very fast and light. My med. frame Klein weighs 21 pounds; 3 less than Cannondale or GT. The 9sp XT is crisp; other LX components work fine. Avid 10 brakes are huge improvement over cantis. Bontrager hubs/rims/tire make for extremely light wheels. Bottom bracket height must be low as crank arms hit ground more often than with old bike. Manitou SXe fork is okay for Virginia single-track, but may prove inadequate in rougher terrain as there is no external dampening adjustment. This bike is a bargain at $1200.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Huey
a
from weekend warrior Date Reviewed: January 16, 1999
Bottom Line:
Got my bike for x-mass but early.The bikes paint job is a work of art.At high the bike handles like a dream.Sprint is great and trail riding too.My only complaint would be the stock handle bars.I change them with flat bars and bar ends. The frme is everything you could ask for in that price range and more.I tried just about every bike in the same price range and the clear winner was the klein. The weight was less and the handle was great.It's a good bike all around.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a cross-country rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: January 6, 1999
Bottom Line:
Got the Attitude Comp for Christmas after a year of researching bikes. I narrowed my choices down to the Attitude, Fisher Paragon, and Trek 8000. After riding them all, the Klein was the clear choice. The frames, welds, etc. of the others just didn't compare. Neither did the ride. Awesome bike with good components. Rides like a dream. Great price, too. This Klein is a 10.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a cross-country rider
from United Kingdom Date Reviewed: December 30, 1998
Bottom Line:
Pure joy! The bike is beautiful to look at and handles like a dream. Nice blend of LX/XT in the drivetrain & gears, the changing is swift and clean. The ride is superfast and responsive. It allows you to climb steeper, harder, faster and allows you to fly on the descents. It eats singletrack for breakfast if your brave enough. Fork is competent but can be upgraded. I went for flat bars and ski -bend bar ends on mine for a longer riding position. Bontrager components are very nice. Brakes were immediately replaced by XTs as the Avids lacked enough bite. If you have this bike then there is no excuse for not gettng out in the Dales or Lakes or Peaks every weekend. Only thing is it bought tears to my eyes seeing that slick paint-job getting covered in muck & grime, Use furniture polish on the frame before you go out. It cleans up s treat.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jud
a cross-country rider
from Philly Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
After years of riding a Grove Innovations custom bike, I decided to defect to a Klein Attitude...excellent choice! The component group wasn't bad (Although I replaced it all with XT/XTR stuff) and the bike handles like it's on rails. I have had more fun on this bike in the 3 weeks I have owned it then I ever did on my Grove.
Overall Rating:
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