Submitted by
jeffrey kern
a Cross Country Rider
from trout lake,wa98650 Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt. adams. sleeping beauty
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
hood river ,oregon mv bike
Strengths:
Even for a used bike, I would take this 99' kline anywhere! I love the frame dementions,smooth ride components are great,this bike just fits me great!
Weaknesses:
Break down isnt the smoothest that I have had, ie pulling wheels to leave for the day, but for a 23lbs. bike its no prob, after the break down to get it on any rack.
best six hundred bucks ever spent!!! matter a fact I would still pay 1200.00 or more.....used just a awsome bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Fridriksson
a Downhiller
from Iceland Date Reviewed: March 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
orninn hjol h/f
Strengths:
Stiff, light, climbs very well, looks nice, outstanding frame. I like the black and red color, makes it hardcore!
Weaknesses:
The "bike" has no weakness other than the Manitou SX lock out. It works well when it works, but most of the time it´s stuk in lock-out or you can not set it in lock-out.
Similar Products Used:
I work at a Klein, Trek and Gary Fisher dealer shop! So you name it!
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I work at a bike shop and of all the expensive bikes we sell Kline is the best!
I bought this bike 5 years ago and competeid on this bike for 3 years so it is very much used, but it looks only like 1 yeas old!! The bike never let me down!!
If you are a XC rider, Kline is for you!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Bjaerke
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Nordmarka, Oslo
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Sykkeldelisk, Oslo
Strengths:
Light, stiff and beautiful. Parts work flawlessly together.
Weaknesses:
Bontrager Race wheels, LX parts of the drivetrain could be lighter, lighter tires/tubes? Slightky heavy fork (Manitou SX)
Similar Products Used:
Miyata Elevation 10.000 (carbon/XT)
Bike Setup:
XT/517/DT DB/superlight tubes/Ritchey Speedmax Alpha/Omega WCS wheelsets, Sharkfin, Tranz X short barends, XTR brakepads.
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best climbing bikes there is, with a compact, agressive geometry (I even use the Medium size for all my 6ft1. Nice shifting but the brakes could be better (planning on XTR v-brakes for weight's sake). Fork is fully adjustable with the nice lock-out lever for sprints. I've had plenty of paint chips from gravel coming off the front wheel, though, but it's easily covered since it's black. It's a little shaky on tough descents, maybe has got something to do with the 70 mm fork. A very nice starting point for upgrades (fork, wheels, drivetrain, brakes). And I love the SDG seat, even if it's cheap! Excellent for climbing, technical terrain and sprints (w/ lock-out).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JC
a Weekend Warrior
from Bend, Oregon Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Helicopter Pad
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1595.00
Strengths:
Some decent components, weight, price was great since I worked a deal. Climbs nicely.
Weaknesses:
The paint. My nephew could have put on a better paint job with his water colors than Klein did. I ride this bike mainly on mellow up hill/cross country rides since I have a GT 1.0 for my bombing sessions and it really gets minimal use but I can't believe the amount of paint chips. After owning the bike for a couple of months, the frame looked like it was 10 years old. The LX cranks and BB. The bontrager pedals busted after 3 months (1 of them anyway) and I switched those out. I guess they had a problem with them and they will be replaced free of charge if your LBD has any pull. I was not privy to this and had to pay. The seat is garbage. Why switch to external cable routing? I think the 2000 or 2001 went back to internal. The lock out front suspension is really useless. Why would you ever want to lock it out?
Bottom Line:
I would not reccomend this bike. Klein has been living of it's past reputation and has let it's quality go south on it's newer frames/bikes. There are plenty of other motivated, hungry bike manufacturers out there who are innovative and quality conscious. Klein is slipping I'm sorry to say.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dominic
a
from Madison, WI USA Date Reviewed: March 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
stiff and light:)
Weaknesses:
paint chips where the cables are routed around the headtube. do yourself a favor and either monitor this area and get it repainted if necessary since Klein offers a year warranty on the paint(like I did this winter) or buy some ski saver and wrap it if you really like your paint
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Paragon
Bike Setup:
Full XT, King headset, raceface XY post and air alloy bar, Thomson Stem
Bottom Line:
Great frame, super quick, flies up the inclines, stiff and solid. Raced it last year and have already stuck some miles on it this year. Still love it. Replaced all the stock parts and customized it a bit to lighten it up and fit me better. Anyway if you like your paint protect it, and other than that..no worries. Buy the Klein.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO, USA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Westside Schwinn
Strengths:
Light and stiff frame, fast, surprisingly good at climbing up gnarly technical terrain. Seems to handle and track well on the descents. The big sky blue color looks yummy and the price is also reasonable. Extra large size weighs only 23 lbs. once most components were upgraded. The stock fork (Manitou Mars) is very light – keep it. Makes a good road bike in the winter as well -- just swap out the wheel set with a road specific setup.
Weaknesses:
Some of the components should be upgraded once the bike is purchased. The paint chips and scratches easily. Get rid of that stock UN52 bottom bracket and use it as a barbell. I wouldn’t recommend this bike for heavy people or clones that like to do big drops – the frame is somewhat fragile.
Similar Products Used:
Previous bike was a GT Zaskar LE. I’ve found this bike to be faster on the road but have not had the chance to compare the two on my favorite Colorado big climbs. I’m assuming the Klein will result in better times.
Bike Setup:
Year 2000. Stock fork, shifters, levers, stem, and Front Derailleur. Everything else has been upgraded. Race Face BB, cranks, rings. Bontrager Valiant wheel set. Chris King headset to be installed shortly.
Bottom Line:
One of the best hard-tails out there. I highly recommend this bike for anyone that likes climbing and riding fast cross-country. I’ve only been to Moab once with this bike but was surprised by its performance on Poison Spider. It definitely out-performed my Zaskar, which I rode the last time I did that ride. Again, I was surprised at how well it performed technically. Perhaps, the geometry is superior to my previous bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmong, VA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great light-weight frame with good components for the price.
Weaknesses:
Frame is inherently weak at the right-side rear drop out.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, GT
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike new in January 1999. After a year of moderate use the right-rear chain stay broke at the drop out. Upon closer examination, it appears that Klein, in the interest of producing a replaceable derailer hanger, halved the thickness of the drop out and put a bolt-hole through this high-stress part for which to bolt the hanger. The quick-release skewer nut holds the two parts together in a sandwich. For 2000, Klein has changed the design and eliminated the replaceable hanger. If you are considering a used 1999 versus a 2000, spend the extra money for a 2000 or make sure you have warranty coverage for the 1999. If any LBS is trying to sell a 1999 frame, say "no thanks".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Cupertino Date Reviewed: January 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The frame
Weaknesses:
Some of the components
Bike Setup:
Component upgrades: XTR brake levers, Avid Arch Supreme brakes, Onza bar ends, UN-72 BB, XT chainrings, XTR chain, XT cassette, Thompson seatpost, Selle Italia Flite saddle, and a Salsa brake booster (for rear brakes)
Bottom Line:
When I first bought this bike, it suffered from terminal chain suck (when the chain fails to shift from the middle chainring to the small one properly, and jams against the frame.) There was also a lot of noise coming out of the crank.
I was quite upset, but my LBS and Klein did what was necessary to solve these problems. To get rid of the chain suck it was necessary to replace the LX chainrings with XT rings, and replace the chain with the Dura-Ace/XTR chain. I have not had a single instance of chaing suck since replacing most of the LX components in the drivetrain with XT. My bike also came off the showroom floor with bad bearings in one of the RE-1 peddles, so they got replaced as well.
I felt the modulation I was getting from the Avid 1d 20 V-brakes the bike came with was unsatisfactory and I did not like the brake levers either, so I upgraded these components (see bike setup above) and am experiencing vastly superior braking control now.
I am happy with the Manitou shock that comes stock on the bike. I use the lockout for climbing fire roads frequently and the shock is extremely adjustable.
I replaced the semi-slick tires too of course, and am now running a Panaracer Fire up front, and a conti-xc in back.
The bottom line is that the frame is fantastic - the first time I rode a klein bike, I knew I had to have one. It is stiff in those ways that it should be, without losing flexibility in other ways that are desirable. I know that some people don't like aluminum hard-tails because they are too stiff. Not this one - it is a tough thing to explain!
I probably would not be so happy however if my LBS (Chain Reaction in Cupertino, CA) and Klein had not done everything necessary to make this a silent and smooth running machine.
The bottom line is that I love to ride this bike - looking out the window at the Santa Cruz Mountains..... I think I will go riding right now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bav Bavis
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambridge, UK Date Reviewed: January 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Amazing Frame Excellent Wheels and components
Weaknesses:
Rear facing dropouts, maybe?
Similar Products Used:
Marin Muirwoods Trek 7000 Trek 8500
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I wanted a fast light weight hardtail as an upgrade on my 98 Marin Muirwoods. The Attitude is amazing, I tried several bikes at about the £1000 mark and the Klein simply felt better than any of the others. Originally I was going to get the Attitude Comp but finally decided to pay the extra money and get the Race.
It's obviously much lighter than my Marin and it handles alot better, this bike climbs really well and I can take corners much faster than I could on the Marin. The components are all first class. The Manitou SX forks are easily adjustable and soak up the bumbs without being too bouncy, you don't notice they are there (just as it should be). My only complaint is the rear facing dropouts take a little getting used to when removing the rear wheel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Dockery
a Racer
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: October 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Centennial Campus
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, stiff, handles great, new replacable hanger and its made by KLEIN
Weaknesses:
Paint is very easy to scratch and a choice of color would be nice.
Similar Products Used:
All major bikes
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-Ti, full XT, Rolf wheel set, and Easton post, bar and stem
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks %@$## butt. I had a 96 Pulse Comp and decided to buy the 99 Attitude when they introduced the replacable dropout a smart upgrade. I purchased only the frame so I could choose different components. I train on some of the rootest and most technical trails around and have not had any trouble except for the paint. I race most weekends and have put the bike through the test. It out climbs and out corners the competion and is a true racing machine. I give it five jalapinos.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
race me
a Racer
from england Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Stiff, fast.....
Weaknesses:
It Breaks.....
Similar Products Used:
Dean Oscar, 98 Attitude race, several y2k bikes.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Good, but flawed. It handles beatifully, goes real quick. But the frame snaps. I know of 6 frames that have snapped. They all have snapped in the same place: the rear driveside dropout. The bolt for the mech hanger is in completely the wrong place, leaving very little metal to take the loadings from the rear wheel. The frames all snap around this bolt. The riders who use these bikes are not heavy (XC racers). I weigh 10 stone, and the paintwork had started to crack around this bolt at the end of the season- I only used the bike for races. Also, the brakes aren't too hot- get 'em changed! I had a Attitude race lat year (when they were built nice, with internal cables), and that was excellent.3 flaming chilis, cos its good. If it doesn't snap.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Racer
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: August 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
camp Fortune
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It's a Klein! Bontrager all over.
Weaknesses:
Again it's only the paint.
Similar Products Used:
Almost everything. I work at a bike store.
Bike Setup:
Still stock.
Bottom Line:
I first wanted a Klein in the early 1990's and have not been able to afford one until now. I was originally going to buy an Attiude comp as it represented amazing value for the bike of my dreams. Alas as everyone knows Klein ran out of mediums. So I found the extra cash and got the race. Knowing what I know now about this bike I realize what an improvment on the Comp it is component wise. If you are looking at buying an Attiude comp look no further but if you are deciding between a Comp and a Race spend the cash. The frame is as stiff as I ever hoped and climbing is now more fun than a chore as I pass racers on lesser bikes. Five out of Five no questions!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: August 14, 1999
I bought this bike after reluctantly giving up my old Cannondale. Tried my wife's new Klein Attitude Comp and decided that it ROCKED! I would have bought the same bike but store was out of Attitude Comp's and also didn't want 2 of the same bike. Tested and bought the Attitude Race--gave the wheels to my wife and kept my old Crosslinks. Overall, this bike is sweet with good build quality and excellent ride characteristics. The only downfall is the paint-job that scratches too easily. If you can find an Attitude Comp and switch out the rear derailler for XTR and get some Mavic Crossmax wheels you may end up with a better bike with a better paint job for a similar price.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Goh Kee Joon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bukit Timah/ Rifle Range Road
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very stiff frame. Geometry idel for climbing/ descending.
Weaknesses:
Lacquer could have been thicker. Much thicker, the way they used to.
The geometry of the bike is somewhat ideal for both road and off road riding. I am 1.75m high, 85kg and am riding a Medium. I have no problem with the fit. A truly FAST bike. Responsive stiff and light.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phat guy
a Weekend Warrior
from Possum Trot, Arkansas Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Camp Robinson
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Strong Frame Black looks kewl
Weaknesses:
Cheap Componets
Similar Products Used:
Mantra
Bike Setup:
X-Vert Fork Sex Saver Saddle 636 pedals Arch Supreme Brakes Michelin Hot SS tires XT everywhere else.
Bottom Line:
I had a Mantra and got sick of the creaks and pops of full suspension life. I am 6.2 and weigh a hefty 230. Full Suspension bikes cant take that much weight for very long. This is a good frame as far as I can tell. I wanted a titanium frame but it was going to cost $1600 and this frame was only $900. Besides, my LBS swaped with me even (frames) If you are a big guy looking for a tough frame, this might be the ticket. Oh Yea, I am climbing much better with this ride and as far as sprinting goes, (was that you I just passed?)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA Date Reviewed: July 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Lightweight, construction and finish, handling, available x-small frame
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Mt Tam, Big Sur, Ziggurat
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
After months of test riding mountain bikes, the Klein Attitude would have been my first choice were it not for a great deal on a '98 Gary Fisher Mt Tam. The components are comparable, but I think the Klein has a better frame. In the end I opted for the Mt. Tam because it was less expensive, and the Genesis geometry seemed to fit me slightly better. The x-small frame of the Klein seems to fit my wife just great however!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gaz
a Cross-Country Rider
from scotland Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
handling
Weaknesses:
the paint marks easily
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
XTR,XT groupset,Hope pro series brakes,White Brothers sc70ul forks
Bottom Line:
This bike is the dogs bollocks,buy one . Handles far better than my old GT Avalanche. The paint marks a bit too easily but at the end of the day it's an off-road bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from New York City Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
2nd Ave. bet. 59th and Houston (well, most used anyway)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, stiff frame Bontrager Race wheelset
Weaknesses:
Paint knicks too easily
Similar Products Used:
Several hardtails in the $1k range
Bike Setup:
Out of the box; added a Specialzed sex saver saddle
Bottom Line:
Discerning downhillers/racers can take this review or leave it, as I am a heavy urban rider who hits trails on the weekend. Since this sight was instrumental in guiding my purchase, I figure I owe a review. I actually put down a deposit on an Attitude Comp, but then the warehouse was out, so my bike shop offered to split the difference on a Race. Lucky me, I got a bargain on my dream machine. My goal was a light, stiff rocket that would reward my increasing courage on trails with hotshot performance. I definitely got it. The Klein frame is incredibly stiff and responsive, so much so that I've really had to lighten my touch. My old, Cro-Moly frame had definitely softened, so now I'm in heaven. I love the Bontrager Race wheelset, and the revolt tires are great for what I do. I used to switch between slicks and knobbies, but now I'll just ride these into the ground and then get new ones. Climbing and control are more improved than I thought possible just from getting a new bike. Kids are all looking at my bike and thinking, ok, but can you do anything with it, a definite motivator. 5 flaming rats from a guy who got more than he deserves. Many thanks to Midtown Bicycles on 9th Ave., a great shop wth great people.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buzz
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Climbing. Nimble handling. Tracks well on decents. Front suspension.
Weaknesses:
Component package.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Selle Italia Gel Flite saddle and a 150mm stem.
Bottom Line:
It's true what all the other reviews say about this bike's climbing capabilities. Acceleration on any type of uphill is smooth and instantaneous. It makes you feel 10 pounds lighter!!! The descents are just as nice. Point the bike and it goes exactly where you command it to go. 'm 6'2 and approx. 200lb rider. The frame easily handles the load without any noticeable frame flex when out of the saddle. The lock-out on the front fork is a nice feature. The frame fit in the XL frame is probably as good as it can get without getting a custom made frame, although the fit is at the maximum limits. Have your bike dealer install a 150 mm stem for a better fit.My only knock on this bike are some of the low end components that Klein puts on the frame to make the bike fit in the under $2,000 category. The seat probably cost Klein seven dollars, the LX crankset etc. Truth is, however, that everything functions nicely, so component replacement will not buy you any better performance. Although if you have the extra money you should take a serious look at the Adroit frames. All this being said, this is a great bike and a decent value for the money. I've ridden the Attitude Race for two and a half months in just about every possible setting and condition (fast and steep fireroads, singletrack, streams, roads). I'm still searching for the bike's outer limits.... Yeah, five flaming chilis - no doubt.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ralston Boy
a Racer
from Michigan Date Reviewed: May 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
VASA Network
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light for the price, Stiff, climbs like a rabid gazelle, decent components, good wheelset and fork.
Weaknesses:
None period.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Mythos rear tire and System Hex grips.
Bottom Line:
If you want a truly race ready bike that won't cost you a forture and will last for more than a couple of rides you cant beat Klein frame, Bontrager components, and a Manitou fork.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian M. Boerner
a Cross-Country Rider
from Merrimack, NH Date Reviewed: May 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Climbs like a GOAT. Front Fork Nice components for the price range. WEIGHT!!!
Weaknesses:
LX Crankset/BB Klein Availability Problems.
Similar Products Used:
Attitude Comp
Bottom Line:
This bike goes up hills like it is it's going to be it's last one. It just keeps getting better and better. If you can get ahold of one, grab it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Gersib
a Racer
from Boulder, Colorado Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999
I own 3 santa cruz-made Bontrager hardtails.Trek OCLV
Bike Setup:
I'm on the stock frame/fork. Upgraded the wheels to Bonti RaceLite, the cassette and BB to XT, the handlebar to Bonti RaceLite, the saddle to Bonti FS, the brakes/levers to Avid Arch Supreme/SD Ultimate. Added a Tamer Carbon XL suspension seatpost
Bottom Line:
A superb racing bicycle. Climbs well. In tight singletrack, I prefer my Bontragers, but they're a product of their environment (Santa Cruz). Very stable when bombing down rocky descents, especially since I added the Tamer suspension seatpost. I wiped out hard on Porcupine Rim in Moab, and put a small dent in the top tube (from a rock). It's in a good spot (if there is one for a dent in a frame), so I'm not too worried about it. Pretty thin tubing though. I guess that's why it's light, 'eh? Originally, I thought that I liked my Bontrager geometry better than the Klein, but am starting to think that the Klein would be a handful if it was as steep as my Bonti. The Bontis have some top tube flex that moderates the quick front end, the Klein doesn't have this luxury. The Klein layout on my XL frame is very close to a Fisher Genesis bike. Very long top tube, short stays, great climber, stable descender. My only complaint is cosmetic. The paint isn't up to normal Klein standards (they know about this, and it bums them out too). My bike has several scratches in it from gravel coming off the tires, which shouldn't happen on a bike of this quality. The craftsmanship of the frame is impeccable though. I was up at Klein a couple of weeks ago, and was amazed at what I saw. You might think that Klein is a mega company, being owned by Trek and all, but it's really still a pretty small shop off of a gravel road in the country outside Chehalis. The proprietary equipment that is used to build these bikes shows a level of thought and detail that borders on obsession. Maybe even crosses the line. They ride their bikes, and it shows.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arran Stoy
a Cross-Country Rider
from London, England Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
BoxHill
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
The Attitude Race is one of the best bikes on the market. Its super light and super fast.
Weaknesses:
The factory components could be better. I upgraded mine to XT-XTR, saves even more weight!
Bottom Line:
The Attitude Race is one of the best bikes on the market. Its super light and super fast. Compoenets could be better I upgraded mine to XT-XTR saves weight and meakes it supper fast through the gears. What else can I say a super bike with a dream bike upgrade potentiall in the future. BUY ONE!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a racer
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999
Bottom Line:
I just picked up a new 99' Attitude Race. Switch out LX shifters and Front Derailer for XTR components. Swithced crankset and bottom bracket out with Race Face components. This bike kicks ass to say the least. Awsome frame. It climbs like no other bikem it is so tight, anyone who has ever owned or riden a klein knows why they are the best. This bike not only looks sweet, expecially with the Red anodized race faced Crakset, it performs too. I have take in to Moab, Ut this past week and this thing performed. Agile and responsive. This is my third Klein Bike I have owned and I have been extremely happy with every one....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Gersib
a racer
from Boulder, Colorado Date Reviewed: January 25, 1999
Bottom Line:
Just got my new Attitude Race about a week ago. I'd have to say that it's pretty darn sweet. The frame exhibits the amazing craftsmanship that I've come to expect from Klein (I also have a Mantra). Climbing is amazing. It literally rockets up hills. On downhills though, it isn't as harsh as I might have expected. Don't get me wrong, it's still aluminum, but it isn't too harsh at all.(FYI-I weigh about 155lb.)The components are good for a bike at this price, especially when you consider that the frame is a major investment in itself. The Avid brakes are good stoppers, the Manitou fork is x-tra plush, especially if you remove the plastic spacer below the topout bumper. That way you'll have the full 80mm of travel that Answer designed into this fork. I've had some issues with the MRD lockout lever, but have worked those out, thanks to the friendly folks at Answer. Special mention to the fine Bontrager pedals. Amazingly easy to enter, full shimano cleat compatibility, no accidental release, good stuff. The only thing I don't like is the LX crank and LX bottom bracket. Those will be replaced soon, though. Call me a snob, but an LX crank is an eyesore on this beautiful frame.If I had to do it all over again, I'd get this bike again. You could certainly do worse than the Attitude Race, that's for sure!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Evans
a cross-country rider
from Fredericksburg VA Date Reviewed: January 22, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have had a long and wonderful relationship with the Klein machines. I recently bought the Att Race. The bike is set up ready to hit the race course. This bike is light and has that no flex feeling that I love about Klein. The climbing and sprinting are unmatched. I train with a thudbuster suspension seat post, for the rigidness takes its toll. I found that the 23.9lbs could be lessoned with a few upgrades. First, get rid of that rapid fire junk. SRAM 9.0sl is king. I have changed the BB to a un72 and an XT cassette. Speedplay pedals and a Sid. Total weight 22.3 lbs. Overall the machine is fantastic. I have placed quite a burden on it already this season. My expectations are high for the Attitude. Its good to be back in Chahalis!
Overall Rating:
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