Klein mountain bike

[dmcummins]

I'm still looking for a bike and have seen a couple of these for sale locally. One is a older pinnacle, the other is an adapt race, or something like that. The pinnacle is older but in decent shape, the adapt race looks new.

Any opinions on Klein or these models. I don't mind buying used as long as it is good quality.

Also are parts available for older bikes?

[jtkkz]

If the bike has an older 1" headtube then parts will be harder to find. If it has the now standard 1 1/8" headtube should be no problem finding parts for it.

The main problem is with 1" headtube is looking for a good suspension forks and stems that are 1"

White Brothers still do make 1" forks they might be the only one nowadays who makes 1" suspension forks, Chris King still makes 1" headsets on the stem it can harder to find.

You may have to go with a custom stem, check out our website = www.sycip.com

All other parts should be available

[herr_oberst]

Kleins were one of the best recreational MB's in their day - Gary Klein was a real innovator, he was one of the first to use massive oversize alu. tubes in the frameset, his swaged chainstays were a thing of beauty, imho, and the paintwork was outstanding. If you are looking at an old one be advised, they used VERY thin tubes in the main triangle, and you want to make sure that the bike was not abused.

Some of the later models used pressed in bearings in the headset, which makes them a bit of a pain to replace. You really need to know what you're looking at when you're in the market for a Klein, but you could end up with a sweet ride, if you got a low mileage early bike that fits your bod.

I wish I still had the one my brother gave me. (A Pinnacle)

The company was eventually sold to Trek.

[gtc]

As much as I love Kleins, I would go with something newer so you can avoid the potential hassle of trying to find replacement parts for those odd-size seatposts and proprietary headsets (Mission Control bar/stem/headset/fork).

Edit: I just looked on St. Louis craigslist. I don't think either of those bikes are particularly good choices. The pinnacle is too old and beat, and the adept is too expensive.

[JR Indy]

I have an older Klein Pulse Comp. I "upgraded" to a full suspension Santa Cruz Blur. My old Klein is faster, but can be brutal on rough, rutted trails. Kleins are excellent bikes.

[nostatic]

I frankly wouldn't buy a used aluminum frame mtn bike, but then again I woudln't buy a new one either unless it was full suspension. I like the old Kleins (I sold them back in the late 80's/early 90's) but they will beat you up, and as noted above, depending on the year they could have some funky parts and beercan thin frame tubes.

[mikeferg75]

Originally Posted by nostatic

I frankly wouldn't buy a used aluminum frame mtn bike, but then again I woudln't buy a new one either unless it was full suspension. I like the old Kleins (I sold them back in the late 80's/early 90's) but they will beat you up, and as noted above, depending on the year they could have some funky parts and beercan thin frame tubes.

Agree, neat bike in a retro sense, but as something to use, you are better off going modern.

[dmcummins]

I'm still in the just looking phase. Sounds like I should just stick with the Trek, giant, specialized, electra ect. newer bikes. Or just buy new.

I'm planning on stopping buy a local bike shop later and look at some new ones today. But I am in no hurry to buy anything that I won't probably use till March\April.

Thanks.

I'll probably have more questions later.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by dmcummins

I'm still looking for a bike and have seen a couple of these for sale locally. One is a older pinnacle, the other is an adapt race, or something like that. The pinnacle is older but in decent shape, the adapt race looks new.

Any opinions on Klein or these models. I don't mind buying used as long as it is good quality.

Also are parts available for older bikes?

Great bikes. If you can try and find an older (pre-`96) "Chehalis frame" Attitude or Adroit. I had a `95 Attitude and that year was the pinnacle of Klein bikes IMO. You got the newer rear dropouts, the one-piece MC2 neck/bar.
internal cable runs, gradient tubing, and completely smooth welds/joints. The original kevlar Deathgrip tires were awesome too (I still have a couple NOS sets).

Wish I never sold it:

[Jim Bremner]

Call Fred @ Leucadia Cyclery In So Cal. He bought ALL of the Klines when Trek closed them out.1760-436-2786

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by dmcummins

I'm still in the just looking phase. Sounds like I should just stick with the Trek, giant, specialized, electra ect. newer bikes. Or just buy new.

I'm planning on stopping buy a local bike shop later and look at some new ones today. But I am in no hurry to buy anything that I won't probably use till March\April.

Thanks.

I'll probably have more questions later.

You always get a better "value" buying used based on price used vs price new. But, technology has changed a lot with bikes, and it is pretty easy to argue that the new ones are "better" than the old ones. Yes, they are more complicated (just like cars have evolved), but unless you want to rebuild your own hubs and other fun tasks, a moot point. I just bought my son a new Cannondale. $550, disc brakes, flawless shifting, decent front shock. It'll last him a couple of years until he grows out of it. More money gets you less weight (an issue mostly in people's minds), more robust components (they'll last 15 years instead of 10), and better bling factor.

DON'T buy a crappy big-box store $100-300 bike. If you're going to buy new, go to your local small bike shop. You might pay a bit more, but if you're not an expert in bikes, having a good local shop will make your life better. Getting a relationship with them (if they are good) can make you a happy camper down the road.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by nostatic

I frankly wouldn't buy a used aluminum frame mtn bike

This, seen a fair number of Al bikes with cracks. I broke my Raleigh at the bottom bracket, saw Kleins with cracks at top of seat tube, at bottom bracket and at rear drop outs(where back wheel is attached.

Kleins are beautiful though, always lusted after one.

[jtkkz]

Aluminum hardtail frames can be a very rough ride...

[jtkkz]

Aluminum frames have a short lifespan average we have seen 3-5 years, compare to steel that can last a lifetime.

[gtc]

Oh jeez... can we possibly cart out any more aluminum frame stereotypes?
I've got one:
"Aluminum frames can't be repaired."

[tabs]

I havn't moved these bikes in the 7 years that I have lived here. So they are dusty.

I bought the Klein back around 1991, cost about $1500 has Shimano Defore Sti Components with Campy wheels. This bike has about 7 road miles on it. (It is completely original, everything)


Also back in 1982 I bought an Araya Aero which cost about $1200 it featured ovaled tubing and Shinmano Durace AX components which was state of the art back in the day..I later put a set of Araya Anodized Aero wheels so that it would support my weight (clinchers so I could fix a tire when it went flat on the road). I rode this bike for quite awhile. It always told me..... go faster TABS...(This bike even has the original Aero water bottle, 14 speeds, I have kept the original lite weight wheels (sew ups) and have an extra set of AX pedals).

I would consider selling both, as the likelyhood of me riding again is about nil.

[nostatic]

You can repair anything. Whether or not you want to is another story.

Sorry - I don't like aluminum for a rigid frame. I think it is the wrong material for that application. ymmv. Aluminum is great for light weight, stiffness, and cheap production. But I'll take titanium or steel any day.

[jtkkz]

Aluminum frames can be repaired but it depends where the crack or damage is....

[bgyglfr]

I have had a couple of Kleins. They are still a very fun bike to ride. I completely disagree that aluminum is a harsh ride. I would take it over a steel frame any day. Especially a Klein. These bikes were way ahead of their time. The geometry was much more rideable than any other mtb of it's time with the exception of some of the other custom builders. There have been improvements in the industry over the past few years but mostly is full suspension, not so much in hardtail frames. If you can grab an old Klein decked out with high end vintage parts for a good price, I would go for it. Throw some V brakes on it and go.

[jtkkz]

Yes the new aluminum tubing do ride way better than the older ones, but the newer lite weight steel tubung rides much more comfortable.

Some will prefer Alum. over Steel or Ti. I think it is personal preference.