Klein Bicycle Corporation Quantum

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Bicycle Stop, Spring

Favorite Ride:
Hilly country roads

Bike Setup:
Stock except for the saddle.

Summary:
Great bike. The "Plum Crazy" paint and the Klein welds make this the best looking bike I have ever seen. It's light, the 105 components shift great, the wheelset is aero and light. It's a comfortable bike to ride but still seems to want to go fast.

Strengths:
The paint and overall appearance is what sets this bike apart from the others. That doesn't make it any faster, but when spending that much for a bike, why not get a work of art?

Weaknesses:
Biggest one for me is that the Quantum as listed here is no longer in production. Klein has changed the product line a bit. Also I did swap the stock saddle, it's not bad but I had a better one on my other bike so I switched.

Similar Products Used:
Klein Aeolus

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Zion Cyclery:)

Favorite Ride:
any

Bike Setup:
Stock except for Selle Italia Flite Ti T/A saddle

Summary:
The more I ride this bike the more it impresses me. I actually do more mountain biking than road, and in that arena I have little tolerance for less than stellar performance from my bike. Naturally, this means I'm constantly changing out parts. But not this bike. All I've had to do is find a saddle that fit me better and I'm as happy as can be. The bike is fast, the wheels and cranks are stiff, the frame does an excellent job af transferring power, the tires have proven reliable, and I don't get too badly beat up by road vibration. What more could I ask?

Strengths:
Great handling, build quality, parts pick, paint.

Weaknesses:
Seatpost is kind of bulky (and ugly!), saddle didn't fit my butt (duh)

Similar Products Used:
Test rode only; Trek 2200, various LeMondes, Secialized

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Local Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Around the lakes

Bike Setup:
54 cm frame with Shimano 105 double, Bontrager Select Wheels, Bontrager post, Cane Creek headset, 3T handlebar and stem, Selle San Marco saddle.

Summary:
This bike looks as good sitting as it does on the road. The gradient aluminum frame is forgiving yet stiff. It climbs fast and descends true. Corners are not a problem as the bike tracks well - a testament to quality manufacturing. The bike weighs in about 18 pounds but rides much lighter, especially in the hills.
The Klein frame is a headturner as this bike gets looks and questions over bikes costing twice as much. Do yourself a favor and purchase a quality road bike that is set apart from the sterile, mass produced set.

Strengths:
A responsive frame that does not beat you up after long rides. Bontrager wheelset is fast and looks good. Internal cable routing is a very nice touch. The paint job (plum crazy) is truly a work of art. Shimano 105 is adequate for my weight and style of riding. Carbon fork smooths the front end while Gary Klein's artistry of gradient aluminum smooths the ride on the flats.

Weaknesses:
31.6mm seatpost limits choices if you need to replace it or swap it out. Saddles are always a matter of personal preference.

Similar Products Used:
Jamis, Felt, Fuji, Cannondale

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at The Bike Gallery- Po

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105

Summary:
Great bike. Smooth ride for aluminum frame- much better than comparable Cannondale. Strong and fast- hills are a breeze. Internal cables and paint job are nice touches. I test drove 5-6 other bikes and this was an easy decision for me.

Strengths:
Exceptionally smooth ride without sacrificing speed/power. Looks great.

Weaknesses:
As with most bikes, need to switch out the seat.

Similar Products Used:
Lemond Zurich/Buenos Aires, Trek, Fuji, Bianchi