Submitted by
Mike Goldston
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006
Strengths: Quality, responsiveness, road feel.
Weaknesses: The stiff aluminum frame transmits vibration from rough roads, but that's also one of its strengths. Would love to have a 32 tooth rear cog for big hills.
Bottom Line:
Klein Quantum Race. Frame circa 2002. Campagnolo Veloce 10-speed gruppo. Mavic Open Pro rims; Michelin K. Bontrager Race Lite Lux saddle. What a beautiful bike! Metallic blue paint; super high quality frame construction. Light, quick, stiff and responsive. I love riding this bike. The Campy Veloce components are excellent. I especially like the brake/shifters and always having the right gear with the 10-speed cog set. A bigger cog for steep hills would be nice, but overall the 13-26 fgearing is excellent. I have upgraded the bike with FSA K-Wing carbon bars and a Campy Record carbon seat post. The bars are an attempt to reduce the vibration and wear on my hands which begin to numb after 30 or 40 miles. Their effecitveness remains to be proven. After 3 months or riding and over 1000 miles on mostly country roads, I think the Klein is a great bike and definitely a keeper.
Similar Products Used: Older Cannondale Touring bike.
Bike Setup: Campy Veloce gruppo; Mavic Open Pro rims, Panaracer Pasela Tourgard Kevlar tires (switching to Michelin Krylion), Bontrager Race Lite Lux saddle, Campy Record carbon seat post, FSA K-Wing bars, Shimano Ultegra 6610 pedals.
Strengths: Klein has the best paintjobs in the business. Stiff frame without being harsh. Razor sharp, solid handling at speed.
Weaknesses: None other than you don't have much of a WOW factor with an all aluminum frame these days. The unreal paintjobs more than make up for the lack of exotic materials, however. Also, it looks like Klein is going away. :[
Bottom Line:
My first road bike was a Litespeed Catalyst ti frame. I decided about a year ago to switch to aluminum knowing that I love to climb and wanting a stiffer frame. I have always been a fan of Kleins from the MTB side, so I decided to try a Quantum. I have not been disappointed. I got a 2002 Quantum frame with a cool custom paint color off ebay and built it up with my Litespeed parts. The ride of the Quantum frame is spectacular. I prefer it greatly over my old Litespeed. Interestingly, I noticed the biggest difference between the two on the descents. The quantum is razor sharp and has a very solid feel at speed. It is also a very stiff platform for climbing - but without the harshness that I was afraid I would have to put up with going to aluminum.
Strengths: Strong bike out of the box. Very stiff and responsive, flys uphill and rolls back down, really good sprinter!
Full Shimano Ultegra set, Bontrager wheels run smooth and light, internal wiring, incredible wielding to keep weight at a minimum (17lbs. total), and the paint job is second to none!
Weaknesses: Honestly, the price is a little high, but you do get what you pay for!
Bottom Line:
At first I was a little skeptical about this bike and the price tag. I wasn't too familiar with Klein, but did hear good things about them from Klein owners. However, after a great test ride I knew that this bike was special. The ride was smooth and effortless, uphills became a breeze and the downhills made me feel like I was flying. I am confident that I made the right choice with this bike, and I will be true to Klein from here on out...
Strengths: 63cm/18lb (light), No Creaks and Groans (silent), No rebounding effect (stiff), great finish (craftmanship), Eye-Grabber (recognition), Caring Service (knowledgable)
Weaknesses: Setup took more time to tweak a good seat honoring the stiff frame.
Bottom Line:
I have a 1991 Klien Quantum with Ultegra Groupo. My review is to say that it has held up the 10 years of torque and travel abuse performing duathlon and sprint punishment and it is strong as when new. Rider 208#, 6'6, composite wheels. The lightness and stiffness in this bike is superb for the taller/heavier rider. I am looking to replace the worn Shimano groupo and pick up a hybrid bike too and it definately will be a Klein - price is no exception for the pleasure of real quality.
Similar Products Used: Raleigh Marathon(heavy, custom extreme 34" frame flexed over 5yrs - excellent bike), Davidson(heavy but very choice), Trek Composite (1992 creaky, flurry of stress marks after 2 years)... composite wa
Bike Setup: 1991 Quantum: 63cm, Ultegra 11x21, Specialized wheels, 18#loaded
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