Bike Setup: Frame: Aluminum with Reynolds Carbon Forks and seatstays. Derialleurs: Shimano Ultegra. Brakes: Shimano 105. Rims: Reynolds Alta Aero. Cranks: Shimano Ultegra 52/36. Cassette: Shimano 13/25. Seatpost: FSA Carbon.
Summary: I love this bike Elite Joule! I could do without the light blue color, but when you get a $3,000.00 bike for $1,500.00, who cares about the color! I haven't taken it for any long rides of over 50 plus miles yet, but between the high quality and precise feel of the bike, I might roll back the clock about 20 years and accomplish century times that I've not experienced in many years. I'm really looking forward to the '09 cycling season.
Strengths: Pretty stiff, but in just the right dose. Climbs very well and effortless on the flats also. Brakes and derialleurs (spelling?) work very well. Easy on the eyes. Tubes are moderate in thickness. Not as thick as Cannondale, yet not as thin as steel. High quality paint job. Pretty exclusive brand. Wheels are light but durable. Not many out there.
Weaknesses: Could do without the narrow compact handlebars. I feel a bit unstable going downhill. But I've adopted.
Bike Setup: Pretty much standard, with clip-one tri-bars added every now and again
Summary: Beautiful bike which has been fantastic to ride. Ridden upwards of 6000kms on my Klein on all standard components and still going strong. Service it fully once a year and absolutely no problems to date, apart from throwing a spoke which was a pain to replace (no fault of Klein's though)
Strengths: By far the most comfortable bike I've ridden. I've also had Bianchi's and Avanti's in past 3 years, and going back to the Klein is like settling in to a comfy sofa - by far the most comfortable ride, position I've found.
Weaknesses: None so far except replacing and re-doing the Bontrager spokes was tricky in the UK.
Similar Products Used: Bianchi via nirone, Avanti Carbonio
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Bike Setup: Shimano 105 Shifters/Crank/BB
Shimano Ultegra FD/RD
Bontrager - Saddle/Seat Post/Handle Bar
Supergo - Korso Wheels
Performance - Forte' Pro Stem
Summary: I have had the 2004 (this year was not an option in the list) Klein Aura X for about 3 weeks and have put about 300 miles on it. I really like it. It was being used as a loaner/demo bike at the bike shop that I got it from. It came without wheels, but I had a set of Korso wheels I had bought a couple of years ago that I could put on it. I was not sure about the compact frame design, but I really like it. The Aluminum and carbon frame/fork really soaks up rough pavement. I am still in the process of dialing in the fit. I replaced the Bontrager stem with the 17 degree rise with a 7 degree one. I think the shifting is really precise and quick. My old bike had 8 speed Shimano 600 components that never shifted as well as these do. I believe the Bontrager saddle that came on it is stock, I find it very comfortable. I have to mention the paint job. Very nice. This was a demo bike, so it had some scratches on it, but still looks awesome. Overall for the price I got it for and the components that came on it I have been extremely happy. This is my first Aluminum bike since my 1985 Cannondale and the ride of the two is not even comparable. Both are very stiff, but the Klein is so much more comfortable.
Strengths: Stiff yet comfortable ride.
Paint Job
Great Component to value ratio
Weaknesses: Too early to have any.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale
Trek 2300 Cabon ZX Series
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Bike Setup: 105 Shifters, Ultegra derailer, Bontragger Race Lite
Summary: Rode Motobecane for 28 years. Was a great bike that never failed. Original Huret shifter still going strong. Decided to upgrade last fall after getting hooked on country rides. Rode Giant all composite, Trek and Bianchi. Klein felt best of all and after purchase, I feel even better about choice. The Klein actually has a softer ride than the steel Motobecane and handles far better. I was surprised at how graceful the new bike felt compared with the old.
Strengths: Great handling. Softer ride than steel Motobecane. A surprise for me thinking aluminum was harsh. I expect the design and the Carbon stays and forks provide the good combination. Paint and finish are first rate.
Weaknesses: Shifters. Aura X has 105 shifters and Ultegra derailer. Even with double, shifting is not as precise as old Huret friction setup or Pulse X-ray shifter. But I'll get used to it.
Similar Products Used: Motobecane Nomad (28 yrs old, Fuji)
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Summary: I'm riding the double geared version and the bike shifts flawlessly and climbs like a dream. I'm normally a mountain biker and the last time I rode a road bike I wasn't impressed. Picked up this to train and to ride in the Seattle to Portland, and I have to say I've definitely been missing out on some great riding.
Strengths: Everything
Weaknesses: None as of yet
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