Klein Bicycle Corporation 1999 Quantum Race

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at R & A Cycles

Favorite Ride:
Hilly Hundred

Bike Setup:
Ultegra, Xaero wheels, Selle Italia saddle

Summary:
Solid bike. A bit harsh in the rear end. I've softened the ride by going to Spinergy Xaero wheels, which has helped. Paint job is gorgeous but chips easily. I've owned Cannondale and Trek aluminums and prefer the Klein, though my next bike will be a carbon to help me age more comfortably.

Strengths:
responsiveness, looks, light weight

Weaknesses:
paint chips easily

Similar Products Used:
Trek and Cannondale

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Local bike shop

Favorite Ride:
PCH

Bike Setup:
all ultegra, w/ dura-ace wheels, and Koobi si seat (also great), polar heart monitor

Summary:
WOW...what a surprise. I was busy a few months ago looking for a nice high end STEEL bike since it has been a number of years since I have ridden and I always felt much more comfortable on steel. I stumbled across a lightly used quantum race at a very reasonable price and even though I swore to never buy an aluminum road bike...I took it for a ride and then took it home (and never regretted it since). I am 33, 6'2", and currently 240 lbs. (can you say clydesdale?...I am usually 200). I am really happy with this bike, as soon as I got it I ditched the aluminum front fork that was annoying and grabbed a carbon/threadless combo. which lightened this already featherlight bike ridiculously. I have never been a weight weenie (remember I preferred steel)...this bike has me seeing the light for two reasons #1 the light weight and stiff chainstays have made climbs I couldnt make when I was 23 possible (no kidding this bike climbs like a goat!)and to my surprise #2 this thing is COMFORTABLE!...it could be cause I am a big guy as I have read in other reviews but have spoken to many lighter riders who believe that this is probably both one of the most efficient (stiff) frames ever, and yet still somehow compliant, and comfy without being at all squishy. I grabbed supergos dura ace/mavic open pro wheelset and this thing flys. This bike makes me believe that the stereotypes about aluminum may only apply to cheaper mass produced frames and with a million mile warranty ...no worrys. I would enthusiastically recommend this bike to anyone especially heavier riders because of my experience with it. Great handling (very stable at high speed), superlight, efficient(every pedal stroke goes straight to the ground), comfortable, and durable. I havent ridden EVERY aluminum bike but for what I paid and how I feel if I ever need another road bike it will be a Klein. Thank you Mr. Klein for an excellent product.

Strengths:
Light, comfortable, efficient, stable, great handling, fast as hell, very durable, and good looking too

Weaknesses:
none so far...couldnt be happier really.

Similar Products Used:
cannondale, giant, torrelli, kona, bridgestone, etc. etc.

Price Paid:  $1200.00

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
Orange/Yellow Airbrush Frame/fork, Ultegra, Rolf Vector Comp wheels, Thompson post, Michelin Axial t

Summary:
I come from a freeride/xc mountain background, and this is my first road bike. It is so smooth, fast and comfortable, training is a lot more enjoyable without the sound (and feel) of knobbies. I'm 6' and ride a 57cm which fits like a glove. First time i clipped in, i felt completely at home. Overall.. great bike. (and i even like the color)

Strengths:
Light weight
Speed
bump absorption (not something i'd expect to feel after riding a long travel bike for the past few years)

Weaknesses:
keeps me from doing homework and sleeping

Similar Products Used:
Tested Bianchi Veloce, C'dale R600 and Trek 5200.

Price Paid:  $2200.00 at B&B Bikes Muncie

Favorite Ride:
Switchbacks to Hagerstown

Bike Setup:
55cm with ultregra, Mavic Ksyrium wheelset, Easton carbon bars

Summary:
Switching from a great carbon bike to an Aluminum was not an easy choice, but I have never regretted it. At 51 yrs I need every advantage I can get to stay with 20 - 30 yr olds. Klein provides it. Although a great bike is never a substitute for hard training, Klein gives me that edge when climbing or sprinting. Besides Klein is my wifes maiden name. As long as she thinks I'm married to my bike, I might as well be married to another Klein.

Strengths:
Stiffness without punishing you. Beautiful looks

Weaknesses:
Beautiful paint scratched already

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200

Favorite Ride:
Waves to Wine

Bike Setup:
stock

Summary:
Rode a Trek 1200 before. Enjoyed that but this is like heaven. It is light, stable, comfortable. Looks great too. Well worth the money. Have put in several 100Ks and back to back 100Ks and while this bike is great I would also strongly recommend the Specialized ergo seat. Like riding on a couch. Can you tell that I like it. Going to do an AIDS ride with it this summer. After 575 miles, I'll update the info.

Strengths:
Great ride, handles great, hills are easy.

Weaknesses:
Makes me want to ride instead of work. Some problems getting the shifter adjusted properly.

Similar Products Used:
Tested Trek 5200. Klein rode better for me.