Klein Bicycle Corporation 2000 Quantum Race

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Outspokin

Favorite Ride:
Suncaost Parkway

Bike Setup:
stock except for Profile aerobars, Flightdeck computer, different seat, Ultegra pedals

Summary:
I dont have much to compare this bike to, but I think its awesome. It simply flies. I've had it for 5 years and havent had one problem. It is my first road bike, so it definitely took time to get used to how stiff the bike is. I think the paint scheme is sweet, had someone ask me if the bike was carbon fiber. Its a great deal if you dont pay retail.

Strengths:
Great paint scheme, lightweight and stiffness

Weaknesses:
paint chips easily, retail price is high

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at Mission Viejo, Ca

Favorite Ride:
any

Bike Setup:
2003 Klein Q Carbon Team, Shimano components

Summary:
I purchased my Klein last month. This bike has an awesome metalic purple paint job, but I just noticed the paint is chipping at the stem/head tube juncture. I took the bike back to lbs, who then contacted Klein customer service in Wisconsin. Klein informed lbs that 1) they cannot provide touch up paint as they have no clue what exact color it is...and to use "nail polish" to cover up paint deficiencies! My lbs is ordering red and blue paint to attempt to somewhat match my bike color. I cannot believe Klein's apathy toward customer service - maybe just a lame employee, but either way, the damage is done.
Considering the price paid for these bikes and the fact that their image is largely based on their custom paint, Klein is doomed to failure whith this attitude.

Strengths:
Bike rides well - fast and smooth on hills.

Weaknesses:
Lack of appropriate customer service will kill this company. If you do buy a Klein with a custom paint job, insist on having Klein provide you with extra touch up paint!

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Bike Line Bethlehem

Favorite Ride:
when I'm in front

Summary:
Compared to Trek 5200. Liked the responsiveness, agility and looks of the Klein. The Treks have cheap decals, have more frame flex, and would only be better for me if I rode as a tourist (The Trek may be more comfy on long rides). I upgraded the bars and stem, only because I think these were setup for Schwarzenegger as stock...way to wide and long. The Ultegra rear shifting had some problems when I switched rings, but that's been fixed. Good OEM components, but the original stem was part of a recall, I believe. Awesome in sprints and cornering. Still a bit heavy for climbs with the Vector Comps and Ultegra cranks. Re-routing cables is a pain. Rolf Comp wheels loosened up after ca. 1000 mi. no other complaints. Cool paint scheme...I don't feel like an ad for Mapei every time I ride.

Strengths:
Performance of frame and stock Rolf wheels. Color scheme. light weight.

Weaknesses:
Wheels, stem, crank, seatpost all good areas for upgrade. LBS suggested that the shifting problem was due to crossed cables.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Colnago Super, Serotta Colorado

Price Paid:  $1450.00 at roadbikereview class

Favorite Ride:
Long and hilly

Bike Setup:
53cm frame; Ultegra grouppo; Icon bars, fork, stem, seatpost; Vector Comp wheels with Michelin Axial

Summary:
I liked the bike quite a bit when I first started riding it, but I didn't really get to appreciate it until a very fast, hard, hilly group ride. At that point, I truly began to appreciate the stiffness and responsiveness of the frame, as well as the race-designed geometry. I truly feel like part of the bike. It is made to go fast. I am faster on the flats, climbs, descents and sprints. Very nice. In addition, I bought the bike with 30 miles on it at a great price and in essentially perfect shape.

Strengths:
Light. Stiff. Responsive. Perfectly dialed in handling. Great paint. No flex.

Weaknesses:
Stiff: what can I say; the same thing that is the great strength also beats the hell out me on very rought pavement. Then again, I'm a smaller, lighter rider.

Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Tempo; Specialized Allez Epic; Cannondale 3.0

Price Paid:  $1950.00 at LSB

Favorite Ride:
Any one that I can get out on!

Bike Setup:
Stock with Rolf Vector Pros, flight deck and Specialized saddle.

Summary:
I bought this bike to replace my Fuji that I tore off the top of my vehicle while I was tired. The paint caught my eye and when I looked at it everything just seemed right. The LSB was willing to deal and I couldn't resist. My buddy says it made me 2 mph faster, I don't know if I believe it or not, but it does seem to scream. The fork would be the first upgrade, seems kind of harsh on really rough roads. The fit and finish is superb, could ask for any thing better. It will be in my stable for a long time. I'm planning some races next spring and summer, we will see how it does then.

Strengths:
Fit and finish, paint, light weight. Looks good.

Weaknesses:
Fork is not the best, used some cheap parts, I.E. stem and bars.

Similar Products Used:
Fuji Team Issue, GT ZR 2000, older Trek.