Klein Bicycle Corporation Q-Pro XV

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at River City Bicycles

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Sauvy Island

Bike Setup:
Ultegra Triple
Bontrager Race Lite

Summary:
Simply put, the model was a couple of years old when I bought it and it was a pretty good deal, even with the Ultegra Triple. I find that there is just enough flex in the BB that I get a little rubbing on the front derailleur on hard acceleration in top gear. There just isn't enough adjustment room to keep it from rubbing and I don't ever really need the bottom cog. With a frame as light and stiff as this, it seems like an oxymoron to have a triple. I would give the frame an 'A' but I will definately upgrade to Dura-Ace or Campy and do this frame some justice. Also, I notice a significant amount of flex in the wheels. An upgrade is definately in order. This bike gets high marks for the value on the frame, but the overall rating eats it with the triple(not the grouppo's fault, just doesn't match the bike) and craptastic wheels.

Strengths:
Frame (quality, beauty and functionality)

Weaknesses:
Why did I buy a triple with this frame?!
Wheelset

Similar Products Used:
Kona Jake the Snake
Various Mtn Bikes

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at The Bike Stop

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Buffalo Rd

Bike Setup:
Original factory setup

Summary:
Frame is stiff enough to deliver maximum power to the drive train, yet dampens road buzz to spend a day in the saddle with relative comfort.

Strengths:
Stiff for maximum power transfer. Dampens road buzz well.

Weaknesses:
Bontrager wheel set.

Similar Products Used:
Trek bicycles.

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at The Bike Store (LBS)

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Okinawa 58 Loop

Bike Setup:
All 105's. Neuvation R28 Aero2 wheels, Vredstien Fortezza SE tires, Bonty Race Lite handlebars and seat post, ultegra pedals.

Summary:
This is my first road bike and with my limited experience transitioning from MTB to the road this is a very solid smooth bike for the price. I have the Pro Q V with complete Shimano 105 and Bonty Race wheel set and Race light seat post and handlebars. I had no intentions of buying a Klein, but when I rode it after trying others, it was an immediate incredible feel. Solid, climbs very well, light and on top of performance, it is a beautiful bike. On hills, I notice no appreciable flex (6’0” 195 lbs). The carbon fork and seat stays really dampen most of the annoying vibration typical in Al frame. I did change the Bonty race wheels for Neuvation R28 Aero2 which has really improved the ride. The Bonty’s aren’t horrible, but a little upgrade will make the bike even better. The seat (Fi’zi:k Aliante Sport) is comfortable as well and after 2 months of riding, no complaints. No squeaks or noises when riding. Overall the Pro Q V is an awesome $1500 range bike for a newbie, especially compare with the other bike in the same price range. If at all possible, swap out the wheel set for something a little better if you can afford spending a little more money. For the experienced rider, it’s a nice bike but get the higher end Pro Q (the frame/fork is the same as this one, just better components) or get the frame set and dress up as you desire. This is certainly a frame worthy of upgrades.

Strengths:
Smooth on flats, stable on corners, fast on decent, solid on ascents and comfortable for the long ride. Excellent carbon fork and seat stays dampen the vibrations. On top or that, a beautiful bike.

Weaknesses:
Bonty Race wheel set is ok, swap out if possible

Similar Products Used:
First Road Bike, all others MTB.

Price Paid:  $2300.00 at Int'l Bike

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
Yes

Bike Setup:
stock w/ Mich Pro2.

Summary:
Beautiful to ride, beautiful to look at. Like a review on the QPro XX site said, why Trek buries this line is a mystery. This bike has a great value/quality ratio. Bike also has a great comfort/lightness/stiffness ratio.

I have no problem w/ the Bontrager spec'd stuff at all (i took the Bonty tires off as soon as i left the shop and replaced w/ Mich Pro2). In fact, in over 2 years riding and over 7K miles, i've never had to true a wheel. I'm light (5' 10", 145-150). I initially thought the San Marco Erga saddle sucked but got used to it after a while because i was too lazy to change it.

Bike climbs well, sprints well, rides comfortably. W/ Ultegra pedals and Profile bottle cages, less than 18 lbs. What's not to like.

Giving it a 4 overall because i know if i spec'd it up to Dura Ace, etc., it would be an improvement.

Strengths:
Value/quality ratio. Comfort/lightness/stiffness ratio. Great looks, really a stunner in my opinion.

Weaknesses:
Bonty tires, Trek factor service (when i had to replace a fork i demolished, took about 3 weeks longer than it should have).

Similar Products Used:
My old/other road bike is a Lemond Zurich. Before buying I tested Cervelo, Pegarotti, Colnago, C-Dale. Also ride a steel Voodoo c-cross bike and Gary Fisher m-bike.

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Tune Up - Gunnison

Favorite Ride:
na

Bike Setup:
Stock, Ultegra, racelight wheel set, aliante saddle.

Summary:
Overall, this is a very good bike. Quality construction typical of Klein, beautiful paint job. Carbon rear more hype than function, at least according to my rear :) Fork is fantastic! The ride is firm, but not harsh. I have done many 100+ mile rides in "relative" comfort. I did change the seat, as it was awful, and that helped. The bike does everything pretty well. Climbing is deceptively calm, meaning my actual speed is faster than my perceived speed. Standing and cranking yields some flex, but not much(I'm 6.2/183 lbs). I think that the wheel set is a bit soft and this contributes to the flex. I love to climb and this bike works well for it. Downhill is a scream on this baby. Best downhill bike I've ridden so far. Holds corners well and responds quickly to rider input. One drawback is the al frame if the road is rough as it will bounce the rider around a bit. Cruising the flats is a joy.

Strengths:
Stiffness, fork, handling, downhill prowess, climbing, cruising, fit and finish.

Weaknesses:
Bontrager wheel set (Racelight), seat, minor drivetrain issues.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200, Litespeed Ultimate