Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Klein Team Super

I picked up a vintage (1981) custom built Klein Team Super bike. I have the original build sheet and a post card from Gary Klein's office giving some brief information on the bike. According to the post card, this was one of Gary Klein's first frames he built for sale and was either in 1981 or earlier.

I have uploaded several photos on my flickr account for details. Many of the parts are as listed on the original builder's checklist, but several have been replaced, probably in the 1990's, i.e. front hub, wheels, seat, etc.

The bike is extremely light by 1980's standards and is not painted, but polished Aluminum Magnesium alloy. Apparently the frame has Boron fiber reinforcements as well. I have lots of original paperwork that came with the bike, including period advertising, original catalog and brochure.

I cannot find any information on this exact frame on the internet and am wondering if any bike aficionados might have more information on this. From what I can gather it is extremely rare.

I purchased it as a beautiful piece of art to hang, but am curious about more details.

Check out all the images here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbphotography/sets/72157628656324301/

And, here are a couple of photos:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6609453659_b9d69b8735_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6609454303_5e9896a57f_b.jpg

A quick iPhone pic when I picked it up.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6609749597_017bcf5472_b.jpg

Wow very cool. Thanks for all the great photos. Sorry that I know nothing about it, but you seem to have most of the info in all your records. Would be interested to know what it weighs complete.

Way Cool.

Thanks for the replies guys. The photos don't do it justice, the finish is incredible.

It is a beautiful frame/bike, and if it is one of the very first your not likely to find more information than what you already have unless you could chat face to face with Mr Klien.

it is Alloy yes? a very intersting collection of parts and setup. this could perhaps be an original compact crank bike

A few more bits of information that came with the bike.

If I had to choose my "grail" bike, this would be it. Amazing find. As a teenager I knew I could never afford a Klein Team, but I did copy the component selection on my first custom build, substituting Master Pro for the more fragile Kronos brakeset. It took me over 2 years to assemble a steel framed version of the Klein Team. Display it with pride, I have not run into one in 25 years.

I have been able to briefly speak with Gary Klein and this is a very early model Team Super. It did not come stripped and polished, that was done at some point by the owner. As I had figured several of the parts have been replaced from the original builders checklist.

I guess I have a pretty rare frame, so if I ever need money for another toy... :-)

Thanks for the feedback and comments.

Better than a Picasso. On a lovely sunny summer's day, you can't take a Picasso off the wall and ride it!

It's very interesting to read that this is a very early model Team Super. I first recall seeing them circa 1978. With all that literature, what else are you looking for?

Thanks guys. This has been a learning experience. I'll enjoy it until I don't enjoy it anymore and then move it on to a new home, but for now it is home. :-)

wow, very pretty

That is absolutely beautiful! I had always wondered what one would look like stripped and polished. I have an early Team Super frame I bought new and built in 1980. It was my ultimate bicycle back in the day and nearly still is. I have been thinking about restoring it lately.

My God. That is beautiful.

I'm going to guess 18 lb.