CNorthness

Hello, all! This is my first time posting on this forum since I was probably only just twelve. That being said, when I was twelve I sold a Jamaican Gold 2001 Klein Attitude Comp to a collector in California for 275 USD. Ever since then, I have missed that bike more than any other, and kicked myself for my naivety. So, a Klein pops up on craigslist with the description "Klein 816, medium frame". What? There is no such thing! So I figured that I had found a guy ignorant of Kleins who was selling his dads old bike to make some quick cash. As you'll see from the pictures (his were of slightly worse quality) it looked like it may have been a jamaican gold! I called immediately and set up an appointment. To my dismay, it was nothing like my 2001 Attitude. But, the more I looked at the bike, the more intrigued I was, and it is in near perfect shape! Well... The frame is. Some scuffs here and there, but otherwise no dents. So I bought it. The paint is the oddest thing I've yet to see on a bike, even for Klein. At first glance it looks like something I would've done when I was twelve. Hunter Orange over the decals. But upon further inspection it becomes clear that this is no rattlecan job. It's almost as if it was intended to cover the decals so that they only show in jussst the right light. It has a ton of ugly comfort parts strapped on in place of the original parts and a rigid fork. I didn't think any Klein mountains came with rigids? It is crazily gussetted between the chainstays on the bottom bracket and WHAT THE HECK IS THAT? Chainstay rim brake? Any information regarding model, color, year, and value would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Will attach more but my current file sizes are too large.

CNorthness

I also found a stamped serial number on the bottom face of the rear dropout (Those dropouts are thick as can be) R469 followed by the Klein logo.

CNorthness

After more research I am now guessing its a Klein Pinnacle, 88-93. I'm just having trouble tracking down a year and worth. Those ghostly shadow decals aren't decals at all, but literal shadows of missing decals. The rest of the paint has aged whilst the paint under the original white outlined decal must've stayed fresh. Any ideas on year and worth (and perhaps paint name)? Thanks!

Drillium Dude 

People who may be able to help are most likely waiting for you to upload some more, definitive pics. Without them, we're just guessing. Help us help you.

DD

CNorthness

Sure thing. I was having trouble getting my pictures down to an acceptable size, but here are pictures of the chainstay gussetting, a clearer logo picture, the fork (I think original Klein, but black for some reason), rear dropout, and shift lever. Also there is an annoyingly poor quality picture of a shadow of a logo that used to reside on the seat tube that says "816" with "magnesium alloy, [etc]" in fine print.

Drillium Dude 

Hmmm...intetesting, especially the one of the BB shell. My 1996 Pulse II has similar chainstays, but not that funky-cool brake mounting. I think some Googling is on the cards.

DD

CNorthness

After having near-exhausted google, I found a lot of conflicting date information. Those decals, or what used to be decals, don't seem to be 1993 issue, yet that particular chainstay/bb engineering leans toward that date. Also, the Chainstay mounted U brake points towards the pinnacle, yet it is original shimano? All literature seems to suggest that SE Peterson was the stock brake manufacturer.

CNorthness

It might be worth a laugh to mention that it also has triple bottle mounts.

MR BIG STUFF

Try Retrobike.

Retrobike Forum Index | Retrobike

repechage

I recall first seeing the square chain stays on the Top Gun, soon renamed due to trademark conflict. My guess late 80's for this bike.

DMC707

Yes- late 80's -- maybe 1990ish. U brakes were gone by 91 across the board

most Kleins through the mid 90's were available with a very nice color matched rigid fork - suspension wasn't mainstream when this bike was built though

i'm guessing its a Rascal due to the 1" headtube, -- interesting bike

CNorthness

Thanks for the retrobike referral. Any guesses on worth for a Pre-Trek Klein that isn't an attitude or adroit? Let's say I clean it up and find a decal kit.

MR BIG STUFF

No idea on value but look up Gil on Retrobike for decals, he does very nice work.

CNorthness

Thanks! Killer advice. I will be sure to do so and update with results.

Darth Lefty 

Front fork can't be original... Front brake, either, those were mid 90's. Some commuter-minded person did a suspensionectomy