Klein ????
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North, Ga.
Posts: 2,401
Bikes: 3Rensho-Aerodynamics, Bernard Hinault Look - 1986 tour winner, Guerciotti, Various Klein's & Panasonic's
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 159 Post(s)
Liked 375 Times
in
162 Posts
Klein ????
Will this be a classic one day? My newest bike built up for the winter, 2004 Klein q-pro.
#2
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,646
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,699 Times
in
935 Posts
I always thought they were neat. A little out of my range of interest, but neat.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#4
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,833 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Not sure how Classic it will become, but it's already a bit Cult - an aluminum cult, so destined to remain small.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 681
Bikes: the bikes own me
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Klein mountain bikes were really cool in the late 80's. I remember lusting after one that was well beyond my price range. That being said the reputation of aluminum bikes is not so great. I don't really agree owning 3 aluminum bikes myself. But because of that I don't believe they will ever be collectible.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 269
Bikes: '74 Schwinn Le Tour, Fuji Newest 2.0, Fausto Coppi Torino,Bridgestone RB-2, CB-1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Klein mountain bikes were really cool in the late 80's. I remember lusting after one that was well beyond my price range. That being said the reputation of aluminum bikes is not so great. I don't really agree owning 3 aluminum bikes myself. But because of that I don't believe they will ever be collectible.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 269
Bikes: '74 Schwinn Le Tour, Fuji Newest 2.0, Fausto Coppi Torino,Bridgestone RB-2, CB-1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 269
Bikes: '74 Schwinn Le Tour, Fuji Newest 2.0, Fausto Coppi Torino,Bridgestone RB-2, CB-1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
2008 Klein Q-Elite XX MSRP $4,000 - $1,489 LIKE-NEW
Bicycle Value Guide
Bicycle Value Guide
#10
Gouge Away
2008 Klein Q-Elite XX MSRP $4,000 - $1,489 LIKE-NEW
Bicycle Value Guide
Bicycle Value Guide
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Ocean County, NJ
Posts: 2,914
Bikes: Looking for a Baylis or Wizard in 59-62cm range
Mentioned: 65 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 374 Post(s)
Liked 344 Times
in
115 Posts
I think the mtb's are iconic, should be collectible for years...nothing crazy though.
A shot of my sons, bright green Klein
A shot of my sons, bright green Klein
#12
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,942
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1172 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
Not going to be a big hit, or one that collectors go hunting for, but some people, I'm one, like the Kleins and the Cannondale large tube diameter aluminum frames. I read a test on a Klein back in 1978, when Bicycling was a good magazine to read, and I was in love with the look they had. Those Boron alloyed frame sets just touched something inside me, my first Cannondale, a 91 SR300, had a resemblance to the Kleins, and it was a sweet crit racer I dearly loved and enjoyed. NOpe, not going to be a big collector's bike, but admired and sought by those with that kind of mindset (like my warped thought patterns.)
Bill
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,054
Mentioned: 201 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3015 Post(s)
Liked 3,802 Times
in
1,408 Posts
#14
vintage motor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
Posts: 1,595
Bikes: 48 Automoto, 49 Stallard, 50 Rotrax, 62 Jack Taylor, 67 Atala, 68 Lejeune, 72-74-75 Motobecanes, 73 RIH, 71 Zieleman, 74 Raleigh, 78 Windsor, 83 Messina (Villata), 84 Brazzo (Losa), 85 Davidson, 90 Diamondback, 92 Kestrel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 102 Times
in
79 Posts
I think Klein's will be among the most collectible of aluminum bikes. How aluminum frames in general will fare I have no idea. It's not steel but at least it's still metal.
#15
Senior Member
embankmentlb, While aluminum and not as appreciated at this time as some garden variety steel frames it is certainly possible they'll be collectible in the future, as will some carbon fiber frames.
Brad
Brad
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 269
Bikes: '74 Schwinn Le Tour, Fuji Newest 2.0, Fausto Coppi Torino,Bridgestone RB-2, CB-1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#17
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,525
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
Only the pre-Trek Kleins are going to be collectible (many are already). Correction below, post Trek OK until they left Chehalis, WA production. The flamboyant painted MTBs are particularly desirable.
A 2004 Klein is well into Trek ownership, so no, its not on its way to be a collectible.
A 2004 Klein is well into Trek ownership, so no, its not on its way to be a collectible.
Last edited by wrk101; 11-08-14 at 01:19 PM.
#18
It's MY mountain
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 10,002
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4338 Post(s)
Liked 2,980 Times
in
1,617 Posts
My history of Klein road bikes page: hasn't been updated in a while but all good.
Diablo Scott's Bike Blog: May 2000
When people say "pre-Trek" I think they really mean bikes made in Chehalis:
Pre 1980 - Gary Klein was producing custom bikes in San Martin CA
1980-2001 - Klein production bikes and custom frames in Chehalis CA
1995 - Trek buys Klein, but all production stays in Chehalis - little change
2002 - Gary Klein retires, Klein production moves to Waterloo - introduction of carbon fiber rear end and other design changes.
2007 - USA Klein production ends... some full carbon fiber bikes called Q-Elite were produced at some Asian contractor... the end.
I'm still riding my 1998 Quantum Pro as my best bike - all Dura Ace, upgraded to 10-speed. Sometimes I think about something more modern but I truly can't imagine a bike that handles any better than mine.
Maybe I don't understand the mind of collectors, but this is a respectable brand with history and innovation and lots of admirers.
Diablo Scott's Bike Blog: May 2000
When people say "pre-Trek" I think they really mean bikes made in Chehalis:
Pre 1980 - Gary Klein was producing custom bikes in San Martin CA
1980-2001 - Klein production bikes and custom frames in Chehalis CA
1995 - Trek buys Klein, but all production stays in Chehalis - little change
2002 - Gary Klein retires, Klein production moves to Waterloo - introduction of carbon fiber rear end and other design changes.
2007 - USA Klein production ends... some full carbon fiber bikes called Q-Elite were produced at some Asian contractor... the end.
I'm still riding my 1998 Quantum Pro as my best bike - all Dura Ace, upgraded to 10-speed. Sometimes I think about something more modern but I truly can't imagine a bike that handles any better than mine.
Maybe I don't understand the mind of collectors, but this is a respectable brand with history and innovation and lots of admirers.
Last edited by DiabloScott; 11-08-14 at 12:18 PM.
#19
Senior Member
...I'm still riding my 1998 Quantum Pro as my best bike - all Dura Ace, upgraded to 10-speed. Sometimes I think about something more modern but I truly can't imagine a bike that handles any better than mine.
Maybe I don't understand the mind of collectors, but this is a respectable brand with history and innovation and lots of admirers.
Maybe I don't understand the mind of collectors, but this is a respectable brand with history and innovation and lots of admirers.
Brad
#20
Gouge Away
2)I don't know anyone who uses that rag to actually value a bike or frame.
3)Check out ebay sold items if you really want to see what Vintage Klein's are selling for. The Performance for example always go for prices around or more than other Vintage high end touring bikes.
#21
Senior Member
You guys should check out retrobike.co.uk. You even so much as mention the name Klein and they all come out of the woodwork oooh'ing and ahhh'ing.
#22
surly old man
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Carlisle, PA
Posts: 3,392
Bikes: IRO Mark V, Karate Monkey half fat, Trek 620 IGH, Cannondale 26/24 MTB, Amp Research B3, and more.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 42 Times
in
18 Posts
I am having hard time believing that there are people here that are not aware of the cultish desirability of many Kleins.
Jim
Jim
__________________
Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
--------------------------
SB forever
Cross Check Nexus7, IRO Mark V, Trek 620 Nexus7, Karate Monkey half fat, IRO Model 19 fixed, Amp Research B3, Surly 1x1 half fat fixed, and more...
--------------------------
SB forever
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,046
Bikes: 1989 Schwinn World Sport. 1994 Diamond Back Response Elite MTB. 1964 Schwinn Typhoon. 1974 Bridgestone Sprinter, 2015 Scott Sub 10 Citybike.
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1688 Post(s)
Liked 84 Times
in
37 Posts
What happened to the green Klein from Seinfeld? It's kind of like the Captain America bike from Easy Rider. What would it be worth?
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 269
Bikes: '74 Schwinn Le Tour, Fuji Newest 2.0, Fausto Coppi Torino,Bridgestone RB-2, CB-1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1)It does not take much searching to find like results with most manufacturers.
2)I don't know anyone who uses that rag to actually value a bike or frame.
3)Check out ebay sold items if you really want to see what Vintage Klein's are selling for. The Performance for example always go for prices around or more than other Vintage high end touring bikes.
2)I don't know anyone who uses that rag to actually value a bike or frame.
3)Check out ebay sold items if you really want to see what Vintage Klein's are selling for. The Performance for example always go for prices around or more than other Vintage high end touring bikes.
2) Someone who wants to buy a bike cheap.
3)Take your print-out of completed auctions with you when you go out to look at a Klein. Great idea!
1995 Klein Pulse Comp $185 on CL.
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North, Ga.
Posts: 2,401
Bikes: 3Rensho-Aerodynamics, Bernard Hinault Look - 1986 tour winner, Guerciotti, Various Klein's & Panasonic's
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 159 Post(s)
Liked 375 Times
in
162 Posts
It seems that people simply love Kleins or they have no use for them at all.
The couple of modern Klines I have owned are excellent bikes. Why are folks so down on aluminum? Is it that they just are not steel?
The couple of modern Klines I have owned are excellent bikes. Why are folks so down on aluminum? Is it that they just are not steel?