Good morning;
i picked up a klein roadbike from a buddy's neighbor, have visited several klein roadbike websites in an attempt to interpret the serial number with no luck, thought i might try here. The serial number is located on the bottom side where the rear axle slides into the frame. The lettering has "klein" on the downtube and "performance" on the horizontal crossbar. The serial number is **3p1ab** and i can't figure out what the the five digits convert to. I think the bike is a late 80's model but need some help.
Thank you

You will more likely get an answer with a few pictures. Roger

The Performance was Klein first "affordable' frameset. It made it's debut in 1983 but was underpriced by Cannondale's frame, which made it's debut the same year. Versions of the Performance were produced until at least 1992. I believe the 1993 replacement was the Pinnache. Pics may help narrowing things down. Alternately, you can try dating the components using the date code info on the Components Dates page of the Vintage-Trek website, though there is always a possibility that some or all of the components may be replacements.

You probably found mine then...


I think the only years they put the serial number on the dropout were 1989 - 1991. The "P" probably means it's a Performance model, the rest is a mystery. Below photo is from a 1991 Quantum. Send me photos of your bike please!