Will this be a classic one day? My newest bike built up for the winter, 2004 Klein q-pro.

I always thought they were neat. A little out of my range of interest, but neat.

I owned one. I liked it. But no, they will NOT be a desirable bike.

Not sure how Classic it will become, but it's already a bit Cult - an aluminum cult, so destined to remain small.

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.

Seinfeld had one.

They seem to hold their value pretty well.

Give us an example.

2008 Klein Q-Elite XX MSRP $4,000 - $1,489 LIKE-NEW
Bicycle Value Guide

And that means what??

I think the mtb's are iconic, should be collectible for years...nothing crazy though.

A shot of my sons, bright green Klein

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

Well built. Cool paint. Definitely desirable. The only question is to what extent.

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.

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

You said they "seem" to hold their value "pretty well". Bicycle bluebook's database doesn't seem to agree with you.

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.

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.

Well put.

Brad

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.

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.

I am having hard time believing that there are people here that are not aware of the cultish desirability of many Kleins.

Jim

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?

1)"to find like results with most manufacturers" , what are you trying to say, Ivan?
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.

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?