Help with purchasing first Road Bike
 

I found a Klein quantum on craigslist and am not sure what to look for. The components are Shimano 105, icon headset and seat post and Rolf vector wheels. He doesn't know how old it is because got it from his Uncle. Here are a few pics. Also how much should he be asking for it?

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=270096http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=270097

Doesn't matter what he SHOULD be asking for it, what IS he asking for it? If it's one of those "make me an offer" deals, offer him $100.

He is asking $500.

You can probably look up the year with a little trial and error work at bikepedia.com

I'd say $500 is way to high. Maybe $250

I tried but couldn't tell what year it was.

That bike, in the condition it appears to be in, probably has some collectors value. it's a beautiful bike and would hold its value very well. Much more than say a Trek of the same vintage. If everything functions well on it and it fits, try offering $400. I'm pretty sure you could recover your $ if you wanted to upgrade down the road.

Im pretty sure the year is a 1999.

I am going to go look at it on Friday. I will over $350 if it is in good shape. Is there anything specifically I need to look at for wear and tear? I a noob at buying road bikes and have no idea what to look for.

$500 seems pretty fair for that bike.

Klein made some of the most amazing aluminum frames ever. And they all came with fantastic paint jobs.

Ok. I have never heard of Klen bikes and did not know how good they are.

Do you know if the bike is the right size for you? I am new to the sport as well but it doesn't take long to learn how important fit is. Fitting means a lot more than standing over the bike. I got my first bike off CL as well. I knew I needed a 58cm bike, but I had to have a few adjustments done (stem, saddle height, saddle position) before it was perfect for me. The shop charged me $40 but is was worth it.

If you're not familiar with the history and reputation of the Klein brand, maybe you should pass on it because someone that knows why a Klein is desirable (the seller and a buyer) are likely to keep the price higher than you'd spend. If you what a solid AL bike, without all the fuss about paint jobs and history - making design, I'd recommend any of the mainstream brands. Preferably a brand that your LBS is familiar with (just in case you ever need to settle a warranty or recall issue).

Why would these be desirable? I posted on here to get this info.

Back in the 80's, Klein introduced lightweight high-end bikes that had a paint job (urethane, I think) and that was unmatched. They basically took the fat tube aluminum construction trend that Cannondale had pioneered and pushed the envelope by adding wild fades, and color saturation, and paint "depth" that was unheard of outside of the custom car circuit. The bikes were fast and expensive. Klein got into trouble with the EPA due to stricter VOC regulations and shut down their Washington state based operations soon after. Now that bikes are primarily manufactured in countries that are more lenient about environmental regulations, the move towards the sort of paint jobs that made Klein famous has made a small resurgence.

Edit: I may be wrong about which company pioneered fat tube AL frame construction.

Why not tell us where this bike is located? :innocent:

My bad. It is in Kansas City.

Are you trying to sell or buy?

Something does not track. If you are the owner, you'd know what you have and set the price accordingly. Is the bike stolen? Did you steal it and now you are trying to unload it? Why are you asking us how much the "seller" shoudl ask?

Haha no I did not steal it. I am trying to buy it. I asked how much the seller should ask because he didn't give me a price right away. He is asking $500 and I just wanted to know if that was a good deal on this bike. It is my first time buying a bike and have no idea what to look for/what is good.

If those Rolf Vector wheels were standard on the bike, then it could very well be pre-2001. $500 is a fair price for that Klein, but you are hearing from someone who believe that Klein is a highly desirable bike. Offer $400 and see if he bites. The reason I ask the location is to see if I can snipe it from you :P

Why are they highly desirable?

If you've seen it in person, you'll know why. But it's like asking someone to explain jazz.

How do they ride? But even from the photo the paint job looks awesome.