To Klein, or not to Klein...

[Tmax1]

Hi. I'm new here.

I'm currently on a Fisher hardtail and am trying to talk myself into or out of a Klein Palimino Race.

Any thoughts?

Tmax1

[Tmax1]

Hmmm....2 1/2 hours and no posts.

People must not think much of Klein...

Tmax1

[lokstah]

Originally posted by Tmax1
Hmmm....2 1/2 hours and no posts.

People must not think much of Klein...

Tmax1
You kidding? This forum is a Klein lovefest! Beautiful, made in America, hand-painted, lush attention to detail, super-light, and so on. Then again, Fishers are great too. I know a guy who made a surfboard for Gary and got a free Sugar in return -- whatever the top-spec'd model of 2003 was. Awesome.

I'd point out that there are two MTB-specific forums on the site and they're probably a better place to find an opinion, though. This room, by contrast, is probably 90% roadie.

Check them out here (http://www.cyclingforums.com/f37). Good luck deciding.

[Tmax1]

thanks loksta,

next time i'll post over there...

i've had thoughts of a sugar...just can not decide....maybe i don't know enough about what's out there...

tmax1

[lokstah]

Originally posted by Tmax1
thanks loksta,

next time i'll post over there...

i've had thoughts of a sugar...just can not decide....maybe i don't know enough about what's out there...

tmax1
Out of curiosity, what circumstances have you comparing a Klein dual suspension frame and a Fisher hardtail? Are those your high/low end options, or do you really have independent interest in the Palomino and Fisher HTs?

I don't ride MTBs, but the Sugar seems like a worthy counterpart to the Palomino.

I have a Klein Q-Pro road frame due in February, BTW.

[Tmax1]

Q-Pro is a nice, nice ride. Congrats.

I've never ridden a dual sus on a trail. And I've only had time in the saddle on Gary Fisher hardtails. So, I've been "brand loyal" to Fisher for a while.

I thought about the Cake and the Sugar.

But something about the Klein is calling my name. Fred or dork, I dunno.

...must be the paint job. <smile>

tmax1<jerry>

[DiabloScott]

Originally posted by Tmax1
Q-Pro is a nice, nice ride. Congrats.

I've never ridden a dual sus on a trail. And I've only had time in the saddle on Gary Fisher hardtails. So, I've been "brand loyal" to Fisher for a while.

I thought about the Cake and the Sugar.

But something about the Klein is calling my name. Fred or dork, I dunno.

...must be the paint job. <smile>

tmax1<jerry>

The Palomino really is a beautiful bike - but the seat tube is at such a weird angle that it seems like the saddle would be in a very different position relative to the crank when you move it up or down for different terrain. I'd try that out on a test ride just to make sure it wouldn't bother me.

Klein completely got rid of the Adept line of dual suspension bikes which I thought was really good - they're putting a lot of confidence in the Palomino.

[lokstah]

The Palomino is based on the much-vaunted and long-proven Turner dual suspension design, no?

[timcolson]

Originally posted by lokstah
The Palomino is based on the much-vaunted and long-proven Turner dual suspension design, no?

Yep - Klein licensed the Maverick American suspension and put it onto a bike that can be had for a lot less money.

http://www.singletrackworld.com/article.php?sid=539
http://www.singletrackworld.com/article.php?sid=1046

I ride a Klein hardtail and a Klein Quantum roadie. I've been happy with them - they seem to fit me better than other bikes. (6'2" about 165lbs)

I'm currently trying to decide between a 2004 Klein Palomino XV or a Santa Cruz Blur.... or maybe a Turner Burner (different Turner).


I had the chance to ride a Palomino XX at a local Trek demo... about an hour out on real trail. To me, it was amazing, but that was my first Dual Suspension ride. (I did ride a Fuel 100 too, and thought it more harsh and less agile in comparison - but again, that could just be the "fit", so Fuel 100 owners please don't flame me - it seemed like a swell bike.)

I've only been on a quick demo ride (10 min) on the Blur and it seems really nice too... I just can't decide.

Another factor for me - LBS that carries Santa Cruz has a great reputation. But only one store here can 'order' the Klein - not much experience with the Palomino obviously.

If you figure out how to make the decision easier - please let me know, cause my hard tail is feeling harder every day. <grin>

Cheers,
Timo

[Postie]

Originally posted by Tmax1
Hi. I'm new here.

I'm currently on a Fisher hardtail and am trying to talk myself into or out of a Klein Palimino Race.

Any thoughts?

Tmax1

I'm guessing you've already made the decision you want to go from hardtail to FS. Klein only makes great bikes. Personally I think their mountain bikes are a little heavy for the cash. However if you want a quality ride, the Palimino Race is definitely that.

The conventional Trek line is a little easier to find, so you could also let your eyes wander over to the Fuel 95.

[rossoreduk]

Dont b put off by the wierd lookin layback. The bike is perfect. Go get one! Simple! Klein ROX!! Though as mentioned before, get a high end model! Get some light parts on it, personally i'd go XTR!
But then again i've just spent all my cash on a Q carbon Pro on Record 2004 so no more dosh left for me im afraid!

[Tmax1]

"Go get one! Simple! Klein ROX!! "

Now you've done it. I guess I will have to.

My Klein dealer has Trek also so I'll look at the Fuel.

Too bad most shops are not like car dealers and let you test drive.

...meanwhile I continue to round up cash...

Tmax1

[rossoreduk]

Originally posted by Tmax1
"Go get one! Simple! Klein ROX!! "

Now you've done it. I guess I will have to.

My Klein dealer has Trek also so I'll look at the Fuel.

Too bad most shops are not like car dealers and let you test drive.

...meanwhile I continue to round up cash...

Tmax1

I've just got back from LBS and was actually lookin at the Trek Fuel. Nah dont go there fella! The Klein Palomino is beautiful. I saw one with Fox front forks and rear on XTR with disc brakes. Had a lil spin and it was very plush! Asthetically the Palomino is flawless. Seriously curvatious oversized frame just proclaims sheer SEX appeal! Need i say more?

[Tmax1]

I hear ya rossoreduk!!

The Palomino is definately on my short list....

Regards,

Tmax1

[Tmax1]

I got the Klein...

Tm1

[lokstah]

Originally posted by Tmax1
I got the Klein...

Tm1
Rock on, homie. Post pictures.

Hey guys, by the way -- my Q-Pro frame is finally in the mail. At least according to Klein it is. My teeth are chattering, I'm so pumped!

I've got a Fizik Arione, a 3T MORE carbon bar, a Stella Azzura stem, a USE Ti seatpost, and some Speedplays lying around, and a DA 10 group on order! Somebody stop me!

:cool:

[Tmax1]

thank you , Sir!

I put the money down and am having to pay it out. Word on the street is Klein won't ship much till end of year.

Orange Palomino Race. XTR almost all...

I'll be doin' the Lokstah add-on's soon enough I am sure...

<big smile>
Tm1

[rossoreduk]

i today am a proud owner of a new klein q carbon pro with full 2004 record and a selle italia seat and look pedals! Pics will follow soon u mark my words! 'ts flippin awesome!

[jstraw]

Kleins, Fishers, Lemonds...they're all Treks nowadays anyway...

All greta bikes too. Rock on dood.

[lokstah]

Originally posted by jstraw
Kleins, Fishers, Lemonds...they're all Treks nowadays anyway...

All greta bikes too. Rock on dood.
Eh, I think it's easy to be cynical about that, but the technology doesn't really support the theory. Sure, it's a shame that Trek is pulling the strings behind these companies, but we haven't seen a real merge of designs between the Klein, Fisher, Lemond, and Trek.

They've still got their own unique makeups of product lines with more differences than similarities; Trek and Klein use different aluminum alloys, for instance, and only Lemond is using titanium or "spine" designs. Both Klein and Lemond have prominent lines that make big use of compact geometry, and Trek's varied MTB lines don't share much in common with Fisher's Sugar bikes or Klein's Palamino (a Maverick/Turner license).

I think both Lemond and Klein are using Trek OCLV carbon in their spine and/or seatstay designs, and they all share the Bontrager contract, but beyond that, the companies seem to be allowed to preserve some self-identity which keeps things interesting.

It's in Trek's interest too.