Please abuse me (I like a klein)

Monique says:

<snip a bit>

Quoted message said:

The Fisher Cake small was rubbing my crotch, and I really didn't want a
bike quite that friendly, so I nixed that one.

Did you HAVE to say that? Now Sorni's going to get all excited again....

Steve ;-)

Monique Y. Mudama said:

snipped all the interesting stuff
Thanks for letting me ramble. I'm open to opinions and I know that
most of you will hate it just because it's Klein. But if you could
give me some data points to back up the hatred, that would be of
interest.

There ain't nothing like the paint job on a Klein.
--
Perre
2001 Klein Adept Pro. Plumcrazy

Per Elmsäter said:

Monique Y. Mudama said:

snipped all the interesting stuff
Thanks for letting me ramble. I'm open to opinions and I know that
most of you will hate it just because it's Klein. But if you could
give me some data points to back up the hatred, that would be of
interest.

There ain't nothing like the paint job on a Klein.
--
Perre
2001 Klein Adept Pro. Plumcrazy

....which is why I'd hate to own a Klein MTB - I'll be all [censored] if I
scratched it. I got a Klein roadie though (Q Carbon Team) with
an exquisite paint job, and a smooth ride...

--
- Zilla
Cary, NC
(Remove XSPAM)

Monique Y. Mudama said:

I test rode some bikes today. I went to a store believing that they
carried Konas and Yetis, but it turned out they dropped those lines
since last year. They carry Trek, Klein, Fisher, and Cannondale.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

The Fisher Cake small was rubbing my crotch, and I really didn't want
a bike quite that friendly, so I nixed that one. The women's versions
were respectively way too small and way too large.

Heh. We won't be able to resist that. Especially in combination with your
title.
I bet some people would pay more for that kind of treatment, but being a
newlywed you're probably already taken care of in that department.

Quoted message said:

The Canondale Jekyll 800 with a lefty was ... okay. Nothing really
impressed me about it, except that it did seem to fit me well in the
cockpit. It felt clunky, somehow.

Which brings me to the one I *did* like ... the Klein Palomino 5.

http://www.kleinbikes.com/us/mountain_bikes/palomino/palomino_v/index.html

It was very light -- extremely easy to pick the front up while riding
around. Light compared to what I'm used to, anyway. XT rear,
everything else LX. They actually had a road front der (shimano 105)
and I don't quite understand that ... it has a Fox float 100R as a
fork. One interesting thing about this is that I can comfortably grip
this bike to put it on the car. Many bikes seem to have "stuff"
right where I need to put my hands. This may seem like a minor
thing, but it made an impression on me. Hayes disc brakes (does
hayes vs. shimano matter?).

There's a 15 that also has disc brakes (shimano instead of hayes) and
has full XT. Also a much nicer Fox fork. So if I were thinking of
upgrading to XT, it would probably be smarter to just buy the 15.
Unless, as the owner pointed out, I didn't like the new combo XT
thing, in which case I could upgrade the 5 with the old XT parts.
Getting the 15 would be $600 more, though, and past my "hard" limit
of $2500.

I understand that the palomino has been reworked a bit this year to
address some of last year's complaints. I've also been told it climbs
surprisingly well. This bicycle store seems competent (the owner was
the one helping me), gives me a discount through my club, has low
prices, and will discount all rental costs (not just one day) from the
purchase price. So I'm tempted to try it out this weekend and see
what I think on my normal terrain.

I know a couple of people who ride those. Most like them, and one guy broke
his, but he's probably harder on his bikes than you are (except for getting
them run over - but few bikes can survive that).

I remember the front shifting being a big problem due to the design.
Hopefully that's a thing that's been worked out. One of the people I know
with one is the LBS owner's very petite wife and she really likes hers.

Quoted message said:

I understand that I'd do better with a Maverick frame, but looking
around, I don't think I can afford that. Well, maybe the frame, but
not the rest of the bike.

I'm not done looking, obviously, but I really did like this bike. The
seat tube is angled back a tiny bit compared to my Trek, which I think
gives me just a slightly better cockpit fit. (I tend to bend my
wrists, which is probably a combination of poor form and poor fit.)

Thanks for letting me ramble. I'm open to opinions and I know that
most of you will hate it just because it's Klein. But if you could
give me some data points to back up the hatred, that would be of
interest.

One reason is they are made (and owned) by Trek. So that's the kiss of death
for some.
It's definitely not a XC race type of bike, but it doesn't sound like that's
what you need (you can still race on a non-race bike, just not as
"seriously"😉.

I'd go for the XT group, but I'm kind of a snob when it comes to that stuff.

Matt

"Monique Y. Mudama" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

http://www.kleinbikes.com/us/mountain_bikes/palomino/palomino_v/index.html

do da shocks lock out?

I've got the prior generation Klein (Adept). I had real reservations when I
got it since it felt too light, but I got a screamin deal. Now that's been
through some minor skirmishes, I really like it and my confidence level is
much higher. Climbs great, very nimble and feels much like a hardtail until
it needs to go to work. The paint was already nicked up, so that wasn't an
issue. It was one of the Chehalis made models, which was a nice touch.

I'm not a freerider, but like the singletrack techie riding of north and
central Oregon. After nearly a year of XC riding, it's still working well
for me. Some component work to be done, but that's the Shimano stuff
starting to fail.

My buddy is hot for a Palomino as well. (ere, you know what I mean). I
thought the dramatic slope of the seat tube would make the cockpit too long
for his shorter upper body, but apparently not.

For the money, I think they are (or were, at least) excellent bikes.

"Monique Y. Mudama" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I test rode some bikes today. I went to a store believing that they
carried Konas and Yetis, but it turned out they dropped those lines
since last year. They carry Trek, Klein, Fisher, and Cannondale.

Quoted message said:

Which brings me to the one I *did* like ... the Klein Palomino 5.

Monique Y. Mudama said:

I test rode some bikes today. I went to a store believing that they
carried Konas and Yetis, but it turned out they dropped those lines
since last year. They carry Trek, Klein, Fisher, and Cannondale.

<snip>

Klein is actually becoming respectable again. I guess Seinfeld had to go
away for a sufficient amount of time. I would go for the all XT and
upgraded Fox fork.

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

Zilla said:

Per Elmsäter <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

There ain't nothing like the paint job on a Klein.
--
Perre
2001 Klein Adept Pro. Plumcrazy

Quoted message said:

...which is why I'd hate to own a Klein MTB - I'll be all [censored] if I
scratched it. I got a Klein roadie though (Q Carbon Team) with
an exquisite paint job, and a smooth ride...

This one? http://home.san.rr.com/billsornson/Bikes.jpg (large file warning;
clueless digital here).

Just got back from a 45-miler...WHILE wearing my AM-B headband!

Bill "blasphemer" S.

On 2004-06-04, Stephen Baker penned:

Quoted message said:

Monique says:

<snip a bit>

Quoted message said:

The Fisher Cake small was rubbing my crotch, and I really didn't want
a bike quite that friendly, so I nixed that one.

Did you HAVE to say that? Now Sorni's going to get all excited
again....

Of course I did =)

--
monique

On 2004-06-04, Per Elmsäter penned:

Quoted message said:

Monique Y. Mudama said:

snipped all the interesting stuff
Thanks for letting me ramble. I'm open to opinions and I know that
most of you will hate it just because it's Klein. But if you could
give me some data points to back up the hatred, that would be of
interest.

There ain't nothing like the paint job on a Klein.

Ah! I must have my priorities off -- I thought it was all about the
fit.

I figure, if I do buy it, I'll have to cover it in stickers to "protect"
the paint.

Quoted message said:

--
Perre
2001 Klein Adept Pro. Plumcrazy

--
monique

Gwood said:

I'm not a freerider, but like the singletrack techie riding of north and
central Oregon.

Where are you?

gabrielle, nosy & in NoCentral OR

gabrielle said:

Gwood said:

I'm not a freerider, but like the singletrack techie riding of north
and central Oregon.

Where are you?

gabrielle, nosy & in NoCentral OR

yeah, and did he see the conversation about AMB-MR (mackenzie river) in
August?

penny

S o r n i said:

Zilla said:

Per Elmsäter <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

There ain't nothing like the paint job on a Klein.
--
Perre
2001 Klein Adept Pro. Plumcrazy

Quoted message said:

...which is why I'd hate to own a Klein MTB - I'll be all [censored] if I
scratched it. I got a Klein roadie though (Q Carbon Team) with
an exquisite paint job, and a smooth ride...

This one? http://home.san.rr.com/billsornson/Bikes.jpg (large file
warning; clueless digital here).

Just got back from a 45-miler...WHILE wearing my AM-B headband!

Bill "blasphemer" S.

🙂! That's exactly what I have, same color, full Ultegra! How long
have you had yours? I've had mine 6 mos. now and 600 mi.

--
- Zilla
Cary, NC
(Remove XSPAM)

"Monique Y. Mudama" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

The Fisher Cake small was rubbing my crotch, and I really didn't want a
bike quite that friendly, so I nixed that one.

Hmm..., I'm sorry because I can't quite picture this rubbing that you
describe. Do you think you could post a picture of the rub marks so that I
don't have to leave it to my imagination?

The new 2005 LX will be out (most likely) this Fall. I think it would be a
good idea to wait until then to pick up a sweet deal on a bike with this new
group installed. Buy a used clunker to get you by until then...

Dave

On 2004-06-04, MattB penned:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

The Fisher Cake small was rubbing my crotch, and I really didn't want
a bike quite that friendly, so I nixed that one. The women's
versions were respectively way too small and way too large.

Heh. We won't be able to resist that. Especially in combination with
your title. I bet some people would pay more for that kind of
treatment, but being a newlywed you're probably already taken care of
in that department.

It's always fun to turn a witty (or smutty) phrase. Innuendo didn't die
out when we grew up!

Quoted message said:

I know a couple of people who ride those. Most like them, and one guy
broke his, but he's probably harder on his bikes than you are (except
for getting them run over - but few bikes can survive that).

Do you remember what broke, how, and/or how big the guy is?

Quoted message said:

I remember the front shifting being a big problem due to the design.
Hopefully that's a thing that's been worked out. One of the people I
know with one is the LBS owner's very petite wife and she really likes
hers.

Are you referring to the fourth bullet point here?

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

This article *claims* that it is fixed this year. I did drop the chain
when shifting to the big ring in a situation that should never have
caused the chain to drop -- good reason to test ride this puppy on a
real trail before committing.

Quoted message said:

One reason is they are made (and owned) by Trek. So that's the kiss of
death for some. It's definitely not a XC race type of bike, but it
doesn't sound like that's what you need (you can still race on a
non-race bike, just not as "seriously"😉.

What kinds of things would be different on a XC race type bike, and
would such a bike be fun in non-race situations?

Quoted message said:

I'd go for the XT group, but I'm kind of a snob when it comes to that
stuff.

I'm highly tempted to go to the 15 as well, as much for the fork upgrade
as for the XT. The 15 has the new combo shifter/brake thing, though,
and I have no idea what I think of that yet.

--
monique

On 2004-06-04, Ozman Trad penned:

Quoted message said:

"Monique Y. Mudama" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

http://www.kleinbikes.com/us/mountain_bikes/palomino/palomino_v/index.html

do da shocks lock out?

The front fork on the 15 locks out; the one on the 5 does not. I don't
think the rear on either locks out, but I don't know.

--
monique

On 2004-06-04, Gwood penned:

Quoted message said:

I've got the prior generation Klein (Adept). I had real reservations
when I got it since it felt too light, but I got a screamin deal. Now
that's been through some minor skirmishes, I really like it and my
confidence level is much higher. Climbs great, very nimble and feels
much like a hardtail until it needs to go to work. The paint was
already nicked up, so that wasn't an issue. It was one of the
Chehalis made models, which was a nice touch.

I'm hearing the climbing thing from many people, and that definitely
sounds good to me. Paint; eh. It's supposed to get scratched.

Quoted message said:

I'm not a freerider, but like the singletrack techie riding of north
and central Oregon. After nearly a year of XC riding, it's still
working well for me. Some component work to be done, but that's the
Shimano stuff starting to fail.

I'm not a freerider, either. I don't think. What's a freerider? I
think it involves a heavier bike?

Quoted message said:

My buddy is hot for a Palomino as well. (ere, you know what I mean).
I thought the dramatic slope of the seat tube would make the cockpit
too long for his shorter upper body, but apparently not.

Well, my Fuel may have been just a hair tight for my torso and arms.
The increased slope seems to give me that touch more of space that I
want.

Quoted message said:

For the money, I think they are (or were, at least) excellent bikes.

I hope so =) I have tentative plans to test ride one tomorrow.

--
monique

On 2004-06-05, Ride-A-Lot penned:

Quoted message said:

Monique Y. Mudama said:

I test rode some bikes today. I went to a store believing that they
carried Konas and Yetis, but it turned out they dropped those lines
since last year. They carry Trek, Klein, Fisher, and Cannondale.

<snip>

Klein is actually becoming respectable again. I guess Seinfeld had to
go away for a sufficient amount of time. I would go for the all XT
and upgraded Fox fork.

Seinfeld?

Yeah, I'm leaning toward the 15, too.

--
monique

Monique Y. Mudama said:

On 2004-06-04, MattB penned:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

The Fisher Cake small was rubbing my crotch, and I really didn't
want a bike quite that friendly, so I nixed that one. The women's
versions were respectively way too small and way too large.

Heh. We won't be able to resist that. Especially in combination with
your title. I bet some people would pay more for that kind of
treatment, but being a newlywed you're probably already taken care of
in that department.

It's always fun to turn a witty (or smutty) phrase. Innuendo didn't
die out when we grew up!

We grew up?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I know a couple of people who ride those. Most like them, and one guy
broke his, but he's probably harder on his bikes than you are (except
for getting them run over - but few bikes can survive that).

Do you remember what broke, how, and/or how big the guy is?

No, but I think JD may know.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I remember the front shifting being a big problem due to the design.
Hopefully that's a thing that's been worked out. One of the people I
know with one is the LBS owner's very petite wife and she really
likes hers.

Are you referring to the fourth bullet point here?

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

I think so. I thought there was also a suspension-induced ghost shift thing,
but it's entirely possible I'm confusing that with another bike so don't
take my word for it.

Quoted message said:

This article *claims* that it is fixed this year. I did drop the
chain when shifting to the big ring in a situation that should never
have caused the chain to drop -- good reason to test ride this puppy
on a real trail before committing.

Quoted message said:

One reason is they are made (and owned) by Trek. So that's the kiss
of death for some. It's definitely not a XC race type of bike, but
it doesn't sound like that's what you need (you can still race on a
non-race bike, just not as "seriously"😉.

What kinds of things would be different on a XC race type bike, and
would such a bike be fun in non-race situations?

XC race bikes will usually have less travel if any at all. Hardtails still
play a prominent role in XC races and a lot of the pros riding FS would ride
hardtails if the sponsors were more into it. There's more emphasis on weight
savings and less on comfort. I have what was designed to be a race FS bike,
but it's still thought of as heavy and plush by more serious racers.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'd go for the XT group, but I'm kind of a snob when it comes to that
stuff.

I'm highly tempted to go to the 15 as well, as much for the fork
upgrade as for the XT. The 15 has the new combo shifter/brake thing,
though, and I have no idea what I think of that yet.

Fox forks seem to be very well liked. I'd be tempted too.
I don't know about the shifters either. I'd proably be willing to try them
if they came on the bike I wanted (and I'd hope they were good).

Matt