Klein vs. Trek Road Bike

In my search for a new road bike, multiple shops keep pushing Klein
over their Trek models. Are the Klein's that much better (I've read a
little about their manufacturing, etc) in composition, design, etc.
than Trek? I know that they are using the compact geometry design
which one shop thought would help with my lack of flexibility and
reach for the handlebars....

Mike

On 11 Feb 2004 09:08:41 -0800, (Mike) wrote:
In my search for a new road bike, multiple shops keep pushing Klein
over their Trek models.

You have multiple shops selling the same two brands? Around here,
everybody sells Trek, and some also sell one or two other brands,
but not the same ones.

Are the Klein's that much better (I've read a
little about their manufacturing, etc) in composition, design, etc.
than Trek?

Could be the toyota factor -- trek-oyota, as it were. Very common,
well made, and unexciting to many. I had to buy my road bike outside
of the LBS where I prefer to spend my money, because he didn't offer
anything other than Trek for less than $3000, and the Treks he had
just didn't make me want to spend a thousand dollars.

If you're excited by Trek bikes, however, then by all means, they're
worth your money. The bike that doesn't excite you doesn't get
ridden...

I know that they are using the compact geometry design
which one shop thought would help with my lack of flexibility and
reach for the handlebars....

A compact, or a regular frame in a too-small size, I suppose either
would work. The same stems and seatposts that fit compacts fit
standard frames.
--
Rick Onanian

(Mike) wrote in news:dc53077a.0402110908.67d69667
@posting.google.com:
In my search for a new road bike, multiple shops keep pushing Klein
over their Trek models. Are the Klein's that much better (I've read a
little about their manufacturing, etc) in composition, design, etc.
than Trek?

Klein is made by Trek so you're not going to see a big difference in value.
For the same price, Kleins generally have slightly nicer frames and slightly
poorer components. The ride can be a little stiffer, which some people like
and others don't. Take some test rides. Buy what fits you the best and
gives you a ride you like.

Klein is made by Trek so you're not going to see a big difference in value.

IIRC, the lower end Kleins are built in Waterloo, WI (Trek), while the high
end stuff is still built at the Klein factory.


Chris Neary


"Science, freedom, beauty, adventu what more could
you ask of life? Bicycling combined all the elements I
loved" - Adapted from a quotation by Charles Lindbergh

IIRC, the lower end Kleins are built in Waterloo, WI (Trek), while the high
end stuff is still built at the Klein factory.

all klein bikes are built in house at trek. there is no longer a klein
factory.

gary

"Chris Neary" wrote in message
...
Klein is made by Trek so you're not going to see a big difference in
value.

IIRC, the lower end Kleins are built in Waterloo, WI (Trek), while the
high
end stuff is still built at the Klein factory.

There is no more Klein factory in Washington. It has been closed and the
tools and fixtures auctioned off. Sorry to be the one to tell you. It took a
while for me to get used to it. All Kleins are made by Trek now (not sure
if they're even made in Wisconsin anymore...)

Rocketman
2001 Klein Attitude Race, Aztec Gold

There is no more Klein factory in Washington. It has been closed and the
tools and fixtures auctioned off. Sorry to be the one to tell you. It took
a
while for me to get used to it. All Kleins are made by Trek now (not sure
if they're even made in Wisconsin anymore...)

Correct, the Klein equipment was largely moved to WI (some of it was
auctioned off as you mentioned) and production set up there. They basically
set up a factory within a factory, and it took considerably longer than
expected to get things going. Kleins were not, and are not built in the
same manner as their cousins.

This year's Kleins, I'm willing to say, are at least the quality of what
came out of Chehalis, if not better. Graphics & paint are dialed, weld
quality and straightness of tubes perfect. It didn't happen overnight, but
the current product is the best I've seen with the Klein name attached to
it.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com


"Rocketman" wrote in message
news:C2CWb.10328$yE5.50045@attbi_s54...
"Chris Neary" wrote in message
...
Klein is made by Trek so you're not going to see a big difference in
value.

IIRC, the lower end Kleins are built in Waterloo, WI (Trek), while the
high
end stuff is still built at the Klein factory.

There is no more Klein factory in Washington. It has been closed and the
tools and fixtures auctioned off. Sorry to be the one to tell you. It took
a
while for me to get used to it. All Kleins are made by Trek now (not sure
if they're even made in Wisconsin anymore...)

Rocketman
2001 Klein Attitude Race, Aztec Gold

IIRC, the lower end Kleins are built in Waterloo, WI (Trek), while the
high end stuff is still built at the Klein factory.

There is no more Klein factory in Washington. It has been closed and the
tools and fixtures auctioned off. Sorry to be the one to tell you. It took a
while for me to get used to it. All Kleins are made by Trek now (not sure
if they're even made in Wisconsin anymore...)

Thanks for the update, my aging memory was probably thinking back to an
earlier point in the assimilation of Klein by Trek.



Chris Neary


"Science, freedom, beauty, adventu what more could
you ask of life? Bicycling combined all the elements I
loved" - Adapted from a quotation by Charles Lindbergh

Chris Neary wrote:
Klein is made by Trek so you're not going to see a big difference
in value.
IIRC, the lower end Kleins are built in Waterloo, WI (Trek), while the
high end stuff is still built at the Klein factory.
Chris Neary
"Science, freedom, beauty, adventu what more could you ask of life?
Bicycling combined all the elements I loved" - Adapted from a quotation
by Charles Lindbergh


And there IS no low-end Klein


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