pre-trek klein mantras
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mechagouki
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I'm not sure if it's as clear cut as pre-Trek and Apres-Trek, but the main differences on the later models were a redesigned swingarm (the first ones broke), standard 1-1/8" headtube instead of MC2 and Hayes/Hope pattern rear disc mounts for the last 3 years. To the best of my knowledge all Mantras were manufactured at the Klein factory in Chehalis by Klein frame builders.
Protoype with proprietary rear shock (MoMBaT photo):
Another proto. Mantra with MC2 decals:
1997 production bike (old swingarm):
Apres-Trek 2001 bike (used to be mine):
Protoype with proprietary rear shock (MoMBaT photo):
Another proto. Mantra with MC2 decals:
1997 production bike (old swingarm):
Apres-Trek 2001 bike (used to be mine):
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I'm sure i read the Mantra was a Gary Klein design but only released after the takeover, so there is no such bike as a pre-Trek Mantra.
Wasn't the 1st released in 1997, Trek took over Klein end of 1995, and the prototype is from 1996.
Wasn't the 1st released in 1997, Trek took over Klein end of 1995, and the prototype is from 1996.
mechagouki
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The Mombat Prototype dates to April 1995:
http://mombat.org/MOMBAT/Bikes/1995_Klein_Mantra.html
I tend to think of the later bikes as apres-trek because they have the modern Klein decals, but you're right, there probably never was a true Klein Mantra aside from the proto's.
http://mombat.org/MOMBAT/Bikes/1995_Klein_Mantra.html
I tend to think of the later bikes as apres-trek because they have the modern Klein decals, but you're right, there probably never was a true Klein Mantra aside from the proto's.
I think you.re quite right that there's no such thing as a pre-Trek Mantra.
I don't think the Mantra Pro counts as a prototype though, apparently there were over 200 made. My, far from original spec, one is very similar to your to pic, 1996, except for the long Fox air shock.
The later production Mantras have a far deeper flatter main frame (which doesn't catch your thighs as you pedal), the standard 1 1/8" headset on the Mantra comp and Fox shocks. The shocks on the later models are shorter, with a higher bottom mounting point. The main pivot is a nylon bearing (as seen on the 3rd and 4th pics above) this has an adjustable cone, with 2 pin holes in the pivot, the earlier Mantras have a non-adjustable, bronze bush, top 2 pics.
Some might say that Trek stopped Klein making all those small proprietary things that (depending on your point of view) made Kleins unique, or a pain in the ass to own. But the welding and paint finishes on the older Kleins are definitely better...
See OldKlein for some more technical development details.
http://www.oldklein.com/klein_evolution.htm
All the best,
I don't think the Mantra Pro counts as a prototype though, apparently there were over 200 made. My, far from original spec, one is very similar to your to pic, 1996, except for the long Fox air shock.
The later production Mantras have a far deeper flatter main frame (which doesn't catch your thighs as you pedal), the standard 1 1/8" headset on the Mantra comp and Fox shocks. The shocks on the later models are shorter, with a higher bottom mounting point. The main pivot is a nylon bearing (as seen on the 3rd and 4th pics above) this has an adjustable cone, with 2 pin holes in the pivot, the earlier Mantras have a non-adjustable, bronze bush, top 2 pics.
Some might say that Trek stopped Klein making all those small proprietary things that (depending on your point of view) made Kleins unique, or a pain in the ass to own. But the welding and paint finishes on the older Kleins are definitely better...
See OldKlein for some more technical development details.
http://www.oldklein.com/klein_evolution.htm
All the best,
