What is it with Klein Mantra's and 'the bay'.

[gtRTSdh]

They weren't exactly cheap new and are a design icon in my opinion and look very cool. . . I really want an early one but just have too many bikes already!

 

[NeilM]

They weren't exactly cheap new and are a design icon in my opinion and look very cool. . . I really want an early one but just have too many bikes already!

The same could be said of many bikes, including my STS-2 or Zaskar, but they are still only worth a couple of hundred quid, probably less than that in the case of the STS.

Like I said, I think the Mantra is still one of the best looking bikes there is, but unlike an art collector, I am not happy to pay a lot of money for something that looks nice, despite the expectations of some sellers.

 

[gtRTSdh]

They weren't exactly cheap new and are a design icon in my opinion and look very cool. . . I really want an early one but just have too many bikes already!

The same could be said of many bikes, including my STS-2 or Zaskar, but they are still only worth a couple of hundred quid, probably less than that in the case of the STS.

Like I said, I think the Mantra is still one of the best looking bikes there is, but unlike an art collector, I am not happy to pay a lot of money for something that looks nice, despite the expectations of some sellers.

You just can't compare Kleins and GTs, there were no cheap Kleins and as such in car terms the analogy would be fords and porsches. The production quantities of Zaskars significantly reduces thier value. The STS's (maybe they didn't do an ally lobo, I'm not sure) were just an upgraded LTS or I-drive and are hampered by the association of lesser models. On the other hand the Mantra has no such problem. There's a lot of love for GTs here, I have an RTS and Xizang.

 

[Rampage]

This is one of the most hideous bikes I've ever seen, and can be yours for just £1200.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KLEIN-MAN...UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3f17c75023#ht_2943wt_922

 

[NeilM]

You just can't compare Kleins and GTs, there were no cheap Kleins and as such in car terms the analogy would be fords and porsches.

You misunderstand. What I am saying, is just because it had a price tag when new, does not make it worth money 15 years on. Look at the Porsche Boxtser, they can be had for a couple of grand now, same as an older TVR.

I am not saying that a good clean original Mantra is not worth £400 or even £500 (although a lot better bikes can be had for the same or less money), I am just struck by the recent flurry of Matra's appearing with £500 to £1200 price tags. If that's what they are worth to the owner, fair enough, but to expect that kind of money for a 15 year old suspension bike is, I feel, optimistic to say the least.

 

[amedias]

are they actually selling at that price though?

the only ones i've seen actually selling have been the ones priced realistically

 

[NeilM]

are they actually selling at that price though?

the only ones i've seen actually selling have been the ones priced realistically

My point exactly

 

[amedias]

not just mantras, or indeed even kleins this happens with though, some sellers just have unrealistic expectations.

 

[highlandsflyer]

You just can't compare Kleins and GTs, there were no cheap Kleins and as such in car terms the analogy would be fords and porsches.

You misunderstand. What I am saying, is just because it had a price tag when new, does not make it worth money 15 years on. Look at the Porsche Boxtser, they can be had for a couple of grand now, same as an older TVR.

I am not saying that a good clean original Mantra is not worth £400 or even £500 (although a lot better bikes can be had for the same or less money), I am just struck by the recent flurry of Matra's appearing with £500 to £1200 price tags. If that's what they are worth to the owner, fair enough, but to expect that kind of money for a 15 year old suspension bike is, I feel, optimistic to say the least.

If you could generally pick up Boxters for a couple of grand I would have a drive full of them!

North of 3k for a well used early example seems their price, but I am sure you are right you could find one for a cash sale well under that.

Mantras are a design icon, like it or not a lot of sellers are chancing their hand. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and all that.

Some of the higher end ones still go for bargain prices.

There is one thing for sure, the Klein badge is as desirable as ever.

What I cannot understand is the ridiculous price being paid for cracked Manitous!