Meandering Velonauts

History
The 1996 Klein Attitude was obtained by trade. I was riding a 1996 Aluminum Stumpjumper. The head mechanic, named “Ska”, had the frame and Judy crown sitting in the attic of his home. I didn’t hesitate making the swap, as I was getting the better end of the deal.

The frame originally had the 1996 team colors. However, during the initial building of the bike, the frame was damaged while replacing the pressed bottom bracket. The frame was sent back to Klein to be repaired. Klein needed to repaint the frame after repairing it. Instead of using the original colors/fade, they used the 1997 team colors. This very well may be the only 1996 Attitude with 1997 team colors.

I used the original “Mission Control” MC1 stem until it was upgraded in 2000 to the MC3 stem. The MC3 stem was a better design and prevented the stem from twisting on the steering post. I came across a RaceFace Carbon flat bar which was added along with Onza Titanium L barends.

In 2001 the Judy fork was upgraded to New England Air Cartridges. This provided more firm ride when climbing out of the saddle. However the fork had a nasty air leak, requiring maintenance before each ride.

The Klein was my primary bike from 1998 through 2000, when it was replaced by my Santa Cruz Heckler. I continued riding the Klein off and on through 2004, when it spent more time hanging than on the trail.

In 2006 the Klein was reborn as a single speed convert. It was only ridden a few times due to poor suspension performance, ultimately being replaced by a Gary Fisher Rig 29er. The Klein remains a part of my collection, but now a tribute to mid 90s XC hard-tails.

To this day I consider early Klein bicycles some of the most beautifully shaped and painted mountain bikes made. I love my Klein and will keep it for many many more years.

Photos

Technical Specs

Frames
	FRAME:	1996 Klein Attitude
	FORK:	‘98 Rock Shox Judy XC w/ New England Air Cartidge
	COLOR:	1998 Team Fade
	SIZE:	Large
Wheels
	RIMS:	Spinergy Rev-X
	HUBS:	Spinergy Rev-X
	SPOKES:
	F. TIRE:	Continental Leader Pro
	R. TIRE:	Continental Cross Country
	SKEWERS:	Salsa Steel; Black
Components
	SADDLE:	Sele Italia Flight Ti
	SEATPOST:	Thompson Elite
	HEADSET:	Klein Pressed
	STEM:	Klein MC3
	HANDLEBARS:	RaceFace Carbon LP
	BARENDS:	LP Braided Carbon
	GRIPS:	Klein
Drivetrain
	SHIFTERS:	Shimano XTR 8-speed Rapid Fire
	F. DERAILLEUR:	Shimano XTR
	R. DERAILLEUR:	Shimano XTR
	CRANKSET:	RaceFace
	BB:	Klein pressed
	CASSETTE:	Shimano XTR 11-28t
	CHAIN:	SRAM 8 speed
Brakes
	F. BRAKE:	Shimano XTR V-brake
	R. BRAKE:	Shimano XTR V-brake
	LEVERS:	Shimano XTR