2002 Klein Adept Race

I picked this* up from Craigslist a week ago. (the bike, not the cat)





Seller says that it has about 4 rides on it! He's telling the truth based on the condition of the bike and components, too. Its 100% original.





Metallic paint is called Caribbean Reef; it changes from green to blue depending on the viewing angle. However, there are a couple of big, ugly scratches. :cry: Does anyone have any tips on touching these up?





I also have some questions about the fork, but will start another thread for that.

* - Yes, I'm aware that its a Trek era Klein and not to be confused with the highly lusted after ones. :x

Nice, good find, would like to see the paint job out in the sun, but don't get much of that no more :roll:

Will be ordering fork decals from http://stores.ebay.ie/cyclingandstickers

They need to be resized slightly from what he has for sale, and he's willing to do this no problem.

Re:

Beautifull, I wouldn't try to touch up the paint. Give it a bit of polish, you could try a cutting polish as the marks may be in the laquer. Your mission now is to ride it, not sit at home admiring it!

Re:

I bought some rubbing compound today. After a few minutes of work, the big mark on the top tube is mostly gone! :shock:

I think that one will clean up pretty well and just leave a few deep nicks. The seatstay is definitely deep enough to go through the paint, but hopefully I can reduce the scuffed area around it. I'm not sure about the downtube, it feels pretty rough (deep) so we'll see.

Overall, I'm optimistic that I can reduce the visual impact of the scratches to a point where they are much less noticeable.

If I wanted it perfect, I'd have spent $$$ on a respray. :x

I already bought a velcro Lizard Skins protector for the chainstay...

Re:

Some photos after using the rubbing compound. (Yes, the grass sucks. Its Feb in Pittsburgh) :x







]



I'll probably hit the areas that I worked on with polishing compound to clean up the duller areas left from the rubbing compound. And I have to do something about the white stuff in a couple of the chips.

Is that scratch repair (filler) that they sell for cars worth using?

Re:

Saturday, gave it a wash and spray liquid wax. "BLACK" decal arrived for the right fork leg. It was the perfect size, and went on w/no problem.

Switched the Lizard Skins chainstay protector to a 29" version as it was a bit longer and covered more of the chainstay.

Got a Sigma Sport computer and wireless mount installed, and I believe that they are period correct, too.

First ride was Sunday!

Not enough air in the tires and a small, high pitched squeak from front hub were the only issues. REI let me pump up the tires so I could keep riding.













Its all original, except for:

- V brakes switched to LX (from spares pile) to match levers and cranks, were stock Avid 3s with rusty hardware.
- Stock Bontrager grips switched to foam Ritchey WCS.
- SigmaSport wireless computer added.
- Repro fork decal on right leg as "BLA K" had fallen off.
- Chainstay protector added.

Edit - 27 lbs 13 oz as pictured.