Klein Mantra

[Richardcs]

Hi

Ive just picked up a shed of a Klein Mantra - but couldnt say no after looking around this site it appeared it is a carbon model with Manitou SX forks and it only set me back 70 quid! youll see why by the pics!...its unrideable at the moment and has some pretty naff kit in places...

its got a fox vanilla shock, that Im going to take off and leak check in the sink! everytime I connect the pump its showing no pressure..but Im new to rear suspension so much to learn....

Im not sure what is lurking under that paint but I plan to strip it right down and get it properly painted up... Ive decent enough parts to go on it so should be pretty much XT..

shoudl turn out to be a bargain - Is it worth payin to have painted, or is it not that valuable and may as well rattle can it myself?

also... whats going on with the seat clamp and home made headset spacer!? Im guessing if its carbon it needs a certain type of clamp? - not a jubilee clip ithough! dunno?

any info advice or otherwise on this machine fully appreciated!!

 

[Richardcs]

oh it didnt come with those wheels they are mine..the ones on it where some black no name things that were not QR so budget aint the word! think i halved the weight takin em off it!

 

[Thias]

I am currently riding a '98 Mantra and i must say, I like it. Especially up hill you don't loose close to any force to the suspension. But the suspension is still working if you stand up downhill (that was a surprise to me...)

The read end is powder coated originally. The main frame wasn't. You have the "plastic" version, so maybe just stripping the paint and put a layer of clear coat on would look nice? I think the frame would be worth 300-400 Euros if it was in a good nic and with original paint. A respray would make it 250-300. And a selfmade rattelcan -well. That depends on your skill only. Wont be worth less then 150 in any case.

I also would suggest a better dampener, if you really want to ride the bike.

 

[Richardcs]

Hi mate thanks for that useful reply - when you say 'plastic'??!!.... if i strip it can i leave it bare and exposed or can it get weather damaged?

i do want to use it, at the moment ive got some of it stripped - it appears to have been painted at least 3 times in its life! and none well!!

the rear shock seems soft even at 250..but i am 15 stone!!... that said im new to softtails so it may be normal..it has about 30% sag id say.... what would you reccomend?

 

[Thias]

That depends
20% would be a good start, I think.

And no, I wouldn't leave the carbon bare. "Mechanically" that shouldn't be a problem. But esthetically.

Concerning the shock, I am not an expert. The only Fox I have is a very basic "Alps".

The Manitou shock, that I have on my Mantra has two air valves, one for rebound and one for "hardness". I filled it to 15 bar (around 217 PSI) and I weight around 81 kilos.

PS: Don't use the word softtail - thats a different design, that doesn't use any joints.

 

[Richardcs]

:facepalm: told you I was new to it though!! :facepalm: