New Attitude - Klein Gravel Conversion Part 1

Welcome to the first of the three episodes where we will be converting a 26 inch wheel 2001 Klein attitude in to a more modern gravel bike.
Stay with us as we drag this classic bike into the modern day with a mix of new and secondhand parts, hoping to achieving a stunning, usable, and ever versatile gravel crunching machine.
The build is not going to be without its problems as modern gravel bikes do not share the same design as these older MTB's. With you present we will work through these and give many practical build hints and tips the rear their heads during the build, helping you to not make the same mistakes.
During this episode we will look at the frame and parts we intend to use, a summery of the history behind Klein bikes, and the start of the build.
Thanks for watching, subscribe and get informed for the next episode is out!
Thanks, Darren (Time For Bikes)
(also if I sound a little nervous then please forgive me, this is the first program released for Time For Bikes and I am sure as time goes on the nerves will float away - hopefully)

[@nickh7450]

Fantastic video!!! I now need to do two things: 1) buy a Klein 2) make a gravel bike! Thank you for taking the time to make this video, I am sure anyone who watches it will appreciate it (I sure did!).

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks Nick. Glad you enjoyed it. They are great bikes that still really hold their own against even the most up to date gravel bikes. Best of luck and let us know if you do manage to make up a retro Klein gravel bike. Take care and happy cycling.

[@simonfarrington2610]

Thanks for making the effort to produce and post this whole series. I have ridden and collected about a dozen Kleins over the past 20 years, converted them to all kinds of setups...and now about to build a 27.5/650b. Nice work!

[@timeforbikes]

Hi Simon. Thanks for leaving such a nice comment. I am.so.glad that this series has help Inspire you you try a 650b conversion yourself. Sounds like you have had a fair few more Klein's than me. I would love to see some pics of your bikes if you have any, and would also love a picture of your 650b conversion when finished. There is now a Time For Bikes Facebook's page that I would love to display some watchers bikes upon if possible. If you feel you could post some pics on that page then it would be great, just search timeforbikes in Facebook to find it,.either that of email me one or two at [e-mail]. if you can not then no worries at all. Thanks for watching, stay safe and happy cycling!

[@eleni2554]

Very informative, really enjoyed your video, I now understand why good bike mechanics are in demand, way more to the job than meets the eye

[@timeforbikes]

You are right that bikes can be quite complex things to work on, and as time has gone on they have seemingly become more and more so. There are thankfully still quite a number of bikes that are fairly simple though. It's possible to do many tasks to a bike with fairly limited training and tools. However, a good mechanic can really make a bike function amazingly well. Thanks for the comment! Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@PerfectStranger41]

Thank you so much. I have googled around a bit on how to make this all work before, and didn’t get too far. Your visuals and diagrams are really above and beyond. I will definitely be doing this in the future.

[@timeforbikes]

Hi Lucas, I am so glad that this will go some way to helping other peoples projects. This project was much fun and I hope your build will bring you as much Joy. Happy cycling!

[@jjaaajlex3076]

This is fantastic stuff, thank you so much for taking the time to share. Great to hear your enthusiasm!

[@timeforbikes]

My pleasure!

[@ivanaraque]

There are new generation gravel cranks out there with that 50-34 config from the Ultegra. Great build! (By the way, I would've been surprised if you had made that a2z crappy adaptor work!) ;)

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for the comment! I found out now that you can get the a2z adaptor to work if used with a 180 rotor. I think you turn it around and you can get a brake caliper to fit and setup ok. Never tried it though so please dont quote me on that. Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@derekbaldridge8245]

Absolutely loving this! So informative! Thank you!

[@timeforbikes]

Enjoy the rest Derek!

[@RMCRetro]

I should buy a bike. Great series Darren I enjoyed learning all about Klein and watching you fix it up....I miss the Ridgeway!

[@timeforbikes]

I think you should go for a Raleigh Street Wolf - that's what you used to have didn't you? There was even some basic computer on it. Maybe I will challenge you to something one day and build you a bike...? ;) Take care mate!

[@timeforbikes]

Hi Martin, thanks for the sweeping generalisation and thinking that everybody in our society is of the same thinking - I am glad you know us all so well..... Are we not verging of being inappropriate? That aside I can say that maybe look at my Dawes rebuild aswell and you will see that I am a fan of originality as well - this bike is not a bike to be 'clasist' about, sorry classist. Please remember that the Klein I did up here was very special to me, and I brought it as a frame in 2010 to build a modest dream bike. I couldn't afford it when new. I loved it then when it was far from popular. Maybe watch a little more and reserve judgement dude. Anyway, enjoy your cycling as that is something that hopefully unites us.

[@iwillfall]

love the intro mate!

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for the comment, always great to have some feedback. Take care and happy cycling!

[@Vierringe]

Nice video, go forward :)

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for the comment. Episode 2 is being constructed and should be out soon. Check back soon or subscrube.

[@quickdraw1216]

Awesome video👌👌👌👌👌

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks my friend - make sure to watch the whole series. Take care and happy cycling :)

[@seansims4269]

I haven't even got thru part 1 yet but enjoyed it all so far ... good vid...I'm doing a similar project to my 99' attitude race that has been stripped for 4 years ...chipped paint ...I rode an 89' cannondale red shred before that and a klein rascal...appreciate the Klein info too ...have rode mantras and quantums bikes so it's a nice review. My passion was reignited by an Eddy Merckx pro 85' I scored cause someone was trippin and didn't want to pay back storage bills... great condition for 250...campagnolo super record and cinelli stuff san marco saddle mavic wheels all original...road about 600or more miles and needs to be super tuned cause it's been awhile I assume...so I ride a specialized 91' allez epic and its drivetrain is late 90's now with tiagra...I have to get a few things to complete these 4 builds and get a modern drivetrain or 2...just scored a cervelo 2008 p3c too...rich people moving who dont want to deal with shit when they sold a 2 million $$ home ...I guess or it's his wife's and he is mad...perfect condition with an extra set of race wheels , deep dish Easton tt90...so I'm excited to take in and share my bike passion ...51 years old and my kids and family aren't into it so I'm always happy to find community...cheers

[@timeforbikes]

Wow, sounds like you have a few projects to keep you going for a while. For me Kleins were that kind of dream bike when I started MTB racing in the 90's as a school kid. I remember going to a race and seeing a pink, white and green Klein Attitude being displayed by a shop - way too much money for me then (and kind is now as the bike collections is getting a too large!). I still have an Orange P7 from my days racing here in the UK and that has seen a bit of resto as some bits where just a little too beaten, but I tried to keep a period build. (1996). The cervelo that you have sounds great - the P3 is still considered a brilliant time trial bike to this day. Enjoy, and happy cycling!

[@arnoldpatriciovlogs8505]

Nice video sir!

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks very much, make sure you put a bit of time aside to see how it ends up on the three part mini series. I still have and love this bike. Thanks for commenting, please subscribe and check out some of the other videos! Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@enestahirozan]

Great job👏👏👏🍻

[@timeforbikes]

Hope you got to watch the whole series. Thanks for commenting, much appreciated. Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@enestahirozan]

@@timeforbikes Of course I watched them all. and I became a fan of klein bikes thanks to you. very good content. thanks

[@timeforbikes]

@@enestahirozan I almost feel responsible for a new addition! It's not a bad one though 😉. I still have a number of Klein projects to get through, but some other brands first!

[@enestahirozan]

@@timeforbikesthen I am looking forward to the next videos.

[@biking-places]

Terrific build.

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks - It really was fun to build and turned out just how I wanted it to.

[@markrushton1516]

the Velofil site has a lovely Klein conversion that includes a neat disc brake fixing on the rear stay

[@timeforbikes]

Hi Mark, Since I converted my attitude I have had loads of people world wide taking inspiration from it and doing similar with theirs - it's been lovely to know that this idea has been well uptake and given new life to so many fantastic old frames. That frame used in the velofil video is a much later frame than the one I used. That age Klein attitude had all the hard work of fitting a disc brake taken away as came factory standard with a much more standard fitting. However, we work with what we have and I love a real challenge. Thanks for the comment, take care and happy cycling! 🙂👍

[@markrushton1516]

@@timeforbikes i could see that there was a specific aftermarket part that made the job easier. Lovely frames tho but they were expensive back in the day. Interesting to see your take. Looked far better as a 1x imo

[@timeforbikes]

@@markrushton1516 I am really happy with mine. Keep an eye on the channel as there is another great retro build on its way. For a reason that will be revealed in my next video I have had call in some help for it, but that should make it all the better!

[@SebaStian-zx5ux]

Hello. Nice video. I love old bikes. Its better to buy Klein before or after 95. Thanks.

[@timeforbikes]

Hi, thanks for commenting!!! It really depends. Pre 95, or should we say pre Trek, the bikes were considered more refined and worth more. After 95 Trek came in and played with the design of the MTBs. Generally they managed to reduce production costs but at the detriment of craftsmanship in many people's eyes. The road bikes were not played with in this way for a little while after, I have a 96 Klein Quantum road bike and believe me the craftsmanship is still very much there. However if you want a good quality frame that still has the roots in a very special bike brand then a Trek-Klein is still a great choice. My frame was especially good for me as it offered a disc brake attachment built in that means I could really build the bike I wanted to. The other benefits of a Trek-Klein is that they are way cheaper, have much better availability, and are much more standardised to more modern part fitments in most circumstances. Hope that helps? Take care and happy cycling 😊👍

[@SebaStian-zx5ux]

@@timeforbikes thank you for exhaustive answer. Have a good day.

[@tecdesigns8183]

Trek got rid of the internal routing very short sighted seeing bikes now. I always wanted a attitude in pink white and green stunning. Doddy did a great video on Gmbn at his local bike shop that had several Kleins in

[@timeforbikes]

I believe that Trek acquired Klein not only for the sales of the bikes themselves, but for the patents that it held on such inventions as internal cable routing. That Gmbn video is great showing the Klein collection - some real beauties there. The first bike I truly fell in love with was at a mountain bike race when I was only about 15 years old - and like you it was the same attitude as you describe. The value of those puts me off right now but never say never!!! Thanks for the great comment, take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@tecdesigns8183]

@@timeforbikes the tubes always look fatter than others, simple and uncomplicated looking. The prices are just to high now

[@timeforbikes]

@@tecdesigns8183 I will not give too much away but I may have a video coming up about buying an older Klein with a real issue. Keep your eye out for it as it may be the next video I release. Cheers 😊

[@tecdesigns8183]

@@timeforbikes definitely keeping them peeled for that

[@andrewmitchell795]

Really intesteding, klein history was good, but found the PP of great use. Im thinking why not stick with lx./xt / xtr crank arms. Maybe change the chain ring to aalvpid spining out...looking forward to part two. Is there any limit / max step up / down a front derailure can support before its performance is impaired

[@timeforbikes]

Thanks for commenting Andrew! As I didn't have any crank as such when I started the build the world was my oyster. I wanted to have modern equipment on the bike so won't for the GRX chainset as it was a grave specific bit of kit. However as you have seen, that didn't work out too well. I also wanted to fit a power meter to the bike and be a bit of a picky person and get it matching if I could. I was able to do that with the xt chainset. The MTB specification allowed me to fit that chainset perfectly with no issues with clearance issues. BUT, there is no reason when you could not set it up for a lot less using some older parts that's for sure. As for your second question all I can say is give it a go, however there will be some point when the shifts will be too much for the setup you have. Best get experimenting 😉. Hope you enjoy the rest of the videos. Take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@raulcarbajosaniehoff6533]

@Time For Bikes I totally loved your project, thus I am about to buy a similar Klein XL Attitude for a Gravel conversion, thank you! I would be very grateful if you could help me with two remaining questions: 1) Would a 700C Wheelset (with WTB Resolute 700 x 42 Tyres) have also fitted, or does it have to be 650B? 2) If I do not need a powermeter as you do, do you think I can go with the MTB-bottom bracket as you suggest, combined with the GRX 1x11 crankset, or should I also rather go with the XT-Chainset due to the wider q-factor? Is there enough space for the GRX when not using powermeter or is it necessary to swerve to XT? Many thanks in advance!

[@timeforbikes]

SO Glad you loved the project!!! Answers to you questions: 1) I have not tried it but personally I would have thought it would be too much of a squeeze - 650b seems to be the perfect match if I am honest. I think you may be able to get 700c wheels on with smaller tyres tough - maybe if you wanted to use it as a road only bike at some point. 2) Stick to the MTB chainset. You need the q-factor to work for you and the GRX just doesn't work. The XT crank has been perfect, but if you wish to go for a cheaper MTB chainset then I think they all have a q-factor that would work with the frame. You can always check the Shimano website to check out these details. Hope this helps and don't forget to subscribe, like, and hit the bell for updates as to when new releases are put out. (between you and I I have another Klein project on the way - super excited!!!)

[@raulcarbajosaniehoff6533]

@@timeforbikes Hi, thank you so much for your prompt and very helpful response! I have one more question, if I may: would this fork suit the frame?: bombtrack.com/parts/forks/ext-fork-2/

[@timeforbikes]

@@raulcarbajosaniehoff6533 these forks may not be the best as the axle to crown length is 395mm. If you are not aware, converting a frame that was designed to have suspension forks installed had to have forks that compensate for the loss of the suspension. These frames had forks that had about 70 to 80mm of travel. This means that you should be looking for forks that have an axle to crown measurement of somewhere around 420mm. This is a ball park figure. Some peoe say just put the forks you want on and try them - I would not go down this route as it could make the bike ride funny and, in my opinion, may risk putting excess stress on the frame. I did some researching and my forks are about 415mm on this bike - which is about as close as I could find some years ago. There are not many forks out there now but keep searching. Have a look at Whiskey forks. Very nice and you will find an almost perfect fork - but they are expensive for sure. Keep an eye on eBay for options as well. Hope that helps.

[@raulcarbajosaniehoff6533]

@@timeforbikes thanks a lot! Found a nice Kinesis maxlight ATB Series Aluminium fork in chrome colour very much matching the klein style with exaclty 420mm crown to axle as Wellness enough width, so happy;)! Very curious to see your new klein project!

[@timeforbikes]

@@raulcarbajosaniehoff6533 I have just had my forks delivered for that project as well so hoping to get stared soon. :)

[@eduardoluis9915]

What bottom bracket is that im looking into putting a whole new grx drivetrain in mine

[@timeforbikes]

Hi, from memory it's a shimano M8000 screw in. Its a fairly standard BB consisting of just two cups and a plastic tube between them. Hope that helps, take care and happy cycling 🙂👍

[@lillithbena1211]

at 17:42 is that a chain stay crack?

[@timeforbikes]

Thankfully not, just the edge of the tape that protects the chain stay from chain slap. That frame is thankfully solid, but I will be talking about cracked frames very soon! Thanks for commenting and happy cycling