|   Klein Mantra bushing failure | busydog
Oct 4, 2002 8:36 AM | | My wife rides a Klein Mantra and the pivot bushing has worn out. I find it odd because the bike couldn't have more than maybe 500 trail miles on it. She rides just occasionally and doesn't do any really hard riding - forest service roads, easy singletrac, etc. Anyone else had any experience with such an early failure. Naturally, since she has had the bike 3 years, the warranty is gone. |
| re: Klein Mantra bushing failure | slowSSer
Oct 4, 2002 9:33 AM | | not in my experience. I have one of the old aluminum mantras (second year of em- so 97 or so) and never had an issue with the main pivot. My dad also had one, also without any issues. actually, recently replaced it because the geometry and such were killing me- It was replaced with a Dean Softtail. much faster, more xc oriented. and no more stinkbug!
this one of the carpet fiber ones? You might want to just email Klein. Im sure they will be cool about it. Heard good things about their customer service. |
| re: Klein Mantra bushing failure | busydog
Oct 4, 2002 12:05 PM | | Her bike is a 99 Aluminum frame. I thought of trying to leverage Klein, but my LBS thought it wouldn't work since the bike was 3 years old and they would likely never believe it had only very limited use.
Since the new bushing was only $15, I just ordered it. My LBS mechanic said that he has seen a couple of Kleins where the original bushing wasn't installed straight and it caused quick wear.
I couldn't imagine riding that frame for long because of the geometry and the stinkbug routine, but for the riding she does, it works fine and it gets her out on the trail more because it is such a step up from the old Specialized "tractor" she was riding (old steel Stumpjumper with the rear brake located down at the bottom). |
| wow. rollercam breaks on the chainstays! | slowSSer
Oct 4, 2002 12:14 PM | | was the specialized orange? if so, then we have similar garages. funny.
as for the mantra, i cant imagine the bearings not set right. I guess I was lucky with mine- the only issue that I ever had was breaking bolts that hold the rear shock on. snapped two of those, right in half. |
| re: Klein Mantra bushing failure | GNR
Oct 4, 2002 1:34 PM | | What does worn out mean? Is it rough or squeaky? Is there play in the rear triangle?
I thought my bushings(98 Mantra, aluminum frame) were toast due to some creaking that was going on, but it turned out that the shock bolts needed some grease and tighening. That solved alot. If you search the discussions for Mantra, I know there is a schematic and directions for how to remove the bushings and replace them, if in fact it is the bushing that is cooked. Good luck |
| re: Klein Mantra bushing failure | MantraBuzz
Oct 4, 2002 2:29 PM | | Had my 99 Race (Carbon Fibre) since new and am on my second frame. The bushing got replaced with the new frame (when the first one cracked right around the pivot). Never had a problem on either of them! Just make sure to keep it clean and NEVER lube it with anything!!
Buzz
MCM#45 |
| Order some extra bushings to keep around... | Mr. T
Oct 4, 2002 7:40 PM | | Even though it's a bummer that your bushing wore out so soon, consider yourself lucky that you were able to simply get a new bushing from Klien.
I know some riders who ride older suspension bikes that have worn bushings and no more factory replacements are availalbe.
Speaking of URT bikes, Catamount (still around surprisingly) charges $70 to replace the single pivot bushing. They require that you send them the frame and avoid selling the bushing by itself. They said it voids warranty if you self install or even have a LBS install still voids the warranty. Forget the price, you have to deal with the hassle of taking apart the bike and shiping it, which shipping alone cost about $25 for a frame. |
| I've got about 8000 miles on mine, it's fine. nm | noslogan
Oct 5, 2002 4:58 PM | | |
| i thought mine was ok, until................... | bogart
Oct 6, 2002 4:40 AM | | I loned my rear shock to a friend. when i took it off i found my pivot was almost locked up. i guess my 200lbs worked it anyway. i did have some creaking somewhere. now i know what that was |
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