Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Klein Adroit: Tinker replica by Second Spin Cycles

Klein Adroit

Fans of Seinfeld must remember Jerry’s green Klein MTB hanging on the wall in his apartment; they are one of the most iconic brands of the 90s fat tire scene. That era also gave rise to a human icon: David ‘Tinker’ Juarez, who was a Klein factory racer from 1990 to 1993.

Klein Adroit

The Klein Adroit was the bike that Tinker competed upon during his 1993 season with Klein. The Adroit, painted in the ‘Team Storm’ scheme, was also replicated on his Leader Gara Pro helmet, and underwent numerous modifications as he refined the setup, culminating in a 1st place at the UCI Grundig World Cup at Mont St. Anne in Quebec, Canada.

Klein Adroit

Martin Kozaczek of Second Spin Cycles specialises in collecting and restoring examples of some of the most memorable machines of the early MTB scene, in particular Yetis and Kleins, and this Adrioit Tinker replica is a magnificent example of his dedication.

Klein Adroit

The 90s circuit was highly decorated with brightly anodised parts, proudly manufactured by US machine shops like those from Chris King, Paul Components, Ringlé and Grafton Performance, and Martin lavishly — and appropriately — adorned the Klein Adroit with them.

Klein Adroit

Purple Ringlé hubs were laced to matching rims and even secured with skewers in the same finish. They’re powered by purple Grafton cranks, and regulated by XTR shifters and derailleurs. According to Martin’s research, a black Mission Control by Klein replaced the Team Storm version, and finds a place here.

Klein Adroit

While Tinker’s autograph is marked on the fat aluminum top tube, Martin’s build is only an honour to Tinker’s influence on early MTB culture, and is still anxious to acquire the Californian racer’s original bike. Any information as to its whereabouts would be greatly received.

Contact Martin, and admire more of his work, via the Second Spin website and Instagram feed.

Klein Adroit