Portrait of a Proflex enthusiast

[kondilemma]

I have loved the Proflex design the minute I laid eyes on it, and was determined to have one of my own.  Mind you--it didn't exactly happen right away. Saw an article in Bicycling magazine years ago--a review of a Catamount and a Proflex model. Some years later I bought a 857 frame from ediscount bikes, but unfortunately now it sits in the basement, hidden away in a trunk.  

I have been visiting this forum for what seems like years now--and it is finally time to pick your collective brains. [smiley=nod.gif]
So--to my question(s);
Like many of you I am hording parts and kits to keep me going for as long as possible--and freak everytime the supplier changes hands. Is there a finite shelf life to some of these seal kits?  What is the best way to store them?  And what about the lube that comes with them?  A quick look at mine reveals separation of the gunk.  What's an acceptable substitute for 'Girvin Goo'--and what types of lube to avoid?

And then there's the frame and fork I have in storage--is there a "this side up" storage issue or it it fine in a trunk in a cool, dry place on its side?

-k [smiley=upset.gif]

[Frankd3000]

Welcome to idrider's!

Glad to see you've got the important parts, but you gotta use them, eh? [smiley=nod.gif]

No storage issue's with the frame and fork, however it IS worth mentioning that with time the seals on the shocks will get dry. You may or may not "get away with it". If anything i'd say before you try to cycle the shock (when you eventually resurrect the frame and fork) give them a small spray with some lubricant, right where the piston enters the shock body. The seals will be dry without being used and this little shot of lube can very well go a long way towards not having them tear up on the first ride.

As for Girvin Goo - you can use any quality medium/heavy grease to substitute. I used Rock'n'Roll brand "Red Devil Grease". It's a "medium" grease (as in light, medium or heavy) that will not flush out with use too easily. Other notable mention, off the top of my head, is Pedro's.

As for any kind of shelf life for storage of your horde - in a cool dry place they should be good for a few years i'd think. Just don't spill any wine on them. [smiley=laughing.gif]

[kiwi]

I think you and a couple of hundred other proflex nuts.....i beleive any synthetic grease will do

[kondilemma]

Sounds like I could have potential issues with the frame and fork shocks.  Better get on this.

With regards to the shock seals, will any lubricant do?  I have Triflow synthetic on hand--the non-aerosol squeeze bottle type. That would be my first choice.  Are aerosol spray lubes safe to use on the shock seals, with all the propellents and solvents in there besides the lube compound?  I also have WD-40 spray lube, as well as  a silicon spray.

Your right, life is unfair when you have to prioritize and mountainbiking doesn't make the cut...

[Carbon_Angus]

it's best to just keep the shaft "clean" with a lint free rag and a wee bit of lite weight syntheic lubricant...i've used tri-flow and others...stay away from wax based lubes...and FAR AWAY from WD-40.


as far as Girvin~Goo.....slick honey works well for me and there is a product from noleenshockservice.com called SF-3 which was a replacement for the "goo"..you could even wipe the shock shafts with the grease.....that's fine, too.

my shocks are taking a wee bit longer than promised....better late than never...

the shelf life of the bits are pretty good, keep stuff out of the sun and damp or over dry places

[smiley=beer.gif]
ps glad to have more on the board!