Proflex 957 Frame Sizing & Springs Question

[mcnisiv]

I've got a Proflex 957 (Medium) that has been ridden at most 5 times and has been in storage for almost 10 years.  Back when I got it (direct from Proflex) when they were still in Rhode Island, I purchased beefier springs for the Noleen shocks (200 front, 325 rear).  Well I've pulled this out of storage and wiped the dust off as my girlfriend is interested in mountain biking with me.  So a couple of questions:

1. Is the medium frame to big/small for someone who's 5'6"?
2. Can softer springs be purchases anywhere?  If not, can I take the front one and use it in the back and then purchase a new fork for the front?
3. What is the MAX travel fork that can be used with the bike.  I've got a brand new 2005 Answer Manitou 100mm - 130mm fork that is unused that I could use but I think it may have too much travel.

If this doesn't work out, I guess it may be time to put this thing on EBay.

Thanks,
Nisi

[shovelon]

Ah-ha.

The medium is sized just perfect for 5'6" IMO.

Give the spring swap a go. If the front one works on the back you are halfway done.

Or any LBS should be able to order softer springs, but personally I would install the new fork, and just keep it at 100 mm travel. I think it will serve her better anyhow. J6Nollen may have springs for trade-in.

Terry

[mcnisiv]

Are the springs on the NR2 & NR4 on the 957 'standard', meaning they're not Noleen specific.  If so, is there a website that I can place an order from some generic softer springs?  From the spring rate chart, it looks like I should run a 175 on the front for her body weight.

Thanks for the info.

...Nisi

[orange]

You can get titanium springs for them so I'm guessing they are reasonably available if you know the dimensions.

[mcnisiv]

Would anyone know the dimensions of the springs for the Noleen shocks?

Thanks,
Nisi

[Akagi]

"Would anyone know the dimensions of the springs for the Noleen shocks?"

I'm no expert, but this is from my observations:

There is no set dimesions.  The dimensions varies with the spring rate.  Make measurements yourself on the shock that will allow you to choose a spring that will fit the shock.

The length varies with the spring rate, and that doesn't really matter because the preload adjuster allows the shock to accept different lengths.

The diameter is what is more restrictive as it must be larger than the shock body but smaller than the end caps. 

Basically, 1) it has to fit the shock 2)The spring can't "bottom out" or reach its elastic limit before the shock, aka, the stroke of the spring needs to be at least as much travel the shock can offer.

Does that make sense? Can someone else back me up?

[shovelon]

NoleenJ6 sells whole shocks(with springs I imagine), parts, as well as doing rebuilds. They just may have the springs on the shelf. The great thing is they have strut shocks.

The measurements on my NR4 spring are. 1.75"OD x 1.25"ID x 4" long aprox. The shock body is 1.05" diameter.