some advice for a newbie

[whosontop]

Hi- I'm brand new to this forum and to the proflex bikes. I've just decided to get into more serious bike travels here and my friend hooked me up with his bro's old proflex 856. It's in very good condition with some good brakes, but the front elastomers are shot so the ride is obviously very hard.



The more research I've done, the more it looks like I will have trouble replacing the elastomers, and might be needing a new fork.



So my questions are:



1. is it true I'll probably need a new fork?



2. Do you have some advice for a decent fork that will work.



I'll be riding this bike around Scotland, taking many trips up to the highlands and a lot of uphill work...



Many thanks for any advice.



~w

[numbnuts]

what fork do you have now ?

I like the manitou black forks, decent price and seems like a good all round fork.

[whosontop]

I've just got the stock Girvin fork at the moment...with the F^*%^G burnt out elastomers...

[zulu]

If you have the gold ODS unit you can get some springs to replace the MCU for a fraction of the cost of a new fork. Enjoy you riding in Scotland.
[smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]

[whosontop]

what kind of springs can I get? I think I have the gold ODS system, but willl have to check. Who makes the spings so I can check?

[Simon]

Try RDI on the links page for a spring kit though last I heard they had run out but where sorting out a new supplier,for spares for K2/Proflex here in the UK try CVI, www@cvi.co.uk if you do decide to replace the fork (I would recommend this) there are some great bargins at present on 02 and 03 forks as the shops are just starting to recieve 04 stock,look at www.merlincycles.co.uk or www.chainreactioncycles.com for your needs aim for a fork with around 80-100mm travel whats your budget for a fork?will help with giving advice on make and model to go for,you will also have to replace the stem as the 856 has an 1" steerer tube and new forks come with a 1 1/8 steerer, won't need to replace headset as this is an 1 1/8 running with a reducing spacer,Simon [smiley=nod.gif]

[whosontop]

Hi Simon-

Budget? Well at the moment I can ride it just fine, so am willing to save up a bit. Putting myself through PhD so budget is tight...can I be looking at a couple hundred quid?

cheers

[Simon]

OK have a look at Manitou black elite 02 £199.99 or black comp 03 £199.99 both have great reviews also Rockshox duke SL £199.99 good review at chainreaction cycles free p&p.                           Also look at Marzocchi mx comp 04 £159.95 or mx comp ETA at merlin cycles,don't forget you wil need a suitable stem.Simon [smiley=nod.gif]

[kiwi]

i think a four inch travel fork is the max you will want ona 856..another alternative is to get a crosslink....keep it in the family!!!A new fork will allow the use of discs too of course.

[whosontop]

Some relief for my wallet. Just to let you all know that CVI does indeed stock the elastomers, and I have some replacements on the way. I'll try it out with those in place, and then I can decide on upgrades as I get use to the bike.

Thanks for the help all.

[zulu]

  Enjoy it you will love it more every day you ride it.
When time allows try to look into the springs it will add a new concept to your riding.
Have fun!  [smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]