Newbie ProFlex XP6 (856?) suspension questions

[spikebender]

I too sport bar ends on my riser bars. There pretty small, but It gives a little variety in hand position. Good on those longer rides

[Colin]

Hi, I'm another newbie here - I just acquired an XP6 from a friend as part of his house clearance (which from reading here I think is a UK version of the 856?) I'm looking for some advice on getting the suspension up and running; the bike seems in pretty good shape but the elastomers are rock hard so obviously not working!

For the rear I'd like to do the spring conversion (it has the ODS shock) but Rapid Descent don't supply the kits any more, correct? Is is possible to source a suitable spring somewhere else (I guess I'd need to know spring length and rate - I'm about 72kgs/165lbs)? Is there anywhere to source the "top hat" style end cap that's needed? I've removed the damper from the bike and the damper itself seems to be okay.

For the front, am I right in thinking these are Vector 1 forks (they have the friction damper, not an ODS shock)? Are there any options for replacing the damper with a spring unit?

Karl

As this seems to have gone off topic a bit, I'll try to answer your original questions.

Yep, an XP-6 is one of the last of the x56 family of bikes that was sold as a special ediiton here in the UK in 1997 along with the XP-8 and XP-X (which I have)

Correct, Rapid Descent don't do the COR spring conversion kit anymore, which included the "top hats" but what you can do is just replace the MCU's, retaining the two existing end caps,  with a suitable spring, ~78mm long, 45mm Outside Diameter, at 72Kg you're on the borderline between a 300lb and a 350lb spring so probably best to go with a 350.

Correct, you've got Vector 1's on there, the main difference is the friction shock rather than an ODS, I don't think there's any other differences (comments?) you could replace that with an ODS and then source a 200lb coil.

I might be able to help you out with an ODS for the front, PM/email me for what I've got available and costs.

Col.

[Spokes]

No I think you'll find you have got Vector 2 as your Ulm is separate to the stem. The Vector 1 has the Ulm and stem all in one. 

Chris

[karlf]

Thanks folks - I'll see if I can source the required spring for the rear and give it a go!

Col, I've PM'd you about the ODS for the front (couldn't find an email address for you on your profile).

Karl