Hello

[menoth]

Hi,
I am Mick from Sheffield.

Just found this site after trying to source a frame.
I had an original 854 back in the day and built it up myself.
Absolutely skinned myself running that bike, but I loved it.
However life went on and when I moved into my first home there wasn't enough space to store (what was fastly becoming obsolete) it. That and the lack of spares at the time I made my mind up to sell it.
A bloke from Lancaster bought the bike and I had a tear in my eye as he drove off with my pride and joy for ever 

Anyhow, I am now in the market for an 855 or 856 to build up into a trail bike so thought it best to do a scout around.
Cannot believe how all these years later it is now easier to get spares than what it was a few years after my original bikes launch.

Cheers
Mick

[fyrstormer]

Welcome. Try this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-proflex-856-full-susp-mountain-bike-/220816246776?pt=Mountain_Bikes&hash=item3369ac87f8

It's actually not that surprising. Lots of people want to upgrade their equipment every few years to take advantage of whatever incremental improvements may exist (and with frames, there is a definite improvement in weight with the newer models), and at least a certain percentage of them sell their used parts online. Also, after parts sit around in OEM warehouses for long enough, periodic clean-outs bring them to the attention of stock managers, and they get sold for pennies to whomever will buy them. Shortly after a product is discontinued is actually the worst time to find spare parts, because everyone is scrambling to get their hands on what they can get. It's only after they realize they don't need those spare parts that they start appearing online.

[orange]

welcome Mick, I'm only down the road in Derby. Good luck on your hunt, there are plenty out there ad at reasonable prices. You shouldn't have to pay more than £70 for a decent frame. Watch out for rock hard elastomers, or leaky shocks though.