Is this K2 3000 rear shock upgrage safe?

[singletrackmac]

Just picked up a K2 Proflex 3000 today primarily for the Cross link fork.  I plan on putting it on my Trek 6000 for now, and eventually on my 856, once I get the BB on it fixed.

The frame is a small or medium, or at least that is what I was told (I haven't measured it yet), but either way I am way too big for it. So after I take the cross link fork off, I was going to put a spare fork on it so I have an extra mtb for one of my not so big friends to ride the single-tracks on if they are up in Tahoe visiting without a bike.

There are a few upgrades or better yet changes that have been made to the bike that need to be addressed, but my main concern with safety is best described with a picture or two. As you can see, this Fox Float R is not designed for the rear susp. on this bike and needless to say the installation is a little funky 

Before I let one of my friends mash on this bike, I wanted to see what you all thought of this set up and how safe it is.

Also, I think it is a 1998, but if anyone knows for sure please let me know.

Thanks for helping me not injure anyone. 

[Spokes]

Firstly it's a medium size frame. The small is noticeably different, especially where the shock mounts at the top tube.
The shock mod is a slightly crude version but quite common. As long as it is strong enough in construction and mounted to the rear stay properly and safely it 'should' be ok. BUT and I stress BUT - Only you can tell if it is ok ride on as we are just looking at a photo. Test it out first and only if you are happy use it.
Have a look back over shock adaptors made by others on this site and you will get a better idea.

Chris

[kiwi]

the 3000 was the last 957

[Spokes]

Really, I didnt know that. But being that the 3000 was releast during the K2 age it should have Noleens dont you think. Or did '57 style frames stick with Girvins and just 4000 and on get Noleens?

Chris

[Spokes]

So is the 3000 polished? I assumed it was painted silver as the 657 was.

Chris

[whisperdancer]

Really, I didnt know that. But being that the 3000 was releast during the K2 age it should have Noleens dont you think. Or did '57 style frames stick with Girvins and just 4000 and on get Noleens?

Chris

1997 bikes had Girvin forks with Noleen shocks.
In 1998, all the parallelogram forks were rebranded to Noleen, with slightly different upper mounts.
I think the last year that the Girvin name was used was in 1997. A shame, really.

[Colin]

it's perhaps a liitle optimistic of Kiwi to call a 3000 a 957....................? more of an x57....?  <smile>

The 957 was XT thoughout plus other exotic bits, wheras the 3000 groupset was mostly Deore LX, but with an XT rear Derailleur, but it was the top end model and the last of the "world cup" bikes.
I'm pretty sure they were painted frames as they came in Red, White or Silver that I know of.

and yes it had a Noleen Crosslink Elite with an NR-2 on it.

Col.

[kiwi]

it's perhaps a liitle optimistic of Kiwi to call a 3000 a 957....................? more of an x57....?  <smile>

The 957 was XT thoughout plus other exotic bits, wheras the 3000 groupset was mostly Deore LX, but with an XT rear Derailleur, but it was the top end model and the last of the "world cup" bikes.
I'm pretty sure they were painted frames as they came in Red, White or Silver that I know of.

and yes it had a Noleen Crosslink Elite with an NR-2 on it.

Col.

optomistic,yes...i knew the 1000 and 2000 were basically 757 and 857 so i ASSumed thanks for the heads up mate!

[fyrstormer]

The upgrade isn't pro-quality, but it shouldn't snap *the first time* you hit a bump, anyway. I can see in the pictures, below the eyelet bolt there is a set-screw that anchors the adaptor bracket to the top of the strut. It would be better if there were two set screws, one on the top side of the strut and another on the underside.

Alternately, you can buy a Freedom Plate from Risse Racing, patch the hole for the set screw, and paint over it.