Proflex 854...finished....

[Andy T]

The Proflex purists might want to look away...........

First build I've posted on here, comments welcome

This was supposed to be a summer (2013) build for me to refresh some long since used bike maintenance skills before letting loose on some ‘exotica’ and then ride it through the winter, however several  operations got in the way and it wasn’t completed until a couple of months ago due to ‘other’ priorities during that time.

I lusted after a Proflex as soon as I first saw them at my LBS (Hardisty’s) in the early 90’s, however cash flow as a student Nurse with a mortgage made sure that never happened! I now have several in the stash to sort out – looking for a 954/955 if anyone wants to part with one? 

How does it ride, Hmmm...I do prefer hardtails, however; it’s not a bike for big miles - 45 miles last week XC/cycleways wrecked my neck, the stem can’t be raised with a Vector 2 fork, it was originally built for Downhill so I’ll give that ago later this week!

It seems to handle better than the 856 with coil/oil backend/Vector 2 I have! The rear brake linkage whilst a great talking point will not stop the bike at even moderate speeds with a weighted rear end, unweighted its adequate, better pads may improve this. Elastomers seem to do as advertised, didn’t notice any rebound.

For a part aluminium frame its heavy!

This frame colour was not an option on the 854, it was an option further down the range  in '94 though. :wink:

Next up is either a Proflex 855 resto to keep or a quick build of a 656 to sell on.....
Thinking of a white/black scheme on the 855.....comments?







And the spec for those that want it....It was supposed to be a '94 build spec as per the brochure, however to get it finished I've used parts that were available in the Proflex range in the '94/95 years and a few aftermarket bits...

Frame: 18” Double Butted, Heat Treated Alcoa 7005 Aluminium main triangle with butted Cromoly Swingarm

Fork: Girvin Vector 2 (All bushings replaced) Suspension w/2.1” travel ....Hmm

Headset: Oversized Aheadset
Stem: Vector 2
Handlebar: Offroad 560mm
Grips: Gripshift (NOS)
Barends: Onza

Brakes: Deore LX M-565 (NOS)
Brake Pads: Deore LX (NOS)
Brake Cables: Shimano
Brake Levers: Dia-Compe Power Control 11n (NOS)

Shifters: Gripshift SRT 600 (NOS)
Front Derailleur: Deore XT FD M-737   
Rear Derailleur: Deore XT RD M-737
Derailleur Cables: Shimmano
Cassette: XT 11/28
Chain: -
Cranks: Sugino 175mm (NOS)
Crank Bolts: -
Chainrings: Sugino CS III 44/32/22 (NOS)
Chainring bolts:      
Bottom Bracket: Shimano
Pedals:    Whatever is on at time.

Hub Skewers: Ringle
Rims: ARAYA RM-20
Hubs: XTR M-900 (Front/Rear)
Nipples:
Spokes:
Tyres: Onza Agro 26 x 2.1
Tubes:  Specialized....I think

Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Titanium
Seatpost: PUSH
Seatpost Binder: Proflex

Weight:         Not weighed yet.

[fitzroybikeco]

This came out nice.

[purple gerbil]

Very nice build! Looks new. How are them elastomers on the rear?? I'm in the middle of my 954 project, just waiting on a friend to CNC me a new top cap for my syncros stem.

[Colin]

Great example of an early generation PRO~FLEX breathed new life into, makes me want to get on with my 962.........................

But I'd be inclined to go for V-Brakes or Magura's for decent stopping power, I never rated Canti's, even in their day.

So where did you get them cool elastomers from?

Col.

[Spokes]

Those elastomers are on EBay. I don't know how well they work but they look quite cool.
Lovely looking build and I like the colour a lot. Very committed stance! I think may be better for up hill rather than down..

Chris

[purple gerbil]

Yeah seen them on eBay, think they are from suspension fork parts site?? Just wanted someone else to be a Guinea pig

[JoeG]

I got a set of elastomers from Suspension Fork Parts via ebay last year for a Rock Shox Quadra fork. They work fine; no complaints at all. Not cheap, though.

I just bought a ProFlex 753, and have used three 2" rubber test caps to replace the rear elastomer. Mainly, because they cost $10.50 at the local hardware store. If they don't seem to work well, then I'll buy an elastomer from Suspension Fork Parts, but they're $60.

[Colin]

I got a set of elastomers from Suspension Fork Parts via ebay last year for a Rock Shox Quadra fork. They work fine; no complaints at all. Not cheap, though.

I just bought a ProFlex 753, and have used three 2" rubber test caps to replace the rear elastomer. Mainly, because they cost $10.50 at the local hardware store. If they don't seem to work well, then I'll buy an elastomer from Suspension Fork Parts, but they're $60.

Can someone post a link for "Suspension Fork Parts" as I can't find them on eBay.

Ta,
Col.

[Willie_B]

I got a set of elastomers from Suspension Fork Parts via ebay last year for a Rock Shox Quadra fork. They work fine; no complaints at all. Not cheap, though.

I just bought a ProFlex 753, and have used three 2" rubber test caps to replace the rear elastomer. Mainly, because they cost $10.50 at the local hardware store. If they don't seem to work well, then I'll buy an elastomer from Suspension Fork Parts, but they're $60.

Can someone post a link for "Suspension Fork Parts" as I can't find them on eBay.

Ta,
Col.

Here is their website.
http://www.suspensionforkparts.net/eshop/proflex.html

[Andy T]

Thanks for the comments folks,

a couple of answers, 'decals' are from Gil_m on Retrobike, Retro Decals/Graphic shack (whatever he is going by at the minute  )
I had these custom made, if you look closely you will see some colour differences, I did this as I was changing the frame colour. He has them on file, so changing to the correct scheme for the blue/red frames is not an issue.

The only problem we have at the minute is the head tube badge, Gil has a very good decal however the sizes are off...this is in hand and I hope to have the correct sizes from an intact headtube badge which I can then get to Gil to sort out what he has at present.

The elastomers are from Suspension parts, these came with the frame when I bought it. They work ok, as mentioned - not cheap!  The fronts could do with being a little stiffer as I have had to dial in a lot of preload to get the forks where I want them.
Its a pity they are not in the correct period colour, there is a chap here who has managed to get some made up in Canada in the correct colour and varying durometers (stiffness). This would be preferred
I've tried numerous companies in the UK to no avail

Later
andy