Hi All - Newbie to Proflex (well Noleen) Fold

[Letmetalktomark]

So as some may recognise form my user name I've been around retro bikes for a while but one itch I'd been meaning to scratch was the Crosslink/Vector fork quandary.

So this week step forward a friend with as good as new Noleen Vector (Easton legged) 

Before fitting I stripped the fork down regreasedand reassembled. This fork really hasn't seen much use at all.

The Noleen NR2(?) is very slow to rebound without the spring attached so am guessing that the nitrogen may have moved on to a better place? No biggie after doing some calling around have found a place that will recharge it 

But .... before I go crazy ..... the fork when back together feels very stiff. It takes a fair old push to get it going. I've not ridden it yet as the build is a WIP. I appreciate that  as a multi linkage fork its going to be stiffer than a more conventional fork but are they inherently stiff?

The spring (a 225) is correct for my weight.

In a static position applying pressure through the fork I can maybe get 50% travel using a smidgen of grease of the shaft of the shock but this is taking a fair old push to get close to that.

So trait of the fork, knackered shock, just needs to be ridden to loosen up or other? 

All help much appreciated 

Thanks,

Mark

[shovelon]

Could be stiff as you say it has little use. Being that this employs the "j-path" characteristics, the fork may be stiff vertically but smooth if compressed diagonally. What I mean is when it the wheel contacts an obstruction the wheel will move slightly rearward as it moves upward, then only upward.

The other characteristic which really does not concern you at the moment is that the "J-path" movement on downhill braking the compression changes your fork rake which gives a feeling of over-ending(endo) the bike. Personally I hated that. That characteristic resulted in my broken shoulder. Hard braking on a sweeping downhill let the wheel break loose and I ended up careening off the trail against a mountain side.

Terry

[kiwi]

if you look closely at the pivots on the fork are the seals black or white?If they are black that will be the major part of the problem.The black seals have huge stiction.There was as kit called "extreme seals which were clear/white reduce the stiction a huge ammount"Dunno if you can get them or not

[Colin]

Hi Mark,
Welcome to the forum and the Pro~Flexing fraternity!
Can I clarify which fork you have?
You say it is a Vector, but also say it is a Noleen and Easton legged with an NR-2 shock.
Maybe you have a Crosslink........?
Some Vectors had the legs marked with the Easton <E> at the top and some had Noleen shocks usually as an after market addition, but they're pretty rare.
Here's a pair of each to compare:
Vector

Crosslink


The main identifying difference is the unified lower link on the Crosslink, i.e. all one piece whereas the Vector was in several pieces (altho' a unified lower link was available after market!), The Vector has the canti brake hanger welded on and the Crosslink had a removable one.

So, if it's a Crosslink then it'll already have the newer less "stictiony" seals

as to the NR-2, it is pretty normal for the rebound to be very slow without a spring, if the gas had gone then there would be very little damping, but if you can get it checked/re-pressurised that is neat, I believe the valve adaptor is a bit unorthodox.

The overall stiffness of the fork is again, probably not unusual, riding it is the best way to tell if it has the available travel. Unfortunately I'd have to be honest and say they are not the most "plush" of suspension forks as they are of their time.

All the best and let us know how you're getting on.

Col.

[kiwi]

Hi Mark,
Welcome to the forum and the Pro~Flexing fraternity!
Can I clarify which fork you have?
You say it is a Vector, but also say it is a Noleen and Easton legged with an NR-2 shock.
Maybe you have a Crosslink........?
Some Vectors had the legs marked with the Easton <E> at the top and some had Noleen shocks usually as an after market addition, but they're pretty rare.
Here's a pair of each to compare:
Vector

Crosslink


The main identifying difference is the unified lower link on the Crosslink, i.e. all one piece whereas the Vector was in several pieces (altho' a unified lower link was available after market!), The Vector has the canti brake hanger welded on and the Crosslink had a removable one.

So, if it's a Crosslink then it'll already have the newer less "stictiony" seals

as to the NR-2, it is pretty normal for the rebound to be very slow without a spring, if the gas had gone then there would be very little damping, but if you can get it checked/re-pressurised that is neat, I believe the valve adaptor is a bit unorthodox.

The overall stiffness of the fork is again, probably not unusual, riding it is the best way to tell if it has the available travel. Unfortunately I'd have to be honest and say they are not the most "plush" of suspension forks as they are of their time.

All the best and let us know how you're getting on.

Col.

vector has riveted brake bosses,crosslink welded Col!