Pro Flex 856

[Randy Cleary]

Have an 856. Cross link / Girvin front end - looks a little different than any photos on site, as top of suspension is connected directly to the stem rather than top of head set.
Bike has XT components, Magura hydraulic rim brake on rear, overall good condition.
The QUESTION:
Is it worth rebuilding? All suspension bushings/ parts/ shocks/ seem pretty dead.
Seems like a cool bike. Just don't know if it's too old to try and upgrade or not.
Have just emailed Dave Drumm to check on parts availability.
Thanks for any help / suggestions.

[tmaybee]

Hi Randy.  I love my 856 and just rebuilt it. Although, mine was not in bad condition.  I believe that the rebuild kits are still avaliable.  They are the cheap contributions to your investment.  The large cost will be the shocks.  Risse shocks will cost you at least $300 USD for a front and rear Genesis.  

I love my bike, but all my friends tell me I am crazy to put the money I have into it.  But I just laugh as I leave them behind on the hills.  

Trevor

[kiwi]

if it is an 856  somehow you have got a x55 fork...maybe it was an 855 and the previous owner got a replacement frame....

[Randy Cleary]

If the bushing, etc. kits are available, and I could replace both shocks for only $300, I would definitely feel it was worth it.

But if you mean $300 each shock...........well.....that would take a little more consideration.

Thanks for the reply!

[tmaybee]

The Shocks would range from $300-350 for a pair of Risse Genesis (front & rear)  I have that setup on my bike because it is the lightest combination.  If you want on-the-fly adjustability for the rear end, go with a Risse Astro-5.  The Genesis is the only shock that will fit a Vector 2 fork.  

I just sold my front Genesis to Dean for $80.  Occasionally you can pick a used one up on ebay for about $100 USD but I have only seen 1 in the last 6 months....

You will need a freedom plate adapter for the rear shock if you have the 856 strut.  Have a look at my gallery to see the 855 and 856 struts.

I have been told Bill Larson is great for getting Risse shocks (and other parts) really cheap.

Trevor

[zulu]

  Is it worth rebuilding or putting money into? That question only you can answer but if you want to compare the 856 was top of the line race ready XC bike. To find something similer in todays market would run $2000 or more compared to $300-$500 to upgrade what you have. The down side is it is not disc ready but could be done if you really wanted to spend more and your limited on suspension travel. Not to bad since it is a awsome climbing hard core XC bike.
I bought a new bike earler this year but still seem to be riding my 856 more then my new bike my friends cant figure it out untill I blow by them on the climbs and laugh and smile all the way down the hills.
Enjoy your 856 and I hope this helps.  
[smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]

[deano]

I have just finished rebuilding my 855 and I love riding it. I have a genesis up front and plan to replace my brand new elastomers (that really were a waste of time replacing) with an Astro 5. I cant add anything more than what Trevor or Zulu have siad but considering the bike retailed in Australia for $3900 the cost of two new socks would be worth the investement! What  is worth some thought and investigation is the availability of seal kits. I was lucky to get mine from a guy here in Sydney who had a small collection of original kits hiden away in the back of his drawer at home.
I did not not spend any money on the initial purchsase and felt i could justify spending up to $1000 for the rebild! Hope this helps.
I too have the Vector 2 which has the integrated stem. They came in two models. The non integrated model allowed you to choose what goose neck you wanted.
Deano.