My Animal starts new life...

[Drewbob]

I was so close to selling my Animal. I had my mind set on one of those flash bikes at the bike shop, one with disc brakes and decent suspension. So I went for a wee ride on a few and had to question what I was doing. I like my old Proflex, it feels good to me and we've done a lot of miles together.
So I gave it an 11th birthday refit. Nice Fox 130s, disc hubs and rims and Hayes 9 brakes, nutted out a brake adapter with my local engineer to fit the Hayes. Verdict - Sensational, I feel another 11 years happy riding.
The next project may be a rear shock when my NR4 explodes, did anyone decide on the best solution for fitting different rear shocks?

[kiwi]

there are tons and tons of posts on fitting different rear shocks.Basically any rear shock with an eye to oeys of less than about 210mm is suitable.All you need is an adapter t fit onto the strut with a cone shape to match the cone shape with a suitable end for your new shock

[shovelon]

Nice job on that disc brake adapter.

That was THE all mountain bike of 1997. The Animal was the second best bike in the Proflex line that year.

Terry

[Colin]

Well Done! That's a great looking Animal!

5 Stars for keeping the breed alive!

Col.

[Drewbob]

Thanks Kiwi, bit new round here but I tracked down some good info on this now.
There's also quite a bit of debate on the Risse shocks which are also still available and could be worth considering as I will need to buy a shock and machine an adapter anyway. Need to do a bit more research on the Risse I guess.

Thanks guys, great place you have here.

[willem]

Sweeeet Duuuude!

Nice work. Couldn't agree more.

Was drinking beer in the garage with a riding buddy the other day and he was staring at my 856 (that's nearly built up... again) He blurted out, "Damn, that's basically my Santa Cruz." And, so it is. My $200 Heckler indeed! I figure with my latest build up of odds and ends I saved over $1500 and have a fairly current technology ride.

Since I'm guilty of giving in to one of "those flash bikes" I'm looking forward to a comparison ride. This build up should be a close call.