Project components

[Happy Valley]

Underway refitting a K2 Proflex 450 which I've come to realize is like a red-headed stepchild of the line. From searching around and clues from some members here I gather it's a 1998 model that K2 probably built from the leftover '97 Animal frames when they changed that frame for '98.

http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3075.0;attach=127;image

Close scrutiny reveals no cracks on the frame, and the pivot, Chubby fork and NR4 all look in remarkably good shape, (serviced pivot and overhauled Chubby-thanks OP and Shovelon) and other than a small ding in a strut arm that I remedied I think I'm good to go........except for everything else.

The crank is shot with a pedal hole stripped and the rest I'm not sure if it's just a mash of different stuff anyway.

Sram ESP9 grip shifters
Shimano Deore XT front mech
Shimano Deore Mega 9 rear mech
Shimano STX RC crank
Sram chain

The rear cluster is an 8 speed hyperglide with this "megarange" 11-34 tooth big arse granny gear. This rear derailleur just looks out of place here like it won't even mate with the 34 tooth cog.

I never got to ride the bike, it was together but unrideable. (then again I paid nothing/bartered for it and I'm about $50 ahead with it from the outset on the trade…….but I get the feeling that is about to change.)
I'm a little lost on what to refit it with in terms of drive train, and what is compatible.
The budget it kinda tight (got more time than money right now) but I'd like to keep it some semblance of "original" if possible....just I have no idea what the hell that was is or even if that is desirable.

I'd sure appreciate any suggestions on gear that might be in keeping with this vintage and  ultimately what would work.

[shovelon]

Maybe the dropout is bent outward, or the cable has stretched to the point of not reaching the 34 tooth cog.

Check your dropout, and readjust the derailleur the best you can. I think that is all it needs. Or the limit screw on the large cog side of the derailleur need backing off.

A really good bike mechanic has tricks up his sleeve too. I have a guy that saved an XT deralleur on my Oz that I thougth was junk.

Terry

[Matno]

Some rear derailleurs are not compatible with 34 tooth cogs. You have to have one of the "newer" (as of a few years ago) long arm ones...

[Happy Valley]

Thanks for taking a stab at my ramblings, reading over my post I'm even wondering what the hell I'm talking about.
It boils down like this:

The existing STX RC crank has stripped threads on a pedal hole. I could do a helicoil but the teeth on the chain rings are pretty buggered as well.

Scouring through Bikepedia I notice the Proflex line in 1997 and 1998 was using a lot of XT components, then in '99 I see K2  changing things out some to  lesser quality component groups like the STX and STX RC groups. This is where I come in.

 If I start swapping out components like the crank assembly will I need drive train components in the same group (shifters, chain, rear cogs and derailleurs) to be compatible?

hth 

[shovelon]

No. Cranksets, front derailleurs, and front shifters are mostly generic. Only the rear derailleur and rear shifter need be comatible.

So I would look for a good Xt crank of that period if you like. And try to sort out the rest of the parts later.

Terry

[Colin]

It wasn't that K2 were downgrading components across the board, what you have to realise is that the 450 was an "entry level" model for that year, there were several models above that in the range. i.e. a 900 (Evo), 1000 & 2000 (x57 style "Beast"), and a 3000 which was a true x57 (carbon swing-arm). Then we had the 4000 and 5000 (Evo's) and 4500 and 5500 (Carbon/Plastic frame)
Don't get me wrong, it's a great bike, but they saved money and made it affordable by putting cheaper components on it, that will (like everything) eventually wear out.
So, now you need to treat it to some nice upgrades!

Inter-range compatibility should be fine, but I'd suggest XT throughout, cranks, brakes, changers and derailleurs, all 8 speed.

I run an 8 speed Megarange (11-34) cassette with an RD-M750 SGS rear mech - no probs.

Col.