Author Topic: New 857, actually turns out to be an 856 Bike is now finished, see page 3 (Read 25778 times)

sammydog · « **on:** October 07, 2009, 02:06:41 am »

You've all probably read of the demise (temporary until I get them re-welded) of my 955 and 855 frames.

I've been busy emailing and calling everyone I know in the bike industry over here and have managed to lay my hands on a never built up 857 in medium size (still in factory bubble wrap) with a spare swing arm (never used), spare seat stay and a bunch of other things like pivot kits and the like.

Its not the 955 front triangle that I would have liked, but I am pretty happy at the moment and who's going to knock back a pristine 857.

The only question now is, do I build it up old school or go all out and strip the XTR off my current race bike. I think I am heading down the path of the latter.

When the frame arrives I will put up pictures.

Colin · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2009, 04:49:40 am »

Fantastic!

Build it up totally modern, and it'll be a Killer!

Col.

sammydog · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2009, 04:55:38 am »

I've really been swaying on the side of modern. Until I got the 955 back on the trails I had been riding a Norco Faze. Great bike, but something just never felt right.

I've been searching the forums about putting disc's on a 857 but can't find much other than the Hammerhead, which you obviously can't get anymore. Does anyone know if something like the A2Z or Brake Therapy set ups would work on this frame. If I can get the discs onto this frame then the Norco will be stripped the day the new frame turns up.

To be honest I don't know a huge amount about the 857, so I am pretty exited. I have friends with a 957 and 857, but sadly they don't see the trail too often.

WD Pro · « **Reply #3 on:** October 07, 2009, 05:05:41 am »

My 856 is going modern XTR but with M970 V's

I am actaully finding it cheaper and easier to source bits than A1 quality retro gear ...

I put a use ti post on the retro Marin and although I got a good price on it I have seen them at £70

Colin · « **Reply #4 on:** October 07, 2009, 09:55:59 am »

I'm not a current x57 owner, so the following is not definitive...........
but, the 857 frame that I had for a while did have two tapped holes in the left dropout.
These were not to ISO Disc brake standard spacing, but maybe could be used with an adaptor.............I believe that PRO~FLEX were toying with the idea of disc brakes but never delivered.

The upside of an x57 for me would be that allegedly it'll take a 52 tooth front cog and associated derailleur, which would make it a V. Fast Street Warrior. my XP-X can't hack that big a front cog, the derr fouls the Suspension arm.

I think some of the best PRO~FLEX's I have seen have been the original frame with everything else updated to the best of modern technology. I think it just goes to show how far ahead of their time they were!
(Then again maybe the frames irrelevant? Discuss............) <GRIN>

Col.

sammydog · « **Reply #5 on:** October 07, 2009, 02:07:02 pm »

To be honest, I am not sure a lot of the latest frame technologies necessarily make for a better bike. I know after I got back onto proflex it just felt right compared to what I had been riding.

Its not like the high forward pivot has become redundant as there is still companies using it.

As long as I can get discs onto the rear, I'll build this up completely with modern parts and I am sure it will be every bit as good, and probably more fun to ride, as any modern bike I have had.

orange · « **Reply #6 on:** October 07, 2009, 11:53:30 pm »

yep - can be done on an 857 - relatively straight forward - here's mine. It had a dog bone shaped piece round the other side for the bolts to clamp into.

sammydog · « **Reply #7 on:** October 08, 2009, 02:32:56 am »

So, it turns out after a bit more talking that the frame is actually an 856. Probably suits me more as I have the shock mount working to take an air shock from my work on the 955. Looks like a later model 856 with the gusset under the head tube. I'll still try to get discs working on this, any thoughts on the A2Z?? Long term I will get one of my swingarms modified to have a disc tab welded on..

Spokes · « **Reply #8 on:** October 08, 2009, 04:19:08 am »

Looks like Christmas has come early...

Chris

sammydog · « **Reply #9 on:** October 08, 2009, 04:23:33 am »

I'm not sure I am going to be allowed to build it before Christmas. $:-\$

Thunderchild · « **Reply #10 on:** October 08, 2009, 09:19:18 pm »

Sweet. Could there be a few more somewhere out there waiting for one of us to find and unwrap the bubble packing? Maybe even an Oz!!!

Thunderchild

sammydog · « **Reply #11 on:** October 08, 2009, 10:14:02 pm »

Quote from: Thunderchild on October 08, 2009, 09:19:18 pm

Sweet. Could there be a few more somewhere out there waiting for one of us to find and unwrap the bubble packing? Maybe even an Oz!!!

Thunderchild

I have heard rumors of a few people in Melbourne and Sydney with a shed full of Proflex and girvin stuff that has never been used. As far as I know though these collections don't go into the K2 realm. Seems that when Proflex pulled the plug over here a few lucky people bought up masses of frames.

I also know of two, brand new never used 953's in a shop in Tasmania. Unfortunately they are not for sale, well not at a nice price anyway. But it does show there is some new stuff floating around waiting to be found. There would have to be some Oz's in random sheds somewhere, the question is how to find them.

I've still got the feelers out for a 957 (or 956, 857). I would love to pic up one of them in new condition, which is what I thought I has scored this time around.

Onto the issue of disc brakes, I don't think an A2Z adapter will work given the varying thickness off the dropout a different points, so I am sending one of my swingarms off for an adapter to be welded to the frame. Slightly more expensive than the bolt up option, but I think better in the long term.

DugB · « **Reply #12 on:** October 10, 2009, 09:22:22 pm »

Hey!
I'm coming into this conversation a bit late, but I must say that I really like vintage XTR, and have it on almost all of my bikes (M950/952 series). The parts often go cheap on eBay, and often in new/NOS condition.

I'm psyched because I just picked up the 956LE frame from the refinisher on Thursday...he repolished the frame, clear powferciated it once, airbrushed on all new graphics, and then powdercoated it again. Doesn't quite look brand new, but very very close.

I'll soon be offtering up for sale possible one, maybe two 20" (Way Big) 856 frames with forks (one silver in good condition, one red in very good condition). Anyone interested?

- Doug :-)

sammydog · « **Reply #13 on:** October 10, 2009, 09:56:19 pm »

Doug,

I am keeping my eye out for old XTR, but whatever I find will be stored for the 955. I intend on getting the weld repaired on that one. I'll have the 955 retro, the 856 modern, and if I ever get the rear end of the 855 repaired, well it will go Single Speed. At the very least the frame will look nice on the wall behind the BBQ.

orange · « **Reply #14 on:** October 11, 2009, 12:44:58 am »

I could be interested in a Way Big 856 - depending on dimensions (not sure what they are).

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Author Topic: New 857, actually turns out to be an 856 **Bike is now finished, see page 3** (Read 25778 times)

Author Topic: New 857, actually turns out to be an 856 Bike is now finished, see page 3 (Read 25778 times)