Newbie ProFlex XP6 (856?) suspension questions

[karlf]

Hi, I'm another newbie here - I just acquired an XP6 from a friend as part of his house clearance (which from reading here I think is a UK version of the 856?) I'm looking for some advice on getting the suspension up and running; the bike seems in pretty good shape but the elastomers are rock hard so obviously not working!


Bike by kfitzhugh, on Flickr

I'm a totally amateur rider (all I've done is a handful of days mountain biking on holidays in Turkey & Lanzarote) so I'm hoping I can get this bike up & running, ideally without spending too much, so I can try some here in the UK. I've read lots of info here but often it's on quite old posts so I'm not clear on what today's options are likely to be...

For the rear I'd like to do the spring conversion (it has the ODS shock) but Rapid Descent don't supply the kits any more, correct? Is is possible to source a suitable spring somewhere else (I guess I'd need to know spring length and rate - I'm about 72kgs/165lbs)? Is there anywhere to source the "top hat" style end cap that's needed? I've removed the damper from the bike and the damper itself seems to be okay.


Bike-Rear by kfitzhugh, on Flickr

For the front, am I right in thinking these are Vector 1 forks (they have the friction damper, not an ODS shock)? Are there any options for replacing the damper with a spring unit?


Bike-Front by kfitzhugh, on Flickr

As a newbie I don't want to spend a lot of money if I can help it, so options like Risse are a bit too pricey Do I have any other options, or should I just be buying new elastomers from www.suspensionforkparts.net?

It'd be a shame not to get it up and running as from everything I read it's a good bike. Any advice greatly appreciated!

Karl

[shovelon]

Welcome Karlf.

Yes the XP6 is the same as 856. I think you are on the right thinking by upgrading the sponges with those from www.suspensionforkparts.net. Cheap and light. Don't forget to lube the friction shock up front with synthetic grease only.

I would reconsider the usage of your bar ends on riser bars though.

Terry

[jmf003]

Newbie 856 owner here. 

I had a thought on an alternative for the elastomers: part numbers 9.8141 and 9.8112 from http://www.energysuspension.com/universal-products/shock-eye-bushings.html. 

I bought a set of each (total of 4).  Cost was very low: $14 plus shipping.    I'll report results when they get delivered and I've attempted installation. 

[w2zero]

Hey jmf003, if you get close with those bushings but want to change them to something better...  contact the guys at energy again and start a dialogue.  I worked with them years ago developing some industrial parts and they were very helpful.  If you can send them the durometer needed they can approximate that and it will be up to you to make any further mods to the part unless you send them molds.

[fyrstormer]

I would reconsider the usage of your bar ends on riser bars though.

Can someone please explain to me why bar-ends on a riser bar is considered to be such a bad idea?

[karlf]

jmf003, I'd be interested in the results of those bushings too as those or replacement elastomers may be my only option for the forks.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on changing to a spring at the back? Now I know that a conversion is (or was!) possible it seems a shame to use elastomers

fyrstomer, as a newbie I wondered the same thing myself (the bike came with them fitted). Unfortunately I googled the question and it seems that opinion is, shall we say, rather divided!! Probably enough for a whole different discussion thread I imagine

[shovelon]

I would reconsider the usage of your bar ends on riser bars though.

Can someone please explain to me why bar-ends on a riser bar is considered to be such a bad idea?

They look so awkward.

[racesrc]

I would reconsider the usage of your bar ends on riser bars though.

Can someone please explain to me why bar-ends on a riser bar is considered to be such a bad idea?

They look so awkward.
i agree, bar ends in general look awkward

david

[Old Proflexer]

I had some bar ends like those years ago and removed them just after the first time I went thru some brush and branches - - - they grab things.  Even if you're going fairly slow, the end results can be unpleasant.

[Spokes]

But they make long open up hill slogs so much more comfortable. And its nice some times to be able to change the position of your hands and relieve the pressure off your wrists. It all depends on where you ride. Each to their own i say.

Chris

[fyrstormer]

So there isn't actually a unique danger to using bar-ends with riser bars?

Cheap bar-ends look like crap, I agree, but I don't use cheap bar-ends:



Cane Creek's Ergo 2 bar-ends are designed to center the heels of your hands directly over the ends of the bar, so stability and reach are preserved regardless of hand position. Having options > not having options.

[w2zero]

I like the look of those extensions, they appear to be comfy when needed. 

[Old Proflexer]

Cane Creek Ergos are what I use as well -

[Spokes]

"So there isn't actually a unique danger to using bar-ends with riser bars?"

Well i guess if a branch was an inch or so higher than the rest it could catch you out  . But Im sure for some its just a Style Police thang!

This thread is turning into a coming out of the closet for bar-end users, ha ha....   err well Ive got a carbon pair ....and theyre on carbon risers .....and they are sooo comfortable.

Chris
Bar-end owner

[w2zero]

I think I will be shopping ebay for some of those ergo bar ends.  Yep, on my big bulge riser bars with the riser stem.

 Remember, it wasn't so long ago that a road racing riding stance was the accepted standard on mtb's.  Some of the really fast racers even used drop bars.

As far as getting hung up on stuff overgrowing the trails, yeah, that can happen with any combination of bars, levers, bar ends, helmet, neck, pedals.  Play with the bull long enough and you can expect a horn in the butt.