Author Topic: Do I Repair My 855 Or Buy A New Bike? (Read 7987 times)

kevin7909 · « **on:** September 02, 2012, 10:07:27 pm »

Hi All:

This is my first post. I bought a well used 855 many years ago and rode it a few times on road before the elastomers melted so I never had a chance to use it on the trail. I want to get back into off road riding for excercise and fun. The tires are old and probably dry rotted and the cassette, sprockests and seat are extremely worn. I would probably replace the front and rear shocks/elastomers with Risse components and keep the vector2 front end. I might also want to change the piece between the rear shock and the swingarm. it isn't bent, but the previous owner used a nut and bolt through the assembly so I assume the threading is shot. Although I think the proflex 855 is a cool bike, I want to get the most for my money (but old school/new school doesn't matter. I don't have to have the cool bike on the trail). I do not care about resale value as I don't plan to sell the bike if it will work on the trail. The frame appears to be in good condition and nothing seems to be worn enough that I have felt play or vibrations.

I am guessing that I would have to spend about $600 to $800 to get the bike trail ready. Is this realistic and can I purchase another complete bike for that amount that will be superior to the proflex? If so, does anyone have any suggestions? If I can get this bike trail ready for the amount listed above, does anyone have suggestions on a list of parts to get? I am not experienced with mountain bikes so any help would be appreciated.

More information: The wheels look like they are not bent and the Shimano XT parts seem to work without a problem so I am assuming I can keep them.

Thanks,
Kevin

kiwi · « **Reply #1 on:** September 02, 2012, 11:38:42 pm »

the suspension will be the problem.The risse stuff isnt cheap,but it isnt plug and play to get other shocks to work,espif you want to keep the vector.Be aware the proflexes are short quick steering short travel xc race bikes.Plush they aint,but they are a nice ride,and a wee bit diffferent.We all think they ARE cool but we are biased

k24000 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 03, 2012, 09:53:56 am »

I think it all depends how much you like the bike I say that because I have spent loads aprox £600 on my 98 K2 4000 new air shock drive train sealed bearings and modified main pivot new front shock and wheels but then again I really like the bike so only you can decide.

kevin7909 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 03, 2012, 04:09:53 pm »

Thanks for the quick replies. The issue I have is that pretty much every other forum that I have found mentioning the 855 says that the bike is junk, so I wanted to hear opinions from people who still use it. I think that I will probably try to fix it.

w2zero · « **Reply #4 on:** September 03, 2012, 04:57:56 pm »

I have several of them including my 855 that I bought new in early 96 on sale. Yep, you'll hear that they are junk from people who either never rode one or are just plain convinced that the fork must be backwards or something. If you could figure a way to have them ride one without their being able to see the fork, they would probably get real confused. If your bushings are all good then you can just replace the worn out stuff with better stuff that is cheaper now and maybe pick up another gear or two out back if you get the matching shifters and chain. The original seat post is the only thing that was junk from the factory besides the sketchy squishies and dampers. You can buy Noleen coil/oil shocks and just bolt them on and they are spendy but it is a shortcut. If you were to watch for deals on the freewheel and such you could still stay at or under your budget point as well. Craigslist and ebay are your friend. Some of the guys here have some pieces they might part with too.

kevin7909 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 03, 2012, 06:19:35 pm »

Thanks for the advice. I don't feel anything vibrating but not really sure how to know if the bushings are worn or not and really wouldn't mind just replacing them with new ones. Any advice on where to get a rebuild kit for the bushings? To be honest I don't mind too much going over budget if it's worth it.

Should I replace the brakes with discs? I ask because for years bikes seemed to stop Pretty well and all of a sudden on the forums you would think that we had to Fred Flinstone our bikes to stop.

Also, does anyone know what will remove the sticky melted elastomer from the metal and plastic parts of the bike ( the bike was hanging upside down when the elastomers melted )?

I am leaning towards Risse for the front and rear suspension. Is this a bad decision?

Colin · « **Reply #6 on:** September 04, 2012, 02:38:36 am »

kiwi · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2012, 03:21:14 am »

Quote from: Colin on September 04, 2012, 02:38:36 am

The best thing you can do is to strip the forks and pivot down using the diagrams here:
Frame:
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=281
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=282
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=283
Vector II
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=305

check the nylon? bearings and seals for wear, it'll be obvious if they are badly worn,
usually the bearings last for ages unless the bike has been very badly abused and neglected.

Replace as necessary with kits available on eBay.
RK002 - main pivot
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=223
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=296
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=256;preview
RK005 Vector seal kit
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=259;preview
RK006 Vector & Crosslink bearing kit
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=260;preview
RK004 Crosslink seal kit ( can be used on Vectors)
http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/index.php?action=media;sa=media;in=258;preview

Good luck
Col.

you a legend Col,always the one to come up with the nitty gritty

kevin7909 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 04, 2012, 09:06:57 pm »

Colin. Thanks! I can't wait to get started on my bike.

Colin · « **Reply #9 on:** September 05, 2012, 02:23:52 am »

Thanks, you're benefiting from my years of maintaining my XP-X (856) <GRIN>

If you have the time and patience, stripping these bikes down, cleaning and rebuilding them is a lovely therapeutic experience, thereby gaining your own appreciation of "quality"; they are beautifully engineered and the supporting documentation is superb.

By doing this you will better understand how the bikes work and also, when riding them, by paying continual attention, if something is not working properly, identifying it long before it becomes a major problem.

It depends upon your temperament whether you will enjoy the experience or not, or whether you don't wish to understand the mechanics and just want to experience the moment of riding, which is also a valid position. But the days are long gone when you could take one of these bikes into your local PRO~FLEX dealership and get a highly trained technician to fix it for you! I gave up using LBS's when they got a scared look in their eyes when I walked in with a PRO~FLEX..............

As you'll see from my comments on here, I'm just as keen to exort people to "get out there and ride it", so IMHO finding a good middle ground is the perfect situation!

Good luck and I'm sure everyone will assist with any questions that you have.

Col.

k24000 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 05, 2012, 09:24:03 am »

I could not agree more with the above post. Working on my bike kick started me into doing all my own work so much so I am now going to try and build my own wheels

jimbob · « **Reply #11 on:** September 05, 2012, 02:09:51 pm »

what about seeking out another 855 or compatible bike? then transefring parts fromthe donor bike to the "rider" bike, or vice versa, end result should be a complete & working 855 and a whole load of spares to sell on or keep for future use.

Colin · « **Reply #12 on:** September 06, 2012, 03:16:14 am »

hmmm, could be a good idea, but I have bought bikes "blind" as donor bikes for projects and just ended up with a pile of junk.
My preferred option is to produce a list of the components that need replacing and then sourcing them on eBay or Chain Reaction etc as and when the prices are right!
Buying it all in "drips" is less painful on the wallet and less apparent to the financial coordinator (wife) <GRIN>

Her own very practical approach to "needing" new parts on her bike is to ride it until either something wears out or breaks and then present it to me, and then I decide whether to upgrade or just replace a component.

It's currently booked in with me for a service, which is awaiting a rainy day as we are fortunately experiencing a lovely "Indian" summer period in the UK.

Your posts inspired me to take the XP-X out for a ride yesterday, it's built up as a road bike with 700c Cyclocross disc wheels, 1.125" tyres and is a flying machine!

Col.

kiwi · « **Reply #13 on:** September 06, 2012, 05:22:22 pm »

Quote from: Colin on September 06, 2012, 03:16:14 am

Col.

sorry mate that blue strut and swingarm just doesnt do it for me....swap out for silver immediately!

w2zero · « **Reply #14 on:** September 06, 2012, 06:41:27 pm »

I like the color scheme. Red, black and blue, sort of like bruised and bleeding. Much like my favorite trail rides produced.

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Author Topic: Do I Repair My 855 Or Buy A New Bike? (Read 7987 times)