Help me choose a retro full suspension bike…………..

[The History Man]

As part of my recuperation I’m going to build or buy the above. Locally there are two I can afford. I had a Whyte jw2 stolen a few years ago but can’t afford one so………

These are the contenders both 20/21 inches and complete if not correct. Whichvwat should I go for at 6ft 3 and 16 and a half stone.

Or is there something else………

Help me out here. Thanks THM

 

[The History Man]

And this has popped up too!

 

[mk one]

Both nice bikes.

I would be concerned about the condition of the air shock on the specialized, the coil rear on the proflex is definitely more robust, as is the proflex frame, even with twin crown forks on. That would be both my choice for you and myself.

 

[The History Man]

Both nice bikes.

I would be concerned about the condition of the air shock on the specialized, the coil rear on the proflex is definitely more robust, as is the proflex frame, even with twin crown forks on. That would be both my choice for you and myself.

The manitou x verts are interesting as are the girvins. Help!

 

[Lucidone]

I'd be leaning towards the 657 - it looks tidy, it has Girvins and I'm guessing it's about £50?
The stanchions on those x-verts look like they could need a closer inspection?

 

[markoc]

Proflex with Vectors - for me is an itch that has to be scratched. Certainly that would be my choice (not least because of Jez Avery in Dirt, and me being quite impressionable as a teenager. And as it happens, also as an adult)

FSR's are a nice ride though. Tough choice, but I'd be with the 657 - potentially a less complex project given the simplicity, and more balanced a ride than the one with the triple clamps

 

[markoc]

Can I also chuck in for consideration a Marin Mount Vision or suchlike (East Peak, Rift Zone)? They seem to be two a penny these days and I remember them being quite handy.

 

[novocaine]

proflex.
it's an itch for me as well.

the FSR is the best, but Vectors take it.
unless there's another in the "must buy 2" pile that you prefer, in which case I'll give you the 50 quid plus postage for the proflex to make it's way to me.

 

[The History Man]

The 653 appeals to my weird.

 

[rentedmule]

I'm often the opposing view on ProFlexes - as cool as the Vectors look, they feel like a death-trap to ride IMHO. I also didn't like the feel of that rear suspension compared to the FSR - the pogoing was awful on the ones I rode.

Replacements for the rear air shocks in those FSR dimensions are cheap, but sourcing bushings to mount them can be a pain. Those old SIDs are dead simple to service and although they're flexy by today's standards, they still feel miles better than Vectors (he says, dawning his flame suit).