How do Proflex full suspension bikes ride

[Tootyred]

I had a xc pro equipped proflex in 91. Elastomer frame and flex stem.....750 riings a bell..dark grey/ red.....

Frankly terrible! and i doubt time will have help those elastomers either!

Only had it 6 months before buying a second team marin. But its not all bad, it introduced me to the joy of xc pro....in fact, i still use the actual same shifters and the crank is on my bench!

 

[Ally]

I had an 856 for a long time. It was a good bike. Wish I'd kept it now. Elastomers were changed to springs which were great. I didn't like the idea of elasomers changing over time and temperature. Think it was a Scottish company called RDS that did them in very small numbers. They seemed to specialise in that long after Proflexs weren't available. It rode well for XC; good climber. I saw a difference early on with climbing. I could climb things I couldn't with my rigid bike. Wish I kept it. Thats a regret.

 

[markoc]

I had a 550. At the time it was a comfortable way to take some of the buzz out of the trails, but that was about it. Once snapped the shock bolt, which was "interesting" to say the least - and could split the elastomers if too enthusiastic, but back then they were leading the way and it was the MTB equivalent of riding a spaceship in terms of modernity.

Better looking than the later boxy ones with vectors IMO too, though I am tempted by one to see what they are like (and because of Jez Avery in Dirt obvs)

 

[averagebiker]

Thanks for the input all. I think I will have to keep an eye out for one locally at a decent price.

 

[DoctorRad]

I spent a lot of time with guys on 856's and 857's with Girvin forks when they first came out. They went over the bars constantly - I don't recall a single ride where one of then didn't have to bail over the front. This was just on challenging woods trails, not FR of DH stuff. I rode them and it always felt like the front wheel was tucking under the bars and actively trying to send me - it did not inspire confidence. They're cool looking forks, but I have no desire to ride one again.

"…always felt like the front wheel was tucking under the bars and actively trying to send me…" is exactly what the PRST-1 felt like when I rode an early one at a Polaris event back when Singletrack was still GoFar…

 

[Splatter Paint]

I spent a lot of time with guys on 856's and 857's with Girvin forks when they first came out. They went over the bars constantly - I don't recall a single ride where one of then didn't have to bail over the front. This was just on challenging woods trails, not FR of DH stuff. I rode them and it always felt like the front wheel was tucking under the bars and actively trying to send me - it did not inspire confidence. They're cool looking forks, but I have no desire to ride one again.

Yes!

My Dad who has ridden mtb for years and is accomplished rider borrowed one in 2001 to come riding with me. He went straight over the bars on the first off-road section! He was glad to give it back at the end of the day!

 

[averagebiker]

Well, i am hoping i have found a project bike to let me try a pro-flex for myself.
The owner and i have hatched a plan today that should get it from Essex to Hampshire with extensive use if an "integrated" transport system that abhors any full size/non-folding bikes. Plenty of scope for Mr cock up to drop in lol
And that's before i have to rely on my Magiverish skills to nurse a project bike into rideable condition to get home

 

[averagebiker]

It has made it to me in North London. Now to get it back to Hampshire!

 

[averagebiker]

Now at Waterloo after Google maps took me round the houses lol

 

[averagebiker]

I got it home. Now sleep time.