Offroad PRO-FLEX 550 (elastomers?)

[Cab]

I wasn't looking for this bike (suspensions a fad, right?) but it found me anyway so the least I can do is get it rideable so I can see what I was missing before I sling it back.
Most parts will be OK, what bothers me are the rear elastomers, which are solid. I checked Elite 405 on Ebay, any other suggestions or substitute parts? I thought of a spring, but then where's the damping?
The swing arm pivots move with no play but I haven't dismantled them yet. Looks like a synthetic bush; what sort of lube should be used?
I guess 1991, anywhere close?
I know nothing of Pro-Flex so links to history or catalogue scans would be much appreciated.

 

[Cab]

& the whole bike

 

[orange71]

Try here for elastomers: http://www.rapiddescentscotland.co.uk

try here for advice: http://idriders.com/proflex/smf/

good luck There are a few 550's on this forum - do a search.

 

[Lysander]

I hadded one of them...........loved it, I did :cry:

1990 bike, and IIRC, there was an aftermarket elastomer thang for them with a single big elastomer for more travel than the stack- elastomers are basically self damping springs, actually a good enough idea for suspension- lightweight, zero maintainance, but limited travel and prone to UV deterioration- the new units from Rapid Descent or that SLIM here has gotten in the past are UV resistant.

So basically, rubbish bike, crap design, gie ye £50 for it....................

 

[Mick D]

WOW Nice bike always lusted after one of these, Ultrasport the company that used imported these was just around the corner from where i live. Wish i had been rummaging through there waste just maybe to get my grubby mits on one of these, Also thought the 552 was cool. Good luck with the restoration.
Mick D

 

[Cab]

Thanks for the info. looks like rapid descent should be able to help, I'm off to do some measuring.

 

[SavagePower]

Re:

& the whole bike

If you want to sell the Proflex let me now

 

[Top1966]

WOW Nice bike always lusted after one of these, Ultrasport the company that used imported these was just around the corner from where i live. Wish i had been rummaging through there waste just maybe to get my grubby mits on one of these, Also thought the 552 was cool. Good luck with the restoration.
Mick D

I bought mine from Ultasport, they where my clients at the time, still have the bike, all in work8ng order , but need new suspension elastomers. Any idea ? , tried making my own out of polymer , not very succcesful.

 

[markoc]

I had a 550. Main memory was the rear brake rocker being a PITA to set up (went magura in the end) and the shock bolt shearing and me having a sizeable brown trouser moment. Other than that it was a comfy ride.

Skateboard truck rubbers can be used as elastomers if you want a cheaper alternative. There's info on here.

 

[tenbikes]

I had one of the first into the UK. The shipment got stuck in customs and was delayed three weeks.

Counterintuitive though it was, the rear suspension only worked when the bolt was fully tightened. I thought I'd been sold a pup at first. No movement at all, so I investigated an discovered that the bolt was very loose. Soon sorted.

Cutting edge in its day. How things have moved on! And me too: I've recently ditched all suspension from my fleet