Proflex 855 upgrade advice please

[FlugelHound]

Hi my 1st post here so hope this is the correct forum.

My Proflex is still all original apart from Panaracer Smoke and Dart tyres, Bontrager Ti Saddle and the black elastomers from Scotland.

Im looking to give it an upgrade so am after advice on what's doable and what's best to get.
Im interested in (order of likely hood of upgrading)

Riser Bars
Saddle with groove for your crotch thingy
V-Brakes
Rear Air or coil shock (I would love to know what my options are re shocks).
Front Air or coil shock


Would these bars be ok, my existing ones measure 25.4mm
chainreactioncycles/Models.aspx?ModelID=19258


FH

 

[jimo746]

Hi, you should be able to upgrade the bars, saddle, and brakes easily enough, a lot of bars these days are larger diameter though so you may find it easiest to upgrade the stem at the same time.
Upgrade/replacement shocks is always an issue on the Proflex, especially the rear as it uses a non-standard design (cone shaped fixing at the bottom?). Visit the idriders Proflex forum, I got an adapter from a member which allows fitment of a Fox rear shock so there should be more info on there. Otherwise I think your options are the Noleen shocks (Google NoleenJ6) or the Risse Racing shocks (reputed to be good), or search eBay for something suitable. There is always the option to machine adapters and bushings if you know someone who can, think there's a thread on machining parts on this site somewhere?

 

[gtRTSdh]

The proflex shocks are a nightmare, all the shafts are corroded. I'm in need of two, one for my crosslinks and one for the rear, but because my frame is a small, only an NR 2 will fit on the back.

Noleen J6 in the states have new noleens, and I've kind of told myself that's the only viable route now, think I've got 5 knackered shocks here now, wasting money hand over fist on second hand stuff.

I've just enquired about another second hand NR2 on ebay for the crosslinks . . . here's hoping.

Nolen J6 for new Noleens

http://shop.noleenj6.com/category.sc;js ... tegoryId=7

Risse, crosslink replacement shocks

http://www.risseracing.com/girvin.shtml

Risse, proflex replacement shocks

http://www.risseracing.com/proflex.shtml

 

[Groundoggy]

The Risse's are awesome. I have the Genesis version and the difference from the elastomers was amazing.

If you put V-brakes on it you will have to replace the brake levers (the canti levers shouldn't be used with V-Brakes and vice versa). Since it's an integrated shifter/brake (I think it's ST-M73 you have some additional things to replace/consider.

From my experience I would focus everything on what the bike NEEDS which is a shock upgrade. That's a difference maker. I don't want to diminish what a new set of bars might do for fit and comfort but if that's more of a want to replace I'd wait on the rest.

Also be careful with the rear. Mine cracked recently right near the replaceable dropout (replacement hopefully on the way now). I think it was a new set of wheels I put on with new skewers that likely applied more pressure. I read on another forum from a former worker that this was a problem and many bikes failed due to a cracked rear. This employee left by 96 and didn't know if the problem was solved on later models.

 

[FlugelHound]

The Risse's are awesome. I have the Genesis version and the difference from the elastomers was amazing.

Ive just emailed Risse to get shipping cost to my UK address.

If you put V-brakes on it you will have to replace the brake levers (the canti levers shouldn't be used with V-Brakes and vice versa). Since it's an integrated shifter/brake (I think it's ST-M73 you have some additional things to replace/consider.

Ok I'm going to stick with standard canti brakes, ive just replaced the brake blocks and set them up far from the rim and they work fine.
Saddle and bars I will also leave as standard, Riser bars means I would have lost the use of bar ends and gain flex.

From my experience I would focus everything on what the bike NEEDS which is a shock upgrade. That's a difference maker. I don't want to diminish what a new set of bars might do for fit and comfort but if that's more of a want to replace I'd wait on the rest.

agreed.

Also be careful with the rear. Mine cracked recently right near the replaceable dropout (replacement hopefully on the way now). I think it was a new set of wheels I put on with new skewers that likely applied more pressure. I read on another forum from a former worker that this was a problem and many bikes failed due to a cracked rear. This employee left by 96 and didn't know if the problem was solved on later models.

will keep an eye on that one.

 

[02gf74]

After many years of not using my XP-8, in the last 2 years I have brought it into the 21 century.

upgrades:
- carbon fibre seat post and headset spacers
- Ti wheel skewers
- 9 speed gears
- disc brakes front and rear, both requiring custom made adapters as the Z1 have non-standard spacing
- rear Air shock, much more tuneable, requiring custom made adapter (about 1/5 price of the Risse shock - I did look into that option but £ 250+ for a shock made my eyes water :shock: ... don't forget you'll be stung for VAT as well as duty by customs if importing the shock) .... and before you ask, I have no plans to supply any more. :?

I have fitted riser bars since the photo was taken and I felt I was leaning too much on the bars due to the race geometry, also stiffer springs inside the Z1s.

All in all, it has much improved the ride as well as stopping.

 

[FlugelHound]

A
- rear Air shock, much more tuneable, requiring custom made adapter (about 1/5 price of the Risse shock - I did look into that option but £ 250+ for a shock made my eyes water :shock: ... don't forget you'll be stung for VAT as well as duty by customs if importing the shock) .... and before you ask, I have no plans to supply any more. :?

I have a machine shop where I can make parts like adapters.
Can you give me details of the cheaper rear shock please

cheers Fluges

 

[02gf74]

bog standard Fox float R, 165 mm eye to eye; avoid models with lock out levers and remote reservoirs as those sticky out bits may get in the way. you can get one for well under £ 50 off ebay

if you have access to lathe and mill, I can send you my drawings.

you also need to make bushes for the top end.

 

[FlugelHound]

Yes please send drawings as I do have access to full machine shop next door to my works here.

please email me here (remove spaces from email address etc)
mr gent at gmail dot com

For the front front shock I cant see how im to avoid going for a Risse, Scouring this forum the Risse seems the only option????

Thank you

Fluges

 

[craiga]

Shocks- my carbon Oz came with the fox RP23, which is a great shock

My XP-X has the cor springs with the original ODS shock - Not great, but ok. People over at id riders will help.

http://www.idriders.com/proflex/tech/

Brakes - I'd recommend Magura rim brakes, my XP-X has them as standard & they're great. Easy fir on your bike.

Saddle - I've changed mine, but it took a number of attempts. I tried one with the crotch hollow & couldn't get used to it as it was wider than I was used to.