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Submitted by
chessmaster
a Weekend Warrior
from Alanta, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$185.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist.com | | Strengths: | strong, good uphill, light, fast | | Weaknesses: | shocks are hard to replace | | Bottom Line: | this is my first non-walmart bike, it needs way less matinence than my old bike, and is much stronger, overall it is the best bike that I hanve ever ridden. I would defentally reconmend this to beginers and pro.s | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karen Hensley
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Tapeworm | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | REI, new full bike. | | Strengths: | This is actually a review of the Proflex 656, which has no category in this forum. Works great still after nearly 10 years of use. Rapid Descent in Scotland now makes new elastomers for the suspension, so I finally got rid of the old yellow ones. The Girvin Vector II fork is light weight This is an excellent trail bike with just enough rear suspension to take up the shocks and initiate going over obstacles. Reliable design. Even when the old elastomers were frozen I could ride the bike on trails as if it were a no-suspension mountain bike. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | 1988 Schwinn Sierra no-suspension mountain bike, which was excellent and is still being ridden hard by the "new" owner. | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock. LX components. Girvin Vector II front fork. | | Bottom Line: | If you don't know the saga of the frozen/melted yellow elastomers on these great bikes, you can read it somewhere else. Just this year Rapid Descent made new elastomers available reviving ProFlex bikes.
I was looking at new bikes to replace mine with before I found the new parts, and I came in on my old Proflex 656. They guy at the bike store (not the owner!) said I had an excellent bike already and I would have to go quite high to beat it. That was last week!
The amount of rear travel is minimal by modern standards, but being a compression of elastic material it does not ever bottom out - a bigger force causes a little more travel. I have never felt any bounce when pedaling.
I considered putting a more modern shock fork on mine, but it is just way cool with the Givin fork on it. People come over to look and to talk to me about it.
If you are looking to get in to a bit of off-pavement mountain biking cheap and can find one of these, it is a responsive, quality bike that would be much a better start than no suspension. I got this bike while my husband had a no-suspension bike because it gave me the confidence to keep up with him on the trail and it smoothed out the jolts on my body. Check out the elastomer situation before you buy, a full replacement set costs $85. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden Valley Minnesota
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Afton Alps | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bennet Cycle ( now Super Go) | | Strengths: | The front shock, nothing else can compare to it, Girvin is awsome.
The swing arm set up.
| | Weaknesses: | The front shock will come loose.
The crank or something will tent to creek, but can be fixed.
Is heavier than other rear suspention bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | none other | | Bike Setup: | XT and XTR | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I'd recoment it to anyone who is looking for a bike. The Profelx is also a very comfy bike to ride around town. The components that are on the bike aren't greatest but with a few adjustments it will be just right. The only problem is you can't enhance the front and rear shock. It also weighs kind of a lot compared to some other rear suspention bikes, but it is a good bike for what I paid. The Proflex 657 series is also very rare so you may not see many people riding it, but it is still a great bike. If you are looking for a bike go for the Profle 657 series! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Hamilton
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseville,CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | folsom lake/american river | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | the frame is awsome but it skweaks when i ride downhill or when im downhilling front shock sucks rims suck bracks suck too!!! | | Weaknesses: | head set came lose and broke. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback X2,FSR,trek Y frame,GT | | Bike Setup: | Front shock Manitou X vert DC,Spinergy Rev X Wheels,V brakes in front rear VC 700 suck XT in front LX rear. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is good for cross country riding not downhilling.but all of the awsome stuff i stuck on it makes my bike cool! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peekay
a Weekend Warrior
from Claremont
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
cheap price, i purchased from irvine bikesource for $600. good climber considering full suspension | | Weaknesses: |
a bit heavy and cheap stock headset (mine blew but irvine changed it for free) but hey it didn't cost much did it? | | Bike Setup: |
xt deraillers, shifters, and brakes, kalloy riser bars, power tools stem and diacompe headset. | | Bottom Line: | great full suspension bike for the price. frame a bit heavy and not enough travel on front fork. never had any mechanical problems and holds up great but do change the headset though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul ballerstein
a Cross-Country Rider
from Presque Isle, ME
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
price, looks, full suspesion that works | | Weaknesses: |
headset that blew (like everyone else's?)
brakes | | Bottom Line: | A good deal, but I was hoping to get the stiction out of all the suspension bushings by upgrading to bearings and also speed springs. If you have info or know where to get some please help | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cane Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
awesome bike, I reviewed it earlier, just wanted to say I'm still lovin' it, made some serious upgrades too | | Weaknesses: |
none what-so-ever! | | Similar Products Used: |
same as my first review | | Bike Setup: |
stock frame/fork/shock, but new downhill bar, SPD-515 pedals, full 99 XT group | | Bottom Line: | buy one now!!!, funnest bike I've ever had | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from A2, MI
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
single track behind my house | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Price. It's a 1997. Even last year it went for $650, and now it's at $600, if you can find them.Fun. This bike is just a lot more fun than other bikes I've ridden (15 years of riding). | | Weaknesses: |
Full Suspension bikes in general don't come in a variety of sizes. I'm tall (6'5) and got the large size, which is still a bit small. The seat is way up, putting me over the h-bars. But there are no other FS that get any taller...The stock brakes, pedals and headset. You can upgrade to V-brakes for $25 (supergo.com) and a new headset for another $25-$50 that will put it in good order. | | Similar Products Used: |
Owned a series of Specialized/Trek hardtails, Front Shock bikes. Tried a variety of FS bikes. The 657 is no Litespeed, but it is as good as Specialized, GT, Trek, etc... | | Bike Setup: |
Stock setup, except for diacompe V-brakes, K-Alloy seat bar, Bontranger Ti seat, and a few other add ons. | | Bottom Line: | For $600, this bike gets the whole bin of chilis. If it were still retailing at $1400, I'd give it 3.8 hot ones. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Solid on downhill, smooth on climbs | | Weaknesses: |
Original shifters were so-so, upgrades definately a good idea. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT, Trek, Giant | | Bike Setup: |
657 Titanium, GirvinShocks | | Bottom Line: | Can't say enough about this bike-got it for less than half what the bike shops were selling the equivalent K2. Smooth on climbs, and rock solid on downhill(especially in the turns; right now i can use all the help i can get) Pretty light for a FS bike in this price range. Upgrade to clipless pedals and go. Got it at Irvine Bike Source-good price, but be sure to call back and CONFIPRM everything BEFORE the bike goes out. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lexington NC
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Amazing comfort. Handles and climbs better than my hard tail. Rides like it's on rails. Not beaten up after a long ride. Dealt with Irvin Bike Source and didn't have any problems at all. Arrived in North Carolina within the 10 days promised. | | Weaknesses: |
Headset lasted two rides. First big hit and it was history. It really is a bad product when hooked up to the proflex. Switched to downhill bars and the endo's practically stopped. Eating dirt for the first two weeks wasn't a lot of fun. | | Bike Setup: |
I ordered the bike with the V-brake upgrade. Installed clipless, downhill bar, and new headset. It's a sweet ride | | Bottom Line: | After a few minor changes, the 657 is more than advertised. So far, it's a great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cane Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
The downhills! This bike seems to jump at the chance to go downhill, and it gets very fast very quickly. | | Weaknesses: |
Don't ever buy anything from Irvine Bikesource, they screwed up my order 7 or 8 times, they are idiots!!!
I haven't busted the headset yet, but it will happen. My friend got the same bike and broke his after 1 week. I guess I'll just have to cough up some money for a new one when the tme comes. | | Similar Products Used: |
99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
98 FSR Pro Ground Control
98 Schwinn S-20 | | Bike Setup: |
657 (Black frame)
-99 XT V-Brakes w/99 LX Levers
-98 XT front derailleur.
-99 XT rear derailleur
-Clipless Pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is one sweet bike, just don't get it from Bike Source unless you like to deal with incompitent people who can't ship things on time. It was $754 total, you can't beat that price on such an awesome bike. Great for beginners or experts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Zelle
a Cross-Country Rider
from Shelton, CT.
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Westwoods | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great frame, lightweight for a double boinger. Price 599.00 from Irvine bike Source | | Weaknesses: |
Girvin fork is OK, not great. CRAPPY HEADSET, BLEW IN TWO RIDES. | | Bike Setup: |
Large frame, profile riser bars, 99 XT brakes and derailluers | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, but spent a few dollars more when you order it and add the XT guts like i did ($26.00 more from bike source) and UPGRADE the headset like I wish I did. The Dia-Compe crap that came on it can't handle the forces the Girvin fork puts on it. The plastic top seal cracked and fell apart after TWO rides. Spend the bucks for a Chris King or RaceFace, you won't be sorry. Overall a sweet looking and riding frame, Climbs like a mountain goat, with no noticeable pogo stick feeling. I switched from a Cannondale F1000 (which I still have) so the Girvin fork is a little less plush than the Fatty 70 air/oil setup that I am used to. The STX hubs and cranks are the only low-line parts left which will probably need replacing about mid-season I figure.
BIKE(lx/stx)599.00
99XT upgrade 26.00
HEADSET 100.00
Riser bars 40.00
____________________
765.00 plus shipping
Still not too bad a price for what I got.
(Irvine Bike Source is NOT the most reliable mail order I have dealt with. Have your local shop inspect the bike before you ride it the first time.)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Emma Long Motorcross Park | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bike Setup: |
Dia-Compe V-brakes $40 from Supergo | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for $599 from Bennetts. The first time they shipped it to me they sent me the wrong bike and the wrong lock. The second time they sent the right bike but still the wrong lock. I am still waiting for them to send me my refund for the lock, but that is another story. The plastic headset ring cracked the first time I rode it. I think that this was due to the headset being set loose and held in place only by the ring. I covered the shocks and the now exposed headset race with 3M Vetwrap ( also known as Co-Band) to keep out the dirt. I also replaced the stock brakes with V-brakes. On the trail, this bike shines. You just point and shoot; the shocks do the rest. I used to ride a rigid and was having major back pains every time I rode; the full suspension helps to alleviate this. I am 6'3 and I ride the large size. I may put on a downhill bar because the stem angle seems a little too steep for my tastes. I covered the bottom of the swingarm with tape in order to keep the chain from eating away at it when it bounces. Overall, if you can get this bike for cheap, do it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a Downhiller
from litchfield
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
loon mt | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
THIS BIKE REALLY ROASTS DOWN HILL, BUT HOLD ON YOUR IN FOR SOME SPEED! | | Weaknesses: |
THE ONLY WEEKNESS IS THE BRAKES THE GIVE YOU. UPGRADE THEM AND YOUR READY TO GO! | | Similar Products Used: |
I'VE TRIED A KLIEN AND A GT AND THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT. | | Bottom Line: | IF YOU WANT I GREAT BIKE AT A GREAT PRICE THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steen B.-Nielsen
a cross-country rider
from Kansas City, MO. US
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a 'way big' ProFlex 657. It's a great bike, especially for the money $599 at Bennett's (bennetts.com). This bike climbs like a space shuttle, and if you paddle hard enough I would think you could go so fast that you would go into orbit. But be careful when you go down hill, I have been thrown over the handlebars to many times. I'm 6'2 so my seatpost is pretty high, that puts a lot of weight on the front wheel. That is properly the reason for me flying over the handle bars when I go down hill. Anyway buy this bike, you will not regret it, it kicks a…! Get the brake upgrade though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ZL
a cross-country rider
from Denver CO
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The 657 is a great bike, but the forks kind of blow! but i'm a fork freek and nothing is good enough. I've biked for 15 yrs now and have seen it all in co For the price nothing beats this bike unless you spend 100's of dollars more dollar for dollar if you can still find this bike it's a great buy! I guess PW says some place called bennetts has it for 599.00 I bought mine in 97 for 1400 so it's the best buy on any bike right now dollar for dollar! I should give it only 4 stars cuz of the forks but if I was going to buy this bike now for the price of 599.00 that pw says you can get it for. I would try the bike and see if you like the forks if not upgrade you still will get a sweet deal! Happy Trails! 5 stars great bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PW
a downhiller
from Plymouth MN
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a Pro-flx 657 from Bennett's Only 599.00 great deal for a full suspension bike I could not beleave How cheap it was! Think spring www.bennetts.com has em for 599.00 and many other great prices | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn Perry
a weekend warrior
from Erie, PA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a phrase that describes this bike to a tee Love at first ride!!
I used to ride an unsuspended KHS Montana team bike but that thing is up for sale. The 857 is a dream, I was used to using the brakes on choppy downhills now I just point the bike downhill, shift to the big ring and pedal!! It eats up the bumps like a kid eating candy on Halloween night. I haven't noticed any difference in the climbing ability. I think I have found heaven. Thank you Pro-Flex. If I have more chillis to give I'd give 'em. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pana B.
a downhiller
from
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What the others said--it's true. For the price the 657 is unbeatable. Try to get a Full Suspension Trek or Specialized for less than a $1000, and weighs less than 28#. The frame geometry beats the others because it keeps the bike on the ground and the rider in the saddle. Some Y-frames throw you on the big bumps, but not the 657. Yup, itsa keeper. I just have to give it 5 peppers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cowboy dirt
a cross-country rider
from MO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had this 657 for about two months, and wanted it since i began serious riding back in 95. upgraded from a raleigh, i couldn't be happier!!! not only serious style (black n yellow), but just enough cush going down and a puma goin
up those hills. CLIMBS GREAT!!!!!!!! super steal at $800.00 mail order. though i take it apart for maintenance often, the shocks are self efficient and all pivots are tight. RAD BIKE RAD BIKE RAD BIKE!!!!! only two problems... 1. the rear der. cable routing needs to be straightened to eliminate cable rubbing (easy) and 2. IRVINE BIKE SOURCE. these guys suck!! screwed up orders, lied to me, etc. omar is o.k., though. if you must go through them, ask for him or chuck. this bike rules. clay657@yahoo.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Theriault
a weekend warrior
from Maine
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Good price on a nice machine. Even new this was a good deal. The Girvin shock looks and works trick. That front end almost makes the bike worth the price. Rides nice and pedals easy. Good ascender and a GREAT descender. With an XT and V-Brake upgrade, this thing would be a monster. The bike in question is not mine, it is a friends that I have ridden and he rides the same nasty trails as I do and through LOTS of mud and water it is holding up like a tank. I would have bought one if my bike shop had another in stock, but ended up with a Trek Y5... but that's another story altogether. 4 peppers 'cause nuthin' is purrrfect! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joy MTB
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The 657 price on a closeout can't be beat(~US$900). It climbs pretty darn good for a soft tail, and slurps up the bumps going down. The components could use some upgrading, but for the price, what can you expect? I got the matte titatnium over the black because the looks are just way cool.Try it, you'll love it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave T
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The 657 rides like a tank on feathers. It's light, durable and built to handle the rough stuff. These girvin shocks have no stiction. The GDT rear shock works without a hitch. The single spring ODS front shock kicks over most Rock Shock types with collapsing tubes. It maintains lateral rigidity and softens the bumps. It pulls the bike over 8 curbs at 10 mph like a jet ski over the wake. Try that on most other front shocks...After ten years of hardtail, I will never go back. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis Sanders
a downhiller
from St. Paul, MN
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 657 for downhill, cross country and trial riding. I do all three and this bike has kept up beautifully. I haven't had any problems except for expected wear releted replacements. The one drawback is the STX components, but with every bike you buy, you should expect to upgrade sooner or later. The 657 is a great bike for the price and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking into getting into racing downhill or racing cross country. It eats up hills and five foot dropoffs with ease. You can't beat the tough looks either. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grandon Westlund
a cross-country rider
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a `97 657 from my LBS. I have over 20 years of riding experience (road raced as a teenager, have been a strong recreational road rider since then). Wanted to have one bike for everything instead of a road bike and a MTB. I decided to go all out and get a FS MTB, and after looking at several brands, I found a black 657 to really catch my eye. I did some reading on the differences with the fork on these bikes, including several websites dedicated to the Proflex/K2 bikes. Upon riding it, I am completely unaware that the suspension is working (except on big hits, where it works GREAT!) except that my body is not as tired after 2-3 hours of technical trail riding. I ride hard and love tight, technical single track with lots of quick turns, jumps, downhills, etc. I loved how the bike fits, handles and rides so much I have sold my custom built Guerciotti road bike with all mavic and dura ace parts as well as my non-suspended MTB and now use my proflex for all my riding. I bought an extra set of wheels and mounted 1 high pressure slicks for my long road rides, and the other set I keep 2 knobbies on for my off road riding. I even use this thing for commuting. My only complaint would be the STX/RC components that are on it (crank and hubs) The crank is heavier, plan on upgrading, and the hubs are not as smooth as I would like them, but the extra wheels I bought have XT hubs and are very smooth, so I use those for my road riding. Later this year I plan on upgrading the wheels that came on the bike and the crank. I always view components as replaceable anyway, and find the frame, fit, finish and suspension of the ProFlex to be incredible! Love it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a cross-country rider
from Ontario, CA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought this f/s bike after 10 years of road bike and 2 years of undersized GT hardtail (Don't buy from Palm Springs Cycles they sold me a 14 inch frame and I am 6' 1 no wonder I was so cramped up after riding the GT. The 657 islast years 856 frame and suspension with ODS coil overs. Great components even the Grips feel like GEL grips. If I had to pick one word for this bike it is Awesome. It looks hot too.
| | Overall Rating: |
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