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Submitted by
Harry Rubin
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashua, NH
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Light weight awsome handling. Setup properly with the Risse astro in the back zero pogoing climbs like a yeti! | | Weaknesses: | Little travel. Front derailuer setup is touchy. Stock Girvin elastomer suspension had to go. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-drive | | Bike Setup: | XT Comp Group, Marzoucci R3 in the front and Risse astro 5 in the rear.Bontrager race lite bar stem Rims and hubs. 9 speed. | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike built for speed not plushness, But really a decnt ride despite being old tech. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marc furtado
a Weekend Warrior
from taunton
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | freetown state forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | durability and looks | | Weaknesses: | weight and frame cracks | | Bike Setup: | rock shox xl dual front, modified rock shox rear, race face forged cranks system stem and xy post, xt shifters, levers and f,r derailliurs, rock shox disc brakes on mavic 317 rims with white industry ti hubs, michelin wildgripper green tires | | Bottom Line: | my components are killer and my bike frame sucks. simple as that. i bought the bike on ebay cheap (500 bucks) and have invested another 4-5 into it. the bike surves its purpose but if i was to do it again i would go with another frame. this frame is super heavy and it has cracked in two spots. i am only a weekend rebel but i am a solid 195 pounds and i ride hard and i need something stronger. big people don't buy this bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Strengths: | light frame, | | Weaknesses: | rear shock bobb's,rear brake cable hits crankarm but thats no problem, forks got to go | | Bike Setup: | proflex 856, duke sl forks, XT components, ods rear shock | | Bottom Line: | If you take off the forks this bike is a great bike to trail ride an freeride. If you are going to do any more then 3 feet drops I would change the rear shock, because if not there is alot of bobbing.the xt components work great up hills. they make this bike a mountain goat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterloo, IA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ulrich | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | Private buy here | | Strengths: | Kinda light for full suspension, easy to service, handles well | | Weaknesses: | Damn pogoing, front derailleur positioning/adjustment, rear cable routing, unfriendly with rear V brakes, derailleur hanger is of VERY soft alloy, that damn nubbin in the seat tube, would rather have bearings instead of bushings | | Similar Products Used: | My first full suspension, but I've ridden a few friends' full suspension bikes, as well as test-riding some others. | | Bike Setup: | 856, 8 speed only, SRAM ESP shifter/derailleur, Manitou
SX-R fork, Girvin ODS shock w/SpeedSpring, Oury grips, Avid Vs, full cable housing (rather than interrupted), Bontrager wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I originally bought this as a frame only for $125, without a shock. I emailed here, called there, and so on...finally coming up with a Girvin ODS shock. I built it up and began riding. I have tried many different ways to get some damping into the shock...it has no adjustment, and is basically just a spring. I have had some luck by using different oil viscosities, but still not what it could be with a damping adjustment. That said, it could be better, but is a good handling bike with the Manitou fork. I also have had some trials and tribulations with the shock adjuster...I've had two of the El Cheapo plastic adjusters strip out, forcing me to have one made for $50. Now, the shock squeaks to no end! This frame is easy to rebuild/service (I've taken apart and serviced lots of times), except for the front derailleur issue...what were they smoking when this was thought up? This is reason #2 for it being an 8 spd bike. Reason #1 is that I just really don't use the big ring or granny...maybe because I could never get the derailleur to swing far enough to get down into granny. I solved the rear V brake problem with a set of Caramba Smooth Operators, eliminating the wide-bending noodle. I've had my trials and tribulations with this bike, but it has been really good to me...including quite a few drops of over 5'. It does do some pogoing, and has little-to-no rebound damping, but rides really well all in all. I have recently been longing for a custom steel hardtail and considered selling the 'Flex, but as I write this review (I thought that I had already done this, but I didn't see my review on here), I see little reason to sell the 856. I'll just hafta save up my beer cans for while for a steel hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | First Flight Bicycles | | Strengths: | A great looking bike that's full of usefull features. | | Weaknesses: | The little yellow elastomers (shocks) are near useless. But with a quick upgrade to some Eibach Springs, the travel hits the full amount and the bike handles tons better. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized M2 Hardtail, Cannondale SuperV, Trek Y-Frame | | Bike Setup: | Spinergy Wheels, Full XTR, Michelin Wild Gripper Tires, many extras. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is one of the best full suspension bikes ever. The the design of the rear suspension has been copied dozens of times, including in the 2002 Gary Fisher Sugar. The only complaint I've had is with the weight. But having an extra couple pounds in the bike is well worth the added comfort and control this bike provides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricky Leung
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Don Valley Parkway | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Store | | Strengths: | The Bike is very good. You people should get this becasue it has a better than alot of new full suspension bikes. I very recomend this bike to anyone. | | Weaknesses: | Bad Wire Set-Up | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XTR, Race Face, Rock Shox | | Bike Setup: | Deore XT/LX Race Face Cranks, LX Brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike, BUY it if you can find it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Its a toss up - Sulphur Springs (Calgary) or Jack-Ass Canyon (Moab) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | Great component spec (all XT except the shifters which I upgraded.
Climbs like a billy goat, just stay seated.
Pretty much indestructible.
Light (especially compared to the beasts available in 2002) | | Weaknesses: | Chain rings suck (finally replaced with Race Face two years ago), leading to poor downshifts under power.
Had to cut down an allen key to adjust front der. and still a pain in the....
Front drop-outs on Girvin fork bent pretty easy.
Not much travel (took me five years of hard riding to finally break in the front elastomers to full travel!) | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Eldridge Grade (my old hard tail, still lighter and handles better than the 856)
Jekyll 1000 (2002), Marin Mount Vision (2002), Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Pro (2002) - all test rode to replace my Proflex | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except new tires (don't like the velociraptors!), upgraded shifters to XT rapidfire and pedals to SPDs, Race Face Race Rings, installed a shorter stem | | Bottom Line: | Bought my Proflex for Cdn$2850 in June of 1996, finally sold it this May for Cdn$500, rode it hard for 5 long years.
Climbed like a billy goat - when I shifted down to granny, I knew that my legs would give out before I ran out of traction.
Bought a 20" frame and found it was great downhill, but found the front end a little light when climbing in the twisties. Took me the better part of five years to get the hang of the geometry before I was able to get it to truly sing in the slow motion single track (needed the bike up to speed before it would carve the tight turns).
Fork was incredibly stiff, but not very compliant on the little stuff until about the last year (yeah, I know, should have taken it apart and replaced the oil with a lighter weight, never got to it). Weak part of the fork is the drop-outs - I'm sure the front wheel was never quite right, even out of the box, and I bent the drop outs on one nasty fall in a rain storm. Bike shop repaired by bending the drop-outs back (that's the factory fix!).
The front der. (damn, how do you spell that word) never did shift well under load - it was really bad with the original grip shift, was a little better with the XT shifters, but slowly deteriorated as the rings wore. Shifting improved with race rings, but I still found myself shifting the cable back up to the bigger ring the odd time because the chain wouldn't drop under load (ah, for the heavy spring on the DX der. on my old Marin - boy does it grind shifting under load, but it will shift!).
As for maintenance, never did too much (lubed chain often, replaced mud plugged cables and guides almost yearly, repacked the hubs about twice a year and replaced the pivots once) and it still ran good. Did end up tweaking the rear wheel's spokes about once a month (never could get it to stay tight, even after re-lacing the whole wheel).
Overall, the bike had some limitations (mostly due to size - should have bought a 19" frame) that took a few years to get used to, but damn fine ride for hard core cross country riding. Gonna miss it, but also looking forward to my new bike (just ordered a new Jekyl 1000 and boy its plush in comparison).
Ratings - 5 chilis for value because of the good component spec and the weight, 4 chilis overal because of the lack of travel | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim - Moab | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | Great Climbing ability | | Weaknesses: | Elastomers
Bobbing | | Bike Setup: | 856 with Speed Spring on ODS in Rear and Noleen Elite in Front. Mavic 517. XT components. | | Bottom Line: | Has served me well for 5 years of hard riding in Georgia, Moab, and New Mexico. Climbs as well as a hardtail, maybe better. Noisy suspension, big clank in back, squeaks in front. Be careful on descents and clearing obstacles, the steep head angle and the motion of the suspension makes this bike have a high propensity to Endo (wear your helmet!). Steep head angle makes the bike a bit twitchy, though it is extremely agile on twisty singletrack. Upgrade to Speed Springs really helped in the rear, although there is not much damping. Travel is much less than advertised. The Noleen fork is great overall, very stiff fork that tracks very well and has not required excessive maintenance. Big improvement over the stock Girvin II. Bottom line, I have been well served by this bike. I understand it can now be purchased for as low as $500. At that price, it is a much better bike than anything in the price range. Technology has moved too far forward to compare it to bikes in it's original $2000 price range, bikes have come a long way since 1995. I would recommend it to anyone who has a limited budget and would like to get a full suspension bike for under $750. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike krakovsky
a Weekend Warrior
from cleveland, ohio
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | great frame! goes up/down like a champ | | Weaknesses: | forks got to go, rear brake cable hits crankarm unless cortorted to an ungodly extent | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer fire pros, ritchey wheels, raceface Next LP, XT ders.,LX v's and shifters, Mars 1, Kore stem | | Bottom Line: | i cant say enough about it, except that i cant ride it b/c i need a new D.hanger and cant find one anwhere, IF ANYONE KNOWS WHERE I CAN GET ONE, PLEASE, EMAIL ME!!!!!
xmisty40@aol.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
g e
a Weekend Warrior
from southern,indiana
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the one under my tires | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | light, solid equipment, good parts selection | | Weaknesses: | stock elastomers are useless. cables rub on headtube. v-brakes are a pain on the rear of bike, don't open enough to quick release wheel. | | Similar Products Used: | numerous cannondales, specialized, living-x | | Bike Setup: | xt drivetrain and hubs, gripshift xray, goretex cables, avid sd2.0 brakes,titec hellbent riser, oury grips, wtb seat and velociraptors, marzocchi z2 atom bomb, stratos helix expert in back | | Bottom Line: | i was pretty happy with the bike for the first couple years, but wished for a little more travel. sorry if this offends anyone, but elastomers are THE MOST WORTHLESS PIECES OF GARBAGE EVER PUT ON A BIKE! no matter how hard i try, i couldn't get them to do their job. they just squish. or turn hard as a rock as soon as it gets cold. i was looking to get a new bike, but after a little research and a couple good sales, i'm glad i kept it. there is NO COMPARISON in handling between elastomers and a good old coil and oil setup. now the bike actually suspends me, it's super plush, and just all around one hell of a good time. the bomber is unbelievably smooth, and the stratos helix is even smoother still ( hard to believe but true!). it pogos more than before, but still less than 90% of the bikes i test rode. nothing goes uphill as well as a proflex (that i've seen), and now it's a blast to descend. it was pretty stable on downhills before, but now what used to be scary is just another piece of trail. my biggest complaint is: i paid $1300 for my bike, on sale, and at the time, that was a fantastic deal, but one to two years later, and i could've gotten the exact same thing for $500. not the bike's fault, but still makes me grrrrrrrr.. overall, great bike, better prices everyday, and durable as all get out (i've never broken ANYTHING on my bike, and i've pulled some stupid stunts in my time!). i'll give 5 for value, and 4 overall because of those darn elastomers.besides, with what you save on the bike, you can get super plush shocks and still have change. oh yeah, didn't care too much for the girvin fork either. yeah it's light and stiff, but on a good day you get maybe 1 or 1.5 inches of travel.i'll take a zokes any day over that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Geometry
Comfort
Looks good | | Weaknesses: | Hard to reach front derailleur | | Bike Setup: | Noleen Chubby LT, Shimano XTR Shifter, XTR Brake Lever, XTR V Brakes, XTR Seatpost, XTR front and XTR rear Derailleur, XTR hubs, Black Mavic X517, Noleen NR4 rear shock, Race Face cranks, Azonic World Force Riser bars. | | Bottom Line: | After all the upgrades there's nothing bad that I can say about this bike. Its just an awesome bike. The elastomers were good, but outdated now. Change the elastomers for springs which can be done in 10 minutes (only 4 bolts to remove) and your ride will be sweet. Liked the girvin vector fork but switching to a noleen chubby was a much better deal though the noleen chubby seemed a little heavy ( hence the name chubby ). I will give the bike 5 flaming chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan Markow
a Weekend Warrior
from Dana Point, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan Trail/Hot Springs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Little Pogo, comfortable downhill ride | | Weaknesses: | Pain to service, specifically adjustment on the front der. | | Bike Setup: | Full XT with Manitou SX-R Fork | | Bottom Line: | Rides very nicely. It's not too heavy, compared with some other full-suspensions, which helps a lot with the uphill. Great bike for overall riding. Great for single-track, handles nicely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D J Novak
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Front Girvin fork is strong. | | Weaknesses: | Elastomers, bike makes lots of noise, Bit heavy. | | Bottom Line: | My first FS bike. Replaced shift/brake with XTR Rapidfire and Vbrake, there wasn't a good place to run the new V-brake cables. The elastomers had to go, replaced with springs. The bike rocked, but suspension needed lots of maintenance. I never could get rid of all the squeaks the suspension made. Recently got in a car wreck and flattened the bike, replaced with a Specialized "BIGHIT" - OMG that bike kicks ass!! High maintenance and some crappy components keep this bike from being great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DJ Osborne
a Cross-Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Clearance River Expedition, New Zealand | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Excellent front Fork... better marketing and this unit would take over the noodlie stantion designs. Also, minimal po-go, nice weight, easy to maintain. | | Weaknesses: |
The V frame swing arm mount is a semi-poor design. If you are a large human you will eventually break it. But no fear as K2 will replace it as they did mine. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Why bike
Cannondale V series | | Bike Setup: |
XT, with coil springs in the shocks | | Bottom Line: | Excellent value. My last one was stolen. I have the replacement rear section. If anyone would like to sell a front frame part only I would love to buy it. Then I could re-build back my 856. email osbornedj@hotmail.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat g
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus OH
Date Reviewed: November 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Paint Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Price, check out SuperGo! | | Weaknesses: |
Kinda heavy, rear swingarm | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Y3 | | Bike Setup: |
856, Crosslink Elite front fork, NR4 rear. Dean Rhino Cranks, Nuke stem, Time Atac Pedal, SRAM 9.0 drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. My first full suspension bike. I had Judy forks up front, then added the Crosslink ELT's. It also came with the Girvin ODS shock, and I upgraded to the NR4. Lets see, it handles very well, quite stable, except in tight gnarly single track. The head tube angle tends to make the front end tuck under in tight slow stuff. The rear swingarm is very, very annoying. Access to the front derallieur cable bolt is non existant. Getting the rear wheel on and off is a major hassle. Stays are too close together to make wheel removal easy past the stays. Cable routing system is just plain stupid. Bike tends to bob a lot on the road (biopace effect). Other than that, it handles very well on down hills, sweeping curves are great, and I'm quite impressed with the Noleen Crosslink fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Mahovich
a Weekend Warrior
from West Palm Beach, FL
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
KMart | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
A hardtail on steroids. | | Weaknesses: |
Steep head tube angle. | | Bike Setup: |
856
Noleen NR-1 F&R | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike now for 2 years and have been very satisfied. I always rode a hard tail but decided to give this a try after reading these reviews 2 years ago. I have enjoyed every ride on this bike. If you are looking for a well built full suspension bike that doesn't sacrifice weight or hardtail rigidity, this is it. It will actually improve your abilities dramatically if you are used to a hard tail. This thing makes me want to go airborne every chance I get and it climbs like a billygoat. I just purchased a K2 5000 frameset and will be building a new bike very soon. I have not had any problems with the bike and since I clean it up after most every ride I have not had to disassemble it for cleaning but a few times. 5 for sure! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
grapevine | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Excellent on the Downhill
Very comfortable ride | | Weaknesses: |
Creaks if the crankset is loose
Headset tends to creak a bit | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized
Schwinn | | Bike Setup: |
XT components
Rock Shox Judy SL on the front | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been one of the best I've owned. It has a great ride, great handling and I've had very few problems with it. The frame has been great also. I've only had one crash and that was on pavement; nothing broke and I rode it home. Despite some nicks and scratches in the paint, this has been a very enjoyable bike. I'd give it 4 chilis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Works as advertised except for less travel than quoted. This bike rides well, handles well, and was a SMOKIN' bargain thru Bike Source of Irvine California at $500. If you don't have to have the latest toy, take advantage of these models that are 1/3 the price of a new bike. | | Weaknesses: |
Elastomers don't last long enough. | | Bike Setup: |
856 with elastomer shocks, girvin 2 fork,
Velociraptor tires | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the money. If you can get one thru a wholesaler like Bike Source it's well worth the money you'll save over the price of a new K2. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | Super Bike. Very well balance for xc. Best full suspension in its class. Buy one if you can or get a K2 for $2,000-$3000. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross-Country Rider
from New Mexico
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Everything is well design and built | | Bottom Line: | This bike made me realized what a big improvement over a hardtail. Climb, sprint and handle well in single track. Doesn't bob and not too springy like most full suspension; just the right amount of shock absorbtion. Very fast bike with sure foot handling in tight and rough terrain turns. Love this bike. The newer K2 proflex are going for $1,700+, highly recommend buying previous year model Proflex for only $1,100-$1,200. Buy one if you can find one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Hampstead
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Avalon-Valley view trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Durability, Geometry,Comfort | | Weaknesses: |
Tubes | | Similar Products Used: |
Scott Vantage 3.0
Diamondback Apex | | Bike Setup: |
99 Zokes Z2 BAM
King Headset
Stratos Helix Expert | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best I've ridden for East coast trails. Great singletrack bike. The Girvin fork is too harsh, and deflects off rocks. Note set-up | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TJ
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary, AB
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Minnewanka Lake, Banff AB | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Geometry
Weight
Climbing
Performance in any condition | | Weaknesses: |
Maintenance
Noisy NR-1 / Pivots
Shifter / Brake cable runs | | Similar Products Used: |
DBR, FSR, Element | | Bike Setup: |
856 Frame
Judy C Long Travel Front
Noleen NR-1 Rear | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been an interesting project. Bought the frameset in 1998 at clearout pricing from my LBS($C500) and have built it up from new/used parts. Based upon many of the reviews below the bike is now close to perfect. I am riding it w a Judy C Long Travel, XT front and rear, a Profile Carbon Fiber riser bar and Syncros Cranks (20, 32, 42). I estimate the weight at 27lbs.Had many problems with gunk getting in the shifter cable due to the poor design of the cable runs. Solved by running a Gore-Tex cable in a solid sheath end to end with a stronger derailleur spring and LX shifters (it's now impossible for gunk to get in and shifting is flawless).Future upgrades will likely include a Risse Astro-5 rear shock to improve weight (wish I could get mine to weigh 25.5 lbs as stated above!). Maintenance on the bike is relatively easy, but very frequent (almost every ride). Overall, I'm very impressed as I believe the bike stacks up much better than todays FS Frames in the $2-3K price range. Would recommend the bike to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Dalton
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wellington, NZ
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Durability of Bushes, Climbing ability | | Weaknesses: |
ODS Dampers | | Bottom Line: | I brought my 856 new in May 96. Since then it has been much used and abused but it still keeps going. I'm still on the original rear suspension bushes and as long as I clean and lubricate then every 6 months or so there is lots of life left in them. The front suspension has been replaced with the later 857 front forks with an NR2 Damper. These are MUCH better than the original forks. The only thing I really don't like is the ODS unit on the rear. I'm running a speed spring and no matter what mods I try it is still grossly under damped. Unfortunately none of the local bike shops can help me with a replacement Noleen damper. Overall this has been an excellent bike. The new K2's must be awesome. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a cross-country rider
from NorCal
Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding my 855 hard since 1995. Some key upgrades, which have helped drop bike weight to under 24 pounds, and/or improved performace tremendously: Risse air-oil shocks front and rear; GripShift 9.0 shifters and rear derailleur; Thompson seatpost; Avid V-brakes; Bontrager riser crow-bar. The Risse shocks and riser bars are essential upgrades, IMHO. This would be a five-star review, except for the high-maintainance factor.......... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Drake
a cross-country rider
from Dallas, TX. USA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Iv'e been riding my 856 for about 2.5 years now and all I can say is
wow...what a bike. I have had to do quite a lot of maintanince to keep
it in top shape but that is to be expected for such high performance eqpt.
If you can still find this bike at closout prices and you are considering
buying one, do it...you won't be disipointed.
I give this bike a well deserved, 2.5 years of kicken ass 5 chilies!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Brewer Jr.
a cross-country rider
from Jersey
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike was the best money i ever spent.It puts a smile on my face every time my butt is on it.The bike does every thing i ask it to do.you point,it goes anywhere you want and when the going gets tough you get going.I love it!I put on a riser bar, new NR4, lightweight wheels and ESP9.0 .Some parts broke on my bike but i beat the shit out of it constantly.all parts will break if you abuse them.but thats the fun part.I abuse my bike and ride hard.its never lets me down.Throw your leg over one and see your skills improve immediatly like i did oh the price was sweet to boot. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat harrity
a weekend warrior
from Newtown Square
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
very good bike never fails i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Wayne
a cross-country rider
from Clendenin, WV
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a used 856 for $500 and would give it mixed reviews. On the down side I would say that the elastomers are almost worthless. I replaced them with speedsprings, but the suspension is still not at all plush. Also, this bike has been MUCH higher maintanance than any of my other bikes! The suspension is noisey and shifting is inconsistent. On a positive note the weight is decent and it really does climb well. Probably worth what I paid for it but I'll probably not look for another Pro-flex (k2) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a cross-country rider
from slc
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this bike for $600 I think this is a very good prce but I still cant get this seat out of of my butt it really hurts me very bad pleeeeeeease help | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Roberts
a weekend warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a proflex 856 in September 1998. At first i was very pleased, until I noticed that whoever designed the cable routing must have been smoking crack when he did it. Unless you make some type of guard, the cable housings, which are always moving because of the active suspension, rub on the frame and girven vector 2 fork. the cable housings they use are very hard and actually started wearing into the aluminum! The front derailler is difficult to make work properly, no matter how it's adjusted. The performence seems good if you don't mind the other crap. by teh way, i'm selling the frame, fork, and headset for $350.00
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Packie
a cross-country rider
from New Joisey
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up a 96 856 at the beginning of this season with nr 1's full xt except for the hubs for 1050 from Irvine bike source. For the money the ride is incredible. It is a sure footed beast that climbs like a really good climby thingy. I wasn't sure if i wanted the full rig, but i will never go back to a hard tail again. When it comes to putting the power down on less that even terrain the 856 DOES NOT SLIP. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a cross-country rider
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just took the 856 to the Italian Alps for the whole month of August. Considering I punished this bike for three solid years, and then descended about 350 total miles of helacious alpine double track, I think it is time to retire the 856. First I'll say the good things about the 856 then I'll get to its problems.This bike is designed for wicked singletrack. There is only one other bike that can handle wicked singletrack like the 856. I'll tell you about this bike later. The bike, once dialed in, really doesn't give the sensation of pogo, but yes the bike does pogo a little. The MCUs hide the sensation well. The bike can climb like a billy goat. In fact, the suspension is at its best when climbing. The fork tracks really well and since it has no weight on it, the MCUs are at their plushest and allow the bike to absorb big impacts and keep the bike rolling. For flat technical cross country the bike feels like a rigid bike until an impact occurs and the suspension does a decent job. The components lasted three years except for the cheapo seatpost which let me down thirty miles from home. Get a Thompson. All in all, this was a decent cross country bike.Now for the bad stuff. Jesus it took work to get the MCUs to their job. Tried different oil weights, MCUs, speedsprings, some hard whacks and nothing worked. Finally drilled out the internals of the ODS units to get better compression and drilled out the diameters of the top MCUs to match the diameters of the ODS shafts. In other words, the ODS units were way over damped, both inside and out. This worked and it made the suspension more active without the excessive pogo of the speedsprings. From that point on the bike did its job until I took it to the Alps. Now its uglier side came out. First, the head angle is a little steep, and extra caution had to be made to keep from endoing on steeper descents. This effect is compounded by the travel pattern of the fork. Second, this bike is not fully active under braking. For some reason, it seems the fork and rear stiffen up alot during harder braking. Third and last, the Girvin fork requires too much work to keep it working smoothly. The bushings have to be replaced often and the whole fork has to be torn apart and cleaned fairly often. And the MCUs do not work for really hard impacts or impacts at high speed. So, final opinion. It worked, never really let me down except for a broken seatpost ( what a literal pain in the ass) and I had an enormous amount of fun on this bike. Would I buy another one? probably not. What would I buy? There is only one really well-built, reliable, light, fully active all the time, jammin' rig that does everything well uphill, downhill and cross country; the Ventana Marble Peak with a Marzocchi Atom Bomb. Just ordered mine and I guess I'll review it in three years. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a proflex 856 frame with a girven ODS rear shock for about $750. I am quite happy with it and soon will upgrade the forks on it to a pair of Marzocchi Bombers. I stripped my old bike bought some new stuff and rebuilt it on the Proflex and she goes very nice. Soon enough I would also upgrade my rear shock as well to a Nolen NR2. After this I will be quite happy and I have so far paid about 2 grand for my beast. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a weekend warrior
from WA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my 856 for almost 2 years and I have not had a single mechanical problem with it yet (I keep up on the maintanance). I did however junk the front fork for a Girvin Chubby and then later my current Z2 Bomber, the rear shock I replaced with a G-Shox. The bike is heavy (but so am I) but it handles real well, almost too well, and climbs alot better than other FS bikes I have ridden. It probably isn't worth the 2 Grand it sold for originally but if you have a chance to pick it up cheap (like I did) and are willing to make some shock upgrades it is well worth it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a weekend warrior
from Newberg,Or.
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 856 in late 95,I love it.I have a RST Hi-5 on front and noleen on the back.It rides great.Proflex has been great to deal with. The bike does take more maintaince than my Zazker did.I think that has to do with bieng full suspension.Iam making the rear longer travel with a linkage style suspension. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ciro
a weekend warrior
from Pula, CROATIA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Recently I bought the 856. Hey , it realy SUPER!!!!!!
I would like to know how to upgrade the ODS rear shock with a newer model from the Nolen lineup.
Is this realy possible? (I'd like to mount an NOLEN NR 4 ).
For those who knows how to do this,,,,, please HEEEEEEEEELP.
E-MAIL MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!Ah, the bike gets 5 red hot stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Teschke
a cross-country rider
from Kitchener, On, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding a Pro-Flex 856 for a few months now. It beats out my last bike (Amp B3) there is no flex in it. I have a Judy DH on the front, and the stock ODS rear shock. The rear shock is fine for now, only in need of new elastomers after over a year. breaking is perfect with LX V's. I have a mix of XT and LX components on the bike and it's workign perfect. I have very little concern of the bike breaking down on me as i do with other bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Happy Biker
a cross-country rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just one thing to say: This is the greatest bike you will ever ride for the money. (50 words or more) I rode several hardtails, several fs's. This is the one bike I felt comfortable on. The bike is a bit hard, but once you get going, your glad the shocks are there. XT-s. The best bike for the money!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Perfk
a weekend warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got an 856 slightly used about a week ago. I don't have much experience with cycles of this quality - but I could tell just testing this dream that it was for me, talk about a perfect fit! And a hell of a lot faster than any of the other stuff that local companies were pushing for twice the price. I Love the bike. Just Love it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RC
a cross-country rider
from GA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I started mountain biking with a 96 Gary Fisher Mamba. It was a good entry level bike but it just couldn't handle what I wanted it to do. Recently I changed to a Proflex 856 and I can feel a tremendous different. I like the switching of the XT components and the speed springs. I've read different stories ranging from each extreme. I know there are those really picky people who can have a hernia over little mis-advertisements by the manufactures, but I can look over all of it on the 856. Most of the people whom have seen my 856 all say one thing in common: Wow, it's really light for a full suspension! I'm 5'8 and 200 and I have no problem with the bike. I think the bike it great, not only in physical appearance but also performance. The downhills are much smoother and the clipless pedals allows for higher jumps. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a cross-country rider
from Washington
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recieved my 856 two years ago, and have loved it ever since. It came as the stipped stock version (elast., rapid-failers, etc.). Upgrade to upgrade the bike has surprised me, and improved my actual and potential riding ablities. K2 is a great company when it comes to the warrenty of their older bikes and the Tech Force is there to answer all your questions.
For anyone frustrated with the ride of the bike, feeling like it's too slow or if you are not getting enough travel, you must go to the NR2s or 4s - they'll take anything that you can handel. From 50 miles an hour decents to 10 foot blind death drops.
K2 rocks!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a racer
from VA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great bike! I've had it for about 5-6 months. I bought it new, as a closeout from a company in Oklahoma. The only complaints I've had are: The ODS is way overdamped, but I plan on upgrading within a month. And the rear end is a little flexy in sharp turns which makes the brakes rub, but I put on a brake booster that I won as schwag and it was fine. I give it 5 Chilies | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Banning Cohen
a weekend warrior
from Wilmington, DE
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 856 in December from a mailorder shop in California that is still blowing them out. Now it's April, I have no complaints about the bike. From North Carolina sand to Pennsylvania rocks and roots, the 856 rides great. The bike does not pogo, and there is no flex in the fork that I can feel. My 856 came equipped with the GDT upgrade, GoreTex cables, XT v's & rapid fires, Mavic 220's, WTB Velociraptors & 747's. Contrary to what others have written about the weight, I had it weighed at a local shop and it came in at 26 3/4 pounds! That's with a heavy LX bottom bracket, LX cassette, and WTB tires. For the $1200 (shipping included) I paid for it, I would recommend this bike to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MJL
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a 1996 856 for about 2 years and love it. I purchased the frame and a Judy DH and built the bike using parts from a Trek 7000. Since then I have upgraded the shifters and the total weight is 27.8. I plan on upgrading the crown of my fork and a few other items and figure I will be around 25.5 pounds. If you put a Judy DH on your Proflex, plan on adding about 2 inches of height to your 856. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S.Davies
a racer
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have had my 856 for about 6months now, 97 Judy dh, Risse rear shock, mostly LX on mavic rims. Have raced it XC, DH and DS love the handling, I feel it's quicker XC than my previous alum hardtail. Haven't had any problems with bike and am planning to race it for the next couple of seasons. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a cross-country rider
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Fell into the trap of buying an 855 brand new. Handled well on singletrack, but after twelve warranties, a flexy rear end and even mcu stacks that stuffed up I was too glad to see the last of it. And the creaky pivot, ooofff, aaaarrgh. Get real and buy a ventana to find out what real rear suspension is all about.
| Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fishman
a cross-country rider
from ontario
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just picked up a slightly used 856 in the red colour. looks f*ckin' cool! the bike is in great shape and came with Tomac edition maguras, kooka crank, full xt, mavic 217's and michelins(kick a$$ tires!). It's an 18 and weighs just under 28lbs. Travel is kind of limited with those damned elastomers though...2.5 rear and 2 front. I'm gonna throw on a girvin elite and upgrade the rear to an NR-2. Very pleased since I only paid $850 canadian for it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie
a cross-country rider
from Kent, WA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Proflex 855 because it is the best-out of the box racer/XC bike made for under 2000! I ride hard and have began riding in the Cannondale Cup series XC races. I finally did crack my frame and it was replaced with an 856 which was beefed up at the stress points. I ride a lot in Utah's Moab and Wasatch front, I ride hard and often crash or bail, but the bike's a tough bastard! It rides great, the first upgrade is the saddle--put a SDG full Kevlar, and you'll never have to buy another. I upgraded my MCUs with a Risse Racing shock in front and coil over OCD in back which made this bike untouchable for the costs!Now you can get this bike at close out pricing just over 1000 buckolas--after making the minor upgrades--you'll have a bike everyone else who spent 3000 will be hating you for.There is NO POGGOING! Unless you can't peddal worth a DAMN! SO LEARN, and stop degrading a fine piece of engineering to cover YOUR INADAQUACIES! All the hot peppers you can muster--this bike can take it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart
a cross-country rider
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Dump the ODS units and get some decent Noleen units and you'll love the ride. The durability of the Vector fork exceeds that of a telescopic unit (for example Judy) by years. Just keep the pivots well greased.Only problem is that I have already cracked two frames at the rear wheel pivot. Warranty however is very well; on both occasions a replacement frame was sent within a week. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil Lee
a racer
from Evanston, IL
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i started racing the proflex 856 this year and was pleasantly surprised. having ridden only hardtails i found that it improved my riding. mine is stock w/ xt groupo and gore tex cables and NR-1 shocks and it weighs in at around 27-28 lbs.
the girvin vector 2 fork is noticeably more stiff when cornering. although it handles the big hits very well, it has some problems dealing with small stutter bumps. There is almost no pogoing but there is some ghost shifting only when the rear shock is being actuated close to full travel at a high frequency. This is definitely not a downhill bike, and having ridden other suspension bikes, it is by far the best x-c racing bike. i'm giving it 5 stars for this bike qualifying me for collegiate MTB nationals | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randall Britts
a weekend warrior
from Maple Valley, Wa
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased my 96 Proflex 856 with the Noleen NR1 upgrade. I recieved the bike one week before a outstanding trip to Moab, Utah. The bike preformed well under slick rock conditions. Since then, the Washington mud has had it's toll on the Vector front fork, with excessive bushing wear. The thing needs regular maint. at least two - three times a year. The suspension travel's front to back do not feel balanced so I am upgrading to the 4.3 inch DH rock shox. With an XTR 32T Ti cog set and a few other trick Ti parts, I got the weight down to what Proflex claimed (27.3 lbs). Great bike on the uphill climbs, but a little harry on the big down hill stuff over 30 mph. But for the price 1,200 you can't find anouther full suspend that performs this well
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a cross-country rider
a
from RI
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After cracking a weld near the torsion box, my 855 frame was replaced with an 856 frame. Ive been riding the proflex frame since early 95. After reading all the reviews posted, I figured I would give my opinions. The 856 frame is decent with an average frame weight for FS at this price. Flexes some laterally but oh well. Handles sweet. My bike is light due to a carefull parts pick(25.3lb) but the stock 856 is a hair over 27 pounds.(not even close to 30lbs) The vector 2 fork stinks. It is bareable only with a coil or better yet noleen NR1(yes it is applicable!) The cross-link is much better, I like mine! if the rear pivot is rebuilt with new bushings twice a year you will not have any problems with this frame. Maintaining it is the answer | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
to ashamed to give name
a cross-country rider
from North Van
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If you¹re a rich poser and have about two grand to blow Proflex is the bike for you! If you enjoy replacing a part after every ride go with Proflex. If you like riding with your seat at the same height, every ride pick Proflex. Take my advise, Proflex makes a shitty quality product and you should not make your buying choice from one parking lot ride. Go for quality like DeKerf, Voodo | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from boston, MA
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great bike. I've had mine for 2 years w/o a complaint. Yes, the weight isn't what the company claims it to be. Mine weighs a little under 27 lbs stock w a Rock Ring and added V-Brakes (it isn't 30+ like some idiots on this page would like to believe, could be adding gut weight as well). This is a cross country bike, really good for tight single track at the expense of high speed stability. Who cares. The tight stuff is more fun. It takes a little more maintenance than a hardtail, but it really isn't that bad. I visit heaven every weekend with this bike. nuff said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerome
a cross-country rider
from san francisco
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I was swayed by positive reviews in the magazines when I bought this thing a year and a half ago. It's heavier than Pro-Flex says, it's loosened up in places I can't tighten, I had to buy the coil springs as an upgrade to get decent travel. I can't believe I spent 2 grand on this hoopdy.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
victor evdokimoff
a cross-country rider
from Boston Mass
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I like my 856 since it has been modified. I got rid of the front elastomer and replaced with speed springs. The ODS is overdamped. My mechanic changed the viscosity[go to light] and removed some volume of oil. I left the rear elastomer and made oil adjustments. I put an LX V brake and adaptor in rear. These 2 upgrades made this a great bike. Proflex knows that the front shock sucked but they would not tell me about the ODS. One of their racers told me about the overdamping.
MADE OIL ADJUSTMENTS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Shields
a weekend warrior
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike has turned me into an adrenalin monkey !!!!!
OK some facts, I consider these to be purely OBJECTIVE1. The bike does NOT pogo
2. The weight is actually approximately 26.5 lbs ( stock bike with 16 frame)
3. There is NOT 3.5 of rear travel using the standared MCU ODS setup
4. The Girvin AL fork is very direct and responsive but prone to easy twisting
( I had a MINOR 'off' which resulted in about 3 to 5 degrees of misalignment which I have subsequently cured by loosening and resetting the fork)
5. The overall ride is undoubtedly harsh by FS standards BUT at 20MPH plus on
the rough stuff it seems to work very well ( yes I do have the correct rate MCU units )I'd previously owned a KONA Lava Dome for three years. It had been a faithful
servent and was/is still a great bike. Problem is the 856 has turned me into
a speed freek. The bike simply loves to be ridden hard. I'm gonna change the rear MCU unit for a coil over ( I've ridden a 97 Beast - plush ) and maybe do the front one too ( If anyone has any tried and tested suggestions Id be happy to hear them )So despite the problems with the Girvin fork its fun factor 10
A big 5 chilles
P.S. If you don't believe me RIDE ONE...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a cross-country rider
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Have an 856 now for 6 months as a replacement for my 755 (cracked frame). I can only say it works excellent for me, it is fast, climbs and corners well. I have the Vector 2 with GDT spring, rear still as standard. Brakes are LX V-brakes, I don't understand people complaining about braking. Hit the front brake full on and you'll start flying over the handlebars. Also shifting (Gripshit 600, XT's, Sugino and Goretex) works just perfectly, never misses a shift front nor back. Just keep it clean and well adjusted!! I hope though that the frame will hold better than my 755. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Brown
a weekend warrior
from Cleveland, OH
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I was suprised to hear some of the harsh words about this superb FS bike. I bought it because of lower back problems and advancing age but I still enjoy the adrenalin rush of the Allegheny National Forest in NW PA - even at 46 years. After three months of hard riding and enumerable crashes, I rate this bike as a solid performer in the under $1,500 price range. The rear suspension takes most of the bounce out of high speed downhills on single track and the Girvin front shock performs as well as the RockShox I had previously. The steering is precise and solid feeling and it performs beautifully under load (uphill) to the extent I can still pedal it.Downsides? The brakes really suck. I tried to go with an off-brand Shimano wannabe but am now getting the XT-V's put on. Also, I am less than satisfied with the shifting of the grip shift system. I may upgrade to XT rapid fires if this latest adjustment doesn't cure the problem. My LBS says it is hard to get FS bikes to shift as precisely as a hardtail.Overall, I am very happy with this bike and highly recommend it to any other senior citizen riders (comparatively speaking) who are looking for the same excitement they used to have when they were kids but still want to be able to walk the next day. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tbone
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike tottally kicks a big fat ass. I love it. OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH Yeaahhhhhhhhh. I like the seat post. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dingo
a weekend warrior
from Canberra Australia
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I think I've worked it out, It stands for PROvides lots of lateral FLEX. That said I seriously dig my 856 ,It rips on singletrack . If you don't like the MCU setup get some springs and change the oil in the ODS unit (Easy job, just takes time) and you will be suprised what happens....more travel! plusher travel! Hell this thing really works!!!! As far as the lateral flex thing goes, it just feels a bit uncertain at speeds above about 30mph but you get used to it..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mel
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Proflex 856 is PURE CRAP. This piece of shit broke down a lot, is difficult to service, weighs 2 tons, AND rode like a pogo. I feel sorry for the other owners as well =(. Worse of all, Proflex LIED about its weight. This lugger weighs over 30 lbs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Hanson
a weekend warrior
from Ottawa,Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my 856 last year after breaking the swingarm on my 854. I was really
happy with the new frame but the original Vector fork had been through a lot
of use and abuse so I replaced it with a 1996 Judy DH now the suspension is
perfectly balanced. I've also upgraded to the Noleen NR-2 rear shock and it
is tons better than the original ODS shock. What's with all the hype about
V-Brakes? I transferred over my 2 year-old Magura HS-22 (yes the regular
ugly brown ones) hydraulics from the 854 and they work awesome. In the 2
years I've used these brakes I've never had any problems and they modulate
A LOT BETTER than V-Brakes. To get back on topic the bike is a dream (a
good dream) to ride and very easy to maintain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Hooker
a cross-country rider
from winston salem, nc
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
excellent bike
purchased from bikepro 2/97
upgrades: sdg 2000 saddle, xt cranks, xtr 11-32ti cass, lighter wheelset(white,14/15/14,bontrager rims),ringle seatpost, smoke/dart(comps), 747 pedals
pogoed at first, until i smoothed my pedal stroke. with preload/spring rate properly adjusted, this bike can make any substantial bump less of a bump.
vector 2 fork shows no flex whatsoever, and improves handling dramatically
only complaints: slight ghost shifting under power, creaks from pivots | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Welch
a cross-country rider
from Mesa, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My first Full Suspension rig. I was a little disappointed with the XC speed at first, but I've learned to pedal different and I'm starting to beat my hardtail. As far as control, climbing and comfortability there is no comparison. The 856 climbs anything with ease and goes right where it's pointed. My only complaint is the braking power. For the money, I don't see how you can beat it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had this bike for about 2 months now. I find it plush and smooth, tracking well on the Long Island singletrack that I do. It has the GDT upgrade and V-brakes. Overall, I think the bike is better than I am, so one of the downsides is that I can't blame the equipment! The other downside is some hesitancy in front shifting into the middle ring from the large or small rings (I have rapidfire shifters) My LBS thinks this is because of the standard Sugino crankset which isn't as good as Shimano, and that this can be relieved by installing LX chainrings. Overall, though, a very impressive bike and a great value. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a weekend warrior
from CA,USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is what we call in the UK the dogs bollocks. Mine has had the GDT upgrade and gives the plushest ride of any F/S bike I've ridden. The steering is spot on and very accurate. I've upgraded mine with V-brakes, lighter handlebar, Onza barends and soon to be new seatpost and saddle. This will only leave me with the biggest downside of the bike, the Grip shift, to be replaced with XT shifters.
I have had no suspension problems except for the front fork 'twisting' when I upended over the handlebars at speed. This was fixed in about 20 mins for free by my LBS by loosening and resetting the fork.
Second biggest annoyance, and this is such a small gripe is the chain slap against the swingarm !!
All in all this was the best $1100 I've ever spent, can't rate it high enough. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sarge
a cross-country rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike was absolute garbage. Rode like a pogo. Broke frequently. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from East Lansing, Mi.
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Pro_flex makes a great cross country rig. Why is it great? Not only does it fit me like a glove, but with only minor adjustments, I got my 15.5 inch 856 down to 25.5 pounds. I defy anyone to get a $2,000 full suspension bike down under 26 pounds without spending more thene they paid for it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wallace Cole
a cross-country rider
from florida
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding an 856 w/GDT upgrade. I also have an old 856. a 97 LTS and an AMP B3. The 856 is a great cc bike. The coil overs make it far more supple than the old 856 and it feels like it has tons more travel. The Vector II also is better w/springs and the whole bike feels very balanced. Forget the hype and try this bike. It is the best all around bike I've ridden and outshines all my other bikes (except for the LTS on downhill) This is a great product. I beat the shit out of my old 856 and had no problems and the pivots show very little wear after almost 2,500 miles. These bikes need to be set-up correctly(spring rate and sag) to work but are worth the time when they are right. Get one... Aloha
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Esmond
a weekend warrior
from Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't own this bike, but I did get a chance to test ride one. All i have to say is...WOW!!! This bike smoothens out every bump i went over. IT WAS SOOOO SMOOTH!!! That was my first time riding a DUAL suspension bike, and of course i was impressed. It made me wanna go out and trade in my GT Pantera for a DUAL suspension bike. From the time I spent on this bike, i'll give it 5 chillies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerry Lucatero
a cross-country rider
from Aliso Viejo, Ca.
Date Reviewed: March 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a 96 Pro Flex 856 in October. I looked at a lot of bikes before deciding on the 856. I rode a HT before and didn't want a full suspension I wanted something in the middle. That is exactly what I got, the elastomers are not the gratest in the world so I went to the Girvin cross link with the Noleen shock. In the rear I have a custom ODS nitrogen charged coil over with 3.5 in of travel. I've gone to RACE FACE cranks and a 48 big ring, SYNCROS seat post and WTB seat . I got a great bike for $1200.00 and went crazy on the upgrades. This is one great ride It climbs great, rocks downhill. The only bad part is Girvin claimed 25.5 lbs Try 28! This bike is not for everyone you got to get past all the negitive attitudes about Pro Flex and realize that this is a bomb proof bike that can take a beating and keep going! The 97 857 is even better of the shelf. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chip
a weekend warrior
from new mexico
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I loved my 855...but now I am on an 857...and it is twice the bike. the overall increase in stiffness of the frame and the noleens are the biggest improvements...but the new elite fork really takes the cake...quick sell your 856 and get a 857 before too many people catch on..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a cross-country rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Is this bike a dream or what??? When I first got this bike, I might have agreed with these people that panned it. But since I rolled up my sleeves and put forth the effort to tune the sucker, it's a dream, a total dream. Let that be a lesson to ya out there. Don't get this bike unless you are willing to put forth the effort to tune it. If your bike 'pogos', get stiffer MCUs or springs. If it doesn't ride like a Cadilac, get some softer MCUs or springs. If this sounds like way too much effort, get a hardtailed bike with rigid fork! I got a 20 bike that came from the factory setup for someone weighing in at 220 or more pounds. Obviously the bike was going to be way too stiff for someone like me weighing in at a mere 170 pounds. And it did ride stiff. But I changed the oil in the ODS and changed out the springs for the correct ones for my weight and now I've got one mean riding machine. It uphills like a charm, literally bounces up obstacles that I use to bounce off of. And downhill??? Trails that use to beat the holy living shit out of me, I now sail down feeling nary a bump. Hell, I might as well be on the paved bike path. It's that smooth! Riding this bike brings only one question to mind. Why did I wait so long to get one? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George de la Vergne
a cross-country rider
from Providence, RI USA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Last year I was in the market for a F/S bike I checked out Trek Y , Gary Fisher Joshua, Cannondale super v, Schwinn s9.6 (Homegrown's were all sold out), Lite Speed, Kona, Giant, Diamondback, GT,Mongoose, and I did not find a bike that I liked better. I did not fall into the read a mag buy a bike trend. I took the time and bought a bike the old fashioned way I TESTED IT!!!! The bike I have is a 96 856 with WTB Velociraptor, Power spring in the rear deraileur, Avid SD 2.0 levers, and a rear break arch front to come. I have ridden this bike all over the place in New England with only one failure the rear bolt that holds the seat stays to the MCU/ODS broke due to me not checking it. The bike is the balls. I took it to work and weight it on the scale 26.73 lbs. The scale is calibrated every half year to a traceable standard. Best bike for me so far. I have access to a Trek Y-22 and it does not compare!! But try before you buy!!! Don't let a mag or me make you mind up. Ride hard, don't look back, Upgrade. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruno J. Navarro
a cross-country rider
from Santa Fe, NM
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Speed Springs and XTR V-brakes have made the biggest difference out of all the things I've added to my pre-season 1996 ProFlex 856. Bumps are sucked up completely at speed and the steering is super-precise, thanks to the Girvin Vector 2 fork. This is a bike for going FAST, although the steep angles make it a little twitchy on really insane descents. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AIj
a cross-country rider
from globe
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I work on fork all night so I can ride through mud puddle and work on fork again. Contrary to Pro-flex propaganda, this bike does pogo. MCU came from my butt and the seat tube is an interupted design so that on technical stretches you will be stuck behind your saddle and your buddies will laugh about you making love to your selle san marco. Its got bad vibes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Last review that was posted under my name was actually posted by a loser who bought a killer V 900 HT. I guess he wrote that review out of jealousy that I got a better bike than he did for the same price. After riding the ProFlex,my only comment is WOW! This bike is awesome. It will climb anything, and when you hit the bumps the bike smoothens almost everything, giving a silky smooth ride. The BikePro people were also very helpful in getting the bike to me quickly. This bike is awesome and the Bikepro deal makes it even better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eugene Kolaric
a cross-country rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 856 shortly before major back failure (mine). Before this I was on a Bianchi Super Ibex. The few times I rode the 856 before my back went was immediately after having extensively ridden the Ibex, and I was a bit disappointed. So I sat for 4 mths looking at my 'flex in the corner of my room thinking bad things. When my back decided to come to the party again I jumped on it (the 'flex - I trusted my decision and sold the Ibex) and started to get my confidence and fitness back up. What I found was the 'problem' was that it was a completely different bike to ride. With more experience I find it better and better. The rear end bites big time, in or out of the saddle. It climbs like a dream and can you pick a line on it ?(ans.: YES). It's sharp as a tack! The only improvements have to do with it's stutter bump manners which should be fixed with springs and lighter oil in the ODS's. Of course like any other bike it needs V-brakes. for now though, Ritchey reds on LX cantiis are doin' all right. Nice bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
terry brownell
a cross-country rider
from corrales, nm
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding a highly modified Proflex 755 for the last two years and decided to spring for the 856 GDT from Bike-pro. I doubt you can buy a better equipped FS bike for only $1250. It rides well under the conditions I use it in (baked adobe washboard and sand) and I especially like the coil-over upgrade in comparison to the MCU version on my 755. If you were thinking about a 3k+ indy (like me) you might want to consider this bike as an intermediate step.One downside that I think not everyone has noticed....it's advertised as coming with Gore cables, yet mine are all SIS. Bike-pro claims they got stiffed by Girvin. Class-action suit? TB | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff Pelsise (aka The Brain)
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a cheap ProFlex 856 from BikePro. I'm not a very good biker and mostly bought it to be a poser and have a cool bike. But the bike looks dope. The yellow suspension sucks and I only get about two inches in the rear. I hate it when a company lies and ProFlex lied about the travel... I wish I had spent my $1300 on a nice Cannondale Hardtail. Don't buy this bike, you really won't like it at all. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Anchorage AK
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got an 856 for my wife. She had a Klein that had a top tube that was just to long. The proflex fits like a glove, after changing out the stem(130mm on a 14 bike??) to a 90mm. Bike was a GREAT deal. Paid $1300 for it with XT rapid fire plus SL shifters, XT V's, GDT coil spring rear end, Coil sprung ODS unit up front. She has ridden it a number of times and loves it. A comment--she had gotten pretty sour on riding because her back hurt to much, upon getting this bike that has all changed. Because of the shorter top tube combined with the full suspension she is a VERY happy camper!! One note: all 856 that come with the upgraded coil springs come with the medium (200) spring. This is the spring that works for me, 175 pounds, but it does not even come close to working for her 100 pound weight. So if you get one make sure you purchase the correct wieght spring in addition. A final note, I got this bike from Bike Pro for $1300. This was a great deal since it included XT rapid fire, V-brakes, GDT rear end, and coil spring upgrade for front end. A great bike for smaller riders!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Wilde
a downhiller
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently bought an 856 wiith the 97 springs. So far I love it. It's so much nicer than a URT. In fact there is almost no POGO at all. I would defenitely reccomend a Pro-Flex to anyone looking for a sweet full suspension at a great price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Carbiener
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, Ca
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 856 with spring conversions about a month and a half ago. The first thing I replaced was the brakes. I swapped them out for lx v-brakes. Now my bike stops on a dime. I was a little leary at first because there seems to be an anti-Proflex sentiment out there. But to be perfectly honest, I can't find anything to complain about. I shopped all around, looking at Santa Cruz, Cannondale, GT, and Specialized FS bikes. For my money, the Proflex was definitely the best deal. And it rides like a charm. The only problem I have had with it was when I flipped it into a creek. Then I started getting this godawful creak in the main pivot. I took apart the rear swingarm assembly (piece of cake) and greased it up real good, and the problem was solved. I am happy with this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hamid Khan
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased an 856, with 97 coil springs...I must say that i'm pretty impressed witht the bike overall, and unlike URT bikes, (ex Trek Y's, Fisher Joshua's etc) it doesn't pogo at all...however, you might want to stiffen the front end when going down really steep, technical stuff, cuz the front end wants to dive down and throw you off the handlebars....i think you just have to get used to the suspension though (my previous bike was rigid)....other than that i've had no major problems, and have really hammered the suspension in Annadel St. Park....just the front brakes get tweaked easily....i've had not shifting problems, but my bike came w/ goretex shifter cables.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philippe
a weekend warrior
from Bruxelles - BELGIUM (Europe)
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 856 frame in March 1996 and I put on it some really good stuffs like
Spynergy wheels, XTR V-Brakes & Derailleurs, Girvin Cross-Link Carbon fork,
Syncros components, Coda Magic Cranks, Mountain Speed rear Shock, ...
and I really enjoy riding in crazy singletracks. Pro-Flex is, according to me,
the best f/r suspension bike on earth. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Bitner
a weekend warrior
from Sachse, Texas
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned my 856 since October. I have raced twice and never had any problems at all. I've put DirtWorks springs on the front and back which has gotten rid of the harshness I had up front and smoothed out the rears performance. I have Aztecs brakes on the back and Cool Stops up front which gives it a nice braking performance. I have looked into linear pull brakes but feel very comfortable with my cantis right now. Overall I am very happy with my bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
June Paradis
a cross-country rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My husband and I both ride the Proflex 856. Shortly after purchasing them in April we upgraded to V-brakes and XT rapid fire. We loved our bikes, now we really love our bikes! These bikes are ridden at least 3 times a week with just basic cleaning and maintenance. For Christmas we put Mountain Speed Springs on my bike. Wow! Now the rear is very cush. The front is not as compliant for me, but the bike still has that point and shoot personality that makes it so fun to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremiah Starkey
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just sold my 856 and for good reason.
First off, I test rode this bike in an area I was not used to riding. That was a big mistake. While test riding this bike I think I was preocupied with the new trail and views, rather then concentrating on the performace of the bike. Also, I belive that the rave reviews by MBA are a big load. I was pretty much sold on the reviews. After riding a hartail for the last 3 years I was amazed at how well this full suspension bike decend and still be able to climb. After logging many hours on other full suspension bikes after this years race season I have come to the conclusion that if you are going to go full suspension, make shure you get something that will be worth the weight penalty. The Pro Flex is not. The MCU/ODS is the main culprit. It no where near capable of the 3.5 that pro flex claims. It has a harsh spike it, and weighs just as much as an air/oil. Further more, pro flex is the worst company I have ever delt with. Take my advise and buy something worth your money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Ostrander
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles,CA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased my 856 almost a year ago. I ride 3 -4 times a week , weather permitting, and have logged over 3000 hard maintenance free miles. ( With a bike that is over weight ,sports a complicated suspension and is maintenance intensive. ) I find the MCU/ODS suspension stiffer than other FS, however, the 856 does not pogo like others. The Vector fork is torsionally stiff making the steering very precise in technical situations. I will probably ugrade to V Brakes cause their Cool, but the suspension will remain the same-- it works for me. The 856 does not ghost shift, I do not have to tighten the suspension before every ride, ect ect ... GOD, did I get a Lemon....? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Daume
a weekend warrior
from Marysville, OH USA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Pro-Flex after an impressive test ride. Unfortunately, that impression didn't last. The bike is heavy (around 28-29 pounds), lacks mud clearance in the rear, not very plush (less travel than advertised) and maint. intensive. It does handles well, though. I just wish I'd spent the money on a hardtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Short
a cross-country rider
from London, England
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I`ve had an 856 for about 9 months and I think that it is great. Except, that is for the Girvin forks that I ditched in favour of Marzocchi DH3`s. I like the frame, I think that it is stiff and strong, if a little heavy. I`ve had no problems at all and the pivots seem to be holding up well. I am thinking of upgrading the rear shock to a Noleen NR4 and I think that will only improve the ride even more although at the expense of a little weight.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugh Blanchard
a cross-country rider
from Brisbane, CA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is a great improvement over my completely non suspended bike I have owned for the last 7 years. The elastomers used in the front and rear suspension seem great to me, but others more versed in the feel of full suspension bikes seem to prefer the feel of springs. I may go this route when I earn enough dough. One area of improvement to think about right away with this bike is the use of a speedspring in the rear derailleur (a Shimano XT). I felt the upgrade was warranted because of a sufficient amount of ghost shifting caused by both the use of gripshift xray 800 shifters on the front in combination with the shimano rear derailleur as well as the rear suspension's bobbing and movement. Otherwise, just make sure the keep all the 5 mm. allen bolts located all over the front and rear suspension torqued tight. I do this before every ride, and have not experienced any failure in what is admittedly a pretty complicated suspension (at least in the front). | | Overall Rating: |
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