|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Billy Howard
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, Okla USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | Nice Bike Frame | | Weaknesses: | Elastromers need replaced periodically | | Similar Products Used: | I ride a Marin, Nail Trail hardtail | | Bike Setup: | XT, Rock Shox Pilot, Truvativ Firex cranks. | | Bottom Line: | I have the Proflex 755 frame and Girvin Vector fork set. Bike frame and forks are in good condition but needs the Elastomers. Includes the aluminum seat post and clamp, handle bar riser built into Girvin forks. Anybody wanting to purchase please email me at brhoward3@msn.com and make me a resonable offer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin Shields
a Cross Country Rider
from Das North, British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pick any mountain | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cat Shack | | Strengths: | Frame Frame Frame, drivetrain, Believe it or not the original Girvin Linkage Fork minus the oem boinger. | | Weaknesses: | OEM MCU boingers trash from the get go... Stock rims were ok 'till I tryed my first real DH hit an erosion ditch with too much oomph and bent the front rim and blew out the headset... | | Similar Products Used: | This was my first semi high end ride. So I find it's like totally dialed in for me dude. cha | | Bike Setup: | Stock Girvin Linkage fork w/ Noleen NR3 custom spring, Noleen NR4 w/ remote res. & custom spring. XT front and rear... hubs deraileurs, Syncros BB seat post, Race Face I beam cranks, New Sun Rhyno rims, stock Ritchey spuds & Magura Hydraulic rim brakes, CF bar...... | | Bottom Line: | When I purchased this bike it was New out of the box. And my first couple of months were all part of the learning curve. After developing the ability to ride more than city streets I felt that I could hang on to this bike for at least 2 years... I still run the stock Shimano, Magura and Sram systems and you know what I like 'em. I have had the frame for going on 7 years and although I did replace items like BB, cranks, shocks I still feel that I could ride this bike for a few more years, so I am very pleased with the frame.
I am a Process Engineer and if it ain't broke then buy something even better for more insurance that it won't break ie the Race face cranks & Syncros BB other than pulling them apart fours times a year and doing basic maintenance they have never let me down. (I weigh 300lbs and have a 38" waist and ride the fecal matter out of this bike) The XT drivetrain has become a testament to Shimano and I don't like Shimano.
I have designed a set of bearings for the rear swing arm main pivot and am also in the process of installing a set of front Zokes. I finally broke a bushing and thought what the...
Hey I like it, for what I do it's the fecal matter. Would I take it to Whistler no it's not a DH bike and ya I would trash it. It works good from single track to steep fire roads. The brakes have worked so well that I intend to stay with Magura when I build my second bike... It's going to be a Hardtail with a selection of Race Face, Syncros and yes Shimano too.
What would make it a value rating Five Star bike, if I bought it used for 500.00 and then built it up..
I based the rating on what got for what I paid 3*, and what I now have 5*. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karlobag
a
from Ely, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay Auction | | Strengths: | Strong frame + I like the Chubby LT. XT components and Magura brakes are a big plus. | | Weaknesses: | "Smart" shock is a piece of junk and/or boat anchor. Mine is up for sale if you want it! Replaced it with a special made Risse Astro-5 (see below).
Chubby fork elastomers suck, so replaced them with Mountain Speed Springs and it made a huge difference. | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 755 and Beast + Foes Weasel | | Bike Setup: | Xt + Magura brakes, Hellbent riser bars, Rhyno lite/XT rims/hubs, speed springs in Chubby, RISSE Rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | Bike performs well for freeride and moderate downhill. I am a Clydesdale and cratered the so called "Smart" shock on a regular basis. I got sick of K2/Noleen's poor customer service, so went looking for a replacement. There was none for the long stroke Noleen shock (1998 + 1999 years only).
I got a hold of Kevin Risse of Risse Racing Technology and asked if they could make a rear shock for the thing. He didn't have a frame to build a shock, so I sent him mine. Now with my shiny Astro-5, the bike is better than new!!!!!!!!!!!
If you have a 1998 Beast or Animal or can buy a bike as cheap as I did, now you can get a good replacement shock for it. CALL RISSE or visit their web site at http://www.risseracing.com and see my frame with the shock installed.
I got it soooo cheap on eBay, that the bike cost less than the components, so I gave it 5 chilis. With speed springs and the Risse shock it is a 4+. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Angier,NC
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | hog run | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | This bike is tough and sturdy. I really like how high it is off the ground. You can jump over logs easy. I like the xt components and brakes. It is a nice freeride bike. I went to sugar mountain in NC and rode and it handled the course very good. It climbes good and can handle most anything. | | Weaknesses: | The only thing I didnt like was the tires that came with the bike. I put a set of DH panriser tires and It made a world of difference. | | Similar Products Used: | diamond back treck specialized gary fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock except tires. | | Bottom Line: | For the money I paid for the bike it was a steal a good free ride bike costs $2000.00 I got this bike better than half price.I really like it . If you dont like this bike you must be used to light fs bikes. I have a DBr4 diamond back. I have put xtr cranks and put a psylo xc front shock. It may be lighter but it want handle rough terrain like the animal. I would recommend it to anybody. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zebulon Jakub
a Downhiller
from North Conway, NH
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to choose from | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$519.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Unlimited | | Strengths: | Cheap and well built....it can take a lot of abuse | | Weaknesses: | Frame seems small in Diameter...if fatter could be stronger? MUCH... like the Disco Monkey..(which i have used extensively)..they are almost the same though? | | Similar Products Used: | who knows...older bikes dont compare to new ones | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Junior T , HS33 hydrolic Magura RIM brakes, Sun Rims Mamouth Fat rims..
Junior T fork Race face components., XT and SRAM deraileurs
whatever..... | | Bottom Line: | I used a Ellsworth, Intense, and modern K2 Downhill bike the k2 with a serious DH fork...8 inches front and rear travel...honestly...the bike isn't that bad...read all the other reviews and take from them what you want..but i have had no trouble....15 foot drops to flat landings, 72 MPH (RECORDED with lazer!!) and i have had NO problems except a half broken rear rim...which has taken MUCH abuse from an old trial's bike....doesn't count to me....
It is a solid bike, that DOES except disc brakes FRONT AND REAR depending on front fork...a good bike.
SOLID and for the money, screw you figure out the people i am talking about....i am going to save my money and use what I have....Pro-Flex Animal! with some modern stuff thrown in of course.
have fun riding and remember it is the RIDER NOT THE ^%%##())@^% BIKE, but most importantly...HAVE FUN or die SAD your choice!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rik Van Egdom
a Weekend Warrior
from Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Woodlot Gold | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cap's Bikes (Abbotsford | | Strengths: | What strengths? | | Weaknesses: | The frame only has 4.7 inches of travel (not the 5.5 i was led to believe :(.) The rear shock is crap, it only has rebound control and the funky extendo shaft is really weak | | Similar Products Used: | trek vrx 400 | | Bike Setup: | z1's, xt/raceface, intense dh tires | | Bottom Line: | this bike is not what everyone says it is. If the other riders that reviewed this bike actually rode as hard as they say they do they would be experiencing the same problems as me. The frame has mondo flex in the rear end, and to top it all off i literally bent the rear shock at the point where the extendo shaft and the shock meet. I also destroyed the collet that holds the spring in which then scratched the heck out of the shock, and after 3 days the rebound control died! all in all i didn't even do anything that big. i am only 16 and 140 lbs, and all i did that was big were a 15 stair (only like 6.5 feet but real long) and another 6 footer onto a huge downslope! i don't understand! well, this experience just goes to show that u can't go by what other people say. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Denton
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore Grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Suspension is very plush. I've hit all kinds of boulders with this baby while sipping on my water bottle (probably could have given the rabbi a ride and done my son's circumcison on back if I had a bannana seat);). Magura brakes rock, real stopping power rain, sleet or snow. Front forks are unreal soak up anything you can throw at em very adjustable. I like the way the bike looks. Haven't had to adjust anything yet seems to be reliable. Climbs very well almost as good as my old Barracuda. But best of all what I like is I paid an ubelievably low price for this bike. I'm not even going to say but the components themselves were worth way more than what I paid for the bike. All you rich kids go out there spend your easy money on your $1500 Specialized FS whatever. I'll take you over some rocks and boulders some big drops and see if you worry about hurtin yo pretty little yuppie bike. This bike is killer on rocky downhill stuff I pull away I don't grab for the brakes I just point and shoot the Animal does the rest. I must say I was a little worried about tight cornered single tracks but again the Animal blew me away. I thought because I was so high off the ground it wouldn't corner but it cornered just as good maybe better than my Barracuda. What can I say if you can find one buy it you'll never regret it. Mine is a 97 model. | | Weaknesses: | If your a Tree Huggin, non-meat eatin, flag burning, draft dodging, rather be red than dead, whining about weight.... and voted for Clinton and plan to vote for Gore Wimp. This is not the bike for you. The weakness is in your head not the couple of extra pounds on the bike. The bike has no weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | Barracuda | | Bike Setup: | Completely Stock except the Rollamajig. | | Bottom Line: | I've heard all the whiners they are all college age or yuppies that never had to work for a living. Actually I'm somewhat thankful for them because they helped drive down the price of this excellent bike. If you are a red blooded American working man you will not, I repeat you will not beat this bike for the price. Buy one immediately if you can find it chances are it will be from some whinin yuppie or someone who never rides and doesn't know how to appreciate an excellent bike you'll get the deal of the century. You'll be writing an article like this one. If they made a Mountain Bike version of Brave Heart this is the bike Mel Gibson would have been on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John W.
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, Tx
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore Grapevine Lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Bulletproof frame
Plush five inch travel both ends
Shimano XT components
Magura HS-22 brakes
Love it or leave it paint scheme(I love it) | | Weaknesses: | Some details in owners manual a bit sketchy
No rebound adjust on the NR5 smartshock
Chubby LT fork limits turn radius | | Similar Products Used: | 98 Proflex Beast | | Bike Setup: | Stock 98 Animal except for the addition of a Ritchey expert seat post and K2 Mag-C clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike off the Internet at EDISCOUNTBIKE.com for a miserly $799.00 + shipping. What a steal, the components alone are probably worth that much! The bike rides like a million bucks with the stock 750 pound spring on the rear smartshock and stock MCUs in the Chubby front fork. For reference, my frame is the Way Big size and I am 6'3" and 215 lbs. Correct sag was easy to setup and the suspension feels balanced and soooooo plush. If you like comfort and control then this is the bike for you. But be forewarned, this bike is no sprinter, especially in the big ring where it has a tendency to bob a bit if you mash the pedals. Climbing ability is surprisingly good for a freeride bike, as long as you stay seated and on the nose of the saddle the bike seems to never run out of traction. The Animal has a fairly high center of gravity and corners best from a seated position, just trust that long travel suspension to soak up the bumps and she rails! This bike responds to an aggresive riding style, the faster you go the better it works. That being said, the front fork limits turning radius in the really tight stuff but then again this bike is a freerider not a trials bike. I was so impressed with this bike that I bought a 98 Beast for a backup ride (same bike as Animal without Smartshock and Magura brakes). Five flamin' chilis for the Animal and K2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Xavier
a Downhiller
from Van Wa.
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
backyard dropoffs | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
She's got some real nice rear. | | Weaknesses: |
No disc brake mounts on rear swing arm, and not enough rear travel. | | Similar Products Used: |
Iron horse g spot and g out | | Bike Setup: |
bought frame set
added deep v rimed wheelset and disc brakes w/ Avid levers.
Plasma shifters w/ XTR rapid rise derailuar, and soft ride stem(adds two more inch in front)and a 2 inch travel schock post extra in rear. | | Bottom Line: | It should cost less than 500 bucks for what i got.
reason is that it didn't come disc brake mounts on swing arm, and K2 can kiss my asss for that. I am going crazy. I'm gonna kill somebody for this if it wern't for brake therapy disk adapters. Overall performance is great but the extra stem and seat post shock(7ibs), velocity disk wheels(20ibs), frame(17ibs), chubby fork(5.5ibs),adds up a 50 pound bike. I basicly made it imposiable to climb. Ha Ha | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billie
a downhiller
from Bradford
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had one of these suck machines, and it was complete crap. I am quite capable of riding with my friend chris, who is up there with the words best downhillers and stunt riders. But I had no chance on this heap. His nickle P7 just creaked off into the distance with its disc squeking. Do not under any circumstances pay any money for this bike. Ride hard. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big AL
a racer
from NY
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My friend got this bike and first of all the fork sucks!, its harsh, not plush, and it sucks even with speed springs. second of all, he broke the rear shock in half right on the shaft, bent the swingarm, and half the clear coat, and paint are gone. The red, and blu colors make it look like one of those freeride huffy's at toys R us. Flexy swingarm, chain broke, all paint came off shocks, biopaces like god knows what, feels like riding a pogo stick, seat post broke, stem broke, pedals suck cause they release too easy, all togater this bike is a hunk of crap, but if you dont belive me, go out and buy one, and kill yourself (and your budget) riding it. I would give it zero falming horses if i could! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kim
a cross-country rider
from Willoughby, OH
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my '97 ProFlex Animal since October of last year and really enjoy it. My buddy first bought the '98 K2/ProFlex Animal, then returned it after having problems getting the right rear spring for it from K2, then discovering what a poor ride the '98 was. He opted for a K2 4000. You can now buy a '97 Animal for a fraction of the '98 and have a better ride...PROS: * The gruppos alone are worth the value of the bike (Kooka, SRAM 9.0, Magura, WTB Powerbeam, MagC clipless) * It's a decent ride, not overly plush * The NR4 rear shock and Chubby fork are good in tandem and can both be adjusted to give you a great ride for different terrain * Excellent for downhills and climbing * The Magura brakes are practically indestructible and work well even in heavy mudCONS: * The paint does chip, particularly the rear triangle where the chain constantly slaps against it * Pivots require frequent cleaning and lubing * It's probably heavier than what most people are used to * The Titec Hell Bent bar is not well-suited for cross country freeriding * The SRAM Grip Shift 9.0 system is finnicky and not as crisp as XT or XTR. * Yes, it does have a limited turning ratio because of the fork.TIPS: * Replace the stock cables with Teflon or Gore. My stock cables failed me in the very first race I had it in when mud stripped the coating off the cables and knotted up inside the guides. * If you are going to ride it as a cross-country bike, replace the Titec Hell Bent bar with a straight bar that has knurling (little indentations or grooves that will allow the stem to bite into it and keep it stable). My bar came loose not once, but twice, in one race. * Keep the pivots well cleaned and greased * Ditch the fork boots on the Chubby. They will eventually rip and become useless. Get fork wipers instead. * You would be smart to go ahead and wear-out the SRAM GripShift and replace it with XT or XTR for better shifting, or if you keep your SRAM, get a Rollamajig. It will help it shift better.This bike gets 4 stars mainly for the well-priced gruppos. You can get a '97 for under $1,000. Do your math and see how much the components alone would cost you. Forget the '98 Animal and buy another bike in the K2 line. Finally, I'm not sold on the Smart Shock idea. It's just another marketing gimmick and more batteries we use to pollute our precious landscapes with. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sieb
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The 97 Animal rules! I've test rode alot of FS bikes, and few even come close. I hope the switch in frame styles is a good choice for K2 because the Pro-Flex model really works. This bike has all the power and feel of a rigid frame, with the cush ride of a FS bike. The bike just makes you want to ride forever without getting off. Faster faster faster, more more more... Fidel with other experiments, than ride a Pro-Flex animal. If you can get your hands on one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben johnson
a cross-country rider
from Sacramento CA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Dear K2 proFlex
I want to Tell You A sad sorie I Had A proflex 856 And Boy
did I love it but it was tacken out of my grage at 3:00am
when i was sound asleep if U could I would love for you
to Email me something back on how much it would be to replace
it.I paid 2,000 for it at a bike shop here in sacramento ca
and I need to turn something in for insurence so I can get
A knew bike I am going to get a pro-flex Beast.I have nothing
Bad to say about your biks.To me your bike are the BIG DOG
in the dirt.My 856 was put to the test Mud dirt even the snow
I did all kinds of things to my 856 I had LX EVERYTHING BUT
NOW IT IS GONE ): So if U could help me out I would love it
take care Ben Johnson
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM k2 KICKS ass | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a downhiller
from Petoskey, MI
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If you like bent forks, bent cranks, bent bottom brackets, cracked dropouts, rippled frames, and riding pogo-sticks, this bike is for you! The only things about it that are good are the sweet brakes, HED's, and XT stuff. Other than that it SUCKED. I am buying a Schwinn FS thats rules. If you get an Animal, sell it for parts and buy another bike with the money. (Keep the Maguras and HED's though.) It was a well spec'd bike with a s**t frame and fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JONATHAN KEMBLE
a downhiller
from USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT A 97 PROFLEX ANIMAL AND HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN A CHANCE TO RIDE IT DOWN KILLINGTON MOUNTAIN UP IN VERMONT. SENCE IT'S EQUIPED WITH THE 4 CHUBBY, DOUBLE-TRIPLE CLAMP FORK, IT DEVOURED JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I GAVE IT. THE BIKE HANDLES GREAT WHEN TAKING TIGHT TURNS AND GETTING AIR. WHEN IT COMES TO LANDING, THE NOLEEN NR-4 SUCKS THE IMPACT UP. THE GROUPO CHOSEN FOR THE ANIMAL WORKS EXCELLENT TOGETHER: ESP 9.0 SHIFTERS AND REAR DEREULLER, XT FRONT DEREULLER AND REAR HUB, KOOKA CRANK, POWER BEAM RIMS, AND MAGURA HYDRAULIC BRAKES. THE BRAKES WILL STOP YOU IN ANY CONDITION. THE 99 YEAR I'M GOING TO RACE DOWNHILL AND CAN'T WAIT. I KNOW THE ANIMAL WILL HOLD UP TO EVERYTHING. LOOK FOR ME. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smelly McScidmark
a cross-country rider
from Alaska
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Crap, frame snapped. It's like riding a soggy wettex that's been used to clean burnt cheese. I got it for XMAS, and all I can say is that SANTA must hate me. It's heavier than my dads Volvo and handles worse. It's also rather embarrasing being over taken by grannies with baskets full of groceries as I pogo on the elastomer trying to catch up with them. This bike really sux. The only good things are the brakes, but it needs them considering the barge like momentum it gets with that weight. The ride position reminds my of when I was in hopital after an accident, having an enema! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sodes
a cross-country rider
from Palo Alto
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought two of the closeout 97 Animals, one for myself and one for my wife. After a couple of hundred miles, including 10,000ft+ of at speed downhill, I am starting to understand this bike. It is a cross-country bike, with some boutique components, dressed up like a freeride. Plusses - not to heavy, rigid for a full suspension, enough travel to take the bite out of anything you can hit. Misses - travel is less than plush, grip shift/kooka combo is a little finicky, paint chips if you look at it. I haven't had any problems with the NR-4 shock and if it goes I'll replace it with an aftermarket air shock.My FSR/DC110 downhill ride blows this away for true extreme riding, so I use the animal as a cross-country ride. It's has a stretched out rider compartment and it's pretty good for sprinting, out of the saddle climbing and singletrack (although we don't have much hardcore techical riding locally.)Overall verdict: Nice ride for the price, good alternative to entry level FS rides if you can put up with some tweaking. Four stars (at closeout price/performance.) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have now seen two Animal frames cracked. My friend who owns one seems to power along but he cracked the frame and hardly does any serious offroad riding. It is quite plush to ride and I like the riding position. Personally I wouldn't buy one, I don't think they would stand up to serious downhill tracks for which they are supposed to be designed. I'm not sure what year his is but it has the elastomer rear shock. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rory Whitelaw
a downhiller
from Cairns, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have recently purchased a 1998 Proflex Animal. Well the verdict is EXCELLENT I live in Cairns Australia which is the stomping ground of the MUD COWS. The riding up here is hard and fast, with the Chubby LT forks up front (5 inches of travel) and the NR-2 come smart shock I have received nothing but the best performance from my bike. Whether it is fast downhill or some freeriding the bike has so far handled all that I can possibly throw at it. Another good feature is the new paint job. If you have not seen it yet then I recommend that you get to the nearest bike shop that stocks the bike and have a look or better still have a ride, then compare your ride, then change over it will be your best choice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a cross-country rider
from Newbury Park, California
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought the 1997 model a month ago from Supergo in Santa Monica California for 1299.00 The bike weighed in at 28.7 lbs, a factor which made me want the 97 model over the 98 model. I do the Sycamore Canyon ride three times a week, see SOCALMTB.com for more details. I used to ride a hardtail, Trek 7000. This iks my first dual suspension bike. For an individual who weighs 235lbs this bike is fun to ride. I sampled a Klein, Cannondale V2000, Joshua XO, Trek Y-33, Diamond Back V and I must say this Animal has alot more bang for the buck.
Riding this bike through a dozen creek crossings with the H2O past the BB down a curving 1.8 mile 30 degree downgrade (and back up), through sand, dirt and mud for an entire distance of 22 miles in less than 1hour and 45 minutes. The bike holds up and I just can't believe how forgiving the suspension is when I do something bizarre. One thing about triple fork over a traditional fork. It will turns only so far. I hit a couple of sand pits on this bike and because of the limited turn on the fork I was able to recover because the struts hit the frame. I am going to change several things. Change the SRAM gripshift to XTR shifters, teflon cables come with the shifters ($99), and a XTR rapid rise rear derailer ($89). Beef up the stock 300# rear spring to an extrafirm Mountain Speed Speedspring ($30). Add a set of Magura Brake boosters ($16 each). So for $1600 I get a downhill bike with Magura HS-22, Xtr shifters, XT front and XTR rear derailers, XT hubs, Noleen NR-4 Shock, and a lot of fun. The only thing I do not like about the bike is the front derailer is bottom pull. As a result the cable comes off the bottom under the BB housing. Proflex decided to use a plastic guide to control this 90 plus degree cable turn. I already cut the plastic in half from shifting or something hit the plastic. I will replace this with a Cable housing or I may end up going to a top pull derailer setup. Leaving with a good note, since I time my rides this bike has caused
me to be 25 percent faster over a hard tail. No more going around a rock or hopping a log ... plow through it. I have to learn how to ride over again and this Animal is great to have as a partner. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Calvin
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have recently aquired a 98' Animal. It runs full XT, has killer looks (tiger stripes) and is great value for money. This baby is plush and it really rocks on rough descents!!! It sucks up everything on the way down. I run the rear on Smart compression damping. That way, the shock can run with no damping over small hits and (almost) instantly increasing the damping for big hits. Stopping duties are carried out by a pair of Magura HS22s. These didn't come with boosters but still, they can stop this Animal when you really need to, considering the fact the it is quite heavy (30.9 lbs). K2 lowered the pivot by 2.8mm this year to reduce the bouncing effect, and it shows that Proflex bikes can still climb. This is a bike that will take some time to tame, those who do will be rewarded. Go train up, then go riding. Suffer a bit on the way up, then really let'er rip on the way down. After that, grin like a stupid idiot while you wait for your HT pals.Five chillies from me if not for the weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe LeChance
a downhiller
from Boston
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently rode this bike and found it to ride like a sponge. It was the worst ride i have ever felt. This bike is too heavy and the suspenson is terrible. I t wasnt sturdy and it was difficult to stop with the inferior components. Also what is up with the front suspension on this thing, is there any, i couldnt tell. I wouldnt wish this upon anybody. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JIBBY
a cross-country rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I LOVE MY PROFLEX BUT THE PAINT CHIPS IF I LOOK AT IT FUNNY.
YOU CAN REALLY CHOMP ON SOMEONE'S ASS WHEN YOU RIDE THIS BIKE. LIKE ALL NEW BIKES THERE IS OF COURSE AN ADJUSTMENT PERIOD. WHEN YOU PASS THIS JUNCTION YOU ARE IN FOR A SWEET TREAT. THIS BIKE SUCKS UP ALL THE BUMPS AND CAN CROSS COUNTRY LIKE A KING. IT IS HEAVY THOUGH(LIKE MOST FULL SUSPENSION BIKES) AND WHEN I GO FOR A NITE RIDE AND THROW MY BOTTLE BATTERY ON.... THIS BIKE IS LOADED UP LIKE CAMEL.
IGNORE THE WEIGHT PROBLEM AND CHOMP ONWARD,,,BECAUSE THIS MOTHER CAN CLIMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I CANT WAIT TO TAKE IT TO PLATTEKILL(ny) AND SOUTHMOUNTAIN/TRAIL OF TEARS(new jersey) THAT OF COURSE IS THE TRUE TEST OF A BIKE......THE MOUNTAIN DONT LIE...IT WILL SPIT YOU UP IF YOUR NOT HAVING A 'GOOD DAY'
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Clouser
a cross-country rider
from Tamaqua, PA United States
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Looks nice I personally don't like the shock I love my Judy SL and my Canecreek AD-8. But I wouldn't buy this bike because I don't like the setup of this perticular bike. The bike has a low weight ratio for the bikes size and it probally rides good. I wouldn't but it but, I would love to ride one in the future. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
liam
a weekend warrior
from bunbury,wa
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i'm twelve and i rode my frends dad's animal and i recken they rule it's got wicked shoks and you can fly on it i did a 3 meter jump on it it's also really light for it's size you can do really good endo's and bunny hops it's a really really really wicked bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Thomas
a weekend warrior
from Denver,CO
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 97' Beast about 2 months ago. This bike rules. I mean I love thisBike. To the point that If it got stolen in 98 I would come the USA to find another 97' Beast. The chubby fork, Hydraulic Brakes, Hell bent handlebars, NoeleenNR-2 and ESP 7.0 system, all kick much but. I love going down hill just as fastas I can. It still is scary seeing a big rock coming your way, and seeing thechubby soak it up, like it wasn't there. I get chills thinking about How muchI love this bike. All I added was a leather and Kevlar-Velo wishbone seat.Actually, what I love about this bike, is how everyone stairs when it's on myroof rack, and people stop on the trails and say nice bike. It is just a badass looking bike right out of the Box. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRETT CHADWICK
a downhiller
from NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
Date Reviewed: October 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the '97 PROFLEX BEAST at the end of September. I was going to wait until 1998 to get my first full suspension bike, but several factors made me buy early. First and foremost, the frame design is being changed on the 1998 models,
making them resemble a Cannondale Super-V. Whether or not this is a better frame design, I don't know. I do know that I prefer the current style better - good bottle mounts, easy to portage, and I can transport it easily on the back of my truck (I don't like roof mount racks). The bike graphics/paint scheme is far better as well. What really made me buy it is my bike shop's demo model. They let me take it out for a day on the trails of North Vancouver - some of the most technically challenging you'll ever find. The performance of the BEAST blew me away - especially on rocky, rooty descents. On these kinds of trails, my old hardtail would try and buck me off at every opportunity, but the BEAST lets me ride with a great deal more control. I didn't like the hydraulic brakes - too hard to modulate. Around here, that's really important. I had XT V-Brakes installed on my BEAST. I also had a Profile riser (20 degrees) stem installed to
safeguard against going over the bars. I've already broken my wrist once this year! The BEAST truly shines on technical descents, taking big hits in stride. I was also very surprised at how well this bike climbs, despite it's weight. Sweet gearing and dig in technology work really well. I've also ridden cross-country on the BEAST and was impressed with the quality of the ride. The suspension not only makes riding more comfortable, but enables me to ride for longer periods. Other equipment I specified included: WTB Velociraptors, WTB SST
saddle & Profile bottle cages. It's not a long list of changes. That shows how well the BEAST comes spec'd from the factory. I haven't ridden the bike enough
to form an opinion about the Girvin Pipeline Chubby front forks. I can mention that the Noleen NR-2 rear shock is great - lot's of adjustment and easily upgradeable. Another reason I chose the PROFLEX over other suspension designs is it's single pivot - who needs complex multi-pivot designs? I thrash
my bike and the simpler it is, the less it costs to maintain and fix it. I would recommend the PROFLEX BEAST to anyone who rides a lot on technical terrain, where full suspension is fully utilized. Although this bike is set up more towards downhilling, it does cross-country very well. I must thank Visa for making this purchase possible.is so desired. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shaun Wetzstein
a weekend warrior
from Rochester MN
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the 97 Animal and so far I think it is an excellent ride. Rides like a dream. Pro-flex is replacing the rear shock (NR-4) because of a bad seal. The front fork (Chubby) seemed a little soft at first but couple cranks of the knobs and it firmed right up. Came with ESP 9.0 shifters/rear derailler. Shifts fast and smooth. I am not a big fan of grip shift though so probably gunna put rapidfire on later. All things considered, I really like the bike and I feel more confident during all parts of the ride. I am most impressed with how it handles bitchin downhills with big rocks, 12 ruts and all the other good stuff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gazza
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Ive got a 97 model beast which is like the animal only it costs less. This bike rules!!!! The old proflex's were pretty crap but the 97 models really outclass them. Whats best is it comes stock with dual crown forks(still girvin but not crappy linkage forks)with 4 of travel that work great, magura hydraulic brakes which kick crappy v-brakes, and a titec hell bent DH bar. All quality stuff out of the box.
This bike excels on any terrain it never feels out of place and is great fun to ride. Although it is a bit heavy(29 pounds)it climbs like a mountain goat, and descends even better. All in all this is a great package and I would highly recomend it to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Berta
a cross-country rider
from SF,CAl.USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a review of this bike (a 1996 Animal with HED wheels) when it first came out here. Thought that it would be useful to do a long term review of the bike now that I have had it for over a year. The early review (still posted here) listed the major changes I made and likes/dislikes. In a nut shell...the stock girvin fork was just OK compared to other forks like the RockShock, etc. The limiting factor was the the elastomers which (like on telescopic forks) is just not the ticket. The elastomers do have one advantage....they are a little lighter than coil springs...but the coils springs work Ssssoooo much better they are worth the weight penalty. I went with the Speed Spring upgrades and changed out the stock damper oil to 10 wt. Big difference. In comparison to other bikes I ride which have hot rodded RockShock forks with White Bros. internals, I prefer the Girvin fork. It has a big advantage in really hard carving of corners. Very rigid. With the coil springs in both front and rear you also gain a lot more useable suspension travel. The only component on the bike which didn't holdup was the stock Aheadset which died very quickly. I replaced that with a Chris King and don't plan on ever having problems with that again! I wore out the rings so replaced them with Real Rings which shift great and have proven to be very long lived. Weight saving measures included a White Industries Bottom Bracket, and a Ringle Moby seatpost and a light seat. I also got a good deal on a light XTR cogset which I installed on the stock LX hubs. I also got a set of Altek levers for the Magura Brakes. All told I dropped the weight about 2 lls. overall. Note that all of the changes with the exception of the headset were not due to equipment failures so I feel the durability of the bike has proven out. The HED wheels, while heavier than other options, has proven to be hell for stout. I never have had any problems with the wheels....and I do get a lot of air in my riding. I have also been pleasantly surprised that both the front and rear stock ODS shock body and oil seals (remember I installed coil springs on them) have been trouble free. The Magura brakes on this bike and another have also been trouble free and very easy to keep properly adjusted. V brakes I have used have proven to have less than stellar lives and require constant adjustment to keep them from squeeling and require frequent pad replacement. One other upgrade was to a set of Shimano 747 pedals which I found mailorder for $99.When I first got this bike I did worry if the additional comlexity would amount to a lot more failures or maintenance than my other bikes. This hasn't proven to be a problem. Even the fork which some have said requires more maintenance has proven to be very easy to keep in top shape. I got the severe conditions seals and keep them regularly cleaned and lubed and have had no problems even after about 4,000 miles of use. About every 500 miles I tear the fork down to clean and lube and can now do the whole maintenance in about an hour or less. I do all maintenance on the bike myself.I ride the bike in the San Francisco area therefore the bike doesn't see much mud. I do a lot of single track riding in the woods near my house, some fire trails and a lot of technical slower speed stuff. While the original bike was on the heavier side the modifications I made got it down to a reasonable weight and since I don't race it this hasn't even been an issue. I weigh 140 lbs. and have the middle size frame (18) since I am 6' tall. This wouldn't be my choice for a race bike since the added complexity and weight aren't appropriate for racing. But as a crosscountry blasting bike it has proven itself and has also had an admirable reliability record. In comparison my riding partners bike (we ride the same rides all the time and put in the same miles and have the same weight/height) has had 2 seal and or damper failures in the Judy fork, rear shock replaced twice, pedal bearings wore out, headset replaced and other minor problems. This in a Trek Y22. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark tempest
a cross-country rider
from australia
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I forgot to mention earlier, change your ODS oil for Auto transmission fluid.
It works great for me, at 175lbs.
Switched to mozo-pro 3.5's and are a happy guy.
Goretex cables, VP 101 pedals, a Velo Plush seat which is excellent!
A great bike for me and I've had no problems except for the weight, 28lbs.
Magura Hydraulics are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark tempest
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
BEAST: As there is no page for this one, I'll write here.
Mine is a '96 ODS Model with Magura brakes. I got rid of those Girvin forks, they suck big time. I bent the dropouts a number of times and was concerned that they would eventually snap off, a serious problem at 60kph downhill!
I fitted Mozo-pro 3.5 and they are great.
I fitted Gore-tex cables and it shifts great.
I fitted Specailized Team master & team control tyres and they are the best I've
I like this bike a lot, also daily commuter to work. I have ridden a GT LTS and the rear end worked better than MCU's, but I don't like all those pivots.
I have ridden others too, but the Pro-Flex Beast is still a great bike.
It's not light at 28 lbs but a good cross-country and downhill fun bike.
I would buy a new beast with the triple clamps and noeleen.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kerry Norman
a downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Right, I had a 96 model for a year. It was the third MTB of the four that I have owned, and the only one which I know longer have...First the gripes: I do not like Girvin's linkage forks. They require too much servicing, and NEED the ODS shock seen to before you can begin to enjoy it. The downtube is not very strong and is too easily dented by stones and rocks! Finally, the gearing is too small for a bike that tends to be thrown downhill very rapidly. 44x11 is puny. You need 48x11!Now the likes! For my first full suspension bike I enjoyed it a lot. I did a fair bit of component changing over the year I had it. Pace MXCD's went on the front, as well as Azonic DH bars. The tyres were dropped for Coyotes (not good for XC - but excellent DH), and DX pedals put on. In this configuration it was a whiz! It made a good play bike, and i always wanted to take it on epic rides - but it just can't handle long rides. It was too heavy and the suspension robbed you of too much energy. For the epics, the Kona was better - but I missed the rear suspension. Now, I don't worry - I ride a Starship, but this is in a completely different price leaque.Overall, nice paint scheme on the 96 model (blue/yellow) but I hate the 97 colours. For a first FS bike its not bad, but I wouldn't recommend it for XC. Being left behind by the competition. There is betterout there for lower cost now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howeler
a cross-country rider
from Carlsbad, CA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
OK kids here's the report on the 97 Animal. I test rode this bike in Big Bear during the NORBA nationals couple weeks ago. I rode both singletrack and fireroads. I must say, this is the best looking Pro-flex with its blue-red paint job. I found this bike very easy to ride in most conditions. Loved the parts on this model. Everything worked just fine. Really liked the Chubby fork, you just point and go. I never got jacked in the rock gardens, just true tracking. I feel this fork is WAY better then the cross-link (except for the weight). The suspension felt very stiff at first, this was because this test bike had never been taken off road. After a couple hours it felt much softer. The rear is not as plush as an air shock, but still works fine. I really didn't like the high speed fire road corners, the rear seems to pack-up and loose some travel. Oh-well thats a Mac-strut design issue. The brakes worked very well. My only true bitch is this. The bike is HEAVY, I really felt the 29.4lbs(way-big size) on the long climbs. Also anodizing sucks, the Kooka cranks already shows signs of color fade after 8 hours. A special thanks goes out to SoCal Pro-Flex rep Tony for letting me use this bike for the weekend. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Lampright
a racer
from Anchorage, AK
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a moto-cross racer so naturally I crave long travel suspension bikes. I've been riding my '97 Animal for about 2 months now and I have to say it's the best bike I've ever riden! The '97 Pro-Flex bikes are 100X better than the the previous models with the elastomer suspension. The Noleen rear suspension can be adjusted to suit any riding conditions with ease. It's about as plush as a mountain bike gets on the small stuff and can easily soak up the big hits. The compression and rebound adjusters are nice to dial the shock in just right, but they don't have a large impact on how the shock acts. The triple clamp front suspension is super riged (almost like a non-suspension fork) with 4 of travel I've never felt it bottom. I weigh 155lbs and I think it's about right for me, but it would be too stiff for many people under my weight. I can't wait to try some coil springs up front so I can get rid of the elastomer stacks. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful fork, I think springs would make it even better though. The hydrolic breaks are powerful, but a little harder to adjust. I love the Girven SPD pedals.
This is a perfect bike for someone looking for a bike that is comfortable at speed on downhills but still wants something that is good at cross-country rides. IT'S AN AWESOME PLAY BIKE!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ernst
a cross-country rider
from South Bend Indiana
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Purchaced a 97 animal Proflex could have lived with the package this bike
came with esp grip shift ect. But upgraded to full xtr package chrank and
rapid fire. I know have a bike that shifts flawlessly.Changed to the crossmax
wheels for less wieght better stopping with ceramic and one of the smothest
wheels I have ever riden. also changed bars to save wieght and have it at
26 pounds. It wieghs the same as or litte less than my sv 3000. But with the
chubby fork and nolens on the rear the ride is much better. One suprise has
been the ajustability of the ProFlex ie the shocks. You can change it as you
riding skill improves instead of changing bikes. My time is better than ever
have finished first 2 out of 3 times when raceing with my son,he is 24 years
younger 30 pounds lighter. This bike will make you a better rider plus it isis
way cool it will bring the animal out in you.!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howeler
a cross-country rider
from Carlsbad, CA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I test rode the Pro-Flex 757 and 857 for 2 weeks. Here's what I found. First off
I ride long and hard. I've been riding full suspension for 4 years now. The rides i do include long fire road climbs, technical singletrack, scary drops.
Mostly dry loose conditions here in SoCal. I currently own a Pro-Flex 753.
OK THE REPORT: The Noleens greatly improve the ride of the bike. Its over-all a
balanced ride, which is key to a dually. Fire road climbs felt good. Singletrack was fun, but the Cross-Link Fork does weird things. On a 40+ fire road DH, the fork tracks well but when it comes to the corners it feels like its tucking under a bit, must be the J axle travel path. In slow speed techical stuff I hate the fork. Its really hard to mount large rocks, again its the J travel thing.
The rear design (MacPhearson Strut) is OK for most riding, however it DOES lock up some what under hard braking in corners. Fully active designs don't do this.
The bike climbs well. The 757 is not light its truly 28lbs. The 857 is 27lbs.
Overall the Pro-Flex line is a good VALUE, but for me I now want a FULLY active bike. I have loved my 753, but my next ride is not going to be a Pro-Flex.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a very intellegent person
a
from a universe far, far away
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
24.5 pounds MY BUTT! There is no way in HELL it is that light. Go to a serious race XC or DH and get laughed at on your Pro-Flex. Boy, do those bikes break! They should be called Captain Compromise because they do nothing really well, apart from when you a vaguely piss farting around on singletrack. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marco Sengers
a racer
from Amsterdam
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the worst posibble bike you can buy for your hard earned mony,
Pro-Flex does not rule!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
n thajns
a weekend warrior
from los angeles cA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS IS THE BEST BIKE MAKE....CANT WAIT FOR THE 97..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Garvey
a cross-country rider
from Ocean City NJ
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike can take a beating. I had a chance to take the Pro-Flex to Killington VT
one weekend and could not believe the increase in control over my Trek 950. I was rideing in terrain
were in some places the rocks would stick out of the ground more than 5, all over the
place. Going over this stuff I did not feel as if I was on the verge of being bucked off.
I also had the chance to climb some serious hills. This bike is born to climb. When you
put it in low gear, lean forward and pedal your butt off, the rear tire seems to push its
self into the earth. Now I own a Beast. Enough said | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Berta
a cross-country rider
from SF.Ca.
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the Animal with the HED wheel option. I got them at dealer cost but otherwise I would have skipped this option if I had to pay for it. Bike is great but like all ProFlex....and all other bikes in my opinion....you can greatly improve it with a little hotrodding. Dump the stock elastomers and put in Speed Springs and change out the damping oil both ends to 10 wt. Dramatic improvement! The Magura brakes are a big plus on this bike. They are excellent, powerful and lots of modulation. Stock compnents on the bike are a very good mix. Only change I recommend is to see if you can swap the XRay grip shifts for the model 600 grip shift. The Xray isn't as durable and doesn't shift anywhere as good. You might want to put in a stronger derailer spring and/or a Rollamajig. Either will make the shifting extremely good. I have both on my bike and it shifts flawlessly. I applaud ProFlex's use of the Sugino Impel crank set....it works better than the XT...especially the rings which are really great for precise shifting. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Murray Morris
a cross-country rider
from Woodinville, WA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Proflex Animal is basically an 856 without GoreTex cables and with better brakes (Magura Hydraulics). The cost is only about $100 over the 856 so unless you want the different color, the Animal is a good buy. I added a rear shift cable GoreTex and went with a Slick Whips front shift cable. On this frame you definately need a better cable on the rear than standard cables or you'll have shifting problems. The GoreTex solved it (adding a Rollamajig is probably a good idea as well at only about $17).
I moved up to full suspension after putting my Trek aside to use as a hybrid bike. I looked GT's, Proflex, and Cannondale Super V Actives. I liked the GT and Cannondale but the GT was too expensive and the Cannondale had too much biopacing for my type of riding. The Proflex rode well and didn't bob under heavy pedaling, even while standing. It is also a very good climber because it digs in the rear wheel when you pedal for good traction. Overall it is an excellent bike. The Maguras are the best brakes I've ever used. They are so simple once installed you can pretty much forget about them until you replace pads. The pads need no toe in and no tools to remove. They just pop off by hand. Just be sure you don't lose them if the wheels are off. The Animal has a cool yellow/dark blue fade paint job. It comes with LX hubs on mavic rims, WTB Velociraptors, XT derailleurs and GS 800's. I upgraded the cables as I said, the rear to a 96 XTR (the XT worked well though) and !
the 800 shifters to 96 XT pods (which was a very good improvement). I also swapped out the wheels and hubs for Spin composites and XT hubs. I stuck with the Hyperdrive C XT cassette (11-28). Stock crank and rings are Sugino Impel with 22/32/42 (it states 44 in the catalog but two Animals I got came with 42's). I changed the 22 to a 24 and get more gear range. One other upgrade was to change the aluminum bar and ends for a Scott Thermoplastic LFX2 bar.
The stock bike is very good and really doesn't need upgrading but I am a light rider (about 145) and it was hard for me to get a soft ride on the Proflex. I swapped MCU's once and that helped but after getting the Spins and Scott bar the ride is very good. I ride downhill as well and it was a noticeable difference. My times were much better after going to the carbon composites. A lighter weight oil in the ODS shocks would probably soften it up as well. Girvin also has a web site with tech forum but the company support is lacking. Most of the answers come from other riders or bike shop owners.
For the price (about $1600-$1700 up here around Seattle) I don't think you can beat the Proflex, especially with the components you get on it. You don't get any STX-RC or LX derailleurs and the maguras are powerful and hassle free. | | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 2599.00
