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Submitted by
Climber
a Racer
from monmouth
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Gallitan, TN | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes n Moore Hokins | | Strengths: | THe Noleen shocks sucked up everyting in sight. The Girvin was stiff and tracked like a rigid fork. The Girvin fork has zero flex allowing it to be driven hard into corners. This was a great climber for a full suspension. The pivot location pulled the rear tire into the ground resulting in great traction. I was able to climb areas others could not. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. The bike was a little heavy. The stock Wild Grippers were terrible. I might have been better off riding on the rims, these tires offered little traction. The small frame set up does not have room for a resovoir for the rear shock. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant MCM, Trek 9.0 Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR with Magura hydrolics. Would have put disks on it but a feasible set up was not available. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was awsome. I would still be riding it but it was stolen in FL. It climbed, it descended, it was a great all around bike. I raced it and did very well. There was little I couldn't climb or go all out through with confidance. This included tight twisty and wide open flat out courses. It is a shame K2 ruined the bike through design changes, poor marketing and everything else they could do wrong. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sko
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON Canada
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Three Stages, Collingwood, Ontario | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | 1995 Toronto Bike Show - Silent Sports | | Strengths: | When I bought this ride in 1995, it was the plushest product on the market (important for me because I have pins in my right hand) and was looking for something that I could ride for 8 hours at a time. The MCUs did the trick (until they dried up). | | Weaknesses: | MCUs had a limited life. | | Similar Products Used: | Prior to this ride I had a Kona Hardrock and a Stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: | 1995 855 with Magura Raceline hydraulics; GripShifts 6.0; Easton EA50 MonkeyBar risers; Icon stem; Noleen ELT CrossLink front fork; Noleen NR2 rear shock on GLS swingarm; original NukeProof hubs and Mavic rims; Shimano XT front and rear derailleurs; Bontrager Gel saddle; Sugino CSSII crankset; Shimano 747 pedals | | Bottom Line: | I have had this ride for 12 years now, and have toyed with the idea of getting a new ride for the last 2 years. Each time I've tested new rides, I've been shocked back to life with the question; "Why?" This bike has absolutely nothing wrong with it. It still looks great (I get comments from young riders who have no idea how old the bike is, and also from older riders who actually remember the brand quite favourably and are awe-struck that this ride is still going), with all-original, unflecked paint!!! Outside of updating the front and rear suspension with Noleen NR2s (once the MCUs died), I've done little to change this ride. I did end up changing the stem and bars for a more comfortable reach (Icon and Easton respectively), and then changed the original saddle for a Bontrager Gel. Everything else is original. And this ride has been out to B.C. to ride the North Shore, Squamish and Whistler about 8 years in a row; down to Vermont eight years in a row and also to Moab, Utah. I ride almost every week somewhere in Ontario during riding season (April to October) and by no means baby it. For it to still look brand new is a great testament to Bob Girvin and his incredible product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
debri81
a Cross Country Rider
from WesternMass
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Sweetman | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Unlimited | | Strengths: | Great climber for a FS bike
Tracks beautifully
Stable platform | | Weaknesses: | Suspension Travel is limited by today's ('06) standards | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex Attack ('96), Giant AC Air Lite, Cannondale Hardtails | | Bike Setup: | XT/LX, Hellbent bar, Terry Fly Ti saddle, Shimano 747 pedals (why did they stop making these??), Panaracer FireX tires, Mavic 222 wheelset, Thomson Seatpost & Stem, TrueVativ cranks | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike as a leftover in '98. I have put over 2,500 off road miles on it. I wore out almost every part on this thing except the BB (go figure). I'm not small so I don't blame the original parts at all.
I retired it in 2002 for the Giant but rode it occasionly just for the joy of it.
I have since been using it as my lunchtime ride and it brought back many fond memories of my earlier riding days such that I thought I would do it justice by writting this review.
One word describes this treasure. BRAVO!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian MacGregor
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Prince Edward Island coastal trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay auction | | Strengths: | Excellent frame and geometry. Rides like a buck taking off from the hunters during the season. Versatile bike, good for grocery getting and hardcore riding...this bike rocks!!! She's a performer! | | Weaknesses: | Old shocks sucked...Noleen sucks!!! I have since upgraded the front shock to a Rock Shox Judy XL, and the rear shock to a Reese Racing shock...SWEET, with no creaks or noise, perfect rebound and damping. | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed Tsali, Litespeed Unicoi, GT I-Drive, Fat City Monster Fat, Fat City Yo Eddy. | | Bike Setup: | XT drivetrain, Reese rear shock, front Judy shock upgraded with a Wings gas kit. | | Bottom Line: | This bike ROCKS on the trails, and rides like a scared buck during hunting season!!! Soaks up the bumps, and climbs like a Billy Goat! After upgrading the suspention, all creaks and noises were eliminated, and this bike kicks BUTT!!! I've ridden the TOP end bike sold by Serotta, Specialized, GT, and Cannondale since buying this thing, and they all suck in comparison! (I-Drive comes close, but no cigar, and now GT sold out to Walmart...lol). This is the perfect full suspension mountain bike, and I will keep her for life. Reese shock is great, air adjustable, and has continually sustained my 250 lb arse. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Goodwin State Park, Brooklyn CT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | E-Bay | | Strengths: | Beautiful welds, not "squeezed from a toothpaste tube" like some aluminum frames. Light and stiff. Replacable derailleur hanger. Bought as a frame only, but once built, exceeded my expectations dramatically!!! | | Weaknesses: | Paint chips easily. Bearingless pivots squeak unless greased often (proper maintainance, so I'm nit-picking). Rear V-Brake noodle rubs left heel unless you loosely zip-tie the brake and shifter housings together right behind the bottom bracket. | | Similar Products Used: | Univega Alpina Trail, Nishiki Saga, GT Tequesta, GT I-Drive, Litespeed Tsali, Cannondale Raven, Fat Chance Yo Eddy, Specialized S-Works... and a myriad of other friend's bikes over the many years I've been riding and racing (since the mid 80s). | | Bike Setup: | Total weight when I built up the frame is 25.2lbs. SWEET!!! Since I bought it as a frame-only, I didn't uses the Noleen shocks, so I can't comment on them. Risse Racing in the back with 250psi to accommidate my 230lb clydesdale self. Judy XC up front with a Wings tuning kit for the same reason. Profile Carbon flat bar, Trek OCLV bar ends, SRAM X-Ray 8-speed shifters, Tech-lite brake levers, Lizardskins grips, Salsa stem, WTB Momentum headset, American Classic Seatpost, Flite kevlar saddle, XT hubs, WTB rims 32f/36r, Michelin Wildgripper Lite S tires, XTR 12-32 cassette, IG chain, XT front derailleur, old DX short cage in the back, XT V-brakes, Ride-On gore-tex cables, Minoura bottle cage, with the bottle cage mount behind the seat used for mini pump and Topeak 21 tool. Speedplay Frogs are my pedals of choice. | | Bottom Line: | This bike exceeded my every expectation!!! It is light, there is very little bottom bracket flex, and it handles like a high-end hardtail. At first I thought the long (17") chainstays would slow this bike down. NOT!!! She handles the technical singletrack like a dream. She climbs like a mountain goat on steroids, and decends like a dream!!! This ended up being the perfect light weight cross country machine for me. I'm a clydesdale finesse rider, and she suits my riding style perfectly. I detected no pedal induced bobbing, and the bike just disappears benieth me like she is supposed to do. She rides like a hardtail, but soaks up the bumps all day long. Seated with the proper shock sag, the headtube/seattube angles are a perfect 71/73...SWEET!!! With the light weight and only 3" on travel, I cannot recommend this bike to the down-hiller or "freerider". But if you are looking for the sweetest XC rig out there, and can find one of these frames used, BUY IT!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great bike to ride, excellent comfort. I do not have the Noleen fork. I purchased a '99 Marzocchi Z1 fork for this bike. The rear swingarm is built well and you can literally feel the rear wheel diggin into the trail as you climb uphill. It is a very good design for it's time, but I think there are more promising designs today. I still stand by the 857 as it's one of the best series to buy from Pro-flex. Stiff carbon fiber rear swingarm. | | Weaknesses: | You'll need to make a bit more slack for the cable housing and cable. My deraileur will auto shift sometimes when I compress the rear suspension too much because I didnt use enough cabling to compensate for this. The Z1 fork compresses a bit much for XC riding but can clean many of my routes 2 times faster on this rig than my Procaliber can. | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex Beast (heavier). Schwinn Homegrown Full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Billet Precision stuff, Powerflex shifters. XTR this and that, all worth it in the end =) | | Bottom Line: | Get the bike if you don't want to huck away all that precious dough on something you'd rather look at than throw mud at. Its a very fun bike and handles exceptionally well through singletrack and bunny hopping trails. I have confidence in the rear-carbon swing arm since it is stiff and I do have some sense on how to land a bike properly (listen up kids that break bottom brackets left and right). It's a bit flashy, so you better be up to prove what your made of. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Burns
a
from Lancaster, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | House Of Bicycles | | Strengths: | Plush, very adjustable, the cable stops are set up to take massive cables (like hydraulic lines for Magura brakes), climbs like a hardtail and descends down like a downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Weight is a little much. The gearing on the cranks are a little too small for me, but that's just preference and I doubt that was originally on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Amplifier B4, Mongoose IBOC Pro, Specialized FSR, Cannondale V-4000 | | Bike Setup: | XTR drivetrain, XT hubs, cranks, and BB, Easton carbon fiber handlebars, Magura HS-33 hydraulic brakes, Mavic 221 rims, Specialized tires, etc. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike that I have ever ridden. I went from a Mongoose IBOC hardtail to this full suspension. I was expecting to be sacrificing my climbing ability. I was wrong. This bike handles and climbs just like my IBOC, but it is plusher on the downhills. Plus, it has nicer parts than my IBOC. I would recommend this bike to anyone who can still find one. If you see this bike in a bike shop for sale, buy it immediately!!! The only bike that I have found that can compare with this one is an Amp B4 and they are hard to get, hard to find, and when you do it'll cost you around $3,000. I wish that I could give it a higher rating than 5 chili's, because that is what it earns. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles
a Cross Country Rider
from Dublin, Ireland
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | EdaleLoop Derbyshire | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Comfortable all day and supremely easy to control. | | Weaknesses: | Durability, the rear shock/swingarm was the only original part on the bike (including frame), until last week when the rear shock exploded. The rear swingarm is now the only original part. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS, Trek | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Judy SL's, Hope discs F&R, Hope BB | | Bottom Line: | Plush and as fast as anything uphill and down, but costs more than my car to maintain! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Lilly
a Weekend Warrior
from Nazareth,PA
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
jacobsburg state park | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
carbon nollen smart fork carbon swing arm w/smart rigid bike all over great all over the trails | | Weaknesses: |
tough one to answer! flawless performence from this bike,i guess it came with a unforgiving seat | | Similar Products Used: |
gary fishers,cannondales,giants | | Bike Setup: |
nolleen smart shocks f/r | | Bottom Line: | great bike all over! if you can get ahold of a closeout yet,do it.go for XTR's,smart shocks,and front carbon.this is one of the best deals to come along!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Cuyahoga Falls
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
THE DUMP | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Handles great.
light weight.
looks cool.
great for moderate DH.
excells at mixed terrain XC.
doesn't mind going up.
full xt component group is great. | | Weaknesses: |
rebound adjuster broke on rear shock assembly. | | Similar Products Used: |
Gary Fisher Joshua F1.
Specialized FSR.
GT XCR2000 i-drive. | | Bike Setup: |
stock, large frame with Azonic Shorty Deluxe DH stem. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I rode a friends 857 and I was convinced within 5 minutes that it was 'the bike' for me. I'm going to upgrade the brakes to Magura HS-33 hydrolics and upgrade the drivetrain to Shimano XTR or some sort of custom drivetrain. I am not 100% satisfied with the performance of Shimano's XT drivetrain. Since the drivetrain problem belongs to Shimano and not ProFlex/K2, I must give the 857 5 of the biggest flaming chili's you've ever seen. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Looks, that's about it! | | Weaknesses: |
Rear shock broke 4 times then the warranty ended. I have it stored cuz I figure noone wants that piece of junk. | | Similar Products Used: |
LTS team,Ventana, Specialized FSR | | Bottom Line: | I lioked the bike initially, but am too scared to ride it. Maybe I'll let my wife ride it. She is about 100 lbs. and hardly rides. Never on dirt.Hopefully it will hold up for her. GT rules!! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DrHog
a Cross-Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dry lake hills | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great F/S frame, works well climbing and descending, lightweight, Crosslink rocks! | | Weaknesses: |
We'll see as time goes on.... | | Similar Products Used: |
Proflex 855 & 856, Cannondale Super V | | Bike Setup: |
857 with carbon fiber Crosslink, NR-2s front and rear, Dave's wheels, SRAM shifters, Raceface cranks, XTR brakes | | Bottom Line: | I have rode ProFlex (855/856) for the last 4 years, and always liked the lightweight setup and handling, but the suspension was pretty poor with the elastomers. I got my 855 frame warrantied for weld cracks, and got a new 857 frame out of the deal. With all of the closeouts available on this frame, GET ON THE BANDWAGON! With the Noleens, this bike just comes alive! It is both a great climber and descender. I have built it up as a lightweight X/C rig. If you rode an 855 or 856 and were unhappy, this bike solves everything! I hope my Noleens hold up and that I don't have to go to K2 for anything, as they don't have a shop in Vegas. I think K2 is having some problems with their MTB line in general, and I hope they can save it because this bike is sweet! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mat C.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Manchester
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Climbs well
Absorbes the bumps
Decent all-round bike | | Weaknesses: |
Rear NR2 Shock | | Similar Products Used: |
Orange Patriot
Specialized | | Bike Setup: |
XT group set, Rock Shox Judy XLC, NR2 rear shock,Azonic riser bar and stem, D521's,Ringle headset. | | Bottom Line: | I do like this bike.I purchased the 857 frame 6 months ago for £399, and built it to my own specification. I was very impressed with the way the bike handled. I ride to college(road), singletrack, X country, and a bit of downhill.The bike coped with whatever obstacles i could throw at it.The only major problem i foresee, is the rear shock. I was riding my bike down a dirt track, which was not particularly bumpy, and the rear shock snapped in half! I was gutted! (not a good day, hours before i split up with my girlfriend, but that a different story!)I sent the shock back to the place of purchase along with a bent strut.The shock returned about 10 days latter, but i am still waiting for a new strut.
After reading other peoples reviews of this bike, i can perceive that the NR2 shock will cause me a lot of grief (i am considering changing it for a Risse rear shock instead),because of this unfortunate fault,i can only award this otherwise excellent bike, 4 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Holmes
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bellingham
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Whistle Lake, Anacortes | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
XT
Price
Carbon Swing Arm | | Weaknesses: |
Sometimes Creaky
Headset can break if tightened too much | | Similar Products Used: |
Proflex 657
Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: |
Test Ride from bennetts.com
XT, NR-2
For City use Continental Town and Country | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for the most bike for my buck and I believe that I found it. Full suspension, full XT, and a Carbon swingarm for $699. I couldn't even find a decent used bike with those specs for the price. I put some continental town and country slicks on the bike for city use and it performs fine. The suspension can be tightened up and I have a decent commuting bike. (75 miles a week) In the evenings I can change the tires back to the Kevlar Dusters and hit the mud if I want. If you know of a better deal on a bike, please let me know what and where it is. Until then, I think that I have the best bargain bike in the world. My friends paid more for thier hardtails with RS indy shocks and stx/alivio components than I paid for this bike. I don't know if anyone has ever paid the full $2335 retail price for one of these, but I am very happy with the $699 I paid for it. 5 Flaming Mojos | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AV98
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fire roads & single tracks | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight
Plush and highly adjustable suspension
Great component groupo | | Weaknesses: |
Creaking rear suspension | | Similar Products Used: |
GT RTS Series
Specialized FSRs
DiamondBack V Series | | Bike Setup: |
ProFlex 857
NR2 Front
NR4 Rear
Full XT component groupo | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best full suspension XC bike I've ever ridden; Specialized FSR series comes in close. It has 25-27 lbs weight range along with great suspension front and rear. You do have to keep the bike maintained making sure the suspension doesn't leak or get blown out. K2/Proflex will replace blown shocks for free. I haven't gotten a blow out but had my NR2 rear shock replaced with an NR4 upgrade after it leaked, took 4 months of continious harsh usage. I ride mostly high speed fire roads and semi-technical single tracks. Other than those minor problems everything works great on this bike. Climbs and sticks to the ground like a road tire on asphalt and flies down the hills like a Super G skier. Cornering is very predictable but tire selection plays a bigger part in this department. No front shock dives on severe braking conditions and doesn't Pogo on hammer climbs. Overall a great bike with minor maintenance tweaks. 5 cheezy poofs! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thach
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wildcat Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Full suspension rocks. Fantastic price $699 from www.bennetts.com | | Weaknesses: |
Front fork is a little noisy. Rattles, will try to lube it. | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein Mantra (Sport?) | | Bike Setup: |
Stock.
Had to have the seatpost cut down 1/2 to get the seat height right.
Inner tubes sections slipped over the coils. The front was a pain in the a**. Had to completely remove the shock to get enough access. But still looks good. (Black stretched tightly over anything makes it look good, case in point Catwoman.) | | Bottom Line: | This is my first ride on a full suspension bike. I weigh 218 lbs. I like this bike alot.
I can ride this bike much faster on a trail that is slightly uphill to level to downhill than my hardtail Univega Team Alpina. Climbs about the same as my Univega. Both bikes weigh the same at 27.5lbs (Large size 18 frame) before bottle cages, saddle bag, frame pump. Climbing out of the saddle does cause pogo-ing, but I'm just begining to tune the suspension. I prefer to climb in the saddle most of the time anyway. On steep climbs, rear wheel does seem to grip better than the hardtail, but is probably due to much newer tires on the new bike.
Longish top tube allows varying riding position for comfort on long rides.
The stock springs are spec'ed for a lighter rider, but I have not bottomed out yet even with very light pre-load settings.I've been riding mountain bikes since 1987 recreational, commuting, touring, and I'm still amazed at the continuing innovation. This bike is so much more bang for the buck than my first mtb a Trek 950 (which I thought was a fine bike (until it ran into a car with me on it :-))). The new bike weighs 2.5lbs less, has better components, and the uncomparable full suspension. The new bike does cost $150 unadjusted more.
Better than the Nishiki Alien that followed. The Nishiki had a flexy rear and long top tube which made it one of my most comfortable rides. The new bike is lighter and more comfortable and yet has a laterally stiffer rear end so I don't waste as much energy. The Alien was a great ride until it got stolen :-(. I will meet those motherf***ers who stole my bike in Hell and kick my flaming foot up their flaming a**es.I think all the poor reviews here on this bike has actually driven the price down. For that I thank all the people who have given this bike a poor review. I for one love this bike and will keep you posted on the longterm test ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ErikR
a Cross-Country Rider
from Msla, MT
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff alum. Price, Reasonably light, handles any conditions well, great singletracker. | | Weaknesses: |
Poor quality parts spec. Paint chips easily, crude bushings. Irvine Bike Source. | | Similar Products Used: |
Schwinn FS, Specialized entire line (xc is the best), Giant, Trek FS, Klien FS | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money! Cover the shocks with an old inner tube (doh). A fine ride for anyone who wants a good FS cross-country bike, and who's willing to maintain it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Evans
a Cross-Country Rider
from Flint, Mi
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Highland Rec | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
climbing
quick steering ability
geometry | | Weaknesses: |
noleen shocks | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized comp | | Bottom Line: | Love this bike. I have changed quite a few components on it. Easton CT-2 carbon bar, Lp composite braid bar ends, Spinergy Spox, Race Face next lp crank, Titec carbon seatpost, Squadra seat, Risse Racing Astro-5 rear shock and Risse Gen shock up front. These shocks are awesome. They don't even compare at all to the heavy creaky noleens. The astro has on the fly 5 position damping control. The noleen nr-2's didn't really even have a noticable difference in damping with the adjustment. any how the rest of the 857 which I did keep , I love. I simply got rid of the stuff I didn't like. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
travis hoft
a cross-country rider
from nutley, nj usa
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i love the bike (857 expert series) it has done wonders when i race crosscountry and i love the suspension and i dont ride on easy tracks. the overall product is great and i cant wait till the season rolls around | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donal Fitterer
a cross-country rider
from Ithaca, NY
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Owned the 857 for two years. Have blown the rear shock and now the front shock is gone. Building up a custom bike and going to put the elite fork onto that bike. Going to a hardtail with a suspension seatpost. I had a great time with this bike when I wasn't going up steep hills or down steep technical hills. I did not enjoy racing it either. Weekend trail riding was great and I could ride over the roughest sections without wasting my back. Sucks as race bike cause of weight and the XT gearing didn't work well under serious gear changes. Lost alot time to chain suck. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a cross-country rider
from Gloucester
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a Pro-Flex 857 for about 18 months, and have done more than 7000 miles on it with out a single problem. I think that the 857 totaly kicks butt and I will continue to ride mine for at least another 7000 miles! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy J. Han
a cross-country rider
from Orlando, FL
Date Reviewed: February 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have this bike for over a 6 month, and very happy with it. It has good handling and suspention. I never had any problem with NR2 shocks yet. This is not the lightest bike avaible, but it is alaround everyday bike. Great Bike. One question? Anybody know how to upgrade the pivots from busing to ball baring? Please give me an info. Thank you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Boehm
a weekend warrior
from Eden Prairie, MN
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I am 6'2 190 pounds and I love this bike. I have been riding for a year in the Twin Cities and in Wisconsin. The fork does not flex like my Rockshock. No problems with the shocks yet, I stretch an old intertube over them to keep out the dirt. It also climbs very well for full suspension. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
XC-Boy
a cross-country rider
from Notts, Engaland
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got an 857 frame with the 98'NR2 shock for £399. It is a bargin price for that frame, the new shocks have got much better seals and mine has taken quite some hammering. I built it up from my old GT Zaskar components and I would recommend this frame to anyone who wants to get into XC but wants to ride full sus. I recently got some 98' Z1 Bombers up front and now this bike is as able as much costlier DH/XC bikes. Build a bike yourself, it's loads better, pick and choose components yourself. Look around this great site for advice, and get yourself an 857 frameset for next to nothing! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross
a cross-country rider
from Great Britain
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my Proflex! This bike is absolutely amazing, it handles single track like no other bike I have ridden (and I have riden alot of bikes). It climbs well and is very easy to ride all day. I have Judy XC's on mine, and in a couple of days I should have my Hope disc brake on it too. Proflex/K2 have been excellent in answering any questions I have had about my bike and have a top web site with all the info you will ever need (and the excellent Tech Forum). The only downer is that it is hard to fit a rear disc to it, a Hope has to be used with the universal rear mount system, or a home made rear mount used (Thanks Hammer!)(If you want any info on it e-mail me). An absolute clasic like its brother the 856. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Andreadis
a weekend warrior
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned my 857 for about 9 months now. The bike performs well. Handling is great, and after dialing in the suspension, it has been a sweet ride. I haven't had any issues with blown shocks (and I weigh in @ over 210 lbs.) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a cross-country rider
from indianapolis, in
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 857 for about a year now. I have nothing to say but good things about the Proflex frameset (read frame and fork). Other than one exploded rear shock, there have been no problems with the frameset. The SHIMANO components on the other hand have been the REAL problem. In a 3 month time span i have had to replace a BB, Front derailleur, XT cassette, and rear hub. On one extremely bad crash (not for me, but for the bike) the only problem was the Titec handlebar bending. Other than Shimano (for the most part) failures the 857 is awesome for hard core riding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Simpson
a cross-country rider
from ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The 857 is a well engineered, well performing bike. The high points are the fork and the climbing. The fork tracks very well and is very plush. Climbing is a treat. The rear soaks up roots, rocks, just about all lumps and bumps when going up. The down sides to this bike are weight and low speed handling. I'm having a hell of a time trying to bet it even close to 27lbs. It started out at 30.5 lbs, bought Crossmax and that dropped it to 28.5. At low speeds, the bike tends to bump and jump around. The best way to deal with this is use power through teh rough bits.
Finally, a note to all those that have terrible times with their rear shocks. I've read loads of articles from people complaining about breaking shock shafts and leaking oil. These shocks should not break! The rear swingarm is so stiff that it doesn't allow lateral motion of the rear. The only reason for this problem is that you're not maintaining your bikes properly. Keep the swingarm pivots tightened according to the manufacturer's specifications. Secondly, cleanliness is next to godliness. yes, a bit of oil on the shaft is normal, but if you don't protect the shaft from dirt, mud, pebbles, etc, it will be damaged. So make a little fabric cover for both shocks. I did and on muddy rides, I just take them off ofterwards and the shocks is sparkling clean.
I'm sick of people complaining about malfunctions when they don't properly maintain their bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cam
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ATTEN: To all the people that are pissed with their Proflex;
I love these bikes, and could not bust anything if I tried, I had one for a little while, but it was, well, taken back. I want to buy a used (but not abused) Proflex 857. I dont care if you had problems with the shocks and had to replace them as long as it has paint and the pivots dont squeek. I also have a Kona I could trade...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a cross-country rider
from North Jersey
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just an update to my earlier 5 star rating....after 12 weeks of riding and 1 race my rear shock exploded.The shaft snapped.I am 170 lbs and ride aggressivly but I don't launch over every rock and log. K2 assured me the new NR-2's have been upgraded. My brother just blew out a NR-1 and the replacement was beefier.I'll let you know how quick the new one comes and how it holds up.Subtract 1 star. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Ordiway
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a 1997 ProFlex 857. My experiences with other full suspensions are from owning a Canondale Super V (aluminum trailing arm vintage), and a Trek Y bike.Pros: The dig-in suspension is not just hype. When you get in the small chainring, the rear suspension pushes the rear wheel down, giving you more traction. It was particularly noticeable when I first got the bike. Now I am used to it. The suspension is really active - it suspends you when you pedal, when you brake, etc. I now prefer this kind of suspension. The front fork is one of the reasons I chose the bike. It steers with much more precision than telescoping forks, but not as well as the Canondale. Almost zero maintenance on the fork, too. Reliability of the bike as a whole, after 15 months of frequent use has been great.Cons: Not the lightest FS you can get. The Trek was noticably lighter. It can be a noisy bike. The front fork requires lubrication, my shocks were very squeaky until they broke in (took months), and big aluminum amplifies every noise (Canondale did the same). I have persevered through these, though, and now the bike is acutally very quiet. The fork is probably less hassle than leaky telescoping forks that require professional maintenance. The bike came with the LX silent clutch rear hub, ironically enough. Frame construction is not sexy, but it works - the frame is not flexy. Some of the pivots look like nothing more than a bolt through the frame. Also, don't get this fork if you like to ride no-handed: you can't for long. Take a test ride if you don't believe me, but wear a helmet and don't blame me for what happens.Overall: Practical cross country bike that climbs and steers great, does it a little different than other bikes do, and has a few easy to live with quirks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Distugusted
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 857 for about 1.5 yrs. Words cannot describe how poorly designed this bike is. I've blown 2 rear shocks (while climbing). I weigh 150lbs. Neither end has the slightest hint of rebound damping. But hey, not to fret, there is so much stiction in both ends that you can pretend it's grossly over damped in compression. On the subject of suspension: My hardtail is more pleasant to ride. Durability: poor-things just keep falling off and / or breaking. Maintainance: I'm constantly stuggling to keep the thing even rideable. Weight: marginal.
As someone who has been riding/racing mountain bikes for almost 10 years I can say that this bike actually takes the fun out! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NITZY
a cross-country rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased my Proflex about 2 months ago, and have already broken the rear shock. The dampening went and then a few minutes later the piston cracked. The geometry of the bike is excellent, but the quality (R&D)is lacking. I weigh a svelte 170 pounds and find the broken shock unacceptable. I would not recommend the bike to anyone who really rides. If you are a poseur, it looks damn nice. I just put a Stratos Expert shock on the rear and will keep you posted on the durability. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a weekend warrior
from Georiga
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have to say it's one of the best rides going. Plush-active- and responsive XC bike sum it all up. I do understand that some people have had problems with the NR2s and ti this I recommend lizard skins shock boot. and to the rest bla bla bla just ride.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a weekend warrior
from So Cal
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Now I have read the review above....well, I have no complain about the bike's handling. I have it for a year now. This full suspension climbs better than some hardtails. However, it does suffer from a less rigid frame on rocky downhill. hey, it is a good cross country f/s bike! As far as the blown Norleens..?? well, maybe mine is done as well. The rear really has no damping now. heck, I say it's time to switch to a Pizo stuff. Or have someone tried the air shocks on this bike I would like to know how it goes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barry
a cross-country rider
from Louisiana
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I use to have the 756 but after three broken swing arms and a broken frame(that's how i got an upgrade to this 857 for 600.00).
it has not even been a year and i have broken two shocks in half on the rear and blown one seal not to mention the three shocks i have blown on the front fork.Proflex has always stood behind there bikes but with the broken shocks i am out in the cold! i think it is a flaw with the bike design!!!
my advice buy somthing you don't have to warranty all the time and if you crash,it is because of you and not the bike breaking!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Packie
a cross-country rider
from Northern NJ
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recieved my bike 6 weeks ago after beating on a steel Stumpjumper for 3 years and I am loving this thing!!Climbing...especially rocky rooted technical stuff I love is outstanding!!No leaks on the NR-2's(knock on wood).After dialing them in it has given me great performance...it was like buying skills.On tight singletrack I can fly and the bike eats anything that used to throw my hardtail around.The best part is my 34 year old lower back doesn't mind hammering around for 20-25 mile jaunts with my younger(8 & 10 years)brothers.Great bike!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Drake
a racer
from oragon us
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i am 14 almost15 and thsi is the first mountain bike i got
this bike really kickes it
good
speed
and the shocks well
what can i say they rock and
also even though i do not have a lot of experence in mountain bikeing i am hoping that i can count on those that do to teach me the ropes so to speek
e-mail me if u think u can helpthank u a lot
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KP
a weekend warrior
from Camarillo, CA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 857 for a couple of months now. It's an exceptionally smooth ride over most of the bumps but trys to throw me over the bars like a wild bull at times. The front end tends to dive into holes and plant itself like a freaking tree. The big bumps can be hairy but if I keep the speed I can usually blast through. Just hang onto your ass. Hill climbing is a breeze. The bike doesn't bob at all. The shocks work great. No leaks, no blow outs, nothing. The front fork is a little hard to adjust though. I'm really stoked about the overall perfomance. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugh LePage
a cross-country rider
from Montreal, ( Shawbridge ) Canada
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought my 857 from a Mass. bike shop that was blowing them out at 1125.00 USF
and just received it last week. If you buy one of these I strongly suggest
taking it apart and reasembeling it with a quality teflon grease such as
Finish Line. I bought the grease gun with the needle tip as well. Being a
machinist I appreciate the need for preventative maintenance and a bike of
this complexity requires more that the average hard tail. ( But well worth
it ). I am aware of the Noleens poor record and within the first ride the
shock shaft seems to have gotten a superficial ding from flying rock or
something. I may install a small gaurd to keep crud off the shockshaft
which I believe causes premature seal failure so often mentioned on this
model. ( the 957 used an NR-4 with the shaft on the frame side and not
pointing down at the wheel as the 857's NR-2 ) Upgrades for now have been
a Thomson seat post with a Flight saddle. The wieght is a very respectable
26.0 lbs and I may install a titanium B.B. and run lighter tubes / tires later
this summer. As for the ride this is the first full suspension bike I have ever
owned and am pleasantly surprised by stability, comfort, and speed I can
acheive compared to my alu. hard tail Mongoose ( same weight by the way ).
( If you can spin and be light about it you will not bob!)
Basically a great buy for the price, requires above average tinkering / fuss
but great for saving your back and finishing your ride as fresh as when
you started. Good for an old fart like me.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cris
a cross-country rider
from wash.
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My initial feelings for the bike were excellent. That was before the six blown shocks and one snapped rear shock that took out my frame. Proflex did stand behind their product and everything was replaced very quickly. The only other complaint about the bike is extreme susspension feed back in the granny gears. You have one of these bikes sell it quickly. I now own a specialized FSR and it kicks the 857's @$%&. I have owned the FSR for the same amount of time without a problem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Sacramento, California
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 857 with great expectaions. The sales rep. sold me on it. What a mistake. I had both sets of Norleen shocks replace twice due to leakage. The bike overall is okay but I lost all faith in the Proflex product. I sold it after changing the second set of shocks. I recently bought a Klein and love it. No shock problems at all. The bike shop that sold me the 857 no longer carries the Proflex line. They couldn't stand behind the product. Don't buy one or you'll be sorry. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KC
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Been with me 4 almost a year, upgraded it with magura brakes. Wonderful bike, doesn't bob when climbing. Good handling too. The shocks works great too, no problems with them if you ride normal XC. Set up the fork right & u can enjoy a great ride with this wonderful bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a weekend warrior
from Mass
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After 100 miles the rear shock died- the bottom pin bent and the shock fell off. I think it was a defective shock anyway- there was no rebound adjustment on the NR-2. Luckily I was going slow and didn't hurt myself. I took it back to the dealer, and had the bike back in 4 days with a brand new shock- not a rebuilt one. No questions asked, no money spent. Ride quality is awesome, no pogoing, and it makes me ride faster and therefore I have more fun. If you got the dough, |
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