'95 Proflex Attack

[GasmanLS7]

Hi Guys, new to the forum but always been into bikes. I am on Pinkbike and have a fairly new Trek, also a 2015 model Cannondale Synapse that I resprayed with ‘Rothmans’ livery. I have been on many car forums and always done build thread type posts but never considered it for bikes. I wasn’t really into the retro side of things until someone showed me a Klein Mantra and I thought ‘I remember them, how cool.’ I then remembered I still have my dads Proflex Attack Series and thought it deserved some love. Initially thought I’d just clean it, but after the nostalgia kicked in decided to build a retro, 90’s personified MTB. So here’s the bike when I started, few chips scratches etc but in full working order.

The bike was bought from Stiff cycles in Leeds in 1995 for the princely sum of £1100. Sourced some period crosslink forks to complete the look (will be keeping the RST’s though as they are far better and I’d like to be able to put it back to original one day).

 

[GasmanLS7]

Re:

Was adamant I wanted some 4, 5 or 6 spoke wheels. Originally wanted the spinergy 4 spokes but after reading the horror stories and struggling to find any I settled on some Bassano Grimeca 2000 Series wheels.

Obviously the colour scheme didn’t match the look I was going for. Tyres were cool but knackered.

First attempt at removing the decals... unsuccessful.

Didn't go well so got the steam cleaner out.

 

[GasmanLS7]

Re:

Decals stuck down on paper and dimensioned.

I’m not particularly creative but luckily I have a friend who is a graphic designer. So I scanned these in in and he was able to replicate them ready for printing.

He also tried them in a new colour scheme that would arguably look better on the bike, more in keeping with the theme.

Was a tough decision but decided to go with the first for originality.

 

[garyoneill]

Good job with the decals, i have a couple of unusual graphics that I steamed off a frame before re-painting it. May stick them on some paper and go down the Photoshop route as well

 

[GasmanLS7]

Good job with the decals, i have a couple of unusual graphics that I steamed off a frame before re-painting it. May stick them on some paper and go down the Photoshop route as well

Cheers, I made some glaringly obvious errors such as the black writing on black wheels, but they are looking pretty good now that's sorted. Pretty handy being able to change up the theme in minutes too.

Wheel painted gloss black, rim sanded.

Test fit with tyres, happy with the look.

Heading to Sherwood Pines next week so hoping to have the bike fully finished before then, not much to do now!

 

[GasmanLS7]

Removed the downhill handlebars (bought from an MTB roadshow in the 90s )

Decided they weren't in keeping with the theme. I may still have the originals somewhere but decided just to paint these for now

 

[GasmanLS7]

Re:

Freewheel needed replacing

Freewheel and decals on

Handlebars painted, new grips fitted (love that they have a P that almost matches the Proflex logo) and ready for the trails!

 

[garyoneill]

looking good

 

[GasmanLS7]

Re:

Out on the trails at Sherwood Pines, loved every minute, bike worked perfectly and got a lot of people asking questions/showing admiration. Fun times!

 

[tIB]

How did you remove the freewheel? I've got a pair of similar wheels and mine appears to be seized on- tried two removal tools and both spin as opposed to remove.