What Proflex bike have I just bought?

[mk one]

Mk1 that's interesting....indeed I had one of these...and that has the rear-attached swing arm. I assumed that the longer rear triangle would present a better axle path and plusher rise but you think not so? interesting.

I had an 856 as well, the design i thought was pretty much sorted, was disappointed when they moved the swingarm pivot forward. Im not sure why but the rear mounted design seemed more responsive and more independent of the front triangle, whereas the forward mounted one seemed to fold the bike more and was noticeable more at the front, maybe just me but the older design felt better.

 

[2manyoranges]

No I think you are onto something. I can understand the 'folding thing'; older car suspension designs working on long swing arms but noticeably modern competition cars work on having highly compact suspension components, supporting the suspended mass from the corners. That way you get maximum float and minimum interactions with the suspended mass.

 

[sparkybhp]

Thanks for confirming the model year, good to know.
As for the rear swing arm, bike manufacturers were still developing and experimenting with suspension design back in the 90’s weren’t they? I know on a race or Mx motorcycle a longer swing arm is often desirable. Suspension technology does baffle me a bit though but wouldn’t a longer swing arm give the same wheelbase but increased suspension travel?

 

[mk one]

I think it also has something to do with the main pivot in relation to the bb, i can remember that moving it in front bought about various issues, Orange i think was one of the first to find a 'sweet spot' for forward placed pivots.

And 2manyoranges, yes i think having the suspension active and independent of the main mass is the ideal, something the 4-bar design with the Horst Link sort of achieved.

 

[Natron]

Cheers from across the pond. I just purchased this k2 proflex 3000 for $200 us. The bike felt fairly snappy so I decided to strip the frame powdercoat it and build it up with parts I have lying around.

Keep us posted on your build.

Best

Nate

 

[sparkybhp]

Nice one @Natron, what colour powder coat did you go for on the frame? I’m thinking red for mine with black forks.
Post a pic up when you get done

 

[mk one]

Proflex's look so much better polished in my opinion.

 

[sparkybhp]

Now there’s an idea..

 

[sparkybhp]

Chucked these Ovation wheels on with some IRC tyres this morning, anyone else think this suits the bike better?