I worked at K2 just after that acquisition on Vashon Island. I purchased an identical 957, and while I wasn’t crazy about the looks, that bike ride really well. The front virgin fork was way better feeling that the compatible manitou or rock shox at the time. Totally bad ass. Great bike. I still have the “Beast” custom “DH” bike with 6” of travel using a single pivot. Good 90’s innovation.
Ha. I have a Proflex 957. Bought it new back in the day. Think for around $2,300 which was a lot. Pretty high tech. Even carbon fiber rear derailleur. Hated the SRAM grip shifters. SRAM was still pretty new at the time. Swapped it out for XTR w/rapid fire shifters. Loved the front end feel and was a good climber. Brakes were ok...not great. Light for the time. Frame coating hasn't held up well either. Still ride it. Great to see a video on it...thx.
@@mihneaiancu8753 i got one in Central California for 100 bucks, a steal would be an understatement, RockShox Quadra 21r's, rear air to oil suspension,(forgot the brand, think it was a bike shop build) and linear pull rim brakes, i got it from a Korean guy who had it with his friend when they moved to america, he didn't speak good English, so i don't think he understood what exactly he was selling.
my biggest regret in life was selling my 857 I loved that bike put a lot a km on it. I'd still take it over a new bike anyday lol i know newer bikes are far better but i like older stuff and it was a great bike!
Back in the early 90s I bought a ProFlex 755. Loved it. To test drive it, I took it down some steps from a local school. It was winter. People thought I was nuts. I got it for $1000. Back then, outside of the hard core bikers, spending that much on a bike was crazy.
Properly set up v brakes were definitely one finger lockup. They were powerful brakes. You'd destroy a set of rims in a season with them if you rode a lot.
I have a proflex 4000 with electronic suspension and a carbon frame it's a 1995 it sold for 3500 back in the day it's by far the coolest bike I've ever owned
Got a 1995 Stumpjumper (A1 Alloy). Currently riding a y2k Specialized Enduro (converted to 1x, and full coil shocks F and R). Been riding it for 16 years and it still rips!
It is amazing to see the difference between bikes through the years! Im a bike mechanic myself, and I thinks that it is crazy to see how much of a difference there is from a bike today, and a only 19 years old bike. There had been changed alot in a few years. 19-20 years is a lot, but not that much again. :-)
remember seeing the odd one of those up in Peaks and the Cannondale Raven too, whilst I pootled about on my steel saracen, those were the days...7 hours riding on one bottle and a mars bar.
old bikes can be nearly as capably as the latest and greatest bikes costing thousands more if you have the skills to ride them. I have a $5,000 tomac carbide and a 1997 specialized ground control which I bought used for $60. obviously there is a difference in performance but I would never call my specialized shit. Often times I will even prefer to take the specialized out because of its fun and unique riding style
This is the bike I ride when I hit the trials. I got it off a neighbor for $100 and put a few hundred into it to be able to ride it. It's been a good bike.
Ha ha , I still have a "trick" Proflex XP-8 "way big" sizing thats just under 24lbs in weight. Had it from new and will probably never sell it. Just tooooo cool ! For proper biking you can't beat modern though.
Hey guys, I've bought one in france in 1997, for around 2500$ for only the body and fork, with carbon cranks, mavic crossmax rims, carbon fiber handbar and so on, I think it was around 4500$ for all ...in 1997. And you know what.... We are in 2020 and my proflex is always there, in my garage. I like it but I don't know how to restore all the suspension (hydraulics & pivots). I remember also the superlight weight: below 10 kgs, rather hard to get even now isn't it ?
With kool stop pads and proper adjustment cantilever brakes do function some designs sucked and single walls were common on entry bikes so the brakes would be loosened to compensate a bent wheel adjustment and quality has always been the problem on brakes not the type a handful of machine shops make perfect brakes in any type
That 957 is not factory spec unfortunately so it's weight of 29lbs is wrong... I owned a factory spec 957 and it was 24.3lbs with a claimed weight of 23lbs...the rear suspension was semi active due to the pivot point location so it would stiffen up in climbing... The forks are still the best feeling unit I have ever ridden and no modern telescopic fork can match it's rigidity and it's unique travel path makes it a very good feeling fork,let down only by it's limited travel.... If the 957 had 100- 120mm front and rear this bike would have been the best bike for a long time
Good review, but..... 29er is in fact a hybridbike and not a mountainbike. Doesnt matter howmuch effort you put in too geometry or commercial fairytales about 29er bikes, the are hybrids! Im a rider and mechanic for more than 25years, heard all the salesfairytales. All I can say is: DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE, 26" RULES ALL DAY LONG!
John Dow meanwhile you see me over here riding a bmx with no brakes XD. my dad has a proflex bike, I'm not sure if it's the same but the forks look just as wacky XD.
I had a way, way better 4" bike than that in ´97 with 1st / 2nd gen Hope retrofit discs & PACE RC96 coil spring carbon forks... The Proflex was a dinosaur even then... CF & coil springs did not modernise it from the elastomer monstrosity that preceded it...
Waddayamean almost get away with one finger braking? Set up correctly, you can get away with it even using the shittiest Vs. With proper pads, even in the mud. Some of the better cantilevers are also perfectly fine using just one finger. OK, for that, you need to set them up perfectly, or you need the best brake levers.
I worked at K2 just after that acquisition on Vashon Island. I purchased an identical 957, and while I wasn’t crazy about the looks, that bike ride really well. The front virgin fork was way better feeling that the compatible manitou or rock shox at the time. Totally bad ass. Great bike. I still have the “Beast” custom “DH” bike with 6” of travel using a single pivot. Good 90’s innovation.
Ha. I have a Proflex 957. Bought it new back in the day. Think for around $2,300 which was a lot. Pretty high tech. Even carbon fiber rear derailleur. Hated the SRAM grip shifters. SRAM was still pretty new at the time. Swapped it out for XTR w/rapid fire shifters. Loved the front end feel and was a good climber. Brakes were ok...not great. Light for the time. Frame coating hasn't held up well either. Still ride it. Great to see a video on it...thx.
David Smith just picked one up at my local thrift store for 40$ lol
MRSP in 1997 was $2,985 usd if anyone is wondering
+Charlie Seymour In today's dollars that's $4,409
Hansthehorrible man thats crazy
Charlie Seymour How much does that thing cost NOW ?
@@mihneaiancu8753 i got one in Central California for 100 bucks, a steal would be an understatement, RockShox Quadra 21r's, rear air to oil suspension,(forgot the brand, think it was a bike shop build) and linear pull rim brakes, i got it from a Korean guy who had it with his friend when they moved to america, he didn't speak good English, so i don't think he understood what exactly he was selling.
@@carsonp.7009 Fair enough I suppose 😁
my biggest regret in life was selling my 857 I loved that bike put a lot a km on it. I'd still take it over a new bike anyday lol i know newer bikes are far better but i like older stuff and it was a great bike!
Damn, it seems like no time has gone by since this was state of the art. I believe you featured it in your magazine. Cool bike think.
Back in the early 90s I bought a ProFlex 755. Loved it. To test drive it, I took it down some steps from a local school. It was winter. People thought I was nuts. I got it for $1000. Back then, outside of the hard core bikers, spending that much on a bike was crazy.
Many of my mates keep slagging off 80s and 90s bikes but without the experimentation of those decades they wouldn't have the bikes they ride today.
Very true. Don't fool with the old school kids !
I still have mine, in near perfect condition. completely stock except the saddle and handlebars
Properly set up v brakes were definitely one finger lockup. They were powerful brakes. You'd destroy a set of rims in a season with them if you rode a lot.
I have a proflex 4000 with electronic suspension and a carbon frame it's a 1995 it sold for 3500 back in the day it's by far the coolest bike I've ever owned
The first time I seen a pro flex mountain bike I was blown away I couldn’t believe how cool that thing look
I think we all agree that bikes have changed for the better
It's finally here! I've been so excited for this video.
i like the way for the 90's bike, we slipped back into imperial measurements too ;)
I had one and rode it everywhere. Even pulled of a 112 mile ride. Broke bones on it. Wish I still had it.
Got a 1995 Stumpjumper (A1 Alloy). Currently riding a y2k Specialized Enduro (converted to 1x, and full coil shocks F and R). Been riding it for 16 years and it still rips!
It is amazing to see the difference between bikes through the years! Im a bike mechanic myself, and I thinks that it is crazy to see how much of a difference there is from a bike today, and a only 19 years old bike. There had been changed alot in a few years. 19-20 years is a lot, but not that much again. :-)
remember seeing the odd one of those up in Peaks and the Cannondale Raven too, whilst I pootled about on my steel saracen, those were the days...7 hours riding on one bottle and a mars bar.
Drinking game: take a shot every time he says "trick"
He didn't mention the kick stand make and model....and where is it sold ??
Haha
I wonder how this bike would ride with a proper modern stem/bar combo. Say 70mm stem and 760 bars.
Less shit but still shit
Abstract Concrete
rides great I have one and did those updates. ride it the other day
old bikes can be nearly as capably as the latest and greatest bikes costing thousands more if you have the skills to ride them. I have a $5,000 tomac carbide and a 1997 specialized ground control which I bought used for $60. obviously there is a difference in performance but I would never call my specialized shit. Often times I will even prefer to take the specialized out because of its fun and unique riding style
it does amazing,
This is the bike I ride when I hit the trials. I got it off a neighbor for $100 and put a few hundred into it to be able to ride it. It's been a good bike.
I love those old Kooka cranks. I still have a set of them in Rasta colors!
Not orginal...
Ha ha , I still have a "trick" Proflex XP-8 "way big" sizing thats just under 24lbs in weight. Had it from new and will probably never sell it. Just tooooo cool ! For proper biking you can't beat modern though.
wow.,,,13 kg....and both my hardtail and fully are 15 kg,so yeah
i mean each weighs 15 kg
Looks flexy.
These days with decent pads you can definitely one-finger v brakes, most of the time. Gotta be setup well, however.
We have one of these gems as our shop bike!
Hey guys, I've bought one in france in 1997, for around 2500$ for only the body and fork, with carbon cranks, mavic crossmax rims, carbon fiber handbar and so on, I think it was around 4500$ for all ...in 1997. And you know what.... We are in 2020 and my proflex is always there, in my garage. I like it but I don't know how to restore all the suspension (hydraulics & pivots). I remember also the superlight weight: below 10 kgs, rather hard to get even now isn't it ?
I wanted this bike so bad, I had a stump jumper but wanted full suspension 👍
Got a 1997 kona muni-mula in my garage
With kool stop pads and proper adjustment cantilever brakes do function some designs sucked and single walls were common on entry bikes so the brakes would be loosened to compensate a bent wheel adjustment and quality has always been the problem on brakes not the type a handful of machine shops make perfect brakes in any type
Can someone count how many times Neil said trick I'm to lazy.
5
+ben green 4
I think the bike originally came with green 💚 Michelin Wild gripper tires
Plz do more of these retro videos they're sick
Looking for a rear drop out for mine.it was near a fire and the foam suspesion melted.the thing came with cris king headset
this bike is there too!
Mmmmm, memories :) Loooove the 90`s
Can you guys do a video on HOW TO SETUP A COIL SHOCK plz for us (beginner) downhill guys!
good gift
this days i saw a GT Lobo dh frame from 1998, very curious
That 957 is not factory spec unfortunately so it's weight of 29lbs is wrong... I owned a factory spec 957 and it was 24.3lbs with a claimed weight of 23lbs...the rear suspension was semi active due to the pivot point location so it would stiffen up in climbing... The forks are still the best feeling unit I have ever ridden and no modern telescopic fork can match it's rigidity and it's unique travel path makes it a very good feeling fork,let down only by it's limited travel.... If the 957 had 100- 120mm front and rear this bike would have been the best bike for a long time
i have a 97 proflex beast i got brand new for 1800 i think
I just bought one today at my local thrift shop for 40$...
Cycle experience in the south has one of these
I've got an ironhirse smith 2.0 with the same shock with k2 smart lock, anyone know a place where it could get recognized as I need to downsize
Can You please make a review of the GT RTS-1?? awesome channel!
I like the pro flex 1995
Good review, but..... 29er is in fact a hybridbike and not a mountainbike. Doesnt matter howmuch effort you put in too geometry or commercial fairytales about 29er bikes, the are hybrids! Im a rider and mechanic for more than 25years, heard all the salesfairytales. All I can say is: DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE, 26" RULES ALL DAY LONG!
Thats a pretty trick vedeo! Cheers!
I have on of those small accils will a new fork fit it
can you do a video on top 10 bike park's
do a specialized rockhopper
GCN and GMBN uploaded a video in the same minute
+Dr X Same office so probably had them set to release in same time in youtube.
+Pienimusta oh ok
i think people would love to see some bloopers... or something laidback probably??
do a specialized enduro 650 b
+Dyl Plays They did kinda Curtis Keenes 29er same difference though
I have one in red 😀😀
I a have a 1995 alpina 604-s
The guys who rode those bikes were crazy-hardcore. I cannot imagine riding a bike without disc brakes... Well, I can imagine it, bit I don't like it.
I still do
John Dow meanwhile you see me over here riding a bmx with no brakes XD. my dad has a proflex bike, I'm not sure if it's the same but the forks look just as wacky XD.
Balance F/S 750 PRO
Great bike, but I'd convert it to disc brakes.
I'd go with old one the new ones are so fimsy
Cool bike for a cool rider. You might want to look at something else...
I remeber the proflex being a huge joke at the time... mostly because of the fork... and the grip shit... And the pedal bob.
WHERE CAN I GET 1.....no reply......ok I get it.....bye.....
I just picked one up at my local thrift store for 40$
eBay
the pedals are still worth more than the bike now a days
+Tucker Steward They sell on ebay for £1000 .. they are collector's items now
Vax Buster interesting :D
Vax Buster
I'm keeping mine. great bike I still ride it, kept stock except for bars and stem
Vax there is one for sale for $500 in my area. i thought it was a joke until i seen this video
2
The Jockey wheels are shot
that a very weird looking front suspension
Unless it's competition then get new
way big
I had a way, way better 4" bike than that in ´97 with 1st / 2nd gen Hope retrofit discs & PACE RC96 coil spring carbon forks... The Proflex was a dinosaur even then... CF & coil springs did not modernise it from the elastomer monstrosity that preceded it...
It's lighter than my V10 hahahah
Waddayamean almost get away with one finger braking? Set up correctly, you can get away with it even using the shittiest Vs. With proper pads, even in the mud. Some of the better cantilevers are also perfectly fine using just one finger. OK, for that, you need to set them up perfectly, or you need the best brake levers.
the fact that that bike is lighter than mine makes me sad
i got the 755 proflex full suspention how mouch i can seller i whan $450 dollar that is ok o is to low is in very good condition
....plastic hub? ._.
Can you give away this bike
V-brakes came early 90's
First like
crappy 90's techno music
First
why am i watching this?
what an ugly bike hahaha