Mountain Biking - What happened to Girvin/Pro-Flex?
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View Full Version : What happened to Girvin/Pro-Flex?
04-30-05, 09:26 AM
I've been out of the bike loop for about 7 years (basically, while i was doing my Bachelors and Masters degrees). Originally from Vancouver, now living in New York. Anyway, i'm finally getting back into biking. I remember back in the day, i lusted after a Pro-Flex ride, or maybe just a Girvin Vector fork to put onto my StumpJumper.
I did a google this morning, and Pro-Flex and Girvin seem to have vanished.. Did they go bankrupt? I really liked the design and thinking behind the linkage Girvin Vector fork..
Thanks if anyone knows!!
:)
-robin
I did a google this morning, and Pro-Flex and Girvin seem to have vanished.. Did they go bankrupt? I really liked the design and thinking behind the linkage Girvin Vector fork..
Thanks if anyone knows!!
:)
-robin
Dannihilator
04-30-05, 09:33 AM
Pro-Flex and Girvin couldn't keep up with the industry and tanked.
04-30-05, 09:39 AM
How do you mean couldn't keep up? Pricing? Suspension tech?
Going into a bike shop for the first time in 7 years, it's amazing how mountain bikes have changed. Back in the mid 90's, a high end mountain bike was an elegant looking thing, hardtail usually, with an ultralight frame, svelte looking parts, and a 2.7" travel fork. Now, high end mountain bikes look like motocross bikes! They are built like tanks.. are those 4" tires on there? :p
It's going to take some getting used to. My old Tange Prestige Stumpjumper with the Softride stem is scared ;)
Going into a bike shop for the first time in 7 years, it's amazing how mountain bikes have changed. Back in the mid 90's, a high end mountain bike was an elegant looking thing, hardtail usually, with an ultralight frame, svelte looking parts, and a 2.7" travel fork. Now, high end mountain bikes look like motocross bikes! They are built like tanks.. are those 4" tires on there? :p
It's going to take some getting used to. My old Tange Prestige Stumpjumper with the Softride stem is scared ;)
Karldar
04-30-05, 09:54 AM
Buddy of mine had a Proflex in the Army when we were stationed in Germany. He was constantly working on it--ordering parts he had broken, trying to pinpoint the numerous squeakings. Plus, his was all elastomer suspension, IIRC. Wore out quick. Lots of play in the linkage. It would've served him better on the wall as a conversation piece than on the trails. OTOH, I'm sure you could pick one up for cheap-if you can find one. Then, and now, I would recommend pretty much any other bike.
04-30-05, 09:58 AM
Interesting. I guess it was a good thing i didn't blow all my savings on one back then like i was thinking of doing!
Karldar
04-30-05, 10:39 AM
Interesting. I guess it was a good thing i didn't blow all my savings on one back then like i was thinking of doing!
Yeah, this guy was the type that always jumps in with both feet, whether there's a river at the bottom of the cliff or nice sharp rocks. Pro-flex was so hyped up and so new that he had to have it. We were all awe-struck at first(having HT's only at that point), but the subsequent failings of the bike sobered us up.
Yeah, this guy was the type that always jumps in with both feet, whether there's a river at the bottom of the cliff or nice sharp rocks. Pro-flex was so hyped up and so new that he had to have it. We were all awe-struck at first(having HT's only at that point), but the subsequent failings of the bike sobered us up.
white lobster
04-30-05, 05:49 PM
The Girvin fork was a pretty cool thing when it came out. This was before one-piece lower leg castings, and the Girvin was arguably much stiffer laterally than anything else on the market.
K2 bought Pro-Flex way back in the day, but didn't do much with the brand. You can still get Pro-Flex parts (usually the bumpers that crack) from K2.
K2 bought Pro-Flex way back in the day, but didn't do much with the brand. You can still get Pro-Flex parts (usually the bumpers that crack) from K2.
khuon
04-30-05, 05:54 PM
Girvin/Pro-Flex/Noleen was purchased by K2 back around 1996. They're still doing well for themselves. If you're interested, check out the K2+Pro-Flex Riders Group website (http://www.idriders.com/proflex/). K2's bike website can be found at:
http://www.k2bikes.com/
Although the original poster probably created this thread as a result, for those that haven't seen it before... regarding the Girvin forks go, check out my recent post on the CrossLink forks (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=1113996&postcount=15).
http://www.k2bikes.com/
Although the original poster probably created this thread as a result, for those that haven't seen it before... regarding the Girvin forks go, check out my recent post on the CrossLink forks (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=1113996&postcount=15).
swifferman
04-30-05, 06:04 PM
How do you mean couldn't keep up? Pricing? Suspension tech?
Going into a bike shop for the first time in 7 years, it's amazing how mountain bikes have changed. Back in the mid 90's, a high end mountain bike was an elegant looking thing, hardtail usually, with an ultralight frame, svelte looking parts, and a 2.7" travel fork. Now, high end mountain bikes look like motocross bikes! They are built like tanks.. are those 4" tires on there? :p
It's going to take some getting used to. My old Tange Prestige Stumpjumper with the Softride stem is scared ;)
High end bikes don't look like motocross bikes now, only freeride/downhill bikes :D!
Check out the Specialized Epic and S-Works and the Trek Fuel series and the Kona Kula Deluxe. Racing hard tails that look like you mentioned above. The Epic especially!
Going into a bike shop for the first time in 7 years, it's amazing how mountain bikes have changed. Back in the mid 90's, a high end mountain bike was an elegant looking thing, hardtail usually, with an ultralight frame, svelte looking parts, and a 2.7" travel fork. Now, high end mountain bikes look like motocross bikes! They are built like tanks.. are those 4" tires on there? :p
It's going to take some getting used to. My old Tange Prestige Stumpjumper with the Softride stem is scared ;)
High end bikes don't look like motocross bikes now, only freeride/downhill bikes :D!
Check out the Specialized Epic and S-Works and the Trek Fuel series and the Kona Kula Deluxe. Racing hard tails that look like you mentioned above. The Epic especially!
DRJ1971
06-22-05, 01:38 PM
I know this is an old thread but Ive just gotta say..I havent riden for a while due to several factors but I just took my trusting mtn bike out for a spin and I must say the Girvin Vector 2 is still one of the best forks ever!!! So stiff, light and great control and feel. If anyone knows of a place to get replacement elastomers please let me know. Mine are still fine but Im dreading the day they kick the bucket. Old school Mountain Cycle MOHO with Girvin Vector 2. This old bike is proving to still be da bomb.
khuon
06-22-05, 01:42 PM
I know this is an old thread but Ive just gotta say..I havent riden for a while due to several factors but I just took my trusting mtn bike out for a spin and I must say the Girvin Vector 2 is still one of the best forks ever!!! So stiff, light and great control and feel. If anyone knows of a place to get replacement elastomers please let me know. Mine are still fine but Im dreading the day they kick the bucket. Old school Mountain Cycle MOHO with Girvin Vector 2. This old bike is proving to still be da bomb.
This link (https://secure13.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=k2parts&BusType=BtoC&Count1=277172267&Count2=194312691) was posted in the K2+Pro-Flex Rider's Group Forum (http://idriders.com/cgi-bin/YaBB_K2/YaBB.pl?board=news).
This link (https://secure13.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=k2parts&BusType=BtoC&Count1=277172267&Count2=194312691) was posted in the K2+Pro-Flex Rider's Group Forum (http://idriders.com/cgi-bin/YaBB_K2/YaBB.pl?board=news).
anthonaut
06-23-05, 04:58 AM
Awesome avatar, robo.
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