bvachon29

I’ve been looking for a cheap “Dad” bike, something that has a qr rear axle to pull my sons burley. Came across this Pro-Flex Off-Road 252 that someone threw some road drops on. Thought it might make a cool retro “gravel” bike. Seller is asking $50, I’m assuming the elastomers are toast. Did a little digging and diy solutions seem to exist. Anything else to be on the lookout for? And lastly is it worth the money or move on to something else?

Erzulis Boat 

It's one of those bikes that are best owned by "those in the know", meaning someone that actually wants one, and has the elastomer thing figured out.

Without addressing the rear suspension (if needed) just adds expense and time for something that would not be the best choice for your stated application (trailer).

99% of the time, the cheap bicycles become expensive relative to their worth. It might work out fine, and it is different, and that's cool, but unless you really want it, I would pass.

bvachon29

Thanks for the reply! I think that's the reality check I was looking for. I think deep down I always thought they were cool and that's what was the main driving factor rather than looking into the practicality of actually owning one for the purpose that I'd be using the bike for.

m.c. 

It may just need something like this. https://suspensionforkparts.net/esho....html?page=all

Erzulis Boat 

If you are going to make a dedicated (axle mount) trailer bike, the less pivot/linkage points you have on the frameset the better.

DiabloScott

Best bikes for trailer or trailer-cycle pulling are unsprung MTBs.

wrk101

Paid $30 for this one a couple of days ago, obviously incomplete. But it has Deore DX components, Girvin suspension stem and a few other useful bits like thumb shifters.

Girvin Flexstem alone covers price paid, so I would call this a no brainer. In my case, I am looking at about $175 in parts, plus the value of the frame, if it has any. Would I pay $30 for $175? Of course!

I see bar end shifters on yours, so I would rate it a no brainer too. The. $50 asking price covers the bar end shifters. Basically, I'd look at it as a "parts kit" to build the drop bar conversion of your choice. Or ride it complete, you decide!

I am assuming your example is a lower end model, so the parts are not going to be as juicy. On the other hand, yours is complete and has those bar end shifters. Winner!

Rather than evaluating the entire bike, I look at parts. Once I comfortably cover the asking price, I'm a buyer. Too many buyers just look at the whole, and dismiss it. I'm often asked where I find parts. I typically find them in the form of an incomplete bike, or even a complete bike. Looking past shortcomings and spotting valuable parts is a skill worth getting.

bvachon29

Thanks everyone! All great points. I think I may still pick it up for the cool factor but for the hauling aspect I think I'll continue to keep looking!

clubman 

Oddly, this just appeared in my neighbourhood for $200. Note the missing elastomers on the rear suspension. I have to assume these are unobtanium?

bvachon29

This site was linked earlier in this thread, should have what you need. https://suspensionforkparts.net/esho....html?page=all

ncrnelson

I just bought your bike at the goodwill for $30

bvachon29

Was it the goodwill in Champlin? lol. Either way nice pick up! How's the bike overall?