1995 Saracen Protrax project

[pencilman77]

Hi,
Not sure if this is in the right bit, but this is my first post so please be gentle with me!
I have a mint original condition 1995 Saracen protrax, in racing green still with all the STX RC kit on it, apart from some as new deore dx sti shifters and currently slick tyres for communting.
i am looking to get this ready for some off roading again, new tyres obviously, but i am looking at some front suspension. Now does anyone know what size etc i need to look for? i have no idea what the headset size is etc and could do with some advice please!

 

[drystonepaul]

Hello and welcome.

The headset will be 1.1/8th inch Aheadset. Be aware though that the frame geometry is designed around a rigid fork or short travel suspension fork. Fitting a longer suspension fork will slacken out the head angle and effect the bikes handling.
How much depends on the length of the fork.

If you stick with less than 100mm of fork travel (but preferably closer to 80mm) then you shouldn't have too many issues.

The 1995 catalogue is here by the way: --> http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/v/M ... 5.pdf.html

The Pro Trax was at the top of Saracen's 'Sport' range and STX-RC is a good, reliable groupset.
I like it.

This thread clearly needs some pictures though...

 

[Bobmac892]

Nah you don't want to do that. Far too much hassle. Not that I'm looking for a saracen to work on myself but you should sell it and buy a new bike..... Might know someone that'd be interested....

Damn it, you lucky sod. Enjoy the project.

As for advice, get yourself on line to the various workshop instructions. Carefully undo, clean and re grease everything you can and ask advice, borrow tools for the stuff you can't. It's a great feeling rebuilding a bike and the old steel Saracens are a great place to start.

I should've never sold my Kili frame.

 

[pencilman77]

One little pic for you of the bike as it sits in my shed....

 

[legrandefromage]

Those rigid forks have a little bit of give in them that will take out some of the trail buzz so that and the bigger off road tyres will of already given you a more comfortable ride over what you have now.

Why not try a shorter stem with a bit of rise? And some 'riser' bars will bring the front of the bike up a bit. This will make it more comfortable for your first rides off road as the older 90's bikes are very race orientated (arse up in the air, head down). Then, with the bigger knobbly off road tyres you can assess if you actually need a suspension fork.

 

[pencilman77]

thanks for all the replies and help.
Maybe a decent set of knobblies (any good suggestions? prefer the amber skinwall look myself)
Also thinking maybe a selle italia flite might help complete the look?
Any other ideas?

 

[legrandefromage]

Thats already a nice saddle.

Amber wall tyres are few and far between. Many use Charge Splashbacks as a modern alternative

 

[Spudly]

Nice looking bike, i really like the look/styling of the early 90's saracen's, and as LGF said, splashbacks are a very good looking modern tyre, but, if youre going out in the mud over winter dont fit any, theyre awesome in the dry but should be called slidebacks in the wet lol !

 

[gregor]

Funny.............I bought one of these on Wednesday.

I don't like the look of the length of that seat post.

Mine has a little issue with it being seized in at the moment,I fear drastic measures will be needed.