1996 Saracen Tufftrax. STX Groupset. Ritchey Finishing Kit. Original Factory Specification.

[Wobblyfish]

I have seen a few on here, so apologies to those who may class this as nowt new.
Likewise I'm not in any way trying to compete, or compare this one to others beforehand.

I think I've gotten this one pretty close to catalogue spec, so I thought I wouldn't offend anyone, and maybe just a couple of readers would be interested in it being pretty much stock original. I'm aware that droves of XT fans will wander off indifferently disinterested, but as with my other post a while back, I'm a firm believer that there is still a time and a place for stock original components even if they never were particularly high spec'.

Some had Saracen branded bars, and bar ends. Some had Tioga aheadsets.
I just like the fact this one has matched Ritchey Force Directional stem & bars. Also a Ritchey Logic aheadset, which add a nice touch alongside the original Z-Max 2.1 tan wall tyres.

I don't mind STX kit. I never was a hard-core rider, and when set up correctly and maintained well it's still a nice, smooth set up. I see no reason to throw a bunch of Deore at it, even if mainy others hang their head in disdain. The canti's are branded Alivio, and as per catalogue so again I refrained from either putting some black STX on that I have, or putting better V brakes on it. The STX levers, and Jagwire blocks stop it well enough.

Besides that, I just think the paint job is amazing, and it makes me smile every time.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

I see no need to defend your choices; fine looking cycle, and I actually like STX quite a bit. It seems less delicate than the fancier stuff, and I enjoy the rugged look. The metal bits polish up better than black plastic.

it makes me smile every time.

That is what is important. Forget the critics

 

[CassidyAce]

Lovely paint. STX is fine with me: hard-wearing, does the job.
(But I cannot see myself ever, ever liking cantilever brakes. The brakes of the devil . . . But, hush. I think it's heresy around here.)

 

[prezza]

Had one of these myself recently. Sold it to someone on here.
Search on my name and you’ll find the thread.

Lovely bike, lighter than you’d expect and boy that purple is fantastic in the flesh!

Only sold it to make way for the Kili Teamim finishing…

Looks great

 

[Wobblyfish]

Had one of these myself recently. Sold it to someone on here.
Search on my name and you’ll find the thread.

Lovely bike, lighter than you’d expect and boy that purple is fantastic in the flesh!

Only sold it to make way for the Kili Teamim finishing…

Looks great

Nice work. Appreciate the effort you put into that bike.
It's always sad to let them go, but there's always another project to get on with.
I can't afford to keep mine forever either, nor have the space. I'm going to ride it a bit more now the weather is nicer. In the meantime I still need to find Saracen bar ends, or polish out the scuffs on these. I've got the original Tioga toe straps, and will acquire some Surefoot pedals before I'll class this as properly finished, and then it can maybe find a new home.
Good luck with the Kili Team pal.

 

[Wobblyfish]

Lovely paint. STX is fine with me: hard-wearing, does the job.
(But I cannot see myself ever, ever liking cantilever brakes. The brakes of the devil . . . But, hush. I think it's heresy around here.)

Thanks for the kind words. I don't ride this in anger anymore, so it won't be going anywhere that'll push the cantilever brakes out their comfort zone!

 

[Wobblyfish]

I see no need to defend your choices; fine looking cycle, and I actually like STX quite a bit. It seems less delicate than the fancier stuff, and I enjoy the rugged look. The metal bits polish up better than black plastic.

That is what is important. Forget the critics

It's nice to know there are at least a few people out there who don't mind a bit of STX still. I've got some Deore LX on an old Kona, and whilst it rides lovely, it just doesn't look lovely, nor make the metallic burgundy on that pop like this does.
I guess it's a bit like older American cars with candy paint jobs and lots of chrome. I've got a satin finish red Kona Shred that looks terrible with anything shiny on it.
Horses for courses.
I'm happy with this as it is, and it loves a sunny day.

 

[Chopper the ex Copper]

Great bike. I love the Ergo Ring grips.

STX and STX RC are strangely alluring, nothing to be ashmed of at all. Not too expensive, not too heavy, excellent performers, and the dark chrome finish on RC is rather saucy. I have RC on my own Saracen.