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1998 Saracen Kili Team
Picked this up a few weeks ago as a complete bike on eBay. Looking at the listing I could tell that it was a real mix of parts thrown onto what I hoped would be a nice frame.
I picked it up a few miles from home and brought it back to my workshop.
As expected most of the parts were worn out and/or unsuitable for the time period of the frame. The wheels were mismatched, tyres worn out and the low end RST forks seized almost solid.
Not to worry though, I bought it for the frame.
So I stripped it down, removed the over abundance of non Saracen stickers and generally cleaned it up a bit. Out of curiosity I thought I'd compare it to my 1997 Kili Comp frame.
The green 98 Kili Team is built from 7501 series Tange Prestige Concept cro-moly and weighs in at 2170 grams. The 97 Kili Comp is built from Reynolds 853 and comes in at pretty much spot on 2000 grams. Notable differences are the cable stops and the point at which the rear wishbone meets the seat-tube. It's about an inch lower on the newer frame.
Both frames have the lovely wishbone rear end. Having ridden and raced on the 853 frame I can report on how lively and compliant the rear triangle is. Fantastic for soaking up small bumps and vibrations.
With the RST forks only really fit for the bin, I had to find some forks.
I was toying with the idea of fitting some 1998 Bomber Z2 forks until I was offered something far more suitable.
Thanks to forum member 'konatime' I am now in possession of two sets of original Saracen segmented forks, one of which is the exact colour match for the Kili Team frame.
The blue fork on the left weighs in at 1060 grams while the slightly narrower green fork is about 960 grams in weight.
So this afternoon I built up the Kili Team using STX-RC components from 1998. Red DX pedals and the red Club Roost riser bar keeps with the late nineties components, style and aesthetics.
I've always been a fan of STX-RC for it's bombproof reliability and dependable performance. Overall I'm really pleased with how it's looking too.
I will also be building up some wheels using STX-RC hubs and Mavic 221 rims. The seatpost and stem will also be replaced in due course. The current stem is a about 10 - 20mm too long, and I think I'd prefer a silver post.
Really looking forward to test riding it soon too.
Picked this up a few weeks ago as a complete bike on eBay. Looking at the listing I could tell that it was a real mix of parts thrown onto what I hoped would be a nice frame.
I picked it up a few miles from home and brought it back to my workshop.
As expected most of the parts were worn out and/or unsuitable for the time period of the frame. The wheels were mismatched, tyres worn out and the low end RST forks seized almost solid.
Not to worry though, I bought it for the frame.
So I stripped it down, removed the over abundance of non Saracen stickers and generally cleaned it up a bit. Out of curiosity I thought I'd compare it to my 1997 Kili Comp frame.
The green 98 Kili Team is built from 7501 series Tange Prestige Concept cro-moly and weighs in at 2170 grams. The 97 Kili Comp is built from Reynolds 853 and comes in at pretty much spot on 2000 grams. Notable differences are the cable stops and the point at which the rear wishbone meets the seat-tube. It's about an inch lower on the newer frame.
Both frames have the lovely wishbone rear end. Having ridden and raced on the 853 frame I can report on how lively and compliant the rear triangle is. Fantastic for soaking up small bumps and vibrations.
With the RST forks only really fit for the bin, I had to find some forks.
I was toying with the idea of fitting some 1998 Bomber Z2 forks until I was offered something far more suitable.
Thanks to forum member 'konatime' I am now in possession of two sets of original Saracen segmented forks, one of which is the exact colour match for the Kili Team frame.
The blue fork on the left weighs in at 1060 grams while the slightly narrower green fork is about 960 grams in weight.
So this afternoon I built up the Kili Team using STX-RC components from 1998. Red DX pedals and the red Club Roost riser bar keeps with the late nineties components, style and aesthetics.
I've always been a fan of STX-RC for it's bombproof reliability and dependable performance. Overall I'm really pleased with how it's looking too.
I will also be building up some wheels using STX-RC hubs and Mavic 221 rims. The seatpost and stem will also be replaced in due course. The current stem is a about 10 - 20mm too long, and I think I'd prefer a silver post.
Really looking forward to test riding it soon too.
