So, here is my very early Saracen MTB. From my research, mainly undertaken on Retrobike it dates to 84. The 85 version is very similar at a glance but they are badged as Conquests and feature Shimano components.
If anyone could tell me anything about the bike, I would be very grateful. It pre-dates my other bikes considerably. If it is an 84, then I was 3 when it was made!
When I got the bike a few years ago, I was absolutely floored by the condition. It honestly looked like it hadn’t been used since the 80s; completely original apart from the tyres which had been swapped for some specialized off road ones that I promptly put on another bike. It’s actually so nice, I rarely use it beyond pottering around town and the odd New Forest trail. It’s lovely to ride, very upright and regal and visually reminiscent of the klunkers Gary Fisher and friends used to throw themselves down mountains on.
I don’t have any plans for the bike beyond replacing the tyres with something more period correct. The gear cables are a bit sluggish so they could do with being replaced. They are almost certainly the originals though so I have been reluctant to do this. I might just lube them to death and see if there is an improvement. I might also try a small front rack on the bike and recently ordered a Nitto one that I think will look good.
Some features of note include:
Reynold 521 lugged frame with Tange headset and presumably bottom bracket.
Brooks sprung B66 (like riding a sofa)
Suntour Mountech mechs
Sugino AT cranks
Nitto bar and stem
Suntour bear trap pedals. I have even got the reflectors for these in the shed somewhere.
Suntour Shifters
Suntour hubs
Dia Compe brakes
Original foam grips