Early Saracen Lovers Anonymous......

[jhawkins]

Looks like a 1996 Saracen BackTrax frame.
Catalogue here : https://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/v/Manufacturer+Archive/Saracen/Catalogues/Saracen_1996.pdf.html

But maybe not.
Are those 700c wheels?

If so then it'll be later than that. I'll have a look at the 1999-2001 catalogues when I get a chance.

Thanks for the response! Yeah they are 700c wheels.
No problem, I'll have a look too!

 

[drystonepaul]

Thanks for the response! Yeah they are 700c wheels.
No problem, I'll have a look too!

Had another look at the 1996 catalogue and I think it's a Saracen Hy-Trail.

 

[steely_Jon]

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

 

[Paul muddy fox]

Love early Saracen. ESP trekker and tufftrax. Pink kili flyer

 

[Paul muddy fox]

Love the pink kili. Really jealous when someone not popular arrived at school on one. Then saw another cycling along this time by a popular chap. Same kili. Deore. Tange prestige.

 

[Caadhead2018]

Love the pink kili. Really jealous when someone not popular arrived at school on one. Then saw another cycling along this time by a popular chap. Same kili. Deore.

 

[Caadhead2018]

I picked this Saracen up the other day and cannot seem to find anything like it too date it or work out the model, I think I saw the same rear cable guide setup on an Eiger but this has a separate seat clamp not an integrated one it had a ridiculously long 1 1/8 quill stem without a built in cable guide which I've ditched. Seatpost diameter is 29.4 and it has F03 stamped on the BB. Anyone have a clue of year and model?

 

[Hezza]

Hi all,
I picked up my first Saracen today. A 1997 Hardtrax for the princely sum of £20. Was that a good deal? All looks original and matches the catalogue specs for that year except for the addition of black bar ends. The plan is to strip and service with new brake blocks and gear/brake cables along with a new seat. The BB feels fine but I will probably pull it and degrease the threads. Is there anything I should be aware of that is unusual on these bikes? Any pointers or advice would be appreciated

 

[Hezza]

Just finished pimping up! I know it won’t be to everyone’s taste but this is the bike I would have loved back in the day.

 

[brocklanders023]

Latest to arrive at my house. Tufftrax was an impulse buy, Traverse a freebie destined to the turbo.