What to build up next? With poll!

[drystonepaul]

I know I should be finishing off the two Saracen Kili Flyer Comps I've been slowly progressing through, but in the process of sorting out what parts I have and what I still need to find I've pulled out a few more unfinished projects.

I usually go for as close to original spec as possible with my builds so that is a consideration, but suggestions welcome.
I'm trying to decide what to do next and there are a few contenders...


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Option One: 1991 Saracen Andes



I picked this up at the Manchester Velodrome jumble a few years ago. My arm was twisted ever so slightly into buying it... But not that much.
Pros:
I have a all the black M550 Deore LX groupset for this bike so building up wouldn't require much in the way of searching for parts.
I like the colour orange.
Cons:
Not sure I really need another M550 LX bike to add to my collection.
Stem like a tiller.
Alternative plan:
Drop bar singlespeed with bar tape colour matched to the forks and stem.

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Option Two : 1991 Saracen Traverse Competition Hydrotech



I can't really remember who I got this from or when. Only that it was a Retrobike meet and beer was involved. Totally forgot that I had the fork and stem too until I found them stashed separately in the workshop.
Pros:
It's an e-stay!
I have most of the DX M650 parts required for this bike.
Catalogue specifies black wall tyres which will be so much easier to find.
Cons:
It only takes Magura Hydrostop brakes. Fortunately I have a set of the original brakes on the way.
Stem like a tiller.

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Option Three : 1991 Saracen Trekker Competition Hydrotech



I was given this frame at one of the legendary Retrobike meets back in about 2012.
Pros:
Pretty rare, especially without any cracks. At least none I have found.
Cons:
1.1/4 inch headset and forks required. Saracen branded Tange Switchblades or Saracen branded Marzocchi suspension forks were the original options.
Needs stripping and powder-coating and will require repro decals as it has some evidence of corrosion under the original coating.
Also designed to only use Magura Hydrostop brakes.

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Option Four : 1992 Saracen Tufftrax Elite



This frameset cost me next to nothing but does have a bit of corrosion on the top tube.
Pros:
I have plenty of scruffy LX and DX parts that can be utilised for this.
Would make for an easy low fuss build.
Cons:
As much as I love the 1992 Saracen model year, this one is a bit dull.

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So what should I do first, or will it be usual case of simultaneous builds that progress no faster than glaciers.
Humour me by answering below and/or participating in my poll.

Thanks

 

[Peachy!]

Do all of them in date order, just give yourself 10 years as a finish line

 

[Markybeau]

Option 3 is very cool and would seem most challenging. See if you can source either fork option, while you're waiting build option2. (Although I did vote to bin them)

 

[john]

White Hydrotech FTW. Shouldn't get that wedged down the Suez with a stem like that.

 

[2manyoranges]

Andes

Why?

It's orange.

 

[KondratievsBike]

White Traverse gets my vote... that just sums up Saracen for that year for me

 

[mk one]

either of the the e-stays, though having the forks and stem for the traverse sways my vote.

 

[drystonepaul]

Do all of them in date order, just give yourself 10 years as a finish line

That's almost the default plan already, at least timing wise.
Which of the three from 1991 to do first though?

 

[Peachy!]

That's almost the default plan already, at least timing wise.
Which of the three from 1991 to do first though?

The Andes...

 

[FluffyChicken]

Start with Orange Hydrotech, setup and ready for its new clothes and getting the forks etc, while its white sister/brother? Hydrotech gets built up as that shouldn't be too much bother.

Hope Orange Hydro is back and ready when White finished.