Early Saracen Lovers Anonymous......

Class! Love the fact this is still rolling!

It is good to see there is so much interest in Early Saracens, as bitd, I remember there wasn't.

All the mags liked to feature yank steel and exotics.

For example, just what can one find about early Saracen in the mags from the time, not a lot from what I have found, although I do remember a review on the '93 Saracens in one of the mags bitd, could do with re reading that one. I think the mag that had Mint Sauce in it, as it was always worth getting it for that.

Oh dear I've just bought a fourth. Rufftrax in Black with silver decals and black LX 8 speed components. It LOOKS original and v little used. But then so do I in the dark.

Photos for an ID parade to follow....

Undecided whether to keep the Rufftrax complete or just transfer the geary bits to my single speed, I gave it a quick check for any real problems. Wouldn't be worth a repaint, but TCut showed main tubes fine, rest be OK with a touch-up and only the drive side stay needs re-spray (black is cheap and easy!).

It had an under-sized post in it - opening out the tube slot gave a perfect fit for a 26.2 from the stores! I even had some OK length spokes to replace one missing and one bent in front wheel - and done that.

So I think I'll strip and clean and reassemble. Bottom end of the range I assume - so maybe the 8 speed LX (which looks in vgc) a later addition? And I doubt that the DeepV "aero" rims are original - but braking tracks good as new so will do fine for me.

Wow, this thread never ceases to amaze me... Must be the biggest ever on here?

If anyone is interested in getting their hands on a NOS mint 97 Protrax SE frame with custom Judy forks check out this link to MTB for sale.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131425

Cheers,

Chaser.

Whoever buys the protrax frameset of chasers is getting something very nice indeed.

A link to some brochure scans of 95-96 kilis..

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131456

Were of good use whilst building up my 96 kili Comp.

Thanks Dendy.

Yes, the Protrax SE was the top of the range 'sport' model - one down from the Kili range. It has a full Tange DB CroMo reameset - all tubes, not just main tubes.

It's very light and has a nice ride feel to it.

Cheers,

Chaser.

Have you guys seen these....

Saracen metal headtube badges!

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... 718#977718

Cheers,

Chaser.

Well....Rufftrax (previous page) stripped and cleaned - no nasties, nothing seized, most parts v little wear. Found a seat post to fit, big tyres, swopped one set of cantis for better. Rides nice - but shan't be keeping it as is. Not sure whether to use it as a source of spares (24 speed the winter single speed for spring?) or sell.

Even the cheap ones were well made bikes I reckon!

They are, Saracen is my area of interest, and I have an eye for detail.