Muddy Fox Sorcerer Pro

Off to look at one tomorrow. I think it’s a 1989: white with the U brake.

I think it might be back-of-the-garage and a bit unloved, but that’s OK, I don’t mind a project. Any retro-meisters out there with tips on what to look out for, beyond the usual seat post, headset, BB, wheel bearings? Particularly, are there any unique bits that will be impossible to replace if they’re too far gone.

Picked up this morning: needs a clean, and possibly some parts removed, but looking promising. It’s an ‘88, owned by the former keeper from new.

Really looking forward to working on this, then riding it.

That's really nice, good score! It's actually a '89 model and was pretty high end in the model line up that year, nestling just below the Aluminium and Limited edition models.

Deore II was the correct group for this as well - it looks like you have managed to get hold of most of the original parts which is a bonus.

I can't tell if you have the original wheelset there? I do have something suitable that might be for sale in the near future if you're interested. Have fun with it

Thanks. Yes, I'm really pleased with it so far. I first thought it was '89, and it has the same spec and paint as in that year's catalogue. The seller was adamant it's an '88 and he's had it from new – but perhaps he bought an '89 model toward the end of '88? Anyway, whichever year it's Tange Prestige, brazed in Japan. Whoo.

I think I've got most of the original bits, though the grips have been sliced in three-quarters to accommodate the bar ends. (Still in amazing nick apart from that: how did they make grips that lasted so well?) And thanks for the offer, but the wheels have grey rims: I think they probably are the original-spec Arayas. Currently too dirty to tell for sure!

Stripped everything down, managed (because I have such mighty thews. And a can of penetrating oil) to get the cranks off, realised that the headset fitted with the suspension forks has too high a stack height for the original forks.

Never mind, I can wait to find a replacement: I’m expecting it to take me five million hours to clean 30+ years of grease and crud off all the components. In fact, slightly worried some of them might only be being held together by grease and crud.

Very very nice!

If you get bored of it...

Heres the catalogue page for it

You'll need the 1989 Deore II rear mech to complete I guess

Wow! Thanks for all that info, Big Cheese: so useful. I did find the catalogue on here, but not that spec spread. Fantastic.

Sweet project.

Finished, pretty much. Non-original bars for a bit more sweep/width; Vs instead of the original cantis; better levers. And the tyres aren’t original, obviously. It’s a lovely frame.

Sadly, I think it’s a bit big for me, so might be headed for the Classified section. Can’t quite bear to do that yet, though.