1987 Saracen Tufftrax

Bibbage · Jan 24, 2021

Hi.
I’ve recovered my bike from grandkids and it’s in a sorry state, not looked at it closely yet. At first glance I’m going to need some replacement parts, mainly cables and probably brake pads perhaps other things.
Question is where can I get spares in the UK? Any advice appreciated.

TreaderSteve · Jan 24, 2021

100% support your local independent bike shop - either to buy the spares you need and ask advice, or leave it with them to fettle with as they see fit and make it good to go.

drystonepaul · Jan 24, 2021

Re:

I have a couple of 1987 Saracen Tufftax, one in red and one in yellow, and neither is fully built up at present.

To answer your question. Any MTB barrel nipple brake cables will work, and gear cables haven't changed significantly in the past 34 years so any Shimano/SRAM compatible gear cables will work fine. Go for stainless steel cables though. Galvanized cables are a waste of money.

For the brakes, you can use threaded V-brake type pads for the rear MT-60 U-brake and any cantilever type brake pads on the front AT-50 cantilevers.

Any half decent bike shop should be able to sort these for you. Support your LBS though. We appreciate it.

Original spec is here: --> http://www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/v/M ... 7.pdf.html

Bibbage · Jan 28, 2021

Re:

Thank you for the advice.
Having problem with seat post which is stuck in it’s lowest position, so my restoration has come to halt at the moment.

Bibbage · Feb 7, 2021

I’m almost there with the bike repairs, just a few adjustments when the snow stops. The seat post removal was the hardest job, but i managed to get it out and it is still usable. I replaced all the cables and the bottom bracket. Here is a photo of the bike as it is now, it’s a great looking bike.

Blackers · Feb 9, 2021

Re:

Excellent job , looks really nice

I had to do the same to my 90 tufftrax extreme last year .
Bb and cables etc .
Great bikes these tufftrax are .
Just handed my one down to my son which reminds me the seat stem needs freeing :facepalm:

Bibbage · Feb 10, 2021

Re:

A few changes in the 3 years, mine has oval crank and u brake behind the bb.
As for the seat post it was stuck solid, I put it in a vice and managed to twist a fraction using the frame for leverage. It gradually over time twisted a little further. I filed the frame tube with paraffin, not sure if it helped, but then managed to twist frame and lever up with screw driver. As it started to move I then levered with a spanner on it’s side. Then I was able twist it more and finally get it out! Very satisfying and the seat post was still usable after a good clean up.

drystonepaul · Feb 10, 2021

Re:

Good work on the seatpost. It's a fairly common job in the workshop.

I was wondering what components you have on your Tuffrax. You mentioned oval chainrings which I assume will be the original Sakae Ovaltech chainset. But I would like to know what the shifters and mechs are in particular.
It'd also be useful to know what the original brakes are.

Spec details in the 1987 Saracen catalogue are a bit vague but I'm again assuming that it'll have Shimano AT-50 brake levers and front cantis, with a Deore MT-60 U-brake under the chainstays.

Photos to confirm would be great.

Bibbage · Feb 11, 2021

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Hi Paul. Here are a few photos hopefully covering the parts you are interested in. The bike is still all original.

Bibbage · Feb 11, 2021

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The Derailleur originally had a chrome guard which I have on order. As photo.

1987 Saracen Tufftrax

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