Saracen model identification help and advice sought

[The ReUsers]

Hi all. New to this forum and not a road bike officianado but I work https://www.thereusers.uk/ a charity shopping superstore which includes our own bike shop. I have been tasked with identifying and evaluating a whole range of vintage road bikes and parts. We have a cytech engineer onsite who restores and services all our bikes for re-sale, but as I am sure you are all aware, its a tricky task knowing whats original and whats been tinkered with over the years. My first task is to identify this lovely road bike that has Saracen decals but I am not 100% convinced it is even a saracen. Can anybody advise at all please? It has 531 tubing, suntour shifters and crankset, newer wheels and some dodgy paint effct in the tubing joints but rides beautifully. It also has an unusual bleed nipple in the hub. Can anybody help please?
Furthermore, I have about 150 bikes to get through so this wont be my last post or request. If anybody is interested in helping in anyway it would be very much appreciated and maybe there is some business to be done. Feel free to contact me. Thanks folks.

 

[Stressed]

Similarities with this one, I think?

F.W. Evans ATB (1984) Milton Keynes

Hi Brian, Great to have you on the site. Here’s my 1985? Evans/Saracen in 531 with the Deerhead. It has Evans decal on the downtube and Evans engraved seat stay but also a Saracen head decal. I’ve seen a couple similar. Do you remember how these came to be?

www.retrobike.co.uk

 

[3wheeler7]

I'm no expert on Saracens (or anything else) but the frame looks very similar to a Saracen that passed through my greasy hands a few years ago.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Saracen did make road bikes for a bit. Likely mid 80s to 1990. Does the paint look original, the lug lining is certainly not.

 

[The ReUsers]

Similarities with this one, I think?

F.W. Evans ATB (1984) Milton Keynes

Hi Brian, Great to have you on the site. Here’s my 1985? Evans/Saracen in 531 with the Deerhead. It has Evans decal on the downtube and Evans engraved seat stay but also a Saracen head decal. I’ve seen a couple similar. Do you remember how these came to be?

www.retrobike.co.uk

Many thanks, I can see the similarities and interesting to see that this may not originally have been a "racer". Thankyou.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Many thanks, I can see the similarities and interesting to see that this may not originally have been a "racer". Thankyou.

Not a racer with those clearances, brake drop.

 

[The ReUsers]

Saracen did make road bikes for a bit. Likely mid 80s to 1990. Does the paint look original, the lug lining is certainly not.

Thankyou, yes the paint is definately original but as you say, the lug lining looks like its been done with airfix paint by someone without a steady hand.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Thankyou, yes the paint is definately original but as you say, the lug lining looks like its been done with airfix paint by someone without a steady hand.

White spirit on a cotton bud should remove it, assuming enamel. Probably would have run 27x1 1/4" wheels.

 

[3wheeler7]

Looks mine had large clearances for the mudguards as well, can't remember if it was on 27s or 700s.