1997 Saracan Backtrax

Werewolfhead

Retro Newbie
Hi all. I'm considering starting my first ever bike project. I have a Saracan Backtrax which I bought in 1997. It's been languishing in the back garden for years and through wear and tear and more recently neglect it needs a fair bit doing to it. It's a bike that I loved riding and holds a great deal of sentimental value. From what I can tell it needs a new bottom bracket, rear mech, casette, chain and chain rings. Looking closely at the bottom bracket area I can see it's an SKF bottom bracket. It's my understanding that SKF bottom brackets are extremely expensive and difficult to come by. So, my question is, what bottom bracket could I use in my 1997 Saracan Backtrax as a cheaper replacement? I'm just starting out on this bike project journey and would very comfortably describe myself as a newbie to such things and the terminology. Hopefully, you can help me with your amazing pool of knowledge that I've seen here. Thanks in advance.
 
Hello and welcome! Has it been languishing uncovered or in a shed for example, as regardless of sentimental value, is it worth restoring?

Any pics?
 
It has been outside unfortunately for about 3 years, mostly sheltered from the rain by overhanging guttering. I've attached pics. I do have the back wheel for it. The back wheel is currently on the back of a Specialised Hardrock which also needs work on it to be made reliable and safe.
 

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The frame doesn't look too bad considering. Get it stripped and see what's salvageable. Then make a list of what you need. Whilst hunting for parts you can begin to clean and reassemble. I might have some karma bits if you're not going for original spec.
 
Thanks for reply Antwack. I used to ride it all over Wirral, both on road and off road. It was a comfortable ride. I'm not concerned about original spec, just to get it usable again would be great. What bottom bracket would replace the original SKF? I appreciate all advice given.
 
Whip the BB out and see if the dimensions are on there. I'm in Merseyside.
Just ordered SKF bottom bracket removal tool. Should have info on dimensions in a few days once tool arrives. The casette on the rear wheel is a 7 speed 11-28 t Shimano Hyperglide C2 Lock 40 n.m. Are replacements for this type of casette easy to come across?
 
Just ordered SKF bottom bracket removal tool. Should have info on dimensions in a few days once tool arrives. The casette on the rear wheel is a 7 speed 11-28 t Shimano Hyperglide C2 Lock 40 n.m. Are replacements for this type of casette easy to come across?
Just a thought but if you search British Eagle in the For Sale section I recently posted a cheap bike for sale that would be a good source for many of the parts you need.
 
Just ordered SKF bottom bracket removal tool. Should have info on dimensions in a few days once tool arrives. The casette on the rear wheel is a 7 speed 11-28 t Shimano Hyperglide C2 Lock 40 n.m. Are replacements for this type of casette easy to come across?
Also, have you checked if you can get the crank arms off first?
 
I've managed to get the crank arms off, bought one of those handy little tools. Also bought an SKF bottom bracket removal tool. My first attempt at removing the bottom bracket was a failure as the plastic lug that the tool fits onto sheared off. However,, today I managed to get the bottom bracket out by chipping away at the plastic casing still stuck between the bottom bracket shell and the bottom bracket. Now the bottom bracket is out I am unsure what I can replace it with. I took measurements from the SKF bottom bracket I took out. From spindle to spindle it's 113mm. Measuring under the frame where the bottom bracket fits, that's 68mm. I've attached some photos in the hope that it may help identify what I can replace the SKF bottom bracket I took out with. I'm not looking for anything expensive as the bike will just be used casually to make relatively short journeys of 10 miles or less.
 

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