1988 Tufftrax

[Tufftrax]

Finally got to ride my restored Tufftrax today - a lovely smooth 25 mile ride (but hard going into the headwinds here today)!

Thanks to Gil_m for the new (old style) decals - they finish it off a treat.

Not totally original by any means - so difficult to source all old parts at reasonable prices. The mechs are both originals, so are the thumbies. Handlebars are off a later Saracen. Saddle is a new Specialized.

Bits I'd still like are:-

1. Wheels (rims and hubs) - the Rigida originals are almost impossible to find but I'll keep looking. She's on a cheapo set at the moment but they're true and roll well. Not going off-road so they'll last a while.

2. Original 6-speed freewheel/cassette - the one fitted is a cheap low end Shimano and works fine but is not original.

3. Front canti's - V-brakes work fine but still fancy originals. The one's I've found so far are way too dear - the frame and forks only cost £35 so not looking to spend a fortune!!!

Been considering using her as a light tourer - got some old Caradice panniers, just need a strong reliable rack. Anyone else used a Tufftrax (or any other Saracen) for touring? If so, how did it go? Any advice please?

 

[big.eck]

looks really nice , well done

what are the proper rims & canti's for it ?

 

[Tufftrax]

Canti's should be Shimano model BR-AT50.
No idea what model the rims are - just remember that the originals were by Rigida (same as on my 1987 Tufftrax originally before they gave up the ghost)!

 

[Konaglider]

Very nice!

I recently got hold of an '87 in pretty poor condition.It looks very similar, slight differences though.

Mine has a different stem and rear mech cable routing runs over bottom bracket rather than under. Same as Pickles- http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... t=tufftrax

The wheels/hubs are Rigida AT25~32 on SR Sakae freewheel hubs.

Also, rear U-brake is MT61.

 

[Tufftrax]

Like this? This is my other (1987) Tufftrax - bought from Pickle in November 2009.

It's a great bike - original wheels are shot now but that's down to age I guess.

My (later) 1988 Tufftrax was in really bad shape when I got it - a faded, yellow rusting frame and forks! But with a little work yours will look fine too I'm sure!

Thanks for the Rigida/hub details! Off to search the 'net!

 

[brocklanders023]

Nice resto.

I have one or two rear wheels with screw on freewheels that might fit the bill? Also got some spare canti's but not sure if they're maybe a year newer as they look more like the ones on my 89 Tufftrax then your 87. Either way, they're yours for the price of postage if they are any use.

 

[oldave]

That is SO very nice!

Seems an ideal light tourer to me - it even has the rack and 'grd eyes!

Just what I'm looking for....

 

[Konaglider]

That's the one! Lol, I did realise it had been sold but not to you obviously.

I won't be do any sort of restoration on it, just some TLC, 'sympathetic' parts and get out riding on it.

Matt.

 

[silverclaws]

It seems Saracen were constantly on the move with their frames, just look at the detail changes in both of those bikes, one even has the old tyre pump mountings.

Didn't Saracen use Wolber rims at one point ?