Potentially Bargainous Saracen Sahara Elite

[pete_mcc]

..I did like your use of the word 'pile' though!

 

[ringo]

Oh the irony, coming from liverpool with no wheels...

 

[Gotte]

I'm actually thinking of bidding on this, to convert into a tourer. Anyone know if it's got braze ons for a rack, and how long the chain stays are?

I know it's probably on the heavy side, but I need something bomb-proof and steel, and I do like the style from these older MTBs. I'm guessing it's just plain gauge carbon steel, right?

I'll ditch the forks for some Kona rigids, and I've got various mechs to choose from.

I'm looking at some others, as well, a couple of Orange Clockworks, and a Kona,but I imagine the price will go too high for me for those.

That said, the price seems to be going up on the Saracen, with more bids than I would have thought. I have a feeling I might end up paying too much if get caught at the end.

 

[W W Biffta]

saras were built tough and stiff, but tbh if you put some effort in you can get better steel for not much more money

As always, I'm just a shite stirrer when in comes to low end bikes, I just don't see why Altus equipped bikes should figure on a site like this. But then I am an elitist hater of the poor who also hates emoticons that would otherwise show my use of sarcasm or humour.

emocons were invented by americans for americans, nuf said.
certainly i cant see the point of a low end restoration, but you cant argue its not retro, theres probably people get sniffy about plastic teasmades on retroteasmade.com too

 

[JohnH]

I'm actually thinking of bidding on this, to convert into a tourer. Anyone know if it's got braze ons for a rack, and how long the chain stays are?

This is what the rear dropouts look like ('scuse the mud)...

And here are the mounts at the top of the seat stays...

From the centre of the BB to the centre of the rear axle measures 42.5cm on my Saracen.

I know it's probably on the heavy side, but I need something bomb-proof and steel, and I do like the style from these older MTBs. I'm guessing it's just plain gauge carbon steel, right?

The sticker at the bottom of the seat stay reads "Cr-Mo Double Butted Tange MTB". This picture was taken in Spring 2009, before I cleaned the bike up...

 

[JohnH]

Went for £26. It would've cost £460 BITD (£690 in today's money)... :shock:

But then, that price would have included a pair of wheels...

 

[Gotte]

Thanks for the photos of the braze-ons, and also thanks for info on butted frame. That's more than I was expecting.

I went for it, and won it. Now just to get it back and start work.

All the best

Phil

 

[JohnH]

Thanks for the photos of the braze-ons, and also thanks for info on butted frame. That's more than I was expecting.

Ah, no problem Phil!

I went for it, and won it. Now just to get it back and start work.

Excellent, I'm glad it's gone to a good home! Keep us posted on how you get on with it.

Here's a couple more threads with pictures -- it'll give you an idea of what's possible...
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=63266
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67608