Digging out my retro bike.

[Rob13]

I've dug out my old bike from the loft. Its a 1995/96 Saracen Backtrax, 21 spd Acera X Groupset, Canti brakes and still totally original! To be fair though, the tyres are shot, the bearings have just about gone in one of the pedals and the brake blocks are knackered. It is still though, fun to ride, even if its not on the trails. One thing I am amazed with is the way the gears are still so smooth, the cassette still looks pretty good and the wheels are still almost true. This bike took daily use from me as a teenager and it still is in good nick.

My plan for it is to replace the tyres for some MTB Slicks, fit new brake blocks and see if I can source a V Cheap set of pedals (possibly used) and get it back on the road. My longer term plan is to get a road bike but I want to make sure that I'll be getting regular use of the bike before I jump in with some serious money.

I dont want to spend a fortune on this as it simply isnt worth it but it should make a fairly useful hybrid with a set of slicks on it.

[Mr Will]

Why spend any money on it? That looks like it's ready to tackle the London to Brighton...

[Garlick]

Will would attempt Ventoux on that without modification.

[Nick_F]

...but if you do change it then he'd quite like first dibs on those tyres.

[Rob13]

lol, the tyres are 15 yr old rubber. Seen many a skid and the gum wall is showing the stitching.


Going to get myself some ebay slicks just to make it roll that bit quicker!

[trackrod944]

Set of cheapo Ebay alloy or carbon forks and half decent wheels would transform the ride and weight. There again, there are currently some blinding bikes on Ebay for around £150 if you're a bit lucky.

[Rob13]

Its a stepping stone to something more exotic hopefully, so keep spends to a minimum just to make the ride that bit more pleasurable, and then purchase a better bike once I've put some miles into it.

[jtwaring]

was going to do the same with an old bike of mine, but it just happened that a guy i know was selling a road bike for £60 so got that instead.

Might still give it a go though just for a bit of fun.

[Rob13]

I'm gonna chop the bar ends down to give them that hybrid look. I only use the bottom of them anyway.

I need some pedals to go on it but I'm going to stick with the straps for now. If and once I do upgrade, then I'll look to get some clipless pedals. Anyone got any they want rid of for not much cash?

Edited by Rob13 on Tuesday 22 June 23:10

[angusc43]

Nice. I started commuting a year ago on my 93 Diamond Back. Some minor fettling and it was just fine. Just about to pass the 1600 mile route so have treated it to some new Conti's and Mavic. Add some v breaks and a less scruffy saddle and I'll be well happy. It had a fantastic steel frame and great components when it came out of the box and it still does. Enjoy yours :-)

[Rob13]

Well just been on a short 6 mile shakedown after fitting a set of Schwalbe City Jets & a new set of brake blocks. What a difference a set of slicks make! Theyre 1.50 thickness so not too narrow, but are definitely a harder ride at 80psi! Unbelievable difference though, any inclines were fairly swiftly dealt with, despite me not having any road miles under me of late.

My commute is a little over 7 miles so I'm planning to have a go at it tomorrow as I'm working all day.

[Dunk76]

I've had Schwalbe slicks on mine for three years now - my sister-in-law gave her MTB to my Wife recently, complete with knobbly tyres - it's like riding through treacle in comparison.

Been back into cycling seriously for three months now, and confident I'm sticking with it. So, time to get a roadie for some head-down arse-up lycra action.

Question is - make one out of Planet-X carbon bits, or spend the same on an off-the-peg item?

[Rob13]

Did the commute today, warm work on the way home! Dispatched of it in 28 minutes though, without feeling totally exhausted at the end!