Saracen Mantra - some questions please

el_presidente

Hello, I recently obtained a Saracen Mantra frame for peanuts. I would like to know please

a) what travel fork I should put on it and
b) any general views on the quality of the frame and whether it's worth building up (mainly with 2nd hand parts and stuff from my parts bin).

I am just getting back into mountain biking and looking to do XC and easy trail centre riding.

The frame looks the same as this except in white:



many thanks

supersonic

Are sturdy, if a little weighty frames.

What is your budget for parts and fork? What parts do you have already?

I'd put a 120mm fork on there.

el_presidente

I weighed the frame last night and it was 2.4 kg

I really just need to buy forks and brakes although I don't like the wheels I've got but they will do for now.

Was really looking for £100 for forks and £70 for brakes - 2nd hand.

supersonic

Second hand I'd be looking at a Rockshox Tora 318.

I'd get new brakes for that ie Shimno M445 on ebay.

el_presidente

Thanks

What about this Recon?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rockshox-Recon-351-Solo-Air-Suspension-Fork-150-mm-Steerer-/251285340380?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3a81c600dc

supersonic

Very short steerer length, doubt it will fit. You need to work out what length steerer you need (minimum) ie headtube length + headset cups and caps + stem.

warpcow

el_presidente wrote:

Thanks

What about this Recon?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rockshox-Recon-351-Solo-Air-Suspension-Fork-150-mm-Steerer-/251285340380?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3a81c600dc

150mm steerer is too short for most bikes (and it sounds like it needs to be shortened even further from the description). You need to check what your headtube length is and the stack height of your stem and headset.

el_presidente

Well spotted, thanks guys

The Rookie

There is plenty of steerer so no problem there

:roll: :roll: :roll:

el_presidente

How about these?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rockshox-xc32-tk-120mm-tapered-forks-with-lock-out-2012-off-trance-x4-/271221907606?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3f2615e096

or these?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230998702804&ssPageName=ADME:X:eRTM:GB:1123


thanks

supersonic

You can't fit tapered forks, need to be a straight 1 1/8th inch steerer.

The other fork is not worth that money.

Do you know what length steerer you need?

supersonic

This is a bargain:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rockshox-Tora ... 4d0d883211

el_presidente

Aaargh I know full well a tapered steerer is no good, thanks for reminding me.

I'll measure the head tube tonight.


thanks

el_presidente

supersonic wrote:

This is a bargain:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rockshox-Tora ... 4d0d883211

Brilliant! thanks, I've pulled the trigger.

Now, where is the bike builds thread?? (normally I'm only on the commute forum!)