Saracen Hack 2

[pclay]

So having found what appears to be a really good bargain:

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m117b19...Q3hl1dIbYsGPB3xQgGmbnCtmeEsRihTIHtBoCFjzw_wcB

I've only gone and ordered a Saracen Hack 2, to replace my ageing Raleigh hybrid commuter.

I did try to find out the standover height of the bike, and the store told be it was 89cm on a 58cm frame. This makes it the tallest bike ever, so I am assuming this is an error.

Anyway, I have ordered the 58cm frame (I am 188cm tall, 88cm inseam).

Once I get it I will post some pics.

I did debate whether to use the c2w scheme, but I put it on my 20 month interest free credit card instead..

 

[zach]

Hi pcplay,

I do have "Saracen Hack 2" from them as well. I purchased mine in January this year. So far the bike is great! I use the bike mostly for commuting and I had a couple of touring rides. The weather outside isn't the best at the moment, so commuting can be tricky on Schwalbe Spacer tyres therefore I replace the tyres for Schwalbe Marathon. I also fitted SKS Chromoplastic mudguards. How do you like Hack 2? What are your thoughts?

Here is my bike:

Enjoy the ride and stay safe.

 

[Elswick Cotterpin]

That's a nice-looking bike, I was looking at it on the Saracen website a few days ago. Hope you're both enjoying them.

 

[pclay]

hi, i am having a few set up issues with mine. I think the the handelbars are set up a bit different to my road bike.

I did 77 road miles on my Saracan Hack the other day, and boy was it hard, especially on the 35mm Spicer Tyres.

my bike has changed since i took the photo below, I have now put CX off road tyres on, and changed the bar tape. All in all i am pleased, but the geometry takes some getting used to compared to a road bike (higher seat to handlebar drop due to higher bottom bracket).

Saracen Hack 2 2014 by Paul_Clayton, on Flickr

 

[Elswick Cotterpin]

Hi there, thanks for posting; I couldn't even get my leg over a saddle set that high!

I probably don't need a CX bike- I ride mostly on road but I've fallen for the go-anywhere, do-anything sales patter - I like the look of them and the 'more relaxed, comfort' geometry mentioned so often in the write-ups. It remains to be seen how accurate all the blurb is.

Still a nice looking bike though, stealthy, looks bomb-proof.

 

[pclay]

For reference, my Saracen is a 58cm, and I am 6ft2 with 88cm inside leg.

I have plans of using mine for gravel paths and cycle networks, disused railway lines and cycling with the missus.

I really cannot decide if the Hack 2 is a heavy road bike with fat tyres or a hybrid with drop handlebars.

The road bike will remain for road riding.

 

[zach]

hi, i am having a few set up issues with mine. I think the the handelbars are set up a bit different to my road bike.

I did 77 road miles on my Saracan Hack the other day, and boy was it hard, especially on the 35mm Spicer Tyres.

my bike has changed since i took the photo below, I have now put CX off road tyres on, and changed the bar tape. All in all i am pleased, but the geometry takes some getting used to compared to a road bike (higher seat to handlebar drop due to higher bottom bracket).

Saracen Hack 2 2014 by Paul_Clayton, on Flickr

Hi there,

I apologise for not replying to this topic earlier. I am quite busy recently I rarely visit any forums. So far I have done around 200 miles on the bike. I don't find it riding on Saracen Hack 2 being hard. I set up the bike with our LBS and and exactly measured everything for the future changes.

Regarding the bike, the wheels and the breaks aren't so good though. I had some minor issues with the squeaking break pads recently and tried quick release skewers, but it seem like the quick release skewers are not strong enough for the bike to handling the breaking power. The front wheel seem to have a small move while breaking. I went back to the original skewers and it's OK now.

I don't know, maybe it's me, but I feel like the bike is getting break in a part while riding fast. The overbuild frame is fine and no sign of failure but I used to have steel frame bikes and I can get used to the aluminium frame. I keep using the bike everyday and everything is OK. I also emailed Saracen and find out that they offer lifetime frame warranty to the original owner covering manufacturing defects. The bike is deeply clean every two weeks or so.