Saracen Ventoux age?

[graham bowers]

I've been given a Saracen Ventoux road bike by my next door neighbour. Not sure if it qualifies as vintage / classic ??
Hardly been used by the look of it.
It's got Shimano Sora 2 x 7 speed gears.
Clearly entry level spec but now I've modded it to fit me, I quite like it.
I've changed the pedals, chainset, saddle, stem, bars and tape.
Anybody hazard a guess as to how old it is please? I can't find out when 7 speed Sora was introduced.
Thanks
Graham

 

[DCLane]

It'll be from about 1998-2002 as Sora turned 8 speed in 2003.

 

[T4tomo]

https://www.shimano.com/en/100th/history/products/result.php?id=74

is it defo 7 speed? above link indicates 3300 was 8 speed.

 

[graham bowers]

https://www.shimano.com/en/100th/history/products/result.php?id=74

is it defo 7 speed? above link indicates 3300 was 8 speed.

It's 7 speed, without a doubt. However the Brifters aren't marked up with the word "Sora", although the rear and front derailleurs are. The hubs are not shimano. So it could be mish-mash of bits.

 

[graham bowers]

It'll be from about 1998-2002 as Sora turned 8 speed in 2003.

Thanks D.

 

[graham bowers]

It'll be from about 1998-2002 as Sora turned 8 speed in 2003.

Just saw my neighbour and it turns out he had it from new, so was able to confirm he got it in 1998.

 

[biggs682]

Just saw my neighbour and it turns out he had it from new, so was able to confirm he got it in 1998.

Right so get out and do some miles on it , they normally ride well

 

[Drago]

It'll be from about 1998-2002 as Sora turned 8 speed in 2003.

Spot on Mr L. Its a 2001 or 2002 model. Id go with 2002 in that colour.