I just got back from a test-run in the park. I put the saddle from my old bike on it, which fits fine.
The bike rides ok but is not without its problems;
- The centre gears have trouble shifting, it wouldn't shift onto the largest cog.
- The rear brake makes a loud 'clanking' noise whenever I engage it, not sure what that could be.
- The rear brake also has no modulation, it's either on or off.
- The preload adjuster on the shock is locked in place, it won't move.
- I tried taking the trouser guard off my old bike but unfortunately it doesn't fit on the Saracen, and I ripped a bit of my jogging bottoms on the cog.
- But by far the worst problem is the tires, they have absolutely no grip! I was cycling on dry pavement everytime I accelerated hard, or braked at a reasonable rate, the back wheel would skid out. Even the front wheel skidded sometimes! It made my riding very dangerous.