Iffy

Thanks for all the replies. I do have some photos of the damage, I will post them when I get into work. The bike was ordered from an internet company (Bikes Express Ltd) and the frame/crank/gearing/rearwheel were pre-built, I added the frontwheel and handlebars, so the problems are associated with the pre-built components and nothing I did. It appears that the problem is not uncommon, and the quality of the Saracen components leave something to be desired. The charge for components came from Bikes Express Ltd, who said that they had been in contact with Saracen and they had agreed that the bike had suffered excessive abuse. Saracen have read my email, but I have not any direct response from them. I will follow up direct with Saracen, from your posts they seem to be a reasonable company, and the charge may very well be coming from the internet company. I cannot tell whether the damage was caused in one go, or gradually. The drive has jammed a number of times, so it is difficult to tell. All this happened within a week of building the bike. Thanks again Ian

I bought my son a Saracen 2.six for Xmas. About a week after getting it, when he pedalled hard, the rear wheel seemed to start jamming. He found out that the problem was that the chain was 'kinking' and jamming between the crank and the frame. The chain had worn a hole about 1/4'' wide into the frame. Saracen are saying the bike has received excessive abuse, and want to charge £120 for a new frame. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Thanks Ian