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Today’s Deals2019 Saracen
Ariel Elite
A 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension enduro bike with upper mid-range components.
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| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 165 / 170mm |
| Fork | RockShox Yari RC |
| Shock | Fox Float DPX2 Performance |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 |
| Groupset | XT, SLX |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Saracen Ariel is a mixed bag in the enduro category, offering playful character and fun riding dynamics with good geometry and suspension performance. However, it faces criticism for its internal cable noise, linear suspension feel, and sluggish climbing. The bike shines in descending with stable handling and traction but lacks midstroke support and can feel unresponsive in rough conditions.
Good geometry and riding position
Playful character and fun to ride
Stable and balanced at speeds
Supple suspension start with good traction
Aggressive stance with matching geometry
Internal cables rattle incessantly
Linear suspension lacks midstroke support
Sluggish climber due to weight and seat angle
Unresponsive shock in rough conditions
Fork requires extra pressure to prevent diving
Saracen has all the makings of a good enduro bike in the Ariel Elite.
MBRThe new Ariel has dramatically different vital stats to its predecessor, but Saracen has retained the playful character that made the original bike so much fun to ride.
MBRIt screams gravity from top to bottom of the hill.
off.road.ccA real hoot to chuck into chunky terrain and wait for the suspension to smooth out the ride.
off.road.ccFeedback?
View all reviews
Jun 2018 · Alan Muldoon
New Saracen Ariel Elite has suspension and character influenced by the Myst downhill bike and it’s gained a new sense of purpose.
Good geometry and riding position
Internal cables rattle incessantly
Apr 2018
The Ariel Elite is Saracen's answer to the aluminium aggressive enduro bike question and with 165mm of travel from a suspension design similar to the brand's downhill bike, the Myst, it screams gravity from top to bottom of the hill. Review - Rocky Mountain Altitude Alloy 30 The best waterproof shorts you can buy We’ve already had a ride on the 2018 Ariel at Revolution Bike Park earlier this year and were eager to get back aboard the enduro sled for some more action. The alloy version of the Ariel has been in our shed for a couple of months now and has seen plenty of trail time.
Sep 2017 · Chipps
We've had Saracen's new long travel Ariel for a couple of months, and now we can spill the beans on this chunky enduro beast
Jul 2016 · Guy Kesteven
It may not look great on paper, but the Ariel Elite is a proper flat out, fun time blaster on the trail
Snappy handling, premium suspension, maximum sense of fun
Some so-so spec choices, open rear dropouts, fiddly internal hose routing
| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Yari DebonAir, low speed compression, rebound adjust, 15mm x 110mm Maxle Stealth Travel: 170mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | FOX Float DPX2 Performance EVOL, 3-position compression and rebound, 230mm x 60mm Travel: 165mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB-MT800B |
| Headset | Prestine PT-F13 |
| Stem | Saracen 6061 CNC Alloy, 31.8mm, 0 degree rise, 45mm length |
| Handlebar | Saracen OS 6061 double butted alloy, 5 degree up, 9 degree back, 15mm rise, 780mm width |
| Saddle | Kore Fuze II |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, internal cable routing, 125mm travel (S), 150mm travel (M, L, XL) Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | None included |
| Grips | Saracen Lock-on |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT M8000 Shadow Plus, 11-speed |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | Shimano FC-M7000, 170mm or 175mm |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX M7000 Rapidfire Plus, 11-speed |
| Cassette | Shimano SLX CS-M7000, 11-46 tooth, 11-speed |
| Chain | KMC X11, 11-speed |
| Chain Guide | MRP 1x V3 |
| Brakes | Shimano BR-M501 dual piston caliper hydraulic disc, 180mm rotors Type: Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano M501 |
| Rims | Kore Realm 3.0, UST tubeless compatible, 32 hole |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss double butted |
| Front Hub | Front: Formula DC-711, 6 bolt, 15mm x 110mm, Rear: Formula DCL-348S, 6 bolt, 12mm x 148mm |
| Rear Hub | Front: Formula DC-711, 6 bolt, 15mm x 110mm, Rear: Formula DCL-348S, 6 bolt, 12mm x 148mm |
| Tires | Maxxis Minnion DHR II, 3C, EXO, TR, 27.5 x 2.3" |
First added March 17
Last updated March 17
Not listed for 2,639 days