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Today’s Deals2021 Saracen
Ariel 30
A 29″ / 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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| Weight | 33.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 130mm |
| Fork | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance |
| Wheels | 29″ / 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | SLX, Deore |
| 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 series, spanning from trail to enduro models, is praised for its versatile performance, offering a mix of speed, stability, and supple suspension across different terrains. While the bikes excel in descending and provide great value for their kit, some models face criticism for their weight, seat tube length, and handling in tight turns. The Ariel's suspension, particularly in higher-end models, is highlighted for its neutral character and tuning potential, though some riders may find the coil shock setup limiting.
Supple and predictable rear suspension
Excellent value for the kit and performance
Versatile geometry suitable for a range of riding styles
Adjustable wheel size options with supplied linkages
Rock-solid frame with neutral suspension character
Overlong seat tube on larger sizes
Heavy for the price in some models
Fragile EXO tires
Requires greater body movements to maneuver in tight turns
Coil shock setup may not suit all rider weights
A flagship fork and top-quality rear damper offering next-level tuning potential of an already sorted suspension system, plus super long reach and a rock-solid feeling frame potentially make the Ariel 60 Elite a straight-line plow for demolishing almost any trail problem.
Bike PerfectThe Ariel 30 is a brand-new trail bike from the UK brand, and with 130mm of travel at either end it sits in that trail-bike sweet spot.
BikeRadarAnyone who says travel doesn't matter should try a bike like this...Pinkbike
The Saracen Ariel 30, even in this base spec will make a great trail bike for many riders.
Singletrack WorldFeedback?
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Apr 2021 · Tom Marvin
A great bike for all-day adventures and picking your way down steep tech
If you like ‘long’ geometry, you’ll love the Ariel 30
Pedalling efficiency and snappiness is great between corners
Well-thought-out kit provides great value for money
Back end doesn’t quite smooth the ride as much on the fastest, roughest tracks
Mar 2021 · Guy Kesteven
Saracen’s new flagship enduro bike has top-spec and World Cup DH DNA but does that show through on the trail?
Awesome fork
World Cup proven suspension
Speed happy reach
Sorted angles
Rock-solid frame
Excellent value kit
Wheel switch links included
Precarious ride height
Overlong seat tube on large
Fragile EXO tires
Heavy for price
The coil is rider weight-specific
Short dropper
Pro is better for practical value
Mar 2021 · Seb Stott
Did someone say freeride? The new Saracen 80 rolls on 27.5" wheels and has 180mm of travel.
Rear suspension is supple and predictable, allowing you to look further ahead and ride faster
Very well priced for the kit and performance on offer
Could use a lockout on the climbs
Still no room for a water bottle
Mar 2021 · Chipps
The Saracen Ariel 30 is an entry-level monster of a trail bike. 130mm of travel and a whole load of modern attitude
The feeling of invincibility on descents – on a 130mm bike!
The Ariel is a quiet, simple bike that just gets on with things
The potential to mullet or un-mullet your bike in the future to see if you like it
35mm bar/stem seems to add girth but stops you running a super short stem. And a 760mm bar will be too narrow for some riders. I’d prefer a 35mm stem and 31.8 x 780mm bars. (The model up has 820mm bars!)
Easy to knock the shock lever while getting a waterbottle out of its cage
Why is the seat tube so tall? A shorter mast and longer dropper would please more riders
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.
| Frame | Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | Marzocchi Bomber Z2, RAIL damper, Sweep Adjust, rebound adjust, 44mm offset Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | FOX FLOAT DPS Performance, EVOL, 3-position lever, rebound adjust, 210mm x 50mm Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB52, 73mm English/BSA threaded |
| Headset | Prestine PT-F13, ZS44 upper, ZS56 lower |
| Stem | Race Face Chester, 50mm length, 0° rise, 35mm bar clamp |
| Handlebar | Race Face Aeffect, 760mm width, 20mm rise, 35mm clamp diameter |
| Saddle | Saracen Custom MTB, CrMo rails |
| Seatpost | KS Rage-i dropper, Westy remote lever, Drop: 125mm (SM), 150mm (MD/LG/XL) Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | None |
| Grips | ODI Elite Motion |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed, SHADOW RD+, SGS cage |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | None |
| Crank | Shimano Deore M6130, 170mm length |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed, RAPIDFIRE PLUS |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed, 10-51 tooth |
| Chain | KMC X12, 12-speed |
| Chain Guide | None |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore M6100, 2-piston, 180mm 6-bolt rotors Type: Shimano Deore Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Rims | DT Swiss M442, 22.5mm internal width, 32 hole, tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Double-butted stainless steel |
| Front Hub | KT, sealed bearings, DHF122 110x15mm Boost front, DHR2S5 157x12mm SuperBoost rear with MICRO SPLINE driver |
| Rear Hub | KT, sealed bearings, DHF122 110x15mm Boost front, DHR2S5 157x12mm SuperBoost rear with MICRO SPLINE driver |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Minion DHR II, EXO, TR, 29" x 2.4", Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II, EXO, TR, 27.5" x 2.3" (SM/MD) or 29" x 2.4" (LG/XL) |
First added May 4
Last updated May 4
Not listed for 1,851 days