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Today’s Deals2021 Saracen
Ariel 60 Elite
A 29″ / 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension enduro bike with high-end components.
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| Weight | 34.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Full, 160 / 160mm |
| Fork | Fox Factory Float 38 |
| Shock | Fox DHX2 Factory |
| Wheels | 29″ / 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | XT |
| Brakes | Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.
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?
View all reviews
Jun 2022 · Alex Evans
Head angle, tyre choice and battery capacity are the Ariel’s most limiting factors
Well-specced
Easy to set up
Great for blasting around trail centres
Out of its depth on steep, technical trails
Small battery capacity frustrating
Lightweight tyres easy to puncture
Geometry tweaks would improve ride massively
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
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
| Frame | Aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | FOX FLOAT 38 Factory, GRIP2 damper, high/low-speed compression adjust, high/low-speed rebound adjust, 44mm offset Travel: 160mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | FOX DHX2 Factory, 2-position lever, high/low-speed compression adjust, high/low-speed rebound adjust, SLS spring, 230mm x 65mm Travel: 160mm Spring Type: Coil |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano MT800, 73mm English/BSA threaded |
| Headset | Prestine PT-F13, ZS44 upper, ZS56 lower |
| Stem | Race Face Turbine R, 40mm length, 0° rise, 35mm bar clamp |
| Handlebar | Race Face Next R Carbon, 780mm width, 35mm rise, 35mm clamp diameter |
| Saddle | Saracen Custom MTB, CrMo rails |
| Seatpost | KS LEV Integra dropper, Southpaw remote lever, Drop: 125mm (SM), 150mm (MD/LG/XL) Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | None |
| Grips | ODI Elite Motion |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore XT M8100, 12-speed, SHADOW RD+, SGS cage |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | None |
| Crank | Shimano Deore XT M8130, 170mm length |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore XT M8100, 12-speed, RAPIDFIRE PLUS |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore XT M8100, 12-speed, 10-51 tooth |
| Chain | KMC X12, 12-speed |
| Chain Guide | None |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore XT M8120, 4-piston, CENTER LOCK rotors (203mm front, 180mm rear) Type: Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Deore XT M8120 |
| Rims | DT Swiss EX 511, 30mm internal width, 32 hole, tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Double-butted stainless steel |
| Front Hub | Shimano Deore XT, M8110 110x15mm Boost front, M8130 157x12mm SuperBoost rear with MICRO SPLINE driver |
| Rear Hub | Shimano Deore XT, M8110 110x15mm Boost front, M8130 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