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2023 Saracen

Ariel 30

A 29″ / 27.5″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

£2,499($3,362)
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 130 / 130mm
ForkMarzocchi Bomber Z2
ShockFox Float DPS Performance
Wheels29″ / 27.5″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetSLX, Deore
BrakesShimano Deore Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Ariel 30
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

26 mph

Ariel 30

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Ariel model range

View Comparison
Sizing
SM

5'0" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'2"

XL

6'0" – 6'6"

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews

Summary

The Saracen Ariel is a versatile mountain bike for youth, offering a mix of fun and functionality with its progressive trail geometry and capable suspension. It's praised for its reliable handling, quality components, and confidence-inspiring setup, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders. However, some reviews note limitations like a steep head angle and modest battery capacity in certain models.

Pros
  • Reliable handling

  • Quality components

  • Confidence-inspiring setup

  • Capable suspension

  • Fun-first progressive trail bike

Cons
  • Steep head angle

  • Modest battery capacity in certain models

  • 150mm dropper post issue

  • Lightweight tyres easy to puncture

Key Quotes
The Ariel shows masses of potential on the downhills.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
A great 'entry level' option from Saracen that's perfect for burgeoning mountain bikers yet has enough going on for seasoned riders.
The Gear Loop
The Ariel 60 Pro has one of the best feeling rear suspension designs I’ve ridden.
Singletrack World logoSingletrack World

Feedback?

View all reviews

Singletrack World
Editors’ Choice 2024: Saracen Ariel 30 Elite

Dec 2024 · Hannah Dobson

Saracen Ariel 30 Elite is yet another Ariel model from Saracen that looks the absolute bee’s knees. Literally. How does this yellow zinger handle the trails? Sometimes you get on a bike and find a …

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The Gear Loop
Saracen Ariel 30 review: a good looking and confidence inspiring MTB

Jun 2023

We get to grips with the Saracen Ariel 30, a great mountain bike by a British brand making something of a resurgence

Read Review

BikeRadar
Saracen Ariel 30 Pro review

Apr 2021 · Tom Marvin

A great bike for all-day adventures and picking your way down steep tech

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • Back end doesn’t quite smooth the ride as much on the fastest, roughest tracks

Read Review

Bike Perfect
Saracen Ariel 60 Elite review

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?

Highs
  • Awesome fork

  • World Cup proven suspension

  • Speed happy reach

  • Sorted angles

  • Rock-solid frame

  • Excellent value kit

  • Wheel switch links included

Lows
  • 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

Read Review

Pinkbike
Review: 2021 Saracen Ariel 80 - A Sturdy, Pedalable Park Bike

Mar 2021 · Seb Stott

Did someone say freeride? The new Saracen 80 rolls on 27.5" wheels and has 180mm of travel.

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • Could use a lockout on the climbs

  • Still no room for a water bottle

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

SERIES 3 CUSTOM BUTTED AND HYDROFORMED 6013 ALLOY FRONT TRIANGLE AND SWINGARM. Headtube: ZS44-ZS56 tapered headtube. Bearings: 37mm main pivot bearings / 28mm linkage bearings. Linkage: Convertible CNC linkage included for both mullet and 29er setups. Suspension: Signature TRL suspension design. Cable Routing: Internal. Axle: 12 x 157mm SuperBoost dropout system. Rear Travel: 130mm.

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

ColorBlue.

Fork

MARZOCCHI BOMBER Z2. Travel: 130mm. Technology: Tapered steerer / rebound adjust / sweep adjust rail damper. Axle: QR 15x110 Boost. Rake: 44mm.

Travel130mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

FOX FLOAT DPS PERFORMANCE. Adjustment: EVOL air damper / rebound adjust / 3 position compression. Length / Stroke: 210 x 50.

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

SHIMANO BB52 73MM.

Headset

PRESTINE PT-F13.

Stem

RACEFACE CHESTER 35. Length: 50mm. Rise: 6 degree. Clamp: 35mm. Type: Ahead.

Handlebar

RACEFACE CHESTER 35. Width: 780mm. Rise: 20mm. Bar Bore: 35mm.

Saddle

SARACEN CUSTOM CRMO MTB.

Seatpost

KS RAGE I. Routing: Internal. Size: 30.9mm. Travel: 150mm, 125mm on size small. Lever: Westy remote.

TypeDropper

Grips

ODI ELITE MOTION.

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SHIMANO SLX. Model: M7100 SGS Shadow Plus. Speed: 12 speed.

Crank

SHIMANO DEORE. Model: FC-M6130. Chain Ring: 32T. Crank Length: 170mm / 56.5mm.

Shifters

SHIMANO DEORE. Model: M6100 Rapidfire Plus 2-way release. Speed: 1x12 speed.

Cassette

SHIMANO DEORE. Model: M6100. Speed: 12 speed. Ratio: 10-51T.

Chain

KMC X12.

Brakes

SHIMANO DEORE. Model: BR-M6100. Brake Type: Hydraulic two piston. Rotor Size: 180/180mm.

TypeShimano Deore Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SHIMANO DEORE.

Wheels
Rims

DT SWISS M442. Hole: 32H. Size: 29'' Front / 29'' Rear (Sizes Large / XL) 29'' Front / 27.5'' Rear (Sizes Small / Medium). Tubeless Ready: Yes.

Spokes

DOUBLE-BUTTED STAINLESS STEEL.

Front Hub

KT. Front: DHF122 sealed bearing 32H. Rear: DHR2S5 sealed bearing 32H. Brake Fitting: 6-bolt. Front Axle Type: 15 x 110 Boost. Rear Axle Type: 12 x 157 SuperBoost. Hole: 32H.

Rear Hub

KT. Front: DHF122 sealed bearing 32H. Rear: DHR2S5 sealed bearing 32H. Brake Fitting: 6-bolt. Front Axle Type: 15 x 110 Boost. Rear Axle Type: 12 x 157 SuperBoost. Hole: 32H.

Tires

MAXXIS MINION DHRII. Model: EXO TR. Size: 29 x 2.4 Front & Rear (Sizes Large / XL) / 29 x 2.4 Front / 27.5 x 2.3 Rear (Sizes Small / Medium).

Rider Notes
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First added November 8

Last updated April 6

Not listed for 792 days