Saracen Kili Flyer

We shall start at the lower end of the travel spectrum, and with perhaps the biggest new move for Saracen, the new full carbon Kili Flyer trail bike. The 120mm travel 27.5″ wheeled Kili Flyer was first introduced in 2013 with a full aluminium frame. Then in 2014 it received a carbon rear end, and now for 2015 it gets a carbon front end to match the rear. The result is a substantial 600g weight saving. Saracen will still be offering the aluminium frames on lower priced models (the range starts at £1999.99), and but this full carbon version is available as either a complete bike priced at £3699.99, or as a frame at £1999.99.

The quality of finish on this frame is very impressive indeed, it’s easily comparable with frames costing considerably more, and there’s some nice attention to detail too. The cable routing for example is internally routed with full guides inside the frame so there won’t be any need for swearing when replacing cables. There’s also an ISCG mount, removable front mech mount, 142x12mm dropouts, direct and standard mech hanger options, plus stealth seatpost routing.

We should be getting hold of one of these bikes to test out soon, and it’s definitely got some potential, especially as I found out that it can be run with a 130mm fork and a longer stroke shock (but same overall length) which gives it another 15mm of travel without upsetting the geometry.

Click on the gallery below to see more details of this bike…