For 2013 Saracen had two 26″ Ariels in their line up, one with 160mm of travel, and the other with 140mm. Both were great bikes too, but 2014 sees the introduction of a new 27.5″ wheeled Ariel that comes with 150mm of travel and a new carbon rear end.
Here’s a video they’ve done of two prototypes, and the final production version being test ridden.
Saracen reckon that they’ve worked hard to reduce the weight of the whole frame, not just the rear end, and the result of that is that this 27.5 wheeled, 150mm travel frame actually weighs less than the previous 140mm travel 26’er. Despite the weight savings they say durability and stiffness remain just as impressive as they were before.
As you can see the new carbon rear end also benefits from a 12×142 rear axle. No bike of this nature should be without one these days.
Just like previous Ariel’s the rear end swings on a robust single pivot and a rocker system both drives the shock and helps to make the rear as stiff as it is.
The top spec bike and the frame only option will both come complete with a Fox Float Factory Kashima CTD rear shock. On the full builds you also find all the things you’d want on a bike like this, i.e. a dropper post and chainguide.
At the front of the frame you’ll find a tapered headtube along with a nice bit of detailing.
By the sounds of it we should be able to get a spin on one of these very soon, so keep an eye out for an update on this bike as we reckon it’s got the potential to be a good ‘un.
Ariel 151: £2599
Ariel 152: £3199
Ariel 15X frame kit: £1699, including Fox Float Factory Kashima CTD rear shock, headset and seat clamp.
