Any Saracen Ariel owners out there?

mac_man
mac_man Posts: 918
edited January 2012 in MTB buying advice
They've had some good reviews and there seem to be some good deals on the Ariel 2 at the moment at around £1400. Seems good given their list price of £2K and the spec is decent.

I'll be taking it to Spain when I move out there in March where there's plenty of serous all mountain type riding, so the bike should suit the terrain.

Just after any owners ratings on the bike in terms of reliability ie any frame and/or bearing issues and also how it rides. The reviews seem to rate its 'downhill lite' ability which should suit the very rocky terrain I'll be contending with, yet it's still light enough to be pedalled up the other side.

There will be no bike shop within 50 miles so the other issue is spares and servicing. I may as well consider a direct sale bike in this instance as returning it back to original reseller will be a pain either way :lol: .

The YT Industries Wicked looks very tempting as well, http://www.yt-industries.com/en/bikes-2012/wicked-150/ given the spec and price. Although there's scant detail on how it rides... except in German.
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Comments

  • leaflite
    leaflite Posts: 1,651
    MBR have got one of those YT Industries Wickeds as a long term test bike for this year, and will be giving their first impressions in next months(march, on sale around the 10th Feb) magazine. Without wishing to sound like an MBR salesman, it might be worth getting a copy...

    From what I have heard, the saracen ariel rides well and is good value but the frame is heavy compared to rivals.
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  • mac_man
    mac_man Posts: 918
    leaflite wrote:
    MBR have got one of those YT Industries Wickeds as a long term test bike for this year, and will be giving their first impressions in next months(march, on sale around the 10th Feb) magazine. Without wishing to sound like an MBR salesman, it might be worth getting a copy...

    From what I have heard, the saracen ariel rides well and is good value but the frame is heavy compared to rivals.

    Cheers.

    Weight on the Saracen is listed at 30lb, compared to other £2k bikes it's probably a couple of pounds heavier, but compared to list price bikes at £1400 it's probably average, or even a touch lighter.

    I'm also still tempted by the Boardman FS Team, or even the Pro, as spec is still good for the money. Slightly shorter travel, but not much.
    Cool, retro and sometimes downright rude MTB and cycling themed T shirts. Just MTFU.

    By day: http://www.mtfu.co.uk

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