Saracen Ariel 151

ilovedirt
ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
edited August 2015 in Your mountain bikes
New bike day!
Saracen Ariel 151 full build - to replace the Mega. Made a couple of changes - Raceface narrow/wide (removed the double and chain guide), renthal bars, Funn stem, Reverb, M530 pedals. Aside from that it's standard. I've got some SRAM Guides from the shop I work in to try out on there for a bit, I'll do that when I can be bothered to bleed them.

First impressions are very good - corners well, stable at speed and in the air, and really irons out the rough stuff. You do have to press on a bit harder to get the most out of it though, and the stock tyres are a bit naff, so should really be able to get up to speed with some new rubber. Overall though, it's a fast bike! Climbs well enough too.

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Production Privee Shan

B'Twin Triban 5

Comments

  • Looks really nice.
    Im tempted by an outgoing 2015 Kili Flyer 123. Just not sure about the Saracen brand though. Is it uncool??
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    Nah, saracen have really upped their game of late, and anyone that knows bikes knows this.
    The kili is a nice bike, not for me though. More of short travel all day/trail centre bike.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • lawman
    lawman Posts: 6,868
    Saracen are making some very solid bikes nowadays, next years Kili Flier full bike and frameset looks immensely good fun and very, very nicely finished. The hardtails and road bikes are looking good too. Definitely a brand on the upward curve
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    For sure! The Hack I had before was good, but this is a really lovely bike, very nicely finished and thought out, and good value! The spec isn't insane, but everything on there just works.
    I've had a sit on the kili flyer in our shop. The geometry really isn't for me, but I'm sure it'll work for some people. You'll find its limits a bit faster than the ariel, that's for sure.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • Whats the frame warranty on Saracens like?
    There are some amazing deals on Kili Flyer 122 and 123 right now, due to there only being 1 model next year. Only trouble is nowhere near me has one in stock, or is willing to send one for me to try for size.
    I do mostly trail centres and Peak District so it would be ideal, and is amazing value for money in the sale prices.
  • Lewis A
    Lewis A Posts: 767
    I've heard bad things about the availability of spares in the past.
    Cube Analog 2012 with various upgrades.
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    Whats the frame warranty on Saracens like?
    There are some amazing deals on Kili Flyer 122 and 123 right now, due to there only being 1 model next year. Only trouble is nowhere near me has one in stock, or is willing to send one for me to try for size.
    I do mostly trail centres and Peak District so it would be ideal, and is amazing value for money in the sale prices.
    Not sure about the warranty to be honest.
    What size do you need? We have a 19" in stock in our shop, we're on anglesey though.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    Few new bits on my bike, Gamut Trail-SXC top guide, RaceFace narrow/wide ring, top spec (folding, 3c, exo, tubeless) minion on the front, and top spec ardent on the rear. Set the minion up tubeless, having problems getting the rear to inflate, mainly because I've cracked the rim already...
    I've also got a pair of SRAM Guide RS brakes on loan from the shop I work in, just to try them out. They feel good so far.

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    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5