The New 2024 Saracen Ariel Range | Everything You Need to Know.

Saracen Bikes stick with the if it ain’t broke mentality with their four bike range rolling with the 3 Series alloy frames and TRL suspension platform.

Saracen’s 2024 range grows with the addition of a higher spec Ariel 30 offering, with the range comprising of the Ariel Jnr, Ariel 30, Ariel 60 and Ariel 80.

Photos by Laurence Crossman-Ems.

The 2024 Saracen Bikes Ariel range is the best-looking yet with updated colours, longer dropper posts and the addition of a new top-spec Ariel 30. The tried and tested Series 3 6013 alloy frames form the basis of the range, with the TRL (Tuned Ride Link) suspension system adjusted to suit the travel of each bike.

Key to the range is also the spec and price. Even the base models are specced with rock-solid kit that will go the distance and provide ample performance and a serious base for future upgrades. The base model bikes come in around the two and a half grand mark, sport Fox dampers front and rear, 12-speed Shimano drivetrains, Shimano brakes, KS droppers, DT Swiss rims… All quality kit.

Whilst the TRL system has been around for quite a while and retains the linkage-driven single pivot design, it has been tweaked constantly as knowledge of kinematics and damper technology has improved over the years. The main pivot sits directly above the bottom bracket. Other than the Ariel 80 which is full 27.5″ only, the small and medium Ariel 30 and 60s come as Mullets, with the large and extra large models as full 29ers. Push links are provided to run the smaller sizes as full 29ers as well.

The Ariel Jnr is unsurprisingly the shortest travel bike in the range, with 120mm travel front and rear, rolling on 24″ wheels. Just one bike is on offer here, with this mini-shredders’ bike coming in at £1,899.99 with X Fusion suspension and an 11-speed SRAM NX drivetrain. This bike comes in one size featuring a 360mm reach and a 315mm seat tube. Head angle is 65 degrees with a 68.5 degree seat tube angle. Chainstays are 385mm long.

Next up is the newly-enlarged Ariel 30 range. Slotting into the downcountry/trail bike category, the Ariel 30 offers up 130mm travel at the rear. An Ariel 30 X frame is on offer if you’re after a custom build, with the Ariel 30 kicking off the range at £2,499.99, the Ariel 30 Pro coming in at £3,299.99 and the new Ariel 30 Elite topping out the range at £3,999.99. A roomy 480mm reach on the size M pairs to a 410mm seat tube, with a 65 and 76.5 degree head and seat tube angle respectively. Chainstays are 440mm.

Like its smaller brother, Ariel 60 comes in frame-only, Ariel 60, Pro and Elite flavours with these coming in at £1,799.99, £2,599.99, £3,499.99 and £4,399.99 respectively. Whether you’re after a bike for an enduro race or an all day adventure, the do-it-all Ariel 60 should be on the list. A 480mm reach on the size M pairs to a 410mm seat tube, with a 64.6 and 76.5 degree head and seat tube angle respectively. Chainstays are 440mm.

If you’re more of a park rat, then the two-model Ariel 80 line up might well be the one for you. 180mm travel and 27.5″ wheels only, you get two flavours of Ariel 80 with no frame option. The Ariel 80 costs £2,599.99, with the Ariel 80 Pro coming in at £3,499.99. A 480mm reach on the size M pairs to a 460mm seat tube, with a 63.5 and 76.5 degree head and seat tube angle respectively. Chainstays are 440mm.