2018 SARACEN ARIEL LT

1 Full-carbon frame

All of the Ariel LT frame is carbon, including the linkage. The reach measurement on the large size has actually shrunk, but Saracen have added an XL size, with a reach of 490mm. Both 0mm and +/- 5mm headsets are supplied, allowing you to fine tune frame length. The chainstays have grown to 435mm and the head angle is a degree slacker, at 65 degrees, while the seat angle remains the same, at 74 degrees. All cables are internally routed and there’s space for a Shimano Di2 battery in the down tube in case you want to give electronic shifting a go.

2 DH-inspired suspension

The Ariel uses an almost identical suspension arrangement to the Myst downhill bike, with just a few tweaks to change the leverage ratio. Saracen say this gives it the same mid- stroke support as the Myst but with a pivot position optimised for anti-squat. The linkage-actuated shock is positioned as low as possible in the frame.

3 Fox Factory dampers

Taking care of suspension duties are a 170mm-travel Fox 36 Float Factory fork up front and a Float X2 Factory shock out back, which has a custom tune to suit the bike.

4 Kit and caboodle

The Ariel LT rolls on DT Swiss M 1900 30mm wheels and a full Shimano XT drivetrain. It’s finished o with an ENVE carbon DH bar and a proprietary 150mmtravel dropper post.

5 Marmite tyres

We think the tan-wall Maxxis Minion DHFs look rad, but Saracen know they’re a bit love/hate, so they’ll be including a spare set of black-wall tyres in the box.