SARACEN ARIEL 80 PRO

£3,499.99 Much revised but still just as rad

When Saracen launched the Ariel in 2010, we dubbed it a “state-of-the-art, radical trail bomber”. Over the years, the bike has evolved, and now comes in distinct trail (Ariel 30), enduro (Ariel 60) and bike park (Ariel 80, here) models. But it’s still true to its radical roots, with each version sporting properly progressive geometry and decent parts, for a fair price. With its long, low-slung frame and relatively slim tube profiles, the Ariel 80 doesn’t look too far removed from Saracen’s World Championships-winning Myst downhill rig. Rolling on 650b wheels and with 180mm of coil-sprung rear travel, this machine has been built for smashing berms and sending jumps.

The custom-butted and hydroformed 6013 aluminium frame has been put through its paces by 2020 world champ and bottom-out king Matt Walker, so you can be sure it’ll take a pounding. A slack 63.5-degree head angle and long reach figures (topping out at 510mm on the XL size) should keep things stable at speed, while the mid-size wheels and 438mm chainstays encourage you to pop off lips and flick the bike around.

Parts-wise, Saracen have sensibly prioritised the bits that make the biggest difference to the ride, so on this Pro model you get a burly Fox 38 Performance Elite fork and DHX2 Performance shock, plus DT Swiss E 532 enduro rims shod with 2.4in Maxxis Minion DHR II tyres. Shimano’s mid-range SLX groupset handles shifting duties (with an XT mech upgrade) and also provides the four-pot brakes, saving money without any significant impact on performance.