SARACEN MANTRA TRAIL LS L
£999.99 It’s missing a dropper, but that’s no deal-breaker
The smallest brand here, Saracen have been much more reactive to advances in bike design than some of their bigger rivals. LSL stands for ‘long, slack, low’ – a geometry approach that has a big effect on how the bike rides.
The frame
The Mantra uses Saracen’s subtly hydroformed Series 2 alloy tubeset. It’s got a tapered head tube for more accurate steering, combined with a Boost-width, through-axle rear end. There’s a cable port for an internally routed dropper post, in case you want to fit one in future, plus pannier attachments for commuters. You get two bottle mounts, and the one on the seat tube is far enough down that we didn’t have any trouble slamming the seat for descents. Our large frame had the most extreme geometry of any bike here, with a slack 65-degree head angle, lengthy 471mm reach (48mm longer than that of the Cannondale!) and 1,210mm wheelbase.
The kit
A host of solidly-performing parts complement that aggressive frame shape. The 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain (with FSA Comet cranks) may not be flashy but works impressively. Like the Giant, the Saracen rolls on regular-size trail rubber – a 2.35in Schwalbe Nobby Nic and Hans Dampf combo, on 21mm Araya rims. The tyres are exceptionally grippy but have very thin casings, and we suffered two pinch flats. X-Fusion provide their RC32 fork, with 130mm of travel and a leg-top lockout. Shimano Alivio brakes supply the stopping power, with an upsized 180mm front rotor. Finishing kit is all own-brand, with the only notable omission being a dropper post.
The ride
After riding a long, slack and low bike, you’ll ask yourself why all brands don’t make their frames like this. If you’re used to more traditional measurements, the geometry can be offputting at first, because it doesn’t feel as snappy or easy to manoeuvre. But get up to speed, and the benefits soon make themselves clear. The Mantra’s proportions give you plenty of space to move around on the bike, and mean that smaller, accidental movements have little or no effect on its trajectory. Make a marked and deliberate change in direction though, and it moves straight towards your next intended line.
Climbing on the Saracen is a perfectly-controlled experience, with the frame having a marked compliance that smooths out bumps, improves grip and reduces fatigue
THE CONFIDENCE INSPIRING‘ DAMPED’ FEEL, COUPLED WITH TH EL. S. L. GEOMETRY, MAKES IT EASY TO PUSH THE MANTRA WAY BEYOND THE CAPABILITIES OF ITS FORK, TYRES AND BRAKES
on prolonged efforts. The 73-degree seat angle meant we had to slam the saddle forward to get in a good position over the pedals (we had to do this on the other bikes too). This isn’t a deal-breaker, especially with no rear suspension compression to potentially make it even slacker, but it’s a conservative touch on a bike that’s otherwise progressive.
The lack of a dropper interrupts your flow considerably – add one to the upgrade list. Descend with the post lowered in the frame though, and this thing flies. The back end has a confidence-inspiring ‘damped’ feel that, coupled with the LSL geometry, makes it easy to push the Mantra way beyond the capabilities of its fork, tyres and brakes. Your feet and hands are perfectly placed in relation to one another to give maximum stability and control. The bike carves turns with total conviction and poise.
Things aren’t quite so good up front. The RC32 fork is reluctant to get moving, so it isn’t the smoothest over small bumps, and transmits jarring feedback through the bar, which is at odds with how the rear end feels. This inability to absorb smaller impacts also highlights how much fore-and-aft flex the fork lowers have – instead of compressing over bumps, it twangs back and forth.
A stiffer, more capable fork would really elevate the Mantra’s ride, but even with some kit shortcomings, this is an incredibly competent bike, with standout geometry that rewards you with speed and control on the descents, without hindering climbing.