Dream Build: Matt Walker’s Ariel 60 X

To celebrate the launch of our new range we got Gee Milner to give our Ariel 60 X the Dream Build treatment! And who better to build the bike for, than 2020 UCI Downhill World Cup overall winner Matt Walker.

Matt hasn’t just been busy winning the downhill world cup series though – and this isn’t any ordinary Dream Build. For the last two years Matt has been riding our test mules, offering feedback on geometry, suspension and handling. 


Two years of flat landings, smashing turns and pedalling back up to do it all over again has led to this – and it only seems right to present Matt with his very own 160mm travel enduro ready rig.

Of course, this being Dream Build we had to spec the bike with a host of race ready components.

Fox Factory suspension, Shimano XTR drivetrain and 4-pot brakes, DT Swiss wheels and finishing kit from PRO means this is a build without compromise.

And how does it ride? Be sure to watch to the end to see exactly why we chose Matt to develop a bike that is built to be pushed to the limit!

Want to create your own dream build? Check out our Ariel 60 range – including the frame-only option.

SPECIFICATION SHEET
Frame: Saracen Ariel 60 X
Fork: Fox 38 Factory
Shock: Fox X2 factory 
Headset: Prestine PT-F13 

Shifters: Shimano XTR 1x12
Rear derailleur: Shimano XTR
Chainset: Shimano XT - 34t, 170mm 
Chain: Shimano XTR
Cassette: Shimano XTR 11-45T
Brakes: Shimano XTR, 4 pot calliper
Rotors: Shimano Deore XT Ice Tech 6-bolt, 203mm

Rims: DT Swiss EX471 / 32h / 29" front / 27.5" rear 
Hubs: DT Swiss 240 Exp Classic Disc 6 bolt 110x15 mm Boost, 32 hole front / DT Swiss 240 Exp Classic Disc 6 bolt 157x12mm Super Boost, Microspline 32 hole rear
Spokes: DT Swiss Competition
Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHRII / EXO / TR / 29x2.4 front 27.5 x 2.4 rear

Handlebars: Pro Tharsis 3five carbon riser, 780mm
Stem: Pro Tharsis 3five, 45mm
Grips: ODI Elite Flow 
Saddle: Pro Stealth Offroad, 142mm 
Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory, 150mm
Seatpost lever: Shimano SL-MT800-l adjustable seatpost lever, i-spec ev mount
Pedals: Shimano XTR trail wide platform pedals