How Fast Can Adam Build His New Ariel 30?

When we sent Adam Brayton a brand-new Saracen Ariel 30 X Frame, there was only one rule: beat the clock.

With trusted mechanic Oli on hand, the stopwatch started, the tools came out, and the challenge was on. No second takes, no slow coffee breaks — just a flat-out race to build a trail bike ready to take on winter head-first.

The result?
A true one-off Saracen Ariel build, stacked with premium components and tuned for long days, big miles, and zero excuses when the weather turns.

What Went Into This Custom Saracen Ariel Build?

Every component was chosen for performance, reliability, and real-world riding:

• Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain – lightning-fast electronic shifting with race-ready precision

• FOX fork, shock & seatpost – dialled suspension from top to bottom

• Hope wheels & finishing kit – British-made quality with bombproof reliability

• ODI grips – control where it matters most

• Maxxis Minion DHR tyres – trusted grip for aggressive trail riding

• And plenty more carefully selected details that make this build something special

Once the final bolt was torqued, the Ariel didn’t stop there. The frame was fully ceramic coated by Gtechniq, adding a protective layer against grime, water, and winter trail abuse — keeping it looking sharp and running smoothly no matter how bad conditions get.

Built Fast. Built Right. Built to Ride.

This wasn’t about cutting corners — it was about proving how quickly a bike can come together when every part belongs. The Saracen Ariel 30 platform delivered exactly what it’s known for: confidence, capability, and all-day trail performance.

So the build question has been answered.

The next question is… how fast can Adam ride it?