Saracen Ariel 60 Elite Review - One Year In: Still the Everyday Trail Weapon

Over a year after landing on test trails, the Ariel 60 Elite still feels like new rig.

From the trails, to the trails, to more trails. The Ariel 60 Elite has been the go‑to bike for everything thrown at it and it hasn’t missed a beat.

While lots of bikes these days chase wireless drivetrains, carbon fibre everything and “race‑spec” price tags, the Ariel 60 Elite delivers straight up performance without the flashy bits you don’t need.

Build Kit That Just Works.    

- Fox 38 Factory fork (160 mm travel)

- Fox DHX2 Factory shock (160mm travel)

- Shimano XT 12‑speed drivetrain

- Shimano XT 4‑piston brakes

- DT Swiss EX511 rims laced to KT hubs

- KS Lev Integra dropper post

- List price: £4,399.99 — NOW £3,499.99 "Bargain!"

How It Rides Now

The Ariel is very happy blasting through boulder‑strewn lines and eager when threading tech at walking pace. Its strength lies in its predictability whether you’re charging or chilling.

The Shimano XT brakes still bite precisely, the drivetrain shifts crisp, and the wheels are still round and true. Even with a few paint chips on that once‑sparkling purple, it looks the business.

The original WideOpen review still nails it: the bike “makes you feel entirely at home on a precipice at walking pace”. And that’s exactly what it does, every single ride.

Long‑Term Reliability

After 13 months of abuse: zero mechanical issues except the rear brake starting to feel slightly less fluid—on a greasy woodland lap

- Paint is chipped, but still striking

- Drivetrain and brakes deliver unrelenting performance

- Wheels have remained true with no spoke drama

With everything still working and the price now at £3,499.99, it's hard to find better all-round performance for the money.

Still Fresh After Four Years

The Ariel platform might be more than four seasons old, but it’s still competitive. Not necessarily the slackest, lowest or lightest—yet it’s one of the most fun and usable bikes you can own.

It’s built to ride everywhere—trail centres, enduro stages, bike parks, rock gardens or tech climbs—making it ideal for riders who want bone‑stock capability and upgrade potential.

Final Word

The Saracen Ariel 60 Elite remains one of the most dependable, exciting, and truly usable trail bikes out there—especially at £3,499.99.

It might come from an older frame design, but it still shreds like a modern rig. Built tough, built simple—and built for real riders.

Click here to read the full review - WIDEOPEN

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