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Mon 12 Oct 2009, 2:00 pm BST

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Saracen’s Kili Flyer and Ariel mountain bikes

By Matthew Cole

Saracen are making a comeback to the mountain bike world, and if the new Kili Flyer hardtail and Ariel full-suspension models are anything to go by, the reincarnation of this once-popular brand is going to be a successful one.

Sitting at the top end of Saracen's hardtail range, the Kili Flyer is being built by UK titanium and steel craftsmen Enigma at their Eastbourne headquarters, and you can really see the attention to detail and care they put into their work when you see it up close.

We can see the Kili Flyer being built up as a lightweight race machine as well as a do-it-all trail bike, and it’ll be available in both Tange Prestige steel and titanium versions.

Saracen brand manager Simon Wild said: "The Kili Flyer is handmade in the UK, fillet brazed using Tange Prestige – just like the original Prestige model but with all-new geometry built around a 120mm fork. Light enough to race. Comfortable enough to ride all day. And in original Aquamarine finish with polished details."

Kili on the downtube: kili on the downtube

The steel Kili will be available in two spec levels – a Shimano SLX/Fox F120 RL fork version at around £2K and a more expensive Premium version with XT/XTR.

We'll bring you pics and more details of the titanium version very soon. There'll also be a non-UK-built Kili which will cost around £850 with Deore groupset and RockShox Recon fork.

Saracen ariel 140mm full suspension bike: saracen ariel 140mm full suspension bike

This is the 140mm travel Ariel model we teased you with in September – and we think you’ll agree that if this thing rides anything like it looks it’s going to be a belter.

Linkage: linkage

Built for all-day riding in the mountains it’s got a linkage activated single pivot suspension design, an ISCG mount for a chain device and can be run with forks with up to 160mm of travel.

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User Comments

There are 5 comments on this post

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 comments

  • that Kili hardtail is a real headturner :) I want one hehe

  • i only hope they are better than previous models..........a team i used to race with rode Kili's and 5, yes 5 of the frames cracked within one month!

  • Any words on the pricing and geo of the Ariel? That looks a stunner, three cheers for the linkage single pivot!

  • Nevermind, read the other page on it. for £1600 it looks sweet.

  • i had an old saracen that i used as a jump bike and loved it the flyer looks great i am sure im old enough to remember the original one that was eye catching in its day to.

  • 1

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