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."
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.
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.
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.