New Saracen Myst starts from £3,599

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The new Saracen Myst uses a combination single pivot, shock link and brake linkage, all made viable by the move to a shock tunnel seat tube design.

Here are the edited highlights from Saracen’s press release:

Saracen launch new re-designed Myst platform

This is the biggest update to the frame since its inception in 2010 with a lowered shock and centre of gravity change, braking characteristics and suspension kinematics all integrated into the new design.

Development on this new frame design started back in 2019 with the Madison Saracen Factory Race Team. Focusing on weight distribution, brake interaction and the suspension curve. The overhaul moved the shock just above the bottom bracket and a new tuned ride link configuration was created alongside a specific brake tune linkage.

The biggest visual change to the frame is the new shock tunnel, allowing for the placement of the rear shock and linkage to sit lower within the frame. This has moved the bike’s main weight and centre of gravity more than a 100mm lower and further backwards over the previous generation. Additionally, the tested floating brake tune has been integrated into the seat stay and rocker linkage.

The use of oversized, fully sealed bearings in all pivot locations helps handle the forces required for racing and should provide a longer lifespan.

Saracen Myst Team

The new Myst is available in two models: The Myst Team is pretty much identical to the bikes ridden by Matt Walker and Greg Williamson at World Cup level. Retailing for £5,499.99 it has full Fox Factory suspension, DT Swiss rims, Maxxis tyres and a full Shimano Saint groupset.

Saracen Myst Pro

The £3,599.99 Myst Pro uses exactly the same frame as the Team but with a more wallet-friendly spec aimed at privateer racers and riders. Rockshox and Marzocchi suspension, with SRAM GX DH gears and Shimano brakes bolted to Raceface Chester finishing kit.

Saracen Myst X frameset

There’s also a Myst X frameset at £2,199.99.

SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13042939

In-depth suspension set-up

The system has been developed since 2019. The single pivot location has been relocated to alter the anti squat curve and wheel path. Anti-squat has been reduced (96% at sag) to keep the moments of sprinting firm and moving forward but the middle of the travel having a slightly more-free moving feel.

Then paired with the small change in the shock rate in the middle of the travel to be more responsive, the overall traction and stability across rough terrain.

Through the various iterations of floating brake systems tested over the years, the race team has found a uniquely constant percent keeps the bike very balanced versus other decreasing or increasing rates normally found. 

With the anti-rise rate remaining fairly consistent throughout the travel, this creates good braking in high-grip situations while also being consistent and neutral on setup into turns and on large repeated hits. The shock develops a small progressive curve and combined together, give a very stable feeling in all conditions.

The Centre of Gravity difference illustration below: moving the main mass of the frame weight backwards and lower down into the frame by over 100mm lower to give the rider an even more planted feel between their feet.

saracen.co.uk

SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13042939

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Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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Home Forums New Saracen Myst starts from £3,599

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
  • New Saracen Myst starts from £3,599
  • sharkattack
    Full Member

    I haven’t ridden a DH bike since 26″ days. I’d love a day out on one of these but not enough to spend my own money on one.

    a11y
    Full Member

    Similar – the last DH bike I owned was a 26″ NP Pulse in 2013! I’d love to see how a (more) proper sized DH bike would ride like now, but not curious enough – or have the ability to disengage my brain sufficiently – to buy one again.

    grahamt1980
    Full Member

    I’m still riding my 2015 myst (27.5″ flavour) but having ridden my scout at antur I would be struggling to justify getting a new dh bike. Just not worth it unless you are racing

    noeffsgiven
    Free Member

    Not as nice as the previous Mysts, the new Saracens kinda look cheap in comparison.

    dyna-ti
    Full Member

    I’d the shimano m520 brake(on the myst pro) come fitted to my ebike, and pretty damn good they are too. a real diamond in the rough.

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

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