First Look: Saracen Ariel 60 Pro

The Saracen Ariel 60 Pro model here is both fab looking on paper and in the flesh. From the MInion DHR IIs to the ODI grips, it is lit.

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By ben_haworth

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i got an ariel 30 2 years ago (they sold out in 2 days – great value for money). Been flawless since.

I’ve been looking at the Ariel 60 range, I really like the Ariel 60. One of the the spec choices I don’t like on the Elite is the Shimano hubs. They are still using cup and cone bearing technology. Once the cup surface pits there’s no fixing the hub. Might have to find a way of making the cycle to work scheme work.

Never had an issue with cup and cone bearings in Shimano hubs. Also because they’re angular they support side loads on the wheels way better than sealed bearings.

Still got some Deore hubs going strong after 22 years.

@markdoyle
Not all shimano hubs are cup and cone these days, the mt410 I have on my bike have cartridge bearings(iirc they’re 6903). Cant say whether its the same higher up the range

Been eyeing up trail bike framesets this week and stumbled across the Ariel 30. Love what they’ve done with it (although Superboost back end isn’t necessary IMHO and room for a bigger water bottle would’ve been good), but that’s now on my list.

room for a bigger water bottle would’ve been good

I’ve got a 30, admittedly in XL, but a full size bottle fits with a side load cage.

Hmm, interesting!

I may have missed it in the article, but RRP is £3499 link

they support side loads on the wheels way better than sealed bearings

I’ve heard this a lot and to be honest I find it really hard to believe that a certain arrangement of bearing in the centre of the wheel would have any real-world, noticeable effect whilst out riding or make much difference to longevity. I’m not an engineer though so, if wrong, more than willing to be educated.

L Ariel 30 will just take a 600ml bottle in a side load cage (with a one-up pump mount underneath). Wouldn’t take anything bigger I think

I stand corrected, I never knew Shimano were making hubs with cartridge bearings. I was aware that cup and cone were better for side loads but every cup and cone I’ve had has gone bad. I religiously serviced them but eventually they would pit. Just looked at an exploded view of the hubs mentioned here and am delighted they have a cartridge bearing hub. I’m a huge Shimano fanboy and that was always the fly in the ointment for me in their component range. Thanks for pointing that out.