Best MTB for £3k

[weeksy]

https://www.freewheel.co.uk/saracen-ariel-30-varrn2170

https://www.freewheel.co.uk/saracen-ari ... -varrn2171

Love that second one.

Weeksy- appreciate your view in it mate. Is it much better than what I’ve got/ worth a punt?

I’d be keen to tubeless natch

In simple terms, yeah of course, yours is now 5-6-7 years old and things move on. It's a basis on a theme of it being a 20er XC type bike, but it'll have better geometry, new components etc. So you'll certainly notice a difference. There's nothing about it to not like. Nice bike, nice spec, nice looking, nice bits.

[Ditchfinder]

There's a write up of the ariel here https://singletrackworld.com/2021/03/ne ... the-ariel/

[weeksy]

There's a write up of the ariel here https://singletrackworld.com/2021/03/ne ... the-ariel/

It's not though really is it... it's a list of specs and design geometry... That's not a dig at you by the way. But it doesn't tell us anything about the bike other than what bits are hanging off it in various guises.

[Ditchfinder]

Fair enough, didn't read it to be honest, just remembered seeing it so thought it might help.

Reviews by bike journos are always subjective, they've raved about stuff I've hated and hated stuff I've thought good so a lot of the time you're buying on - does it look like it will do what I want it to do, does it look good value, are there any parts I've experience of that I know I don't like and I will have to change, does it look about the right size. Especially when you can't test ride stuff.

[Mr Moofo]

I have some oldish 32 RS Revs set to 140mm that could be loaned out ... they are for a 29er
Just remembered they are non boost - so that would be an issue

[Docca]

Well if I can get this done, then i'll be 'saving' £1200 off a £3k purchase. That's not to be sniffed at

[weeksy]

Less talk more action. Get on with it boy

You know, you have to pedal it though

[Docca]

I know buddy. I have leave coming up soon to kick start my year (you'll see on strava )

[Docca]

So I really like the Saracen but that Freewheel sight isn't as helpful. I can't find a store that has those bikes- not sure if anyone can help?

Also, Bird can't get forks and I can only place the order online. They've advised that they might be adding some forks real soon. I guess i'll have to keep looking


Then there is Giant- any of these:

https://www.giant-guildford.co.uk/gb/mo ... el-size=29?

I can't believe it's this difficult to spend 3k

[weeksy]

So I really like the Saracen but that Freewheel sight isn't as helpful. I can't find a store that has those bikes- not sure if anyone can help?

Also, Bird can't get forks and I can only place the order online. They've advised that they might be adding some forks real soon. I guess i'll have to keep looking


Then there is Giant- any of these:

https://www.giant-guildford.co.uk/gb/mo ... el-size=29?

I can't believe it's this difficult to spend 3k

The Anthem is available in a few places, it'll feel fairly similar to yours, but 'better' yes..

[weeksy]

So I really like the Saracen but that Freewheel sight isn't as helpful. I can't find a store that has those bikes- not sure if anyone can help?

Help ? Ring them and say "can i have one of these on C2W?"

[Docca]

So I really like the Saracen but that Freewheel sight isn't as helpful. I can't find a store that has those bikes- not sure if anyone can help?

Help ? Ring them and say "can i have one of these on C2W?"

I called the local place and they said they didn't have any-because they weren't stockists

[weeksy]

Hahahaha i see... Dunno mate. Never used them.

Need Help? Call us on 0208 385 3400

You called that one ?

[Docca]

yep.

Just find me a bike ffs





I'm tempted by the Giant stuff, but I don't know the difference between the Anthem and the Trance and then there is now Liv- wtf is Liv?!

[weeksy]

Anthem bit of travel
Trance more travel
Liv womens.

[weeksy]

https://www.saracen.co.uk/products/ariel-30-pro

Phone: 01908 326032 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, excluding public holidays)
Orders, shipping and returns: customerservice@saracen.co.uk
Technical queries: info@saracen.co.uk
Finance decisions: underwriting@V12finance.com
Facebook direct message

https://www.saracen.co.uk/pages/contact

[Docca]

they pick up and put the phone down every time!

[Bigyin]

Can’t remember if I need large or x-large

For your size mate i would say XL. My current GT is an L and a tad too small for me but i get by with it but a bit more room would probably give me less back pain over a few hours use

[Docca]

E5BA565C-06D1-414A-85A2-A40787517157.png (367.91 KiB) Viewed 704 times

So this is the price of the Bird bike without forks.

How much are the sort of forks I need ?

I also don’t know what size travel dropper post to put in, so went for the middle option ‘150mm’

Is it worth getting the bike without forks?

[Couchy]

Yup order it and get it sent to weeksy, get forks sent there too and pick up completed