Bike Setup: Boxxers, Hope, Mavic 321, Cheiftan mkII`s
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Iam
a Downhiller
from Leicestershire UK
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Strengths: 6061 aluminium,Intense style main frame with four bar linkage rear end. Well Made!
Weaknesses: Ill matched Shock Stroke length, which Bottoms-Out off Urrr sMALL drops. (Harder spring Sorts tha problem)
Bottom Line:
My Frame is an 99 Addiction DH I got it at a Bargain 750 boys, and I've never had any problems - with the frame itself that is! Strangely enough Saracen sent it with a cheap Shockworks rear Shock instead of a Helix Pro. What first attracted me to the frame was the spec, Mono-Cock frame (similar to the FSR's & M1's) and the 4 bar linkage working a Stratos Shock with a "Lock-Out" function - Nice, and when I was informed on the price I had to have one! The linkage is sweet too, in 99 there were two sets Saracen were secretly offering, a 3 position and a Proto Wavy kit (made by goldtech). I nagged Saracen for the 3 position (used on 98 models and 01 Frenzys) this gives you the choice of 3, 4.5 or 6 inches of travel and its fantastic, 3" Duel, 4.5" UK Downhill and 6" Freeride or W.C. courses. The Ride is smooth and very linear and from 2 years in August I've still not touched the silent Bearings! 2001 Models have a Machined Risse Rear end and a sweet 7.5" of rear Travel. Buy One!
Good frame, excellent linkage, as plush as any £1500 frame and you can get it for £600. Easily upgradable to 8". Looks good.
Shame about the mud clearance.
As the other guy said its a shame about Saracen though. The headangle was apallingly steep when built and after 6 months I realised Saracen had put the linkage plates on upside-down. Youd think they would know how to put their frame together.
Strengths: Very strong frame Value for money Looks Four bar linkage
Weaknesses: Saracen forgot to include the rear shock (DUHHHH)
Bottom Line:
I took a bit of a chance when I ordered this frame, because there are not many reviews on it and I had not ever ridden one. I was aware it was the same frame used on the £3000 Saracen Addiction DH bike, so for £599 for the frame-set, I thought it was a good buy. I placed the order at my local bike shop and the frame turned up two days later, without the rear shock or Goldtec linkage. Unfortunately Saracen messed about for another 3 weeks before they managed to supply the correct shock and Goldtec linkage (I still am without the correct shock mounts, but the substitute works ok). That is the only complaint I have, now the bike is fully built up it is incredible. The main frame is of a monocoque construction, which is very tough indeed. The rear suspension set-up incorporates a four bar linkage, made up of box section aluminium. This includes some neat CNC’d chain-stay yokes, and snaked chain-stays. This is coupled to a pair of cool looking Goldtec plates. The ride is fantastic, soaking up the small bumps with the same ease as the big hits. I was worried about the Rock Shox rear shock, as I have heard they are pathetic. The bloke in the bike shop reassured me and said, “As long as I don’t mess around with the compression setting, it will be fine” (we will see). All in all a brilliant bike, but I was let down by the manufacturer.
