definately not the best full suspension for the money (Saracen Havoc)

Member Name: Gtiracer

Product:	Saracen Havoc
Date:	04/05/09 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: has lasted and lasted, over 10 years old now

Disadvantages: heavy and obvious design, cheap components

My Saracen Havoc was a 1998 model, so over 10 years old now and its still going strong. I used it well when I had it, for about 4-5 years and then gave it to my mum for commutes and whatever she wanted to do with it. To be fair wasn't half the abuse I was giving it but it has still lasted very well.

paintwork is still up to scratch and not peeling or anything, frame looks to be all good.

I upgraded when I had the bike:

Brakes to magura HS33 hydraulics
Crank to FSA powerpro

But everything else stayed the same

The fork (RST 281) while being ok (I was quite young when I got the bike) Is very heavy for what it is, has 65mm of travel only 50mm effective travel i think and quite soft, but not good for anything more serious than a bridleway to be honest. Still working well now though so it has lasted.

rear shock i cannot remember the name but i remember it being a budget make and it does feel like it, it does work, however on normaly riding it does not soak up the bumps very well, it is very stiff and remains to be til this day. not a good shock at all.

The Drivetrain was Shimano Acera X - nothing glamorous here but shifting works ok shifters are the twist style on my model

Bike is very heavy overall, but that's what you get for a cheap full susser. I remember picking this up for £350 because it was 'shop-soiled' and a year old at the time, retail value was just under £500 i think.


If you are starting out mountain biking there probably won't be many of these bikes left out there, not the year model that i had anyway, but I personally think a Decathlon Rockrider would be much better value for money today.

Summary: buy a decathlon if you want a full sus at this price