Specialized’s Reply To The Need For A Women-Specific Go-anywhere Hybrid Bike – The Ariel
The Specialized Ariel collection concentrates fairly and squarely on those who like to get away from the tarmac as frequently as they can. With 45mm tyres and suspension forks throughout the range, these are bikes which will go down fine with those who like to get away off the beaten track.
Even so, the Ariel is just as effective at taking you quickly and painlessly to the office or college, as many owners have testified. They will soak up all the vibration and shocks that you have to put up with in this day and age, making modern road travel a pleasure.
All the bikes in the collection are built onto the same A1 Premium alloy frame. The beautifully shaped top tube providing the step-through geometry. The designers have obviously paid attention to expediency, as the frame will take racks and mudguards and also a kickstand.
Suspension forks also feature on all the models. Chosen from the Suntour range, they feature growing sophistication as you move up the series. The Ariel Sport Disc and Comp Disc both include lockouts which conserve energy when suspension is not needed on even surfaces.
The entry-level Ariel carries V-brakes, all other models carry discs, either mechanical, or hydraulic on the top-of-the-collection Comp Disc. Discs are powerful – and hydraulics can make the control of that power more even. Disc brakes profit from keeping their braking surfaces away from the gravel and puddles, enhancing performance and reducing damage.
Triple chainrings on all models result in a great choice of gear ratios – valuable for mountainous terrain. The number of gears goes up from 21 to 27 through the series.
Effective running on the tarmac is helped by the 700 mm wheels. The smooth face of the 45C tyres keeps rolling resistance low, while the tread on the side provides enough grip for the grass and gravel.
Riser handlebars make for a very relaxed riding posture, comfort being increased by the women-specific grips and Riva saddle.
So the Specialized Ariel range gives you numerous options. All clearly conform to the same design philosophy – speedy commuter bikes, but simultaneously capable of doing rather more off road work than the average.
You will not be disappointed with the entry-level Ariel. However if you have the money, what’s on offer from the upper parts of the collection are well worth looking at. In actual fact, you would struggle to find much to rival the Comp Disc model anywhere.
You can read more about the Specialized Ariel range at Tern Cycling Reviews.
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