Saracen Hack 2

Saracen has taken a totally no-nonsense approach to both the name and the design of its rugged road-based all-rounder, but that risks underselling what is a well-balanced, vibrant and enjoyable ride.

Design detailing and decent component mix

Patriots (potentially on both sides of the Channel) will certainly be drawn to the bold red, white and blue paint job, and on closer inspection the Hack has a few other design tricks up its sleeve too. The rear brake cable tucks into neat inserts on the top-tube and there’s a tapered head-tube holding the deep but narrow fork blades, with a 160mm post-style disc brake mount moulded into the carbon legs.

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There’s plenty of fine detail on closer inspection

The alloy main tubes are subtly shaped and tapered, while keyhole kink chainstays and relatively stout and straight seatstays give plenty of room for big rubber. The rear brake mount is old style IS (International Standard) but you get front and rear mudguard mounts, and rack mounts on the back – if you’re after a low rider mount on the front forks, you’re out of luck. The wheel skewers have 5mm Allen key heads rather than tool-free quick release cams for added protection against opportunistic wheel thieves.

Related: 2014 Saracen Hack 2 review

Positive, agile and comfortable ride

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