Lance McDermott - Three Year Deal with Saracen!

Dec 15, 2009

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Saracen is proud to announce Lance McDermott as the first signing since the brand was acquired by Madison earlier this year. The 2008 Nissan QashQui winner has signed a 3 year deal underwriting the commitment of Madison to re-establish this brand as one of Britain’s finest. Lance will be looking to repeat his successes riding the new Saracen Amplitude alu and cromo bikes, as well as working with the Saracen design team to develop a signature range.

More inside,

Lance McDermott

Madison’s chief executive, Dominic Langan commented, “I am delighted to get Lance on board with Saracen and believe he is the ideal ambassador for the brand in the dirt jump category. We have some great looking bikes and strong consumer and retailer demand for the brand but competition success at an international level will further enhance the image and reputation of the brand. We have great aspirations for Saracen and you can expect more professional riders joining the team in the future. This is just the start!”

Lance is raring to get going with the project and had this to say, “I am pleased to announce that I have signed for Saracen bikes. I can tell you this was the best decision I have ever made as the bikes from Saracen ride amazing! So easy to ride, with low BB and short top tube, the Amplitude line up cannot be faulted and as I have said to lots of friends and riders that have asked me my true opinion on the bikes and I can honestly say you won’t have to change a thing! The bikes have an amazing spec and ride perfect, so perfect that I am proud to be riding for Saracen in 2010!”

McDermott is the first signing to come to Saracen under the new Madison ownership who have plans for the future as the brand seeks to prove its performance prowess on the world’s biggest stages, with a World Cup level downhill presence intended for the 2011 season. To find your nearest Saracen dealer, visit www.saracen.co.uk

Madison are seeking distributors and retailers for Saracen outside the UK, for sales information:
Call: +44 20 8385 3385
bill.baxter@madison.co.uk

About Saracen
Saracen is one of Britain's best known bicycle brands and first started in 1987. Twenty-Three years later, 2010 sees the rebirth of Saracen at its new home Madison, the UK’s no.1 distributor for premium bikes and cycle related brands. Saracen was a market leader during the early 90’s and a trendsetter with the iconic Kili Flyer bike, famously named after adventure cyclist Nick Crane rode up Mt. Kilimanjaro on a Saracen Conquest mountain bike. This innovation and flare is set to continue with new ground breaking designs to put Saracen firmly back on the map! The new range of mountain bikes covers categories from downhill and aggressive UK long-travel trail bikes to well designed kids bikes at affordable prices. At Saracen we believe in great design, quality and affordability.

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92 Comments

Score Time

+ 22

rob-k (Dec 15, 2009 at 12:30)

sweet, should be cool seeing a decent british rider bring back a british brand!

+ 18

kaibrabo (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:19)

yeah, but those rst (really shitty technology) forks are...shitty. they will be sending him those by the truckload trying to have a working bike for him all the time since they will break on a bunny hop

bunkey (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:29)

Saracen?

First reactions aside, it'd be fun to see the brand rising up. It will take a long time though, and I doubt they will climb any higher than the likes of how Kona was percieved a few years ago*. Espesh if they stick with RST forks! Pirate

*I say this as Kona seem to be getting their game together recently.

+ 13

ali-chapple (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:31)

Well from what i've heard RST make fox 40 lowers and other top parts, so although they suck, they make some very decent stuff for other companies!

+ 13

bunkey (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:33)

Nah, I think you will find they are made in the same factory as Fox, but that doesnt mean RST make Fox parts. RST will be made in the same place but to much lower standards with much lower grade materials.

teamn2 (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:38)

just like norco and specalized are made in the same factory

Whatyou3gg (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:38)

Its All About The Money & deal Belive Me saracen make shit bikes but cheap bikes and sell so many so the the deal will be miles better Than ScottBikes and he will only be running the frame! beacuse hes not going to drop from marzocci,gusset,aclass,formula, to ride the shit that come on the saracens So He Will Be Changing A Hella Lot Of Parts

lukethorpe (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:52)

Scott dropped him becuase he's been out from injury, that sucks! I prefer all Scott frames compared to Saracen 100%!

+ 45

bunkey (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:57)

ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!!

I just recieved a leaked Image of Saracen's plans for Lance's signature bike!

HAMHAM (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:08)

LOLZ!!!!

bunkey (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:09)

In all seriousness though, and I assure you it kills me to say this but... *whispers* this is actually a pretty f*cking decent bike for 650 Mad

Colin994 (Dec 15, 2009 at 16:26)

I FEEL BAD FOR SCOTT! they lost one of their great riders. sucks to see him go from such a great company. but also sick to see him join a really good new one!

suicidedownhiller (Dec 15, 2009 at 19:14)

Wow, a 3 year contract with sub-par bikes? Especially with someone like Lance, who could get anything he wanted...

ehsanap (Dec 15, 2009 at 23:43)

IM BACKING RST'S. everyone underestimates them, its like judging them by what theyv' heard. the 2010 range is going to be better, stronger, and more reliable than previous years. i dont see whats wrong witht them, yes, they are SHIT forks, but thats only when people ride them and not care for them. i regrease and disassemble mine every month, and people's rst's snap because they dont look after the internels. frictions build up THEN they snap. im noy saying they are good forks, but neither are they shit. people need to learn to treat things and look after them properly. im still getting new forks, but people should learn to judge things from their own experiance.

McDonnell (Dec 15, 2009 at 23:49)

he signed 3 years of his life away.

ehsanap (Dec 15, 2009 at 23:49)

Saracen make great frames, its the parts they use. thats a fact. Lance obviously wont keep those rst's on, he will atleast get multiple replacements for his level of riding. this guy is rich, what makes you think hell' stick with those forks and parts?

ehsanap (Dec 15, 2009 at 23:53)

the deal is stupid, im on about the underestimation of companies. liike kona, a while ago people knew them as snap happy bikes. now look at them. saracen frames are sweet from my opinion, the parts they use suck balls. the rims are decent, but the hubs suck .

callumbillington (Dec 16, 2009 at 2:28)

tinnacleprojan, and I quote:

"i dont see whats wrong witht them, yes, they are SHIT forks..."

but then you go on to say:

"im noy saying they are good forks, but neither are they shit."

You Sir, are confusing Razz

Whatyou3gg (Dec 16, 2009 at 6:12)

suicidedownhiller is right lance will be able to desin hes frames to how ever he wants saracen will do anythin to for lance build hes bikes to what hes spec he says casue it will come good im sick of people bad mouthing this HE WILL ONLY BE USING THERE FRAMES !!!!!!

ehsanap (Dec 16, 2009 at 7:52)

lol, to callumbillington ; they are rather not so good forks from MY experiance. lol but my mates rst's work smoother than some dj3's ive ridden. he looks after his forks like its his child. but from my experiance, MY forks are shit. aybe because i got them socondhand. lol.

Teejay05 (Dec 16, 2009 at 8:06)

Wonder how much cash has been handed over....Must've been alot to make him ride a saracen!

jamesbigjumps (Dec 16, 2009 at 8:14)

saracen suck. but good luck any way

tehbadger (Dec 16, 2009 at 8:20)

Lance McD rides for marzocchi you're forgetting

Whatyou3gg (Dec 16, 2009 at 8:22)

FINALLY SOMEONE ELSE WITH ABIT OF SENSE BRO PROPS PEOPLE STILL DONT LISTEN!!!

jamesbigjumps (Dec 16, 2009 at 8:25)

ok so his forks wont snap when he hits the last drop at crank worx, but his frame probably still will.

Matt-W (Dec 16, 2009 at 9:13)

man what is it with these pro riders talking out their ass every time they change sponsorship?

we KNOW you are getting paid for it, there's no point in trying to make us think you are doing it because a saracen is your dream bike.

tehbadger (Dec 16, 2009 at 9:15)

Matty you made no sense whatsoever lance mcd has said nothin other than hes changin to saracen for their new image lul

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LMD-NEWS Plus (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:04)

Lets clear some things up OK.

Yes whatyou3gg lance will only be riding the frame but the new Saracen are strong and have got some great specs coming in the new year so stay tuned on there site for 2010.

Scott didn't drop lance for his leg or any other reason, Its truly because he believes in the new turn around from the brand and feels its time for change. Lance is a good rider and i believe he can make anything become GOLDEN if he puts his mind to it.

I say lets support our UK riders and brands and forget the negative bull shit.

HAMHAM (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:11)

WELL SAID!

AC-92 (Dec 15, 2009 at 19:46)

LMD-News sorry but what a load of shit
its all about the money
saracen are a joke there only pulling there fingers out there arses because dimondback have got on with making half decent bikes

severed-alliance (Dec 16, 2009 at 1:41)

the guy who worked for diamondback/raliegh is the guy who is designing these saracens, i say next time saracen do a publicity shot they should at least make the bike look like it can be at least rode, inflate the tires and sort the brake levers out etc instead of just pulling it out of the box and saying that will do its only for a photo,

piebloke (Dec 16, 2009 at 1:45)

Hold on. Slow up and take stock.

I’m Product Manager for Saracen bikes. Not the old Saracen, but the new Saracen owned by Madison.

We have big ambitions to rebuild a once great UK brand and the first step is to get a fellow Brit on board. Lance will be involved in designing and testing products and also working on a signature bike.

As for the shots of Lance on the bike – it was like - $hit grab a bike and get some pictures – Lance liked this bike because its closest to the colours he will run. So don’t kid yourself in thinking he’ll be on those RST’s. He’ll be using the stock cro-mo frame at the first stage along with parts from his other sponsors – ok yeah – bit of a school boy error with the tyres lol.

The range on the website is all new, brought to market in less than 9 months. These are the simpler hardtail bikes and I threw some nice kids bikes in because I get sick of seeing the $hit in Toys R Us that parents buy. If you take the time to read the blog you’ll see were working on new 140mm travel platform (Ariel) and DH/Freeride platform (Myst) and some special steel hardtials (Kili) which are a non to the first real quality bikes to come out of Saracen.

Peace.

Wildman

severed-alliance (Dec 16, 2009 at 2:00)

ha ha hey simon hows it going man, il stop now dude i just wanted to get a response for the man himself, see you in taipei in march then fella and the beers on you dude ha ha.

good hear from you again man

piebloke (Dec 16, 2009 at 2:05)

wasss up. I'm just back from Taiwan! No chance in March this year as lil Wildman is due in Feb.

But yes, one day, some beers. maybe in madchester.

Laters.

severed-alliance (Dec 16, 2009 at 2:06)

cool man best wishes to you and your new family dude, stay in touch mate

elbry (Dec 17, 2009 at 14:53)

Saracen an all new brand , all you uk guys that hated on the low end products of the past, the only thing thats the same is the name, for you young shedders may forget but before the lowend jump frames of the past 6/7 plus years by Saracen they were a legit top brand, and back in the coors era had such riders as will,warner and a Mr peat riding them, look for Saracen to return to the glory days over the coming years and lance will rep/head its all new amazing dirt/park/ss range of bikes, from amazing vale price point to high quality finish.

severed-alliance (Dec 18, 2009 at 0:44)

when warner raced that rally car down hill and nearly won was he on a saracen then? i think so? i reckon if it was peaty he would have had it Smile

The JMC would have had it for sure. miss that guy still

[Reply]

dogboy1066 (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:54)

He is sat on one of the cheaper Saracen bikes, not the bike he is going to ride. It's a publicity shot! Saracen do look to have some nice full sus in the pipe line and at good prices, will be sweet to see what they come up with.

Whatyou3gg (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:58)

Well Said!

[Reply]

webbe (Dec 16, 2009 at 5:43)

Everyone should stop hating on saracen, yh sure they have been a pretty bad company over the past few years, but is everyone blind to the fact they have been bought out by maddison. They are goin to be a completely different brand to the one we currently know (much similar to the way mongoose has changed) Lance is not going to be an idiot and move to a company which has no hope or good vision for the next few years. Saracen's new line of bikes doesn't look too bad, and extremely good value for money, and I feel that with Lance on side their products are only going to improve over the next few seasons. Mr Mcdermott seems to have understood something many of you have not.

mayardmtbeames (Dec 16, 2009 at 8:24)

couldnt of said it better mr webb

[Reply]

nutter-1 (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:29)

should of stuck with scott

stryke Plus (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:31)

theres a chance scott didnt want him, and he was looking for a ride for 2010 and got picked up by saracen

+ 11

Lenny-Twenny (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:36)

I appreciate that Saracen may have more to offer in different ways, however in my opinion Scott bikes are far superior to anything Saracen can produce. Good luck to Lance tho', its all about the rider not the bike! Smile

edd-stevens (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:56)

he will undoubtably be riding a bike built with his specifications in mind.

Lenny-Twenny (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:12)

Of course

edd-stevens (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:15)

well, lets hope it changes from the stock amplitude with rst launch's pictured! Wink

willsoffe (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:34)

its alllllll about the ££££. Theres not alot of it in cycling so fair play to that man for building a career!

Whatyou3gg (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:38) (Below Threshold) show comment

[Reply]

severed-alliance (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:24)

ha this is well about how much they have offered to pay him can you honestly say that bike he is on will hold up to his riding? i don't, check the specs on the web site, also you reckon they could have inflated his tires before taking the picture? look closely there almost flat

krash8bit (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:28)

he doesnt ride anyways he turned up at filthy 48 corby round walked about abit then went off
didnt see him ride at all

[Reply]

thegringo (Dec 16, 2009 at 18:38)

The Mighty Steve Peat spent some of his early pro career riding Saracen Bikes,and they're years he will never forget,for one name,one rider, and of course best mate, i am of course referring to the irreplacable Jason McRoy.Who sadly died in an accident on his harley,this shook moutainbiking to the core all over the planet and acted as a coduit for Steve to start hitting podiums allover the world on his Saracen,teammates included the rob'the'gob warner.
These facts and the fact that i owned an early 90/91?,Saracen Eiger Comp,FULL,xt groupo,thumb shift,the now sought after xt u (BMX) brake 'chain-stay mounted'
perfect for modern bmx'ers and if ya were ever to find an old looking saracen in a skip or wherever,have a look and see if it has a chainstay mounted brake,overlook it at your peril,cos if you were to put that on ebay don't be surprised if ya get interest off pro's, seriousley keep them eyes peeled.
Anyway maybe Saracen have turned a corner and maybe the once proud English company can go on to greatness with Lance Mcdermott on there frames at the helm,in anyone's book that's a corker of a foundation to re-launch on.
Thanx...PINNED..NOT..BINNED...The...Gringo.

Jason McRoy, gone but never forgotten.

[Reply]

mountain-goat (Dec 16, 2009 at 4:00)

Hopefully he will do the same as what Steve Romanuik as done with Mongoose.!
And also Sam Pilgrim with Diamondback!
Helping smaller company's get there name out there abit more and help design some sweet bikes!

[Reply]

JoeA (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:03)

What the hell? Saracen bikes are piles of s**t!

[Reply]

oranOATH (Dec 16, 2009 at 12:57)

Saracen started great, went shit and now they are trying to rebuild the brand. Of anyone saw the picture of their prototype enduro/all-mountain bike in dirt last month they would understand that they mean business this time. No more shit halfords bikes.

steventhegreat (Dec 16, 2009 at 15:11)

Saracen have pulled out of Halfords completely, along with Kona. Both saw sense at last.

[Reply]

jessejones (Dec 16, 2009 at 2:42)

This might mean we get some pretty good stuff come from Saracen now and it will probably be alot cheaper than other UK companies! I know people who rode the old Saracen frames for ages and didnt have trouble to be fair... This can only be a good thing =]

[Reply]

kayakosaeki66 (Dec 18, 2009 at 10:54)

have any of you even seen the 2010 saracen's??? i know saracen are shit they're just as bad as apollo and all the rest of it but you'll be suprised by what they pulled out of their asses for 2010.

im not saying it'll be good hell im not even saying it'll be competitive all im saying is it looks like the shit as stepped up alot more than i thaught it would of.

oh and one more thing..

you're all nailing RST to the wall as if you think Lance will ride Launches up front and i very much doubt he'd stoop that low i think Lance has standards people.

ive forgot what forks he runs now but i think th

kayakosaeki66 (Dec 18, 2009 at 10:56)

oh i clicked submit by accident he'll probably run DJ1's. 2's or even 3's if not 4x's on his new spec not RST's

[Reply]

idonthaveabike (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:24)

this did make me laugh at first because a saracen is the bike you have when your like 12 but if they are gonna be making some good bikes then cool man! will be sweet to see what happens in 2010

[Reply]

krash8bit (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:12)

well i didnt see this coming
or expect to here the words saracen, sponsor and lance McDermott in the same sentence

Whatyou3gg (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:17) (Below Threshold) show comment

Whatyou3gg (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:40)

the old* saracen!

[Reply]

forgotmyloginagain1 (Dec 15, 2009 at 17:19)

I think it's a genius move on Madison's side to buy that brand name, shit or not it's well known, and normally it takes years to get your name out there - and the controversy about the whole thing is great free advertisement too Razz

[Reply]

thom (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:15)

Maybe he headbutted to many people at Scott.

Whatyou3gg (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:41)

That Was In The Past Wow Snide Comments!

[Reply]

grahamc (Dec 16, 2009 at 5:39)

It will be good to see a British brand get back on the scene and they couldnt have chosen a rider more perfect. Looking forward to seeing Lance throw it down next season. Saracen just need to solid range and some wins under their belt and there biggest hurdle will get smaller. Once they have the bikes its all about the image.

Question is....who is going to be on their downhill team? Madison import Animal and Commencal, they sponsor a UK DH team dont they? Animal Saracen team?

[Reply]

mtbgorge (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:50)

plus, after his injury its good to get a new start, lance can only be a good thing for saracen haha, more publicity for them

[Reply]

craigmclennaghan (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:37)

great to see saracen growing and growing , can't wait for things in the future for there company

[Reply]

konajay08 (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:30)

dunno yanno :/ kinda prefered scott haha

[Reply]

zangolin (Dec 16, 2009 at 8:35)

Saracen started earlier than 1987 - possibly 82 or 83? Changed hands a few times since then. My 1st MTB was a Saracen Conquest way back in 1985. All handmade in UK in the early days. Smart move by Lance + Saracen.

[Reply]

smeckma (Dec 16, 2009 at 4:24)

At list he's gonna be riding a better looking bike than Pilgrim's.

[Reply]

dxfox (Dec 15, 2009 at 20:34)

What's next?
Fabien Barel riding for Supercycle?
Never thought such a talented rider would sell his a$$ this way.

[Reply]

elbry (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:29)

can only be a good thing,

[Reply]

nsbichboy (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:39)

get in lance its all about 2010!

[Reply]

rich53 (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:04)

well i can tell you now that will be the best bike Saracen will ever make haha! but yeah im sure his bike will feel exactly the same as his scott.

[Reply]

connor-H (Apr 24, 2010 at 11:38)

EVERYBODY is forgetting they've just reestablished themselves, they will need to raise alot of £$£$ before they can cut out the low spec bikes.

[Reply]

Robmtb16 (Dec 16, 2009 at 11:05)

kona are MY mosy highly unrecommeneded bikes, seen as ive snapped a kona bass (TWICE), kona dawg, kona stinky, and i dont think they should be compared to saracens Smile

[Reply]

antp2008 (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:40)

I think anyone whos ever dirt jumped has owned a saracen at some point and Lance is an amazing rider. Does seem to be about the kudos though? changing sponsers

[Reply]

TheGoose (Dec 16, 2009 at 2:26)

if you look at the picture of the amplitude AL1, the frame is pretty similar to that of his old scott, so i would have expected him to be riding that instead

mayardmtbeames (Dec 16, 2009 at 8:36)

gouche, just because it has square tubing why would that mean he would want to pick it... yes his scott had large, non circular tubing but he scott only make frames like that therefore it wasnt a choice between them,.. your point has no backing unless you would like to explain that you have been told something the rest of us havnt ?

[Reply]

ste3le (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:15)

Does this mean saracen are pulling out of Halfords?

LMD-NEWS Plus (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:29)

YEP NO MORE HALFORDS GUYS!!! THIS BRAND HAS BEEN REDEVELOPED ITS FOR US THE UK AND EUROPE DIRT JUMPERS FREE RIDERS ALL MOUNTAIN.

[Reply]

Identiti-bikes (Jan 6, 2010 at 9:54)

read the 3rd para was he like stoned when he said that ?

[Reply]

george11 (Dec 17, 2009 at 8:12)

well i wasnt expecting that!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]

AnDyArR (Feb 25, 2010 at 16:17)

http://www.saracen.co.uk/blog/?p=321 theres his actual bike

[Reply]

ridetrek7 (Dec 15, 2009 at 15:10)

cool

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iluvbackforks (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:18)

cool rst fork

[Reply]

Whatyou3gg (Dec 15, 2009 at 14:38)

BY THE WAY DOES ANYBODY WANT TO BUY HES EX SCOTT VOLTAGE YZ0.5 FROM 2008 Nissan QashQui & The POPULAR adidas Video!

[Reply]

wipeass-jack (Dec 15, 2009 at 16:44)

lol his tyre is flat in photo

[Reply]

jumble Plus (Dec 15, 2009 at 13:35)

awesome news

[Reply]

slopestyle7 (Dec 15, 2009 at 18:46)

why isnt he on the cr3

[Reply]