Ari Bikes just unveiled an update to its flagship cross-country machine, the Signal Peak 3.0. This marks the third generation (check out our Gen 2.0 review here) of this ripper, and this update is all about modernization. The new frame has an all-new Tetra-Link Race Lite suspension platform, which offers more travel and improves pedaling efficiency. The Signal Peak 3.0 also shaves weight from the previous model.
But don’t let the flashy talk fool you. This bike (like many of the Ari designs) comes in a cascade of build and price options, starting at $3,799 for the Ari Signal Peak 3.0 Comp and topping out at $9,399 for the Ari Signal Peak Team.
We were lucky to get our hands on an Ari Signal Peak Team pre-launch to get some impressions and race this season. Let’s just say this bike has us very excited to race this spring.
Ari Signal Peak 3.0 – What’s New?
Let’s start with what most XC racers love to hear: a drop in weight. The Signal Peak 3.0 gets a massive weight drop—305 grams lighter than the previous generation, a 14.3% reduction. A large frame now tips the scales at just 1732g, with complete builds starting at 24 lbs—including no proprietary parts and a threaded BSA bottom bracket for easy maintenance.
Tetra-Link Race Lite Suspension
Ari redesigned its Tetra-Link platform to drop a pivot and create a unified monocoque rear triangle. This update also arrives with 10mm more travel than the previous version, from 100mm to 110mm.
The result? Increased lateral stiffness, less weight, and improved power transfer—all while maintaining the plush, controlled feel the Tetra-Link is known for.
Zero-Energy Flex Stay for More Efficient Pedaling
By fine-tuning the seat stay flex, Ari moved the zero-energy point to sag, meaning the bike sits perfectly balanced when pedaling. This translates to reduced pedal bob and a smoother shock activation, giving you better traction, control, and efficiency without extra weight.
Modernized XC Geometry
- 66.5° head angle (0.5° slacker) for more confidence at speed.
- 76° effective seat tube angle (1° steeper) for better climbing efficiency.
- Straight seat tube = room for longer dropper posts.
A Few of My Favorite Things (Frame Updates)
- Tube-in-tube cable routing eliminates rattling and is easy to route.
- Custom-molded protectors look cool, less noise
- Two bottles inside the front triangle (in all sizes).
- Third mount under the downtube = Bring more water, tools, or snacks for those epic rides.
- Future-proof compatibility with the latest drivetrains, wired or wireless.
Signal Peak 3.0 Builds & Pricing
Whether you’re looking for a top-shelf race rig (like our test ride) or a capable XC ripper on a budget, there’s a Signal Peak 3.0 build for you.
Team – $9399
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX SL Transmission (spider-based power meter)
- Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth 4-Piston
- Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant
- Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant
- Wheels: Zipp 1Zero Hitop S Carbon (SW upgrade available, tested with Hitop S)
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon Race 29×2.4 MaxxSpeed
Pro – $5999
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Transmission
- Brakes: SRAM Level Silver Stealth 4-Piston
- Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate 3 Position Remote (Flight Attendant upgrade available)
- Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate 3 Position Remote
- Wheels: DT Swiss XR 1700 (carbon upgrade available)
Elite – $4799
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT 12-Speed
- Brakes: Shimano XT 4-Piston
- Fork: RockShox SID Select+ 3 Position Remote
- Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ 3 Position Remote
- Wheels: DT Swiss X 1900
Comp – $3799
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-Speed
- Brakes: TRP Slate EVO
- Fork: RockShox SID Base 3 Position Remote
- Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ 3 Position Remote
- Wheels: DT Swiss X 1900
Frameset Options
- Complete Frameset (w/ SID Ultimate Fork & SIDLuxe Ultimate Shock) – $3499
- Frame Only (w/ SIDLuxe Ultimate Shock) – $2999
First Impressions – Ari Signal Peak 3.0 Team
The Ari Signal Peak 3.0 Team will be the third bike I’ve tested from Ari. They were the first direct-to-consumer bike brand I ever tested (back when they were Fezzari), and they all maintained the same customer service and shipping quality throughout their progression as a brand. The first bike I tested from them, and this most current one, had similar arrivals. They come packaged expertly (like obsessively) and are easy to assemble. Things like that matter when purchasing online, and it’s always nice to see the attention to detail and respect for the product.
Build and Spec
As I mentioned above, the build for the Ari Signal Peak 3.0 Team was pleasant and uneventful. The most involved part of the process was charging all the AXS batteries that arrived with the Flight Attendant and SRAM AXS shifting setup.
The Ari Signal Peak 3.0 Team build is a top-notch progressive XC race build with some room for dropping weight (saddle and wheels, in my opinion).
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX SL Transmission 170mm (spider-based power meter) 32T chain ring
- Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth 4-Piston 180mmF/160mmR
- Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant (120mm)
- Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant (110mm)
- Seatpost: RockShox AXS Reverb 100mm
- Wheels: Zipp 1Zero Hitop S Carbon (SW upgrade available, tested with Hitop S)
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon Race 29×2.4 MaxxSpeed (set up tubeless from shipping)
- Bars: Truvativ ATMOS XC Flat Bars
- Grips: ODI
- Saddle: Ergon
- Weight: 25lbs (Med)
Ride Impressions – Ari Signal Peak 3.0 Team
We finally started to get some workable trail conditions in Pittsburgh, and I was happy to get some real trail time on the Signal Peak 3.0. I hit my local spots with the most variety to try and fully experience what the new 3.0 had to offer.
After dialing in the suspension and setting up the Flight Attendant bias numbers to my liking, I was off to our local pine needle paradise. Upon climbing out of the parking lot, I could tell this updated Peak, and I would be buddies. The climbing feel is excellent. I felt very on top of the gear and powerful. This sensation would correlate with the new 76° seat tube and updated suspension kinematics. Either way, the bike likes to climb.
Pedaling Nicely
After hitting the short, punchy bits, I could feel the bike’s natural pedaling feel. Let me say that the addition of the Flight Attendant adds a bit of “brainless-ness” to the ride, and you concentrate on the feel of the bike. On roots, rocks, and ruts, the Flight Attendant would zap into “pedal mode” from “locked” and coax us over the bumps—the updated pivot design pairs extremely well with the feel of Flight Attendant. I felt smooth on the trail but not overly locked out or bumped around. The same goes for the opposite side of the suspension; this being a 120mm Front, 110mm rear cross-country bike, I didn’t feel squished out or bogged down on the trails. The pedaling feels sharp and responsive.
Descending and attacking technical features seems second nature to Signal Peak 3.0. The slack 66.5 (around the same as the new Specialized Epic Gen 8) lets you send it without oversteering. For some of the twisty-turny driving sections of the track, the steering felt slow, but after some time on the bike, I grew to like it. Especially on the bermed-out sections, I felt more planted and less likely to oversteer.
As for technical driving on the Signal Peak, it took me some time to find the bike’s balance point. I’m used to a more aggressive (older) design, so I’m getting there. But it’s going to be a while till I can manual the Signal Peak like my personal bike. But I can see the progression of geometry, suspension, and handling, making this a super attractive bike to cross-country racers.
Pod-tastic
The AXS pod on the supplied XX Transmission is the updated shifter button, and it’s fantastic. I like it 100% more than the current version and can’t wait to see this come on more bikes.
Wheelset Woes
I wish another wheelset were available rather than the Zipp 1Zero Hitop S Carbon. No matter how tight you make the rear axle, there is always a little side-to-side play (this seems to be a known issue), and I prefer a center-lock rotor. I’ve been unimpressed with the current Zipp off-road offerings, and the support on this issue is lacking.
Bang for the Buck
The Ari Signal Peak 3.0 Team is super capable and goes toe to toe with the tops of the mountain bike market. The only difference is that you can get the Ari Signal Peak 3.0 frame (carbon, mind you) with a base-level build starting at $3,499—the price of an Allied BC40 frameset. Ari is well known for offering a value-packaged product when you purchase a bike from them. This time is no different.
This build would be at home under any ambitious cross-country racer or rider looking to snag KOMs and set PRs. I need some more time on the Ari Signal Peak 3.0 Team to give my full review, but it’s a very fun, capable bike that will satisfy both the baggy short and spandex crowds.
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