Singletracks published a thorough post on the Polygon Siskiu T Series trail bikes last winter, and the brand is back with the N-series, which offers longer travel and a more robust build.
Raced by legends Tracey and Mick Hannah, and the rest of the fierce Polygon UR gravity team, Polygon’s bikes get a thorough beating before entering the production phase. With proper fun-focused geometry, the latest all-mountain/enduro offering from the Indonesian brand looks ready to be buried deep in dirt and berms.
The frame size will dictate the wheel diameter for size small (27.5″) and large and XL (29″) bikes, while size medium frames can be ordered with either wheel diameter. Priced from €2,699 for the N8 version, and the top N9 at €2,999, these new whips from Polygon are well dressed for bikes being promoted as an entry-level offering.
N Series Geometry
Paired with the rugged build of the new bikes, these sweet rippers are shaped by all the right curves of modern “big bike” geo. Headtube angles across the size run are 65.5°, with a climb-comforting effective-seat-tube angle of 75°. Chainstays are 435mm for 27.5″ wheels and 439.4mm on 29″ models. The reach sits right around the industry median for trail bikes at 456.6mm for a size large. None of these measurements are on the extreme ends of the geometry spectrum, which should make them feel well balanced and stable in most trail conditions.
Using a standard “faux-bar” rear suspension platform, the engineers at Polygon made every effort to keep the weight down on the N Series frames. The alloy rear end “features a unibody pivot bridge that stiffens the rear wheel and reduces lateral forces on the rear shock when under load,” according to Polygon. Less weight and flex in the rear triangle sounds like a winning combination. Pivots are all packed with sealed cartridge bearings, making for a low maintenance rear suspension setup.
Siskiu N8 and N9 Builds
The Siskiu N8 build comes with a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Truvativ Descent Boost cranks with a 32t chainring. Stopping is taken care of by a pair of Tektro 4-piston Orion levers and calipers. The rear suspension on the N8 is handled by a Fox Performance DXP2, with a Rockshox Yari Debonair fork up front.
The Siskiu N9 is outfitted with a SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and the same Descent 32t crankset. The N9 features TRP Slate 4-piston brakes, and it’s one of the first TRP brake models designed in concert with U.S. DH-champ Aaron Gwin. This model also uses a Fox Performance DPX2 for the rear squish, and a burly Fox 36 Rhythm fork up front.
Both bikes are fitted with Polygon-branded Entity cockpits and Entity XL2 Boost wheels. The 27.5″ bikes come with a pair of 2.6″ Schwalbe Magic Marys, while the 29er take a set of 2.35″ wide treads. Continuing the size-specific component spec through to the dropper post, small and medium frames get 125mm droppers and size large and XL bikes drop on a longer 150mm option.
With quality builds and carefully-considered geometry, the Siskiu N Series bikes from Polygon look like a fantastic option for riders who have a long-travel void to fill. If buyers are comfortable throwing a little extra weight around, the N Series is a sweet bike at a sweeter price.
Polygon does still have carbon fiber options as well. For those, check out the Xquarone EX9 or Collosus N options.
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Jul 19, 2018