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Polygon Colossus N9 XX1 in test

Dimitri Lehner

 · 29.04.2016

Polygon Colossus N9 XX1 in testPhoto: Wolfgang Watzke
Polygon Colossus N9 XX1 in test
The Asian bike label showed the first prototypes of its carbon enduro bike back in 2013. Now the lightweight bike with the heavyweight name is ready for series production.
Fork mix-up: The test bike had the Fox 34 instead of the 36. The 36 guides better and works more comfortably - this raises the downhill performance and the original test rating from 7.5 to 8 points.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Fork mix-up: The test bike had the Fox 34 instead of the 36. The 36 guides better and works more comfortably - this raises the downhill performance and the original test rating from 7.5 to 8 points.

It utilises specially developed rear suspension kinematics. The design seems a little awkward - lots of rockers, lots of bumps - and polarises like the interlocking Marin bikes of years ago. Enduro pro Jamie Nicoll proved that the bike can be fast with his 3rd place at the Trans-Provence. Sit on it and feel good? Not with the Polygon. We first had to get used to the geometry of our test bike. High bottom bracket, low front end (we were happy to leave the spacers in), shortest reach, shortest wheelbase - in size M, the bike is very compact compared to the competition. The slack head angle moves the rider backwards when the seatpost is extended, so you pedal forwards. Modern is different. The rear suspension is very neutral in terms of propulsion, even when the rebound is open. The test bike was mistakenly fitted with a Fox 34 instead of the Fox 36, with a drop option and triple compression damping with remote control. Experience has shown that the 36 develops more comfort. The narrow cockpit with the 74 mm handlebars also reduced performance. We swapped it out and the Collosus flew over the Latsch downhill two classes better. The suspension is surprisingly plush. However, the fact that the Polygon becomes unstable at high speeds and has to let the competition go is more down to the geometry of the bike. You sit more on the bike than in it and the compact riding position forces the rider backwards more quickly. Our tip for medium riders: definitely try the Polygon in large.


ConclusionThe Polygon is a bike with an unconventional geometry. It climbs well and offers solid downhill performance. However, it couldn't keep up with the competition in our high-calibre test field.


Strengths Rear end
Weaknesses Geometry, cockpit

Calming down at the touch of a button: The Fox 34 on the Polygon test bike could be calmed down using the remote pressure control on the handlebars. However, the more powerful Fox 36 should be fitted as standard.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Calming down at the touch of a button: The Fox 34 on the Polygon test bike could be calmed down using the remote pressure control on the handlebars. However, the more powerful Fox 36 should be fitted as standard. Carbon tubes wherever you look. The rear end of the Polygon has a futuristic look and is very resistant to bobbing under acceleration, especially in the Fox shock's trail mode.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Carbon tubes wherever you look. The rear end of the Polygon has a futuristic look and is very resistant to bobbing under acceleration, especially in the Fox shock's trail mode.


MANUFACTURER INFORMATION


Distribution Polygon, www.polygonbikes.com
Material/sizes Carbon/S, M, L, XL
Price/weight without pedals 5199 Euro/13.7 kg


MEASURED DATA


Front/rear suspension travel 130-160 mm/160 mm
Rear suspension system Float Link

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EQUIPMENT


Fork/damper Fox 36 Talas CTD Kashima Fox Float X CTD Kashima
Cranks/gears SRAM XX1/SRAM XX1
Brake system Shimano XT
Impellers E13 TRS Race system wheelset
Tyres Schwalbe Hans Dampf Evo Trail Star 2.35

Carbon enduro bike test 2015: Polygon Collosus N9 XX1Photo: FREERIDE Magazin Carbon enduro bike test 2015: Polygon Collosus N9 XX1 Carbon Enduro Test 2015: Polygon Collosus N9 XX1 (FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression and is not an addition of downhill and bike park points).Photo: FREERIDE Magazin Carbon Enduro Test 2015: Polygon Collosus N9 XX1 (FREERIDE RANKING: The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression and is not an addition of downhill and bike park points). You can find this article in FREERIDE 3/2015 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android AppPhoto: Sven Martin You can find this article in FREERIDE 3/2015 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android App
Dimitri Lehner

Dimitri Lehner is a qualified sports scientist. He studied at the German Sport University Cologne. He is fascinated by almost every discipline of fun sports - besides biking, his favourites are windsurfing, skiing and skydiving. His latest passion: the gravel bike. He recently rode it from Munich to the Baltic Sea - and found it marvellous. And exhausting. Wonderfully exhausting!

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