Best Value Trail Bike? | 2021 Polygon Siskiu T8 (Long Term Review)

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

I'm alive! Will have a bit of an update video coming soon! Thanks for all the kind messages checking up on me to see if I was ok :)

[@Liftedsfforester]

thanks so much, that was the best vid ive seen in a long time! I think im convinced to buy that bike!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

@@Liftedsfforester Thanks mate! Such a good bike, you won't be disappointed!

[@Liftedsfforester]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 thanks, looks great, keep up the sick vids 🤙

[@lanceb247Upload]

Fantastic review! I have a question, I think I’ve decided on my primary use case for a new bike-I want something which climbs efficiently, as I’ll be riding primarily on trails, but that can handle a big gnarly MTB park (i.e. Northstar in Lake Tahoe, CA) on occasion as well. Will this bike do the trick?

[@matthewstacy9057]

How tall are you ? Trying to get my size correct

[@mcduffrobert]

Hey, just sold my 2019 T8,ordering another 2021. My first was a Large 29er, leaning to a medium 29er, I’m 5’10 185 lbs…. And oh, I’m 65 years old

[@TerraIndomitus]

How did you go with the medium as I'm same height, which puts me right in between 2 sizes

[@miguelfragoso7023]

Wondering the same ^

[@jamieh4814]

i got a t7 because of your reviews also. i used the affiliate links even! good to see you back!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks, Jamie, really appreciate it! How are you liking the T7 ?

[@jamieh4814]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 I love it! I have put 150 miles on it so far. Mostly blues and single blacks. I would upgrade the fork if I was gonna ride it any harder. The T7 has really renewed my interest in mountain biking. It’s in the back of my truck ready to go at a moment’s notice.

[@kynan.bonnice]

(I bought this bike because of the review) I own this bike and have ridden it from skate parks to Derby it really is easy to through the bike into the corner and easy to jump. The review shows the truths of how the bike runs after it has been ridden for a while and will stay at that consistently😁 good review in total👍

[@andycjohnston]

I really value these complete and really clear reviews. I'm saving up for my first full susser, so can't wait to get up to the T8!

[@peterbechtel9824]

Mine came in this week. It is so worth it and you are going to love it, man. Look into splitting up payments with PayPal credit, that might help get it to you sooner... (not sure if that's US only)

[@TheBZAinNJ]

Thank you for such a great series of videos on this awesome bike! They heavily influenced my decision to buy it and also helped tide me over while I suffered through the seemingly endless ten week wait for it to arrive! I’m 6’ tall and a bit heavier than you so the size of the bike works great but I’m still a bit cautious about my suspension tune and upgraded my brakes to some Magura MT5s and 203mm rotors front and rear for a little more stopping power. I too was not a fan of the sticky seat and replaced it with an SDG Bel Air III with awesome oil slick trim and, in addition to looking extra trick, it’s a good deal more comfortable. I recently moved to Colorado and this bike’s been a great way to explore the epic trails here! Thanks again for the amazing effort you put into your channel. It’s super informative and fun to watch! Keep up the good work!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Brandon! Really appreciate the kind words! The wait is definitely a killer but well worth its. The MT5s are super powerful!

[@brodirowden]

Hey mate. Any chance you have links to what brake rotors/pads/adaptors you went for with your upgrades? Great vids - good to see a growing t8 community here in Oz

[@Jason_Hermann]

I just got mine about three weeks ago and loving it so far! Thank you for the excellent review and killer tips on suspension tweaks, brake rotators, metallic pads, and all the rest. I changed a few things so far, but still dialing it in. Volume spacers are next ;) All the best, Jay

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Awesome Jay! Also checked out your review on the D6, it was great too!

[@Jason_Hermann]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 thanks man 👊 My T8 review has been for a while now as well. Keep up the awesome work, big fan!

[@donnovicki9771]

Glad you're back. I love my T8 and the only thing I have done is add spacers to the shock .8, and three green tokens to the fork. Really made a huge difference in the ride. Just to let everyone know, you will need a 28 mms socket for the fork nut. P.S. I would love to see this bike go head to head with the Jeffsy. Hint hint. Keep up the good work Phil.

[@mattx3190]

Your reviews convinced me to purchase the T8. I got it early June. I love it now after 3 rides(1 of them without the top headset bearing). But it had been weeks of hassles. Fork Tube was cut badly on the top requiring another spacer I didn’t have. Dropper Lever and Cable were bad. And to my shock after taking it to a bike shop, i found out it had no to top headset bearing, i rode it without it. So now I’m chasing the company for the refund. Great bike once everything is settled but a hassle from Polygon quality control.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Sorry to hear about that mate, that's the last thing I want to hear after you bought the bike based on my recommendation. Hopefully, they can sort it out for you, let me know if you need any help

[@livingon2wheels]

Dang man that sucks. Mine was well assembled. I did have an issue with the chain (not being the proper SLX component) but other than that the quality seems very good overall. I hope BikesOnline.com does you right. My experience with them was good.

[@AORNova]

I've just commented a list of crucial recommendations for your T8, it's somewhere in the comments if you filter newest first. Got some insights over my time as a shop mech so hope those tips help you. Even greater help if my comment can get pinned lol cheers!

[@clmfilms8103]

This is the kind of thing that worries me. For the same price I can get a kona process 134 29 at my local bike shop, then I don't have to worry about pollygons bad customer service, I get a year of free tune ups from my bike shop, and it's a company that I trust. Yes it doesn't have the fox suspension and the 4 piston brakes, but it does have maxxis tires and a better dropper post. Plus I can pick it up at my bike shop and get it way sooner. How much better is the base line fox suspension over the rockshox recon and rockshox delux select that the kona comes with?

[@AORNova]

@@clmfilms8103 The Rockshox Recon is an OK budget fork, but it is for sure trumped by the Fox 34 on the Siskiu. The Fox is just more tunable, less harsh and more reliable. Meanwhile, the Rockshox Select shock on the Kona isn't reliable at all. They are prone to negative chamber air leaks and bad seals, and will start hissing after a few months, ruining small bump compliance. The Kona Process is an overall similar bike in terms of kinematics as I believe both are single pivot driven, so you're just down to the part spec on both. I'd go with the Siskiu T8 if possible, as essentially the Kona is the same as a T7, the tier lower Siskiu.

[@jeromep4148]

You do a really thorough job in your bike reviews. I really like your presentation style. To me it’s bike reviews for everyday rider. Keep up the good work!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Jerome! That's always been the goal, so I'm stoked it comes across that way

[@jameswilson2815]

Nice to have you back! And another very useful video as well. I wouldn't call your style of riding boring. It's a lot better than mine. Great info for the masses. T8is my next bike! Take care. Aloha

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks James! You will love it!

[@exl40]

I got this bike and when putting it together, I gotta say, you sound just like the guy in the Bikes Online instruction videos.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Hahaha they saw my video and asked me to help out with a bit of their content. Win win, I get bikes and they get some content! Got some cool stuff coming in the future with them

[@JFTM_]

I’m amused by the mix of Gnarly Sydney trails and then just Daisy Hill in the background. Great video mate

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

hahahaha it's definitely different lol. I've ridden the new stuff at MT Cotton which is a bit more gnarly but still lacking those Sydney slabs. Thanks!

[@JFTM_]

Mt Cotton goes off, for slabs in Qld the closest is really Stanthorpe, and that’s not very close 😂

[@SEPEDAMANIA1910]

TRAIL TAK MTB Indeed, Chanel is the best for REVIEW SISKIU T8 POLYGON, number 1 is cool.

[@raizen82]

You're back! Also changed the bars, grips, dropper lever, and saddle on mine. It's the perfect bike for me and I can't find any other ones in the same price range that would've worked for me.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Stoked to hear you love it! Yeah those a the best value changes I reakon

[@karelstraka7394]

Yes can't agree more. Got mine T8 after watching reviews and found yours to be the most helpful. Good job

[@jamesho9400]

Good to see you back mate. Bought a T7 through your link and absolutely love it! Keep up the great vids!

[@rayjacc1368]

You're back with the Polygon, that was EPIC

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Ray!

[@alex_rogan]

Just received mine and built it last night. Very nice bike for my first mtb and that price point. Only annoyance was left brake cable was routed out the wrong side. Other then that was bang on straight out of the box. Now for some upgrades. 🤘🏼

[@mattbradley2314]

Just ordered my wife an my first mountain bikes. She is getting the T7 and I am getting the T8 can’t wait. Your videos have been so helpful mate 👍 be awesome you could do a brake upgrade video

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Matt! You and your wife will love the bikes!

[@MattSynysterRx20]

recommended for those who are new to the sport, got the specs to tackle green to red trails with no problem,

[@djh0381]

Just got mine in the UK a few weeks ago after watching your review vids. Looking forward to getting out on it.

[@jegg4489]

Please make some tutorial videos for setting up the suspension and how to install the volume spacers for the beginners Thank you welcome back

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

It's definitely in the plans in the future, the fork is actually much either than the shock, just need the tools. I always recommend this video for suspension setup, it's much better than I could ever do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpnRfIeQqpd0gdU

[@jegg4489]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 the video is great for does that already understand everything he said and it was just theory not hands on tutorial, the community what's a hands on tutorial on polygon t8 2021 suspension set up I will have more than 1 million views $$$$ LOL 😂 I'm waiting on my bike they shipping it on July 26 maybe there's a video by then thanks and keep up the great work

[@agrsk8r]

Awesome review! I'm super excited to get this bike. I keep looking around at the competition and always end up coming back to it. I'm hoping to be able to order it by April. With any luck, I'll have it in time for my trip to Bentonville, AR. My current bike is a 2011 Specialized Hardrock Sport that I've completely rebuilt and it is super fun to ride but I'm ready to enter the modern geometry era and I need that full squish confidence to continue progressing.

[@scottc791]

A proper set up video would be great man, I just got this whip after watching your reviews and I love it. Just have no ide what I am doing

[@simo7321]

Search for bike set up / suspension set up. There are hundreds of videos, out there! You will need to have a suspension pump.

[@notcomplied]

Back with another great video. Good to see you back.

[@jseski9209]

I used your link to purchase a T8 (hopefully a thanks for your very good vids), hopefully that benefits you, bro!

[@tremolony4924]

is this daisy hill ?? Amazing production quality of these videos! awesome channel m9

[@dazzmps3333]

Missed you Phil. Good to see you back online

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate!

[@damiensmith7613]

Great review Phill 👍 Good to see you back!

[@GhettoSuguru]

Great to see a comeback

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Cheers Billy!

[@joshsmith3775]

Welcome back man. Was wondering what happened to you.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate! Good to be back :) Life happened unfortunately, will post an update soon

[@wylaabuuranliyn2765]

Good to see you back mate.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate!

[@zdawgdawgdawg9204]

Can't wait for the updated >1500 Trail Hardtail video for 2022 bikes

[@BestValueMTB]

Great video mate! Looking forward to more TTMTB content coming our way 😁

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Cheers mate! Good to be back!

[@MTBTrailRider]

Love your reviews. Such good content. What handlebars are you using? Would like to know what rise you have on here? I like the OneUp carbon bars but curious what you're riding.

[@RABassin]

Damn dude this was an awesome review. My like 2011 Santa Cruz tall boy is taking a tough beating so I need a new bike. (It keeps breaking lol) I think I found the one! Thanks

[@angelinetan8474]

Great vid! I'm a roadie transitioning into my first MTB. Torn between the hardtail Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5 and the FS Polygon Siskiu T7. I know I'm a climber and enduro rider and also hoping to bikepack. Question - does the weight of the bike affect climbing or does geometry matter more? I know the Polygon weigh approximately 36 lbs versus the Salsa at 33 lbs. Thanks for your feedback! :)

[@JaredRMorgan]

Awesome work, bro! We all appreciate it!

[@lucasw713]

I got a vander t7 because of you! Thankyou so much!

[@davethomasthedreamteam9418]

Ordered the bike through your affiliate link. Make sure you get that money homie!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate! Really appreciate it!

[@clint2627]

Missed your videos! Welcome back

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Clint!

[@Jonatha8a12]

I enjoy my T7 a lot and got it as well after your review video

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Stoked to hear you are loving the T7

[@Scott-kk1qx]

Great review and video! I just purchased the 2023 model. Where did you find the mudguard? What Brand , and where can I find the one you have installed? Thank you for the awesome content

[@mstringer90]

sick vid, would love to see a review on the polygon D7

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks, I did a first ride review a while back. The frame is still the same as the new model, so a lot of the thoughts carry over. Great bike for XC and smoother trails up to the intermediate stuff. Bit more nimble and efficient compared to the T7 /8

[@IsraelMagalit]

Excellent review!

[@bdl6969]

thanks for your help deciding on my first bike, just ordered one through your link. was hoping you could recommend a new front tyre replacement.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks! You will love it! Can't go wrong with a maxxis DHF or DHR in the 3c maxx terra compound in the exo casing or the soft compound hans damf

[@Bugle25]

I had the same issue with that saddle as well on my T7...

[@pham3]

Welcome back! Was wondering when you’d come back! I got a polygon t7 mainly because of you and love it so far! I find myself considering upgrading the fork. Any recommendations on fork upgrades? Any other potential upgrades to start with a new T7? Thanks!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Anthony! I would say the Marzocchi Z2 for a value upgrade and the RockShox Pike for something a bit more premium. Definitely rotors and pads will go a long way too, after that I'd go the wheels. The Nukeproof Horizon and Hunt Trail/Enduro Wide would be good options

[@Eph610-20]

I went with a lyrik on my T7, awesome bike

[@rgmtb]

Nice job on this Phil 👍

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Gene!

[@outsider1733]

By chance, have you ridden the Ripmo AF? Curious how the Polygon compares to the Ripmo AF.

[@pedropramireza]

Pink bike did a review of both in the field trip of this year

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Great review. They really nailed it with the T8.

[@ronnoco]

Cracker video man! Definitely will be asking questions once I get mine!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Mitch! Should be there soon! You will love it

[@calfearn9572]

Loved this ! Awesome review and extremely helpful In your opinion - what’s the better option between the T8 and The Marin Rift Zone 3 . Will be buying two for Christmas and and have narrowed it down to those two . Will be buying through your links . Cheers mate

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thank mate! Appreciate the support. They are very very similar. The T8 is a little more forgiving, while the Rift Zone is a little more poppy but I'm talked very very close. Tbh id pick what ever is better value or the colour/style you prefer. The bikes are made in the same factory and actually use some of the same hardware too

[@calfearn9572]

Thanks mate - really appreciate the reply and advice . Throughly enjoying your reviews !

[@mattyosborne1453]

Good to see a new video bud

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate!

[@omegadubs1547]

Woohooo you're back!! We missed you lol

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Great to be back mate! Missed you in the comments too haha!

[@samjordan8467]

Hey! Great video. Just bought the exact same bike. Super excited for it to get here. One question. How tall are you? For sizing purposes.

[@paulvictor9368]

Awesome review. My son love his.

[@ishmtb120]

Tanks for that review, I bought one of there polygon cascade 2 that I upgrade to the max I even made it into a mallet, and I got to a point I need something better

[@tremolony4924]

I got the Polygon Cascade 4! Love the bike but its quite load over bump and jumps. No major upgrades just grips & pedals atm. I want to save up to get a T7 for the trails & use my hardtail for afternoon rides

[@NELSONG12]

Great review. Thank you from Seattle, wa. USA

[@Hoss8676]

I ended up going with the D7 since that was my max budget. I like it so far but eventually will prolly upgrade the front fork

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Great choice, might get a D7 and do the same thing too as well!

[@brandonodonnell7308]

Hey. I want to add some volume spacers to the Fox rhythm 34. a) does it come with any installed and b) how many would you recommend, 3 or 4?? Thanks. Btw, it was watching your videos on the T8 that made me pull the pin on one. Great job, thank you.

[@animaysh]

Lovin my T8 over in NZ. Wish we had the OZ weather;) I put on Maxxis DHF front and an Agressor on the rear. Like em much better than the Shwalbes. Seat upgrade yep. Thanks for the tip on the pads and rotors. I'm struggling though - the levers are annoying. Feel too long and not ergonomic. I might do a brake kit.

[@mikemcintosh7265]

Just got my T8, your review helped me choose. What frame bag are you using inside the front triangle? Trying to find one that fits.

[@yeakid4029]

Excellent review as always my friend. I'm really torn between this and a Vitus Mythique 29 VRX. I'm an intermediate rider on the smaller side at 5'7 mainly trails but planning on doing some parks this summer. Would love your thoughts on this. Keep up the Great content.

[@millos1509]

Ey my friend, I have the same tough decision to make.. Have you already decided?

[@yeakid4029]

@@millos1509 Unfortunately I have not. Nothing is available...

[@SubaruWRC1996]

Think I'll get this. I'm looking for a good full sus bike as my first but don't have a ridiculous amount of money spare atm. This seems to have everything I need and it also looks nice as well

[@mobikes1547]

Thank you for the great video. I have been looking at the T7/T8 as a bike for my 12 year old's, but have also considered the D7. My wife has a D7 and I think it is a great bike. If you have ridden the D7 how does the climbing ability compare? We have a lot of XC style trails around us, but also a fair amount of chunk. My boys are wanting to get into some bigger stuff and their hard tails are just not cutting it any more. I think the T7 or T8 would be a great bike, but I just do not want them to really struggle climbing.

[@jacob_1866]

Don't get a 12 year old a 2700$ plus bike

[@mobikes1547]

@@jacob_1866 to late. They have been riding the T7 and T8 for almost a year and have been loving them.

[@jacob_1866]

@@mobikes1547 damn. Spoiled 😂

[@jacob_1866]

@@mobikes1547 teach em gratitude also😁

[@mobikes1547]

@@jacob_1866 they had to split the costs with us, and are responsible for maintaining them.

[@mtbwithwill3969]

Yes ur back

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Yeeeew!

[@mtbnoobs]

So hyped for this video! I bought this bike because of your previous videos. I can say that it’s 100% beast and worth the money for my first full sus. Very happy with this bike. Only real negative for me is the weight. Mine weighs 37 lbs! All I’ve done is put dhf/dhr exo tires, bash guard, and mud guard. Anyone else have this problem? Anyone know the weight of just the frame itself? I’m guessing that and the rims is where the weight is…

[@griffmtb]

Mine weighs in right at 35lbs, stock tires and rims but I did go tubeless.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate! Stoked to hear you love it! Yeah, the wheels will make a huge difference. The frame weight isnt too bad compared to other frames, it more the components at this pricepoint

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Excellent review.

[@fairlyfunctional2236]

great video bro. this is the bike i'm getting,but not sure about the size. i 'm 6' and have a 30" inseam. what size would you suggest? i appreciate any info.

[@ericrollins4607]

@10:20, is that 40mm of spacers above the headtutbe? Trying to determine how much adjustment there is raising bars

[@alexchulzhanov]

If the fork and shock are probably going to be upgraded anyways, would it be worth getting the T7 instead? I have been looking at the T8 (currently $2699 USD), but keep seeing that the rear shock bottoms out too quickly and the suspension still has room for improvement. It makes me want to get the T7 instead if I'm going to upgrade the suspension anyways. Aside from the lesser Deore drivetrain there's not much difference and the color scheme is cooler in my opinion on the T7.

[@ayl18]

Great video! Do you think the T8 is capable enough for most of what Sydney can throw at you? Where do you think its limits lie? I'm tossing up between this and maybe an enduro bike... maybe even one of the N series bikes.

[@fxxc777]

Did you end up getting it? Thinking the same too. Id like to mod this bike to a enduro style bike

[@ayl18]

@@fxxc777 Hey, mate. I ended up getting the N7 and I'm super happy with it. I think the T8 would be perectly suitable for around Sydney though.. they were just sold out.

[@fxxc777]

@@ayl18 alright. My localshop is selling t8 and i think it would be sick in the forests of finland. Gotta try it out

[@moscownoir8834]

Ordered a 2021 T8 yesterday ☺️

[@robgoodburn6178]

Great review, thank you, I hit subsribe. What is this bike like for climbing?

[@joshuamei7465]

I'm really looking forward to getting this bike. Do you know when the 2022 version is coming out? Should I wait?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Hi Josh, current word is that the bike is the its same for 2022 both color and spec

[@reginaldrigney6725]

Hey Phil! Hope you’ve been enjoying Queensland it’s such a beautiful place. When’s the GoPro review? I recently got the 9 black and I’m not really sure how to use it for mtb and what equipment/ mounts I should use.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate! It's amazing, love it up here. I haven't got around to it but when I upload regularly again (about a month away) I will soon. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know Mount: Gopro Performance Chest Mount or Stuntman Chest Mount (both as tight as possibly). Mounted upside down at roughly 45 degrees. (see this image imgur.com/gIucqKW ) Resolution: 4K, 2.7k if your pc is on the slow side (KZbin compresses anything below these resolutions) Frame Rate: 30FPS Lens: Superview Hypersmooth: High (not boost crops in a little too much in my opinion) Bitrate: High (this is a must!) Shutter: Auto EV comp: 1.5 is the best allround but check this video for a more in depth look kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4nWmYWwnNSGh6c White Balance: Auto if you aren't confident but 5000-5500 is good for a regular day, again check out this video for more detail kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4nWmYWwnNSGh6c ISO Min: 100 ISO Max: 1600 Sharpness: Medium if you are not editing, low if you plan to add in post Colour: GoPro if you don't plan to colour correct, flat if you do more in post, details in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4nWmYWwnNSGh6c Raw Audio: Off Wind: Off and use a windslayer or dead cats to cover your microphone

[@reginaldrigney6725]

Wow thanks for the reply! Also do you use the Quik app at all or just software editing on a computer?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

@@reginaldrigney6725 I use my own editing software. If you are starting out Filmora X and premier elements are great on Pc and imovie for Mac. Otherwise final cut for Mac and premier pro is the best for pc

[@tpazol]

awesome video, thx..... the quick question is if I am 5.10 hight and an average rider: would you get the M or L ?

[@draoudeffargur350]

Hi.🙂 First, big thanks for your great channel and all your videos about this awesome Polygon T8. 👍👏👏👏 I'll receive mine in few weeks and as you done it, I'll immediately swap the rotors. Can you please give us the plate reference for installing the bigger front rotor 203mm Shimano rt70? Thanks in advance for your next answer. Regards, Édouard.

[@draoudeffargur350]

Please! 🙂

[@fernaasd4522]

Nice video guy¡¡¡ We miss You damn

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Fernando!

[@everydaynick8640]

Have some unique/personalized questions. A.). Using this bike tonight because of your video! B.) I’m 5’11 295lbs. Can you recommend a link/qty of volume spacers you think I’d need? C.) I have a new PNW Ranger bar for this bike. What size stem might you recommend? Thanks so much!

[@mattx3190]

Definitely start at 4 tokens for the fork. It’s the maximum you can put on this fork. The rear shock won’t fit anything bigger than .08(so you might need to put quite a big of PSI on it).

[@bonniealdridge3276]

Could you please do a review on the Norco torrent A2 thank you very appreciative of the vids

[@Matrucos3]

Great video, I really love this bike and I am looking to get it in size M, but I am torn between getting the 27.5 or the 29er. I am 5' 8" 175lbs. My current bike is a large hardtail and I am finding it is a bit hard to get off the ground and I am looking for something a bit more playful. I have ridden some of my friends bikes that are size M and 27.5 and I really like how playful they feel and I feel like I am a lot more in control of the bike's movements. But I don't know if that is an effect of the smaller frame or the wheel size... What do you suggest?

[@MrEasyliving08]

I have the T8 in a 27.5, it’s great but if i had to do it over I would get a 29er. With a 29er you are able to roll over things like roots and rocks a little more easily vs. the 27.5 were line choices has to be more thoughtful.

[@Matrucos3]

@@MrEasyliving08 Thanks. I ended up getting a 27.5. So far I'm really happy with it.

[@MrEasyliving08]

Nice, congrats the T8 is a great bike.

[@miguelfragoso7023]

@@Matrucos3 27.5 always triumphs haha

[@sergejrasnamovic4195]

Nice review. What's the frame bag you've got on the bike?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks! It's the Blackburn Outpost Corner Bag, it fits perfectly on the Large, not sure about other sizes

[@Eli-fg8oh]

The bikes looking gooood... How would you compare the T7/T8 vs the marin alpine trail??

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

The Alpine trail really is a full on enduro bike. The siskiu t is more comparable to the Rift zone

[@Eli-fg8oh]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 thanks. And if you had to choose between... T7 vs rift zone 2 ???

[@lesterfalcon1350]

The saddle on every Polygon review including different models gets picked up on. They should really respond to this.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

I believe it's being addressed in the future!

[@mtb_newbie9184]

Is T8 pretty much same as Eift zone 3? And T7 same as rift zone 2? I like the look of the rift zones better than polygon but really want to get the best bike for the price so I keep coming back to polygon. I heard you say before they have pretty similar spec. But would you still say polygon T wins over the Rift Zones? I do blue and green trails most cross county with occasional downhill. Lots of climbs in my area so want something efficient. Thank you!

[@sickmak90]

I wonder how the Vitus Mythique VRX stacks up to this. I’ve been really happy with my Sentier VRX but I’m getting that full squish itch again.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

The Siskiu T will be a little more capable on the descents, the Mythique, slots in between the Siskiu T and D in terms of descending performance. The Geo on the Siskiu T is a little more modern, so more stable at speed. If you plan to hit faster technical trails the Siskiu T will treat you better

[@sickmak90]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 I thought pink bike mentioned buying this as a frame only but I don’t see that available anywhere. If they do sell it frame only I may get one.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

@@sickmak90 no frame only unfortunately but the spec and value you get with the full build is definitely worth it

[@aznxta99er]

I'm waiting on this bike to arrive. What upgrades do you recommend or what have you done to improve yours?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Brake rotors and pads first along with the saddle. After that I'd go the wheels and tires to your preference

[@anthonyb924]

Still getting my head around enduro v trail, if I went the Polygon Vander N7 would it be more of a steamroller plowing through the terrain compared to this? Is that kinda how it works?? They both look good and I can’t decide!!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Hi Anthony. Correct, the Vander N7 will be a lot more composed when the going gets rough. It wont get overwhelmed as easily and will hold speed better and allow you to attack more advanced trails. But that does come with some downsides. It's not as efficient and wont be as playful on flatter more undulating trails. The Vander N7 is for someone who is racing enduro, climbs purely for advanced descents or shuttles frequently. The T8 is more of a do it all bike.

[@anthonyb924]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 awsome thanks, I still enjoy the odd lung busting climb to stay fit, only other thing I’ve heard is the FOX 34 might struggle with me being 100kg?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

@@anthonyb924 it will be fine will just need 4 spacers

[@anthonyb924]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 cheers

[@anthonyb924]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 I’m assuming I’d need to do the rear shock as well? I can see a kit which has 5 spacers 0.2 - 0.95 inch. (803-01-250). Would one of these work? I’m assuming you can’t stack spacers in the rear shock?

[@lesterfalcon1350]

Patiently waiting for the 2022 model. 2021 is OOS, so would take a while for that model to come in anyway. Seems it was released around late August 2020, so hopefully the 2022 model is just 2 months away.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

My intel tells me it's staying the same for 2022

[@lesterfalcon1350]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 Same paintwork?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

@@lesterfalcon1350 yes from what I've been told but things may change

[@lesterfalcon1350]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 I don't mind the current scheme, a bit dark, so blue pedals and things will spice it up, but are do like the older scheme and others bikes in their range. Origin Bikes in Ha Noi don't seem to have any mid range bikes up from Polygon, and they are the dealer here. When I confirmed they could provide, they seemed positive about me waiting for 2022 model. Maybe it just suits them to ship in when they get hold of another batch of bikes later in the year.

[@saltylures]

Hey buddy what handlebar did u go with? Thanks.

[@mattx3190]

Hey Bud, anyway you can help me with getting polygon’s support/attention on a defective Bike. Less than a year and it’s issue after issue. Last issue is defective shock mount bolt hole that doesn’t let the bolt go all the way through. It just ruined a brand new Float X. ☹️

[@nikonneil]

just got a call from the bike shop that my siskiu T8 is ready but the bike mechanic said he was concerned with the brake levers said they pull all the way back to the grips and what to preform a full brake bleed before I collect did you have the same experience with the brakes on the T8. Thanks in advance 👍

[@ejbuenafe7488]

Hi, Nice review.. can you send me names of bakeshops where i can buy that T8? THANKYOU😊

[@djmariofan6499]

Bikes Online

[@directgrover]

Hi mate, how would you compare the Polygon Siskiu T8 to Giant trance X 2? Cheers

[@nicholascattoni7330]

How would you say the T8 compares to say a Fuel EX8 or Ibis Ripley. I have the budget to spend more for the EX8/Ibis Ripley but I do not ride very hard and if I can save the money I am not against it. If it's a clear cut loss to either of those two I would regret not spending the money. It's hard to tell from the reviews on the T8 how it stacks up to the higher priced bikes that it shares components from. Thanks!

[@palasari79]

Honestly this bike is affordable than its competitor