Bike Review - 2021 Polygon Siskiu T7 in 29" L

UPDATE - See newer review update video titled; "Bike Review Update (w/ Riding) - 2021 Polygon Siskiu T7"
I got enticed by the bikesonline.com ad on Instagram after buckling my Kona hardtail frame and wanting a full suspension. I read countless reviews that were all positive rave reviews from people who got it and loved it, and, because in half of those reviews, the owners received their bikes earlier than their ship/receive dates.
It seemed like a no-brainer for the price and I knew it would be a great base to build off of and with some upgrades would be exactly what I needed.
So after a month of riding it several days a week of which one of those days included testing it out at Mountain Creek Bike Park in Vernon, NJ I was able to really feel out what upgrades I would go with to dial it in even better.
Parts list:
• Frame - 2021 Polygon Siskiu T7 29er in Large
• Front susp - RockShox Recon RL Boost,140mm travel
• Rear susp - RockShox Deluxe Select+ Debon Air, 130mm travel
• Bar - Entity Xpert, 780mm
• Stem - Entity Xpert, 35mm
• Headset - NSA Threadless Zero Stack
• Seat - Came with Entity Xtent , but swapped with a WTB Volt
• Dropper post - Tranz-X JD-YSP23JL,
• Cranks - Shimano MT-510-1 Boost
• Pedals - RockBros flats
• Bottom bracket - BSA Threaded, 73mm
• Cassette - Shimano Deore CS-M6100 12-Speed 10-51t, Hyperglide+
• Rear derailleur - Shimano Deore RD-M6100 12-Speed
• Brakes - Tektro HD-M735, Caliper F/R: 4-Piston front / 2-Piston rear
• Rotors - Shimano SM-RT54 180mm front / SRAM Centerline 200mm rear
• Tires - Came with Schwable Hans Dampf 2.6 (rear upgrade listed below)
• Wheels - Entity XL2 Disc 35-622 35mm Inner Width w/ Shimano HB-MT410 (front) and FB-MT410 (rear) thru-axle, Center-Lock, Microspline Hubs
UPGRADES:
• Swapped the Shimano front chainring to a 32T Absolute Black Oval chainring
• Added the STFU chain dampeners
• OneUp chambered/ribbed grips w/ gold Platt bar ends
• Gold hardware and stem spacers
• Swapped the rear Schwable 2.6 tire to the tubeless Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.3
• Swapped the rear 180mm rotor to the 200mm SRAM Centerline and also swapped the rear stock resin brake pads to good metal ones for better stopping power.
• Added mud guard to front fork
Tunings:
• I'm 5'10"/200lbs, so I have my rear suspension at 30% sag with 190lbs air pressure, and the front fork at 130lbs pressure
• Typical tire pressure I'm running: Front - 19 psi / Rear - 23/24 psi

[@blu2thdude247]

I’m not quite into riding this type of bike (this is pretty high tech), but I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video! It was like a tutorial on how to make an informative video on any subject. You spoke on the original equipment and then what you upgraded and the reason for the change! Great information! I subbed to see what else you have to share! Keep up the good work! Thanks!

[@SecretSpots]

Awesome, thank you so much!!

[@dblevins343]

What's crazy is this isn't even considered that high tech in the mountain bike world. This is considered pretty standard in the bike world. With that said it seems to be an amazing bike. Hence why I want to buy one to replace my hardtail.

[@SecretSpots]

@@dblevins343 Agreed. And with this bike in particular, knowing it had only "mid-range" components, I was really buying it for the geometry, and knowing that some minor upgrades would make it from a good bike to a great bike. I didnt have to spend that much money to upgrade it to a bike that can handle some pretty technical trails at bike parks, etc. ALSO, I too replaced my Kona hardtail with this bike, and what's even better is with that rear RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock I can just flip the lockout lever as I'm riding and instantly feel like I'm riding a hardtail when I'm riding up hills or on smooth flat stuff.

[@dblevins343]

@@SecretSpots ya I'm saving up for this one. I currently ride a Trek hardtail that I've used for 6 years and I've finally outgrown what it's capable of. I also like this bike because it has a great starting point and it's a bike worth upgrading to whatever I may end up needing. Glad to hear you have enjoyed it so far.

[@SecretSpots]

@@dblevins343 I am VERY happy with my purchase! I've already done a ton of super fun riding on it that I was surprised with what it can handle! If you pull the trigger and order one, feel free to DM me on how to dial the bike in and get the most out of it! ;-)

[@blipco5]

I very nearly bought this bike but instead opted for the 2021 Extrada 7, 29" L with upgraded pedals. It wasn't the cost, I wanted a simpler bike that climbs more than good for bombing downhill and jumping. I'm a novice mountain biker and will always be. I'm not going to be bombing anywhere or jumping anything. Just enjoying the trails. Feel free to pass, I won't feel bad. 🍻 Great review.

[@SecretSpots]

Awesome! No hating here! EVERYONE out there pedaling, no matter what style, has a "one-up" over everyone sitting on the couch complaining they're miserable. I actually just walked in from cruising around the neighborhood just to get outside and soak up some sun and fresh air, say hi to the neighbors. I love riding bicycles, period. ;-)

[@blipco5]

Secret Spot, yes, I ride more on the street with my single speed bike. (Redline 9-2-5). I love the sheer simplicity of it. It is perhaps the greatest machine ever invented.

[@chrisgulick3608]

I,m with ya, I like MTB even when riding on roads. I like jumping off curbs. With that said I bought a T7 and I will still use to jump off curbs.

[@VinhTran-ox5un]

Nice video. Mine came in yesterday. Finished assembled and I am stoked to take it to a local singletrack. What is the size/type/brand of your water bottle and cage? My old 21oz camelbak seems to not fit under the shock. Thanks.

[@SecretSpots]

The water bottle holder I got is Lezyne brand, couldn't tell you what model/size, it was the only one of that brand on the shelf when I got it. They all seemed to be similar size. I got a Fox water bottle, it seems very "standard" size. It holds a typical 12 oz bottle of water with a few ice cubes in it, thats all I know. I would imagine a 21 oz bottle being too big. Hope that helps.

[@Limbo949]

Nice video, can you share the link to the absolute black chain ring? Been looking for an oval 32t that will fit the frame. Tried OneUp but it rub against the frame. Was that smaller than 32t?

[@leosmith4466]

Nice video and nice bike. think you should change the tyres round and have the grippiest one on the front and fast rolling one on the rear.

[@SecretSpots]

I put a 2.5 Assegai on the front and a 2.3 Minion DHR 2 with DD casing on the back. That Assegai on the front is basically the "velcro" of front tires for the terrain I ride and I love it. Yes I could have a faster rolling tire on the back, but I also ride bike parks and some downhilling as well and was getting some pinch flats on tires without downhill casing so I went for strength over speed.

[@tims728]

Thanks for the vid. Been trying to work out bike size, tried their online calculator, and was suggested L, for me I think I'll go M.

[@SecretSpots]

I'm on almost 3.5 years with this bike now and STILL riding it! I just keep upgrading things like grisp, pedals, tires, chain, etc and get the shocks serviced once in a blue moon. Turned out to be a great bike! In like a month or so I'm going to do another updated review here on this channel.

[@JTtravels]

A future needed upgrade on these bikes is a good quality wheelset. The wheels that come on this bike only lasted me a couple months of hard riding before the rim got busted and would no longer seal. A cheap alternative is tire inserts. With these rims you risk damaging them when running lower pressures.

[@SecretSpots]

Funny to see this comment today since just on Thursday at Mountain Creek bike park on one of the black diamond tech downhill rock garden style trails I hit a sharp rock hard and hit rim due to low tire pressure and slightly dented the rim in a tiny bit on the side (rim is still "true" and round). I think I can correct it, but still. Instantly when it happened the first thing I thought of was how if I had Cush Kore in back wheel it probably wouldn't have hit rim! ... I agree 100%! Next upgrade: RIMS! ... Oh and also I am DEFINITELY swapping out that back 2 piston brake for a 4 piston! :)

[@JTtravels]

Yeah i just got a set of nukeproof horizon V2 wheels and set of magura MT7 4 piston brakes front and back. Feels like a different bike lol

[@SecretSpots]

@@JTtravels I was eyeing up either SRAM Code RSC's or Hope V4's for brakes, and possibly DT Swiss M1900's for rims.

[@JTtravels]

All great options

[@XCRiders]

Oh man race ready

[@SecretSpots]

I already have a friend buggin me to enter an enduro race with him in the spring! LOL ;-) I don't know if I have "race legs"! HAHAHA

[@_Justinriceism_]

Came here for the bike info but I'm all for reppin that spade! ♠️ 🤘🏻👊🏻

[@SecretSpots]

Haaa yesss! My good friend is their longtime east coast "rep", and I know the owner of SRH and my last band was on their label Suburban Noize Records. Yewww! 🤙

[@_Justinriceism_]

@@SecretSpots Hell yeah! I've been following SubNoize since I was young. What band was it?

[@SecretSpots]

@@_Justinriceism_ My last band was Barry And The Penetrators and we did our 3rd album on Sub Noize. We've played shows with KottonMouth Kings, etc

[@_Justinriceism_]

@@SecretSpots Rad. I'm gonna check some of that out. Enjoy your day my friend!

[@SecretSpots]

@@_Justinriceism_ Awesome, same to you!

[@davidchkhartishvili9845]

Great video! Waiting for my T7 to arrive. Quick question: are rims coming pre-taped with tubeless tape?

[@SecretSpots]

Thanks David! Yes, the rims came pre-taped, I was actually pleasantly surprised by that. Just bought some valves and a bottle of Stans sealant and had both tires tubeless in minutes!

[@davidchkhartishvili9845]

@@SecretSpots Great!

[@TheStinkape]

Waiting on my Norco FS3, def wanna hook up with some Jersey riders, I'm in Tom's River.

[@SecretSpots]

I ride Allaire mostly just because it’s right down the road from me, but get out to other places too. Gonna be hitting up Mtn Creek this next season too! Hit me up on Instagram: @1070mws

[@geralexgeralex1273]

Hello. What height are you? A bicycle with frame size L, that's what I'm interested in... Thank you.

[@SecretSpots]

I'm 5'10" so I'm at the threshold for either medium or large, however, I have long "ape arms". LOL I sometimes wonder if I had got a Medium, but I'm used to this geo now.

[@dustybahlz6674]

So Sick Buddy!!! I told my girlfriend to buy this BEAST, but she is not sure if it can handle ten foot drops...What do you think? Awesome show man, wicked riding....

[@SecretSpots]

YEWWW thank you! Well I am 5'10" / 200 lbs and I am riding aggressive and reckless on this bike and it's handling everything I am throwing at it so far and I got it 6-7 months ago and it's still holding strong! 💪 Just gotta keep up on some light maintenance here and there but so far so good! 😎

[@swifty3125]

Can u take air out of the rear suspension?? Great video.

[@SecretSpots]

Yes you can! Either just unscrew the intake valve and press the pin just like tire valve, or, I use an actual shock pump that has the pressure release button

[@gme10955]

Hopefully it comes in a different color scheme.

[@SecretSpots]

They offer this bike in like 2 or 3 colorways now. 🤙

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Great review. Bike is super rad.

[@SecretSpots]

Yewww thank you! AGREED on the bike! ;)

[@ubisoftgamingyt2165]

What pedals did you use. I am going for this exact color way of the grips plus pedals. I got the PNW loam grips and may be getting the crank brothers stamp. I just need to know the pedals you got. Thanks, I liked the video!

[@ubisoftgamingyt2165]

I am very sure those are crank brothers though, I just want to know.

[@ubisoftgamingyt2165]

Sorry another question what would be the 1 upgrade you would chose for this bike?

[@SecretSpots]

Hey there, thank you for the comments! I bought the Rockbros pedals, but, they are exact copies of the OneUp composite pedal, just RockBros are at cheaper price, but SAME pedal! As far as one upgrade, well I really liked swapping out the stock front chainring with the Absolute Black oval chainring for sure! But after some rugged riding on black diamond tech trails at bike parks I'm wishing it had stronger rims! That will be my next upgrade: rims. Also, swapping the tubes out for valves and "tubeless" with some Stans Sealant in them made the tire situation much better (and the bike a little "lighter"). Hope that helps

[@ubisoftgamingyt2165]

@@SecretSpots thanks, I will definitely be making these changes! I’ll subscribe and give a like!

[@Jam3s08]

Nice bike, What does the bike weigh?

[@SecretSpots]

It's not very light, I believe around 37 lbs

[@5892432]

Hello all! I need your help, In Chile, there are just stock of Polygon T7 but in L size, I'm 5,8 size, Would you recommend me to buy the L size?..is the size difference with respect to the M size too much? Thanks

[@SecretSpots]

At 5’8” tall, unless you have really long arms I would go with size M, because I’m 5’10” and have long arms and the “L” is on the borderline of being too big where I could’ve got an M

[@nickd0629]

Nice video, just out of curiosity how tall are you.I am 5’5- 5’6, and I’m wondering if I am a large or a medium. I could definitely fit on a large as I fit pretty well on my dad‘s extra large 29 inch Santa Cruz tallboy. My only concerns are not being able to use the full dropper post. What do you think?

[@SecretSpots]

Thank you. I'm 5'10"/200lbs and it's almost on the threshold of being too big for me and I was wondering if I should have got the medium, so you definitely would want medium with this bike if you are doing 29". As far as the dropper post I actually just put it all the rest of the way down after riding more because I spend half my time with the seat down for jumps, features and downhill stuff anyway.

[@nickd0629]

@@SecretSpots this helped a lot thank you so much and have a great day!

[@SecretSpots]

@@nickd0629 That's awesome, thank you!! Best of luck on the bike decision and have fun riding!

[@Eph610-20]

If it helps, I'm 6'1" 220ish, and have the T in a large, fits me perfect

[@johnthegodfatherslack]

Definitely medium

[@mickyr171]

Just wondering how tall you are as im 6 1 and cant decide which would be better, the medium or large, the calc suggests large on 29s but not totally sure and would hate to spend all that money and not fit it

[@SecretSpots]

I'm 5'10" and almost went for the medium but my arms are long so I got the L, however, I got used to riding the L and ended up liking it. At 6'1" I'd get the L

[@mickyr171]

@SecretSpots cheers, saw the video where you've broken 3 frames and has me iffy now, only wanting it to ride around and the occasional offroad bush riding but not jumps or drops so would it be good for that kind of thing

[@SecretSpots]

@@mickyr171 For what it' worth, th first 2 breaks to the lower chainstay were because of using that oval chain ring! It was too close to the frame when going around turns at the same time the rear shock flexed. Once I went back to the normal round chain ring I no longer had that problem. ... As far as the 3rd break- I was fully sending double black diamond tech and I weight 210lbs and land heavy, and, that double black diamond tech at Mountain Creek is absolutely brutal and the bike isnt meant for that. (I got a 200mm travel downhill bike since then so I dont have to destroy my trail bike at the bike park). HOWEVER, I still ride the bike and have had no problems since and as you can see in my more recent videos, I jump a lot on the bike and it's just fine.

[@mickyr171]

@SecretSpots oh ok then, thanks for taking the time to respond, I was already sold on it after a couple months researching then came across your video which had me in doubt, think I'll pick one up for my 42nd birthday in a month, haven't owned a bike since I was 15 but have ridden some cheap wall mart style ones of friends so bit hyped

[@SecretSpots]

@@mickyr171 You're welcome! Overall I still think the bike is well worth the money! They nailed the geometry with it and its a very capable and agile bike. Which is actually why I keep riding it. I just keep upgrading the parts. Certain stock items like the tires, seat, pedals, etc I'm particular about and swapped out. ... Here's recent footage of me from this year still riding it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioiWkqhtjLWcaJY Good luck! If you get it and make any videos riding with it tag me. Cheers!

[@copperstatefiremenpodcast]

Great video love the trail video part of it strong work brother

[@SecretSpots]

Thank you!!!!🙏 I just put up an update vid with some more upgrades since this one

[@TeddyParker]

Body glove sticker and gold bolts kinda epic not gonna lie. Solid moves there.

[@SecretSpots]

Ha awesome! BG is a long time hookup for surfing, all the gold hardware came off my Kona hardtail. ;-)

[@TeddyParker]

@@SecretSpots Nice, my buddy Matt managed the BG team for a few years. Local brand for me. What saddle did you throw on this thing? I tried a WTB one but it wasn't much better than the stock one. Threw my comfort saddle on there in the meantime.

[@SecretSpots]

@@TeddyParker Awesome! Yeah one of my best friends is the long time Northeast rep for BG. I used to compete for years and still do work in the surf industry. ... The seat on there is the WTB Volt, however, I'm noticing the seat that came with it is actually has a little more cushion that the Volt, and even though I think it's a little ugly, I might put it back on! lol

[@chrisbalser3808]

Hi. I'm thinking about getting this bike. Have you had any problems with the wheels? How has it held up?

[@SecretSpots]

Great question! Considering I've given this thing an absolute beating on downhills, rocks, roots, black diamond "tech" rock garden trails at bike parks, etc, the wheels have held up surprisingly well. However, i dinged up the side of them and considering adding a Cush Kore to the back wheel to protect the rim better. If you are going to ride some rough and gnarlier terrain I suggest swapping out the back tire for a strong tire with a reinforced downhill casing too. Other than that, so far they are holding up, although I can see my riding may be leading to upgrading the rims in the future.

[@Battlenutt44]

How loud is the hub

[@SecretSpots]

It's got a nice buzz to it, but not like i9 hubs or anything like that.

[@imdavid1876]

Is that a 20 once water bottle? I heard that is hard to get a water bottle to fit.

[@SecretSpots]

I got the Lezyne water bottle mount and what I THINK is a standard size water bottle (20oz?) and it fits snug.

[@andresfaria3167]

Hey man, could you please share the link for those grips, mud guard and pedals?

[@SecretSpots]

Sorry I just saw this! These are the grips I got: www.oneupcomponents.com/products/grips .. These are the pedals: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S2TPFGP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . . . And the mud guard was some generic one I found on either ebay or amazon, cant find where I ordered it from

[@MattSynysterRx20]

What's your height? , im 5f9, thinking of getting the L size

[@SecretSpots]

Well I'm 5'10" with long arms and I still sometimes wonder if I should have got the Medium. It's a big Large, but at 5'10" w/ long arms I'm also at the very threshold of within the required size. If I were you I'd go with Medium.

[@MattSynysterRx20]

@@SecretSpots guess i need to try the bike first see which size would suit me better, thanks…

[@tac6044]

Did your creak at all?

[@SecretSpots]

I did experience creaking at one point but found out it was the frame pivot bearings so i took them out, popped off the seals carefully, cleaned and re-greased the bearings, and it worked perfectly. I learned that washing your bike too much and constantly blasting it with a hose actually washes out all the lubrication over time and you eventually end up with some crusty bearings! ;-)

[@tac6044]

@@SecretSpots I've been trying to chase down some creaks on mine since it was brand new.

[@georgiaguardian4696]

Looks all pro all expert!

[@what31620]

May i know what is the color of the bike?

[@SecretSpots]

I guess I would call that "turquoise into lime yellow"? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@scottyfpv5651]

How do you feel about the weight?

[@SecretSpots]

It's slightly on the heavy side, but I got used to it. However, I'm about to get a new wheel next month that are a little bit lighter which might help. Personally, at 200lbs and a slightly aggressive rider, I've been caring more about strength than weight. ;)

[@scottyfpv5651]

@@SecretSpots ok cool. I'm 6' 2 at 250 pounds..I should be fine I guess. Currently ride a 2015 Talon 4. So this will be a massive upgrade for me 😆

[@eugene44569]

this bike has a 480mm reach in size L. massive.

[@SecretSpots]

Agreed. When I first got the bike I was like oh man I wish I bought the M, but after getting used to it and doing an arm measurement and finding out my arms are much longer than average, I was OK with it. It is an advantage with downhilling gnarlier terrain. Plus, I upgraded my bars to the SQ Lab 30X High 12, and they have a 12º backsweep / 45mm rise, and that changed the geometry further in my favor. Now the bike feels PERFECT! ... and with even more control.

[@joeroganvids0]

I’m 5’7 , 12 What bike size should I get

[@SecretSpots]

At 5'7" regardless whether you go for 27.5 or 29" wheel size (depends what kind of terrain you plan on / like riding), I highly recommend going with the medium size frame. I'm 5'10" with ape arms and the size L is almost too big.

[@Alba0825]

@@SecretSpots Go Medium and 27.5 wheels. You wont be disappointed. I'm 5'9 and the 29 wheels do not feel too good for my taste. The 27.5 feel great for everything.

[@SecretSpots]

@@Alba0825 Unfortunately I've already had the bike for a couple months now and can't afford to just buy another bike, so I'm learning to adapt to it. My last bike was a 29" as well so I'm used to the wheel size, I just wish the frame was a M not L. However, while it's a little cumbersome for jumps, the large size is actually a great advantage for downhill riding and black diamond "tech/jank/rock garden" type trails. But on a side note, I have almost all the parts I need to build a 27.5" hardtail for a second bike. I just need wheels & tires, so once I build that bike up I'll have a slightly smaller bike that will be better for jumping.

[@mishramahat6258]

What is the cost sir..

[@SecretSpots]

$2K USD

[@basticf]

rockshox deluxe tune?

[@SecretSpots]

I tuned both front and rear shocks with proper air pressure if that's what you mean. I weigh 200lbs and have my rear at 200 lbs pressure at between 25-30% sag. Front shock I'm running about 130lbs pressure.

[@basticf]

@@SecretSpots which is the deluxe tune? ML MM?

[@vinothdavid4663]

Which one best bro trek marlin 7 or polygon xtrada 6 1 *11?

[@JTtravels]

Xtrada all the way!!! Id go all in spend the 1100 and get the 11.

[@vinothdavid4663]

@@JTtravels So can I buy an xtrada 6 1 * 11 bicycle?

[@SecretSpots]

@@vinothdavid4663 go to bikesonline.com they have the Xtrada there

[@JTtravels]

Yes great bike for the price

[@familybialousow]

Damn bro you sponsored? Only professionals can handle tech like that

[@SecretSpots]

Haaa wow thank for such a compliment, but no way, I'm too over the hill. But I do have a long history with bikes having raced BMX in Jr high, freestyled through high school and then dirt jumping in the 90's and 2000's, ... I could always handle a bike well. But I've been mountain biking on and off since the late 90's and riding regularly for past 5 years. Thanks dude!

[@connordaniel3567]

Do You surf ?

[@SecretSpots]

Yes it's actually been my main lifestyle since the mid 80's. I used to compete, was sponsored, traveled, worked in the industry (kind of still do), had a magazine about it in the 90's, and one of the main producers of the Belmar Pro surfing competition for the past 15 years. But MTB has been my favorite thing to do when there's no waves (besides snowboarding ;-)

[@connordaniel3567]

@@SecretSpots thought so cos I seen the body glove sticker

[@SecretSpots]

@@connordaniel3567 Ha good eye!! Yeah the longtime east coast sales rep for Body Glove is one of my best friends. I kind of was "hooked up" by them for a while and still get suits at cost. ;-)

[@connordaniel3567]

@@SecretSpots nice my brother has one and says it’s the best he has ever had so I am going to upgrade soon

[@SecretSpots]

@@connordaniel3567 Awesome!

[@ibby81ae]

I'm 5'9, should I get a large or medium?

[@SecretSpots]

At 5'9" I'd go with a medium honestly

[@ibby81ae]

@@SecretSpots thanks mate.

[@SecretSpots]

@@ibby81ae You're welcome, good luck!

[@yojomojo6262]

I have just purchased this bike. I am wanting to upgrade and lighten at the same time as it's quite heavy feom stock