Budget Mountain Bike Bike Overhaul: Upgrading the Polygon Xtrada 6 for Better Performance.

Polygon Xtrada Budget Mountain Bike Upgrade. Are budget hardtails just a stepping stone to pricier rides? Not necessarily! Join me on a journey as I give my 2021 Polygon Xtrada 6 a much-needed refresh. From swapping out the stock coil fork for an air fork to upgrading the wheels, I'll walk you through each step of the process. Learn about the tools and parts needed for these upgrades and get insights into the performance improvements they bring. Plus, discover why I still ride this budget-friendly beast and why I believe it's the best value mountain bike on the market. If you're into mountain biking or considering a budget bike upgrade, this video is for you. Join me as we take the Xtrada 6 for a spin and uncover its hidden potential on the trails. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
Polygon Xtrada 6
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Parts and tools used in this video. These fit the Xtrada. Always check the specs for your specific bike.
Park Tool Hollowtech Bottom Bracket Tool BBT 69.4
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Jessica Headset 44/56
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Wheels Manufacturing Headset Press
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Budget Option
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Park Tool Star Nut Setter
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Budget Option:
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Cassette Tool
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Chain Whip
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Budget Bike Wheel Upgrade:
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What I'm riding in 2024
Trail Bike
Polygon Siskiu T6
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Polygon Syncline C5
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Enduro Bike
Rocky Mountain Altitude C50
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Trail Half Shell: Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS
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Road/Gravel/XC Helmet: Giro Agilis MIPS
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[@AdrenalineIsLife]

The 2024 Xtrada is the same geometry as the 2021 version. Only the color is different Also, the upgrades resulted a weight reduction of about 3.4lbs (1.5kg) to 27.2lb (12.3kg).

[@bikesonline]

We love seeing the Xtrada getting the all star treatment! Nicely done!

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

A much overdue spa treatment for the old, reliable Xtrada!

[@Truth-teller3]

Could not agree more about spring forks having better small bump sensitivity that cheap air fork

[@Biking_with_Akiva]

Sick upgrades, remote lockout and dropper post 🤯 🤙🏾💯

[@chrishorbatt3504]

Good video as always! I never seen rims like that. I like your thorough explanation of torquing down to crank arm bolts the last one I did I couldn't find any torque specs on but I basically did the same thing you did but it was nice to see it shown on the screen

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Thank you!

[@vipinbaliga7760]

Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

@@vipinbaliga7760 Thanks for watching!

[@Flow_chaser]

The crank arm bit was interesting cause I had a friend lose his crank halfway through a berm at raceway

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Very common. It's good to check it and torque it down like in the video.

[@alshal3638]

Great video!

[@corydalus981]

My dead-stock (except for the dropper post and tires) Xtrada6 is my usual Palos bike. It helps keep me honest about bike/body separation; the FS is too forgiving :-)

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Hardtails are the best, and the Xtrada geometry is just right for Palos.

[@dheath3697]

Sorry I missed the point, why are you going from thru axles to quick release? I thought thru axles were superior and more future proof? Secondly, I thought the xtrada 6 was quick release, and only the Xtrada 7 was thru axles? Apologies if I've got this wrong as I haven't checked the website for the specifications. Another side note, just this week I took delivery of the C5 Syncline on special this month, I really wanted the xtrada 7 in the grey/black colours, but they were out of stock, so got the C5 as I enjoyed watching your videos on the C5 so much, that I made the commitment 👌🙂

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Yes, the 6 has boost 141 quick release. So you can convert some boost thru axle wheels to fit the QR frame. Wheels are a great upgrade for a bike. Thru axles are always preferred. So glad you're enjoying the C5. I love mine!

[@dheath3697]

@@AdrenalineIsLife Thanks must have misunderstood, makes more sense. As for my C5, not yet given it a good ride yet, because of work and dreadful weather, but done some modifications, learning from your videos, I will eventually invest in some carbon wheels and different rubber, keenly thinking about 34t chain ring for higher top speed, was wondering why you not opt for that in your xc season, hope you also try testing 34t on your bike and make a video, that'll be my video request 😏

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

@@dheath3697 I am definitely looking to bump up to 34t. Several experienced racers have suggested this to me as well.

[@waggaclint]

Does the Xtrada 6 run a straight steerer fork in stock form?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

@waggaclint correct. It's a straight steer tube with an adapter crown race.

[@calmingandsoothing1864]

Do you know if it is possible to swap xtrada 7's L frame with xtrada 6's M frame while keeping all the components of xtrada 7? So, medium frame of xtrada 6 with components of xtrada 7. Will there be any issues ?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

The wheels not fit. The 7 uses thru axles and the 6 uses dropouts

[@calmingandsoothing1864]

@@AdrenalineIsLife Thank you for your response. That helps.

[@kyleb947]

I am looking for a xc race bike. But do not have $$$. What would you recommend for a new to racing person. I have a giant trance.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

The Polygon Syncline is my personal race bike and a great option, but also look at the Superior XP series hardtails. Superior is more common in Europe, and they are focused almost solely on XC racing. They just launched in the US, and the prices are insanely good. The BMC Two Stroke and Specialized Chisel are also good options.

[@kyleb947]

@@AdrenalineIsLife I will look into them. Thank you.

[@lukas-a9234]

which ultrasonic cleaner bro?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

I bought it on eBay 10 years ago. Idk what the brand is.

[@stevebennett3587]

Great video, do you still ride the marley? Did you have problems with the dropouts🤔

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Thanks! I still have the Marley but it's disassembled and in storage since Chain Reaction (and possibly Ragley) is now gone, I want to preserve it. No issues with the dropouts. They are generally very secure.

[@stevebennett3587]

@@AdrenalineIsLife 🤔could you tell me how much torque for those 3 bolts either side of the dropouts please sir?

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

@@stevebennett3587 are you talking about the Ragley hanger/axle ?

[@stevebennett3587]

@@AdrenalineIsLife yes sir🤔theyre only 3mm bolts, dont wanna strip them👍

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

@stevebennett35 87 IDK the exact torque spec for those bolts, but you don't need much. Use blue loctite and a good quality allen key. Avoid using allen keys with rounded edges. Tighten to snug then a quarter turn. Typically, small screws require minimal torque. 2 to 4nm is usually enough.

[@robertcastro393]

🤙🏼

[@HUKIT.]

Easy fix for Shimano cranks is throwing them in trash and using Raceface or SRAM, Lol.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

LOL. I do like those cranks a bit more