Polygon Hardtail Gets Extreme Parts Bin Upgrades!

My Polygon Xtrada 6 needs some love, actually, it's not mine, it's my wife's! And I have a ton of used parts laying around, so let's fully upgrade this mountain bike!
Polygon Xtrada on sale right now!
Click here - bikesonline-us...
Visit bit.ly/USACmember and use my code "EVANSMTBSAGA" for $19 off a RIDE or RACE+ annual membership for $25,000 on-the-bike injury coverage!
Affiliate Links:
Fox 34 Step Cast - amzn.to/3RYSvbh
Jessica Headset - amzn.to/3Skl96O
WTB Koda Saddle - amzn.to/3f56eyT
PWN Dropper 27.2 - amzn.to/3LvGXKu
PNW Loam Grips - amzn.to/3BsquSw
Rockbros Pedals - amzn.to/3f6CTEp
Vittoria Barzo tire - amzn.to/3SinlM0
Vittoria Mezcal tire - amzn.to/3qRnvy4
SLX 12 Speed derailleur - amzn.to/3DDKswu
Wolftooth Hyperglide+ Chainring - amzn.to/3DIjO5H
Tools:
Rigid Tubing Cutter - amzn.to/3BUMwyA
Tubing and Pipe Reamer - amzn.to/3Px0f2h
Brake Hose Cutter & Barb Press Tool - amzn.to/3DDfX9G
Headset Cup Press - amzn.to/3qlQWbX
Feedback Bike Stand - amzn.to/3NZtuLP
AC Delco Brushless Electric Ratchet - amzn.to/3xlaqSg
If you'd like to support the channel, consider becoming a channel member for sneak previews and exclusive access.
For business inquiries: [e-mail]

[@jayywolff4051]

Much respect, Evan is the only youtuber actually doing awesome builds on budget bikes. Do you and ignore the haters. While everyone and their mom is throwing bucklos and jgbike components on the budget bikes and then complaining that it's not good enough, Evan is showing us how its done

[@jayywolff4051]

Gotta love Seth too, but he's just polishing a turd in his budget bike build series. He makes it interesting to watch for sure, but let's face it he's usually putting low end components on the bikes and giving those bikes away / selling to beginner riders that are likely only riding paved and green maybe light blue flow trails. He's not building up bikes that anyone would seriously consider shredding with. I appreciate what Evan is doing because he's showing that it is possible to take a sub $1000 frame and build it with the mid/high range shimano/SRAM/fox/PNW/etc. components that we all love and actually use on our "real" mountain bikes. People act like it's a sin to put a $1000 fork on a $800 frame. Why? You wouldn't run a $200 fork on a $5000 bike so why tarnish the ride quality of a frame you got a good deal on by putting less than ideal parts on it.

[@Bengy22]

Man while Evan makes good content you need to look around more for budget builders, KevCentral and WolfTick also are worth the watch!

[@jaywolff16]

@@Bengy22 I'll give KevCentral props, as I believe he paved the way for this budget bike youtube content niche. I loved the Ledge X1 project he built up a while back , he was a huge inspiration for me while I was learning how to work on bikes in general. But I haven't really enjoyed much of his other content or builds. I think WolfTick is appealing more to an audience that actually wants to see how far you can squeeze lower end bike builds while on a budget, not really my cup of tea tbh. I'm not going to risk my life with some sketchy $50 brakes or noname carbon handlebars. We all know how much it sucks to get injured and be off the bike for weeks/months, not worth the risk IMO.

[@Bengy22]

@@jaywolff16 I agree mostly with what you said. Although I would say for both channels have videos that hit and miss for me. I know wolftick has videos on the cheaper stuff but also on some name brand budget stuff, I watch them for the entertainment on the no-name stuff and the name brand for the review

[@playgroundchooser]

I straight up love Evan, but give some additional mad love to KevCentral. He's a super laid back dude. 👍👍

[@Todd66]

The Dana cut was golden. Loved it. “That’s fucking illegal”….brilliant!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

My favorite meme!

[@isaacmeske1454]

About that topeak stand: I race XC mtb, and at every single race our team uses those Topeak stands for repairs - and we can’t get enough of it. The angle adjustment is just so incredible and precise, it makes you feel like you’re using a serious park-shop stand. The weighing feature is also awesome, it just makes things so convenient when measuring part swaps, mud weight, etc. If you don’t mind paying the Topeak premium for higher quality, this is the stand for you and all of your daily hardcore repair needs

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh man thanks for the feedback about that! Im debating the Topeak or the top tier Feedback. Glad I heard from you about the Topeak

[@threeeightsixeight]

the park tool 10.3 is much better. i sold my topeak prepstand pro for the 10.3, have not regretted it once. the parktool has that clamp and only 2 legs, much better for just chilling around with the rolly shop stool and not having to worry about that dam third leg. have a good one! I also get 50% off park tool so that highly persuaded me!

[@gizzmicbob]

Used it in a shop. The scale always breaks pretty quick, but that is with rough shop use. Gone through about 3 of those stands in ~13 years.

[@zionneidorf6740]

@@EvansMTBSaga id go with the new feedback pro mechanic hd, id jump on the waiting list if ya wanting a feedback sports one, just cuz you work on a ton of bikes

[@zionneidorf6740]

@@threeeightsixeight i got the pcs 4.1, i miss being able to use the micro adjust head that i used in a shop, the 4.2 is alot more stable than any of park other portable repair stands, just not as portable

[@soulxpower]

What I love about Evan's videos is that he doesn't muck about. No long intro, just getting into it.

[@TrailFeatures]

I don't know. Intros can be pretty cool.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I like that too. I feel like long intros is a thing of the past

[@TrailFeatures]

@@EvansMTBSaga You just need more RGB and slomo.

[@roni_pro5086]

I remember watching you since you had 900 subs and im happy to see you still rocking the MTB community 😉

[@DeafAlone32]

Those little quotes stolen from berm peak with the clip "that's F* illegal" really got me xD

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha I had fun doing that. So many people get mad if I use those quotes 🤣

[@DeafAlone32]

@@EvansMTBSaga people get made for dumb reason x') keep doing it, it's really funny

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

@@EvansMTBSaga Don't you just love it when your videos trigger people😜

[@Marcho978]

I like the Polygon bikes, my brother has an Xtrada 5 which I service. They are probably the nicest bikes to work on as everything is so well engineered and manufactured to a high standard, and parts widely available in most bike stores at any time. I think with good care and maintenance, these bikes should last well past 10 years, maybe 20 if you are careful

[@louiefriesen]

The Canyon Torque is a great bang for the buck enduro bike imo.

[@dbthump01]

Bro! You had me at "9 months, and here's the reason why" lol. Subbed!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Jay!

[@alvarocabrera8332]

My man said parts bin😂 seth please chill dont kill this man, you could be fellas

[@NickWindham]

Dude, you’ve got so many good tools. All of those alone probably cost a fortune.

[@mateirusu2825]

A good, affordable enduro bike is the specialized status 160. Party geometry, mullet setup and an incredible price of 3000$. I own one and I think it's one of the best bikes to buy, have fun on and upgrade later on. Not all the components are great, but it holds up incredibly well even in stock form. Would be so happy to see a status on the channel! Keep up the good work , Evan!

[@vesselsfirst8200]

3000 is kinda expensive ngl

[@alvarocabrera8332]

Saw it for 3500 now

[@gavinhonders5339]

"Lest Stare at it" some one is watching to much better peak...... love you videos man hope you live everyday to it fullest

[@vashusan1984]

Building a custom HT right now and dang, not cheap at all. $3600 seems about right with those components.

[@Curcle_]

Hey Evan! I saw you were looking for an enduro bike and i have done a lot of research and i mean a lot! The best bike for the price are: Canyon Spectral or Torque, Marin Alpine Trail 7, Giant Reign, Propain Tyee Al and finally the Vitus Sommet . In all those option i went with the Vitus Sommet CRS because it was at an insane discount on Chain Reaction Cycles. Anyways hope did was helpful keep up the good stuff!

[@owenissimo]

I love my canyon spectral and I only got it for 3k

[@korbinmcdowell3069]

My favorite mtb KZbinr! Will miss the Desert if you decide to move to bentonville:( The fezzari la sal peak comp is the competitive bike for the money. Carbon with 170mm front and back of travel. Top line dvo suspension. 3800$. The brakes pack a punch too! Also if you’re moving to bentonville just for the biking… I recommend Utah. My local proving grounds. Also home to Eric porter with porter mtb. World class trails. Anything from jumps and flow, xc, to double black diamond tech. Utah has everything.

[@tenfeetwanderers774]

Gives away the D5 full suspension to family, and makes the wife ride a hard tail whilst asserting dominance in sandals. Classic Evan!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Xtrada 6 is set up really nicely, especially for a first time MTBer

[@harryls1283]

I really enjoy watching you do all these cool things with the bikes. If I had the room to do all of hat, I would be just watching your videos to learn. Keep it up bud. 🤙

[@jarrahsends]

I have a Vitus Sommer 297, it rides great plus you work with Vitus as well

[@TheBrokenMountainBiker]

Love these builds dude, those polygon bikes certainly seem like great value, their enduro bike, the D9 is awesome for the money. If you fancied going a little different though I can highly recommend a Kellys Swag 50, very very well spec'd for the money, fantastic frame, great suspension and rides very well.

[@RC-fp1tl]

Neat idea. Can’t wait to see what you have in store. You always have fun stuff to show us

[@nobody_noob2694]

for an enduro bike the commencal clash or meta seems a good idea. love ur videos!

[@shanzb]

I enjoy the little cliffhangers at the end of your vids 🤙🏼

[@pilotfish_3608]

For your question at the end "what's the best enduro bike" I personally recommend going with a YT capra core 2 which is an aluminum enduro bike with fox suspension and good parts for 3300 and it comes in silver or black.

[@walterjr2429]

YES! SAGASQUAD IS GOING TO BENTONVILLE!

[@chickensandwich2600]

I’d say the best affordable enduro bike is the Marin alpine trail 7. I bought mine in spring and have been beating on it all throughout the summer and it’s been flawless. Literally the best bike I’ve ever owned and the value is insane. And you can get it on bikes online 😉

[@pablosbiking]

or the commencal meta am ride

[@Behindbars1000]

Great job on the builds evan, satisfying to watch. 🤙🏼👌🏼💯🙌🏼

[@kevinhodgins9071]

Congrats and good luck with the move!

[@WelkySchullin]

Thx for the video. You can actually bleed the shimano breaks much easier without the sirringe. Just gravity driven from top to bottom. Its much quicker. Cheers

[@mrupholsteryman]

Congrats on the child! Future looks great! 😇💪🙏

[@driventoride9715]

I own the Topeak one highly suggest it is amazing I use it all of the time 10/10 for sure😊😊😊

[@georgedobbs9216]

Legend has it, the baby is still lying there where Evan left him.

[@Gus_Bog_]

Love watching you build / upgrade bikes❤

[@austinfrandsen5669]

I have a YT capra Uncaged 9 and i love it

[@hannes6114]

To the question at the end: There are lots of them. You need to look at pricing in your Area/Country. Here in Germany you can get a alumium Propain Tyee with really good parts all around for 4k. Maybe try the new Carbon Patrol? Not the cheapest but I think worth a look for you.

[@KermitOfWar]

Nicely done. Now we need to see it in action!

[@chiccomendoza1741]

just had my gt aggressor re-done finished it with weinmann rims, and 120 mm felice rc2 pro fork. now that it is a real budget upgrade.

[@dimitargeorgiev1293]

Wow the bike is looking sick! Keep up the great work!

[@bikeislife8405]

Dang, Feedback down! I do enjoy mine, but you're definitely on a bike shop level of use, get you a pro grade one! Also: One of the greatest sounds ever: tubeless beads seating. 😎

[@rony-g]

That looks like a monstrous hardtail

[@tomas7403]

Nice video, I remember those days when a 12,7 kgs hardtail was completely embarrassing, even hard to get.

[@dilloncleiren1885]

Affordable enduro bike’s: Radon Side Trail(starts at 2699,99 overhere), Jab (starts at 3099,99 here) and swoop (al) (starts at 2699,99). Ofcourse the vitus sommet (from 3699,99). Canyon’s spectral (from 2599,99/torque (from 2799,99). Marin alpine trail (from 2799,99). YT Jeffsy (from 2999,99). Commencal META AM 29 (from 2800,00).

[@glen3509]

Evan, I kinda did the same. I put an XT 770 crank, 770 rapid-fire shifters, XT V-Brakes, a 770 front XT derailer an XT 772 Shadow rear derailer; a Thomson Elite stem and post, and a 7075 aluminum Chris King headset on a Trek 4300. Oh well🤘🤘. I only bought the bike because I like "wishbone" frames👍

[@bikesonline]

Looks so good! Keen to see what enduro bike you get!

[@outdoordumbass254]

You deserve more subs and can’t wait for your next bike on the channel

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Dude I had your same avatar on my personal account for years! I love the penguin guy (forgot his name)

[@outdoordumbass254]

@@EvansMTBSaga lol his name is Gerald

[@RavingNut]

The WTB seats are a nice saddle, didn't expect too much when I got mine. However, it is delivering much better than expected. (Note, I have a WTB Rocket steel, wide size)

[@willbennett8799]

Stoked on my Xtrada 6 2x11 upgraded the fork/pedals and seatpost. For what I have into it, I could t have gotten a better bike for my needs

[@Pshpshpshpshpshpshpsh]

Bleeding brakes always seem like a freaking mess. I attempted it once and not again! 😆 I literally have a set of brakes I am waiting to bring to the shop

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I've done it a ton now, and it does get better with experience. Like I can quickly do it now and not make a big mess anymore

[@rodenirom8754]

i have the same exact bike execpt without al the upgrades and let me tell you those upgrades were the right thing to do the crank has fallen off lots the suspension was way to stiff and the brakes needed bleeding 1 month after i bought it.

[@amountainbiker2654]

honestly have to recommend a giant reign for east coast riding or anywhere rly. their geometry is spot on for a comfortable bike and they have some of the best pricing for a bike shop brand as they own their factories. Currently rocking a fathom 29 2. find it more than capable for my local chunk hope to see you riding out here sometime soon

[@gstpierre69]

Congrats on your move!

[@sanjayheaven5230]

Got really excited when I saw the new video. Love your videos.

[@ronm7489]

I’m with you, Evan. I hate bleeding brakes. Easy to do, but I still hate it.

[@parolesdelego]

Hi there Beat affordable enduro bike is probably a Canyon Torque, although the Canyon Spectral is albo a very good option! Great prices for both bikes!! Great vidéo!

[@gbmtb187]

Loving those FLO levers also 😏

[@fpeter01]

I feel your pain before bleeding. Even if I do everything, tiny air bubbles and oil leak eat up my nervendings. And every brake system has different bleeding kit. I bought Sram, Shimano, FSA etc. Putting on tires usually worse than bleeding.

[@That_blonde_dumbass]

Congrats on the baby bro

[@neuregel]

I have a polygon xtrada 7 that i stripped and built up XT, bontrager carbon dt 240 wheels. I currently have a fox 32 120 but trails in western NC are extremely chunky. So i just bought and have a 36 with 150mm, yup overforking. I dont want to mess up so waiting on star nut tool from Amazon.... Cant wait

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha wow that's some serious upgrades! Definitely check those welds routinely, it's an XC bike after all

[@neuregel]

@@EvansMTBSaga its perfect. On a hardtail the geometry changes slightly and the forks soak up the hits. The frame and welds cracking is a myth. On a full suspension with the rear triangle 📐 setup going up 30mm of travel may be an issue but i seriously doubt it

[@Boost_Bro123]

sick dude, i have the polygon Strada 6 to! lol

[@1st2nd24]

The best and affordable Enduro bike is used on pinkbike waiting for you, do a video where you try and find the best full suspension bike on pinkbike

[@_Zane__]

I wish I bought a baby trailer for my kids and biked more when I had mine hah

[@pohlandlumber]

I love this series, keep it up!!

[@phaeton7gaming]

@Evans MTB Saga I wish I had a bike upgrade from you but my problem is im far far away from you cuz im from Philippines proudly represent all Filipino bikers out there you are the best mtb biker .

[@mrv4264]

Yo evan, since you are gonna do more bike builds. You should might as well get a park tool stand for your repair shop, it will really make your life so much easier😃

[@_SAM_MEETEN_]

Best affordable enduro bike- privateer 161 for sure although their new build spec is no where near as good as last years. I’ve got one and although it’s heavy, it’s amazing and I prefer it too my old bike that was 2kg lighter even on long xc rides. That seat angle just makes it fly up hills👍

[@benrozema8007]

I have a Polygon Siskiu N9 but looking to upgrade to a Canyon Torque AL6 just to take some bigger hits. I believe these are both awesome bikes for the money depending on what your looking for.

[@cameronc4498]

Take a look at the Propain Tyee enduro bike, super nice builds for great prices

[@thehardtailhero9558]

Hi man love the vids if your looking for a enduro bike the Marin Alpine Trail XR could be a great option as the spec for the money is great.

[@Itswill804]

OMG have you seen that PNW have started to make pedals too

[@Kriminty]

This bike looks epic might add to my collection

[@dav1drad722]

Hey! I recommend you'd buy a Vitus Sommet as an enduro bike , because it seems like you liked your Mythique

[@TrailFeatures]

7:47 I'm telling Dad!

[@theomclaughlin7107]

The most affordable enduro bike has to be the vitus sommet for sure

[@gulfcitynd]

In my opinion the bike was just fine to me

[@jacobc4806]

For an affordable enduro bike I'm going for the new 2023 trek slash 8 all the way. 4200 gets you a zeb select fork, which can be upgraded to have the charger 3 damper and buttercups for about 400, superdeluxe select plus rear shock, gx drivetrain with the lightweight one piece cassette, code r brakes, and the alloy versions of bontragers tried and true carbon enduro contact points and wheels. Would definitely recommend and would love to see your opinion on it as I would love to pick one up myself, love the videos Evan, keep up the great work!

[@MrSupermugen]

They finally got rid of the double trunnion shock nightmare Aswell.. They do "feel" like a big bike though.

[@jacobc4806]

@@MrSupermugen big bike is a good thing for me, might race some national events on it

[@Browht]

Being new to the mtb industry, I really enjoy watching you guys!

[@mtbboy1993]

My take on the frame: decent geometry Low top tube, great stand over height. Head tube height matches the size of the frame. Pressfit headset, so if you abuse the bike you ruin the headset not the frame. It does not have external routing. Threadded BB, looks like BSA73mm, which is a common size and BB type. Many bikes have it all from cheap Wallmart(and alike) bikes to my Geometron G1. good chain ring clearance. | can you run 5mm offset / non boost chainrings? I don't know: Straight seat tube, so long insertion depth if the bottle cage mounting holes will interfere. Things I wish the frame had: barrel nuts in brake mounts thru axle external routing to make it easier to work on.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah the cable routing with three cables was rough at the end! And the seat is slammed as low as it'll go with the water bottle cage bolts. I may take a Dremel to them

[@ArMa1120]

I laughed when you said "This is actually my wife's bike" and you handed out the baby. I though you were referring to the baby as the bike. 😂

[@melwalshmtb9121]

To answer your last question. The Bird Aeris AM9 is fantastic since you can spec it from the factory. Yes it's not budget per day but definitely the cheapest custom build option out there

[@Revexet]

Commencal is best and the chosen one :D

[@EvansMTBSaga]

It's the chosen one huh!

[@isaiahskutley4410]

I love my Scott Ransom 930. Under $3000 isn't very budget in my eyes, but for Enduro bikes it seems to be.

[@lild1897]

Got myself a used cube stereo 150 race for 2700€ in a really good shape and completely set up by the shop. Not sure if 150 mm rear travel is considered Enduro with the 160 fork tho. So I'm always saying it's an all mountain to be safe

[@TheCaptainsCog]

Oh snap! Someone is moving to MTB City USA?!?! Rad dude but i was hoping we would get to shred together before you moved further away. I have summers off so maybe I'll come your way next year.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah man thatd be super rad! Bentonville is very BMX-esque

[@TheCaptainsCog]

@@EvansMTBSaga MTBMX-esque

[@rickflippin1]

Freakin love this channel I’ve been riding in phoenix lately hope to see ya out there. Would love to have my Kona process 153 upgraded by you would be worth the money.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

I'm pretty sure that we hate bleeding brakes as much and probably worse than you😉🤣

[@tapia014]

YT Capra AL probably one of the best budget Enduro out on the market

[@ethanmayo9122]

The DFW cameo 😍

[@didyouknow9240]

if you want to continue with the polygon brand, you could always go with the Siskiu T7 or T8. They are supposedly AMAZING for the price.

[@reynaldopellos]

Best affordable enduro is a modern hardtail like my Ragley Marley. It has stood up to 2 years of smashing socal CHONK and and the frame has just the right geo. The wheels did not survive though and I upgraded the fork.

[@cartermtb620]

I love that bike

[@jacobg130productions]

Sees the “that’s f***ing illegal” the first time: I don’t get it. Sees it the second time: OH! I get it!

[@elikeproduction854]

Forbidden Druid!!

[@joshuahoffmann2913]

The Norco sight series I think is the best enduro bike because they have good prices and you get good parts on it

[@jasoncarli2617]

So you sold the d7 how could you 😭 lol awesome video man and a move that's a big job 👏🎉👍 keep up the hard work.

[@hazepheno925]

Looks very similar to the Marin BobCat & Wildcat frame

[@patrickarts5231]

A quick shout out dude 😎

[@anthonywalters7434]

I’d say the Polygon Siskiu N range, the 2020/21 GT Force alloy, Commencal Meta AM, YT Capra Core 2, and Canyon Spectral 29 are all great budget all mountain/enduro bikes. Just depends on your riding style and trails.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I'm waiting on the new polygon Enduro to be released, but no ETA yet

[@anthonywalters7434]

@@EvansMTBSaga I can’t wait to see what they end up doing. I rode an older N9 and it felt great, almost as good as my GT Force but less expensive and a bit lighter.

[@outdoordumbass254]

The best affordable enduro bike in my opinion would be specialised stumpjumper alloy

[@siimonmtb]

I think a budget Enduro Bike would be a: Canyon Spectral or a Canyon Torque. Another great Brand is Commencal. Thre i would Recommend a Meta TR or the Clash.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks! I definitely need some ideas for my next build

[@thehardtailhero9558]

The mullet versions are sick to.

[@dziendobrypolsko808]

i bought a mondraker prayer for 612$ (used), it has 160mm front fork (marzohhi z55) and 200mm rear shock (fox van r), deore 2 pot brakes and alexrims rims paired with truvativ hubs.