Let's be honest, any of today's majority full suspension mountain bikes are capable enough for almost any trails. It's all up to rider's capabilities & their wallet size.
Depends how big you ride but it is funny seeing people ride local basically flat xcountry on 8k plus bikes lol …. But yeah if you ride big you want to be sure the bike won’t buckle beneath you if you make a mistake.
@@fleap817 yeah we have a local trail that only really has a 50 yard stretch where a good fs would be needed. Other than that you could ride a 120 hard tail with zero worries. That being said after 3 back surgeries, and a knee surgery I may be one of those people on a fs on those trails 😂😂😂
Really what is the bottom of the market you would stay away from? I am currently in the market for a full suspension trail bike and As i've found more expensive just tends to lead to better components but the "lower end" isn't bad, just may not have as many features or be as ergonomic because less engineering has gone into the part at that price point.
This is a great edit! With some epic footage. I really dig your ratio of POV and tripod shots. Super fun to watch and very informative! Keep up the good work brother.
This is good stuff. We need more side by side comparisons of the different brands and not bikes that are 10k either. I have the 2021 T8 and love it...Enjoy your video style and wish I could ride like that. Knew you'd make that climb. Subbed for ya.
I have a 2022 T7 and I absolutely love it! I wanted to get the T8 but they didn't have any in stock when I had the money. I do not regret getting the cheaper model at all. It has taken everything I've thrown at it with ease. The geometry on this bike is amazing! I have a friend that rides a Stumpjumper Alloy, same size as my bike, every once in a while, we swap bikes for a mile or so. While I would still be happy if I had purchased a Stumpy like I had planned, the T7 is just slightly more playful so I'm glad I made the decision to buy it over the Stumpy. It was cheaper and nearly the same spec parts.
I have the 2019 Polygon Siskiu T8 and have just upgraded to a Santa Cruz Bronson... and I totally agree with everything you say. The Polygon is very capable and fun. Anyone who gets one will not be disappointed!
I love my T8. Just switched to a fox dpx2 elite in the rear. Much better pedaling performance and softer ride. It feels like I added more travel. Reliability has been great for me over the 1.5 years so far.
I love my T8 and would purchase again in a heartbeat, but I felt like the rear suspension needed a upgrade. I took the rear shock off to measure it and noticed the rear swing arm did not move freely. Four of the six bearings that let the rear suspension pivot were locked up. I know I could have had them warrantied, but they cost 10 dollars on Amazon and took less then a hour to install. WOW!!! back to the day I got it.
My T8 is just over 31lbs after a few upgrades. Spank 359 hoops with Hope pro4 hubs. Maxxis minion dhf in front and rekon in rear, both 2.6. SLX 4 piston brakes and SLX cranks. Spank spike35 bar and Spank spoon stem. Ergon sm pro saddle and ge1 grips. Crank brothers stamp 1 pedals.
Your content is great. And this video just goes to show that you don’t need to buy the highest tier bike in the segment for it to be capable and reliable. Mountain bikes have come so far that the bottom trim levels can almost compete with top trims of 3-5 years ago.
Truer words were never spoken! Kim blown away by how capable this bike is! Might take a beating during a full park day but for 95% of the trails I ride, it’s perfect!
I think 🤔 29 trail bikes are probably the funnest for most situations. And can still do most enduros, river trails, jump lines, bike parks and even xc. But best of all shred trails! 🕺
These frames are poor quality and heavy. I had a T8 crack at the seat tube weld and it's a common issue. You're also dealing with Indonesians who don't speak English as a first language, know much about bikes and have low standards of customer service - these guys couldn't even provide spec sheets or know what headset cup size the T8 used! Giant make the best quality frames at a low price point and have excellent warranty and after sales service, so that's what I'd recommend to anyone riding a bike reasonably hard. my exp has been as an Australian where bicycles online (the parent of bikes online) sells a lot of volume. Also have a 2020 Commencal Meta AM and 2022 Giant E-Reign. I sold the Siskiu after I got a new frame under warranty.
Evan’s in the house!!!!! Thanks brother! I appreciate the kind words! Means a lot coming from you! Hey I tried messaging you on Insta to get some advice “RU-vid stuff” but you don’t follow me so it didn’t go through. I’d love to connect and run stuff by you once in a while… Cheers!🤘🏻
I have a 2021 stumpjumper alloy in black. Awesome bike but ive been wanting to buy on of these also. But reliability is a concern. My specialized doesnt have as good components as the t8 but i feel its a work horse. It sits at 35lbs as well but im a big guy that makes it work. Can you compare these 2 from experience? Awesome review!!
Ive rode both before. Both are very capable bikes. The T8 is more of a jack of all trades and master of none. The Meta is more downhill oriented and climbs a bit 'sluggishly' but a really fun bike to steeze in too. I guess its just down to personal preference and budget.
I just started Mountain Biking late last year with no preivous relatable experience (e.g Motorcross, BMX, Road biking etc) and stretched the budget after doing some hefty research on bang-for-buck beginner bikes. So far, I am absolutely loving it, and all the comparison reviews that I've watched since buying it, have left me confident that I made a good choice for my first mountain bike. This ought to get me by for years as I learn the basics and improve my skills. Thankfully I haven't had the pleasure of trying any of the ones that linger in and around the 5 figure price point because I'm fully priced out of that range, but it's a shame that the barrier-to-entry is so high, because it's such a fun activity. My one petty wish is that the all-black version was available from my local retailer, as I'm not the biggest fan of the Purple and black one.
It’s good to see affordable mtn bikes. 35 lbs is heavy for a trail bike tho. Still, better to be riding a heavy but fun and capable bike than none at all.
Agreed! And like I said in the video… it doesn’t ride heavy. I’m sure carbon hoops, cranks and bars will help lighten it up but that defeats the affordable part.
@@TopToBottomMTB Its better to upgrade over time anyways, most bikes when bought new come with lower end parts. When buying a bike new its the frame you really need to be buying. Most of the parts you will probably replace anyways. Well unless you buy a $10k bike, that's an absolute waste of money unless you have more than you know what to do with. Usually a person who knows how to work on their own bike and has an aptitude to be able to replace the parts has a better knowledge on what's the best bike for the best trail. Allot of people would be better off buying a hardtail than a full suspension starting out.
Great channel, by way of saying thanks I liked and subscribed. Looking forward to watching you ride the T8 down A-line. I ordered a T8 med/27.5 on black Friday for $2k. I've been riding a Polygon Xtrada large/29er and ordered a med/27.5 for my girlfriend. Riding both myself this last year has helped me determine the frame and wheel size that works best for me. Look forward to your next video. Keep up the good work and thanks again !
@@TopToBottomMTB A tale of two Xtrada's. I rode the large 29er and med 27.5 all year on the same local trails and found the 29er more enjoyable on the fast flowing blues and the nimble 27.5 more on the steeper technical black with rocks and tight switchbacks and jumps along the trail where short chain stays shine and manuals are easier. The suspension is also increased to F150/R140. So I purchased two full suspension bikes on black Friday for the same reason. T8 27.5 and Canyon Neuron 5 29er. Cost T8 $2000 Neuron $1599
@@davidcrawford9421 I'm facing the same dilemma but without an opportunity to try both; at 5'10" 145lbs, the web site recommends a L/29 but I think I'd be happier with a M/27.5. Thoughts?
Great video. Like the Charcoal over the purple. Bother in law has one, and jumps it at two local bike parks. May will be his 1 yr ownership mark with no issues. BTW, he’s rocking it at 55yrs old. I have the T7, and secretly wishing I got the T8.
It climbs? They really fixed the pedal bob issues back from 2017 then. I have a D7 from back then and it does not like climbing, needs full damping to avoid extreme pedal bob. I guess they didn't really have to care back then when they still had the T series was a Collosus, because the Collosus T8 climbs almost as well as the Syncline. I doubt there will be any reliability issues, it's a Polygon, we have jokes about cars getting damaged more than your bike if they hit you while on a Polygon lol.
1:23 430mm HA!? Use to own a Polygon Siskiu N8... I blinged it out w/ better hoops (Spank rims on DT Swiss hubs), Factory 36 fork (@170mm), Marzzochi coil shock, Spank bar & stem, XT/SLX 11 speed drivetrain, Maxxis rubber - Assegai front w/ Aggressor rear. Rattly cables (internally), less then supple rear end (despite the coil) & outdated geo (I even tried it as a Mullet)... Meant I moved on (frame wise at least). In stepped a Banshee Phantom V3 frame, which was almost the same price as the full N8 bike 🤯 Was it a worthwhile upgrade? Dang Skippy it was!! The Banshee Phantom V3 is a much better bike all around. Ymmv 👈
@Top To Bottom MTB. Hey, man. There is another bike on the European market that is very similarly priced and equipped. It's CUBE Stereo One22 Race model no 653200. Could you please compare these two bikes in a few wrods? I find the German one much more visually attractive. What do you think? Thanks.
@@TopToBottomMTB Nice! Checked their website. This bikes look great! For all my friends and fam who say that they "don't need a full suspension modern bike cause they already have a great bike".... No... No you don't. These - 85% the bike for 30% the cost. Great highly capable full suspension for the masses.
Great video! Does anyone know why Polygon have a reputation for cracked frames? Is this something they have now resolved? I'd imagine if they can survive that kind of treatment, they are pretty reliable!.
Love your videos man! One question, how do you attach your gopro to the chinbar of the helmet? I like your pov a lot and I need some tips to make my mount aswell. Cheers!
There’s a lot of Etsy shops that make 3D printed mounts for specific full face helmets… just search for yours and order one. I made mine with a chopped up 1/4 camera attachment and zip ties. Should have just ordered one myself… 🤦🏻♂️
Glad to have you in the audience! 🍻Made this upgrades video! Didn’t really focus on the weight so much as changes that would make the biggest difference in performance… ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-phW9saiB5cg.html
Wish they updated HTA geo to 64.5 or 65 even, Yeah it's only .5 degree from 65.5 to 65 but I still want it. Also, T8/T7 have a well earned reputation for cracking frames at seat tube top tube intersect. No real word from mfg if thats been addressed with new production runs. All info is "fluff" without meaingful detail on stuff like that. Anyways, I was very serious looking at this as my next bike but have decided to go elsewhere. I do hope the brand becomes a stronger player and their bikes continue improving while maitain reasonable pricing.
Hey, can you help me with choice.... I can buy 2 used bikes in same price.. 1.Polygon Siskiu t8 27,5 150/140 2.Canyon Spectral AL6 2020 27,5 160/150 Which one will be better trail / enduro and some jumpy style riding? Canyon have better suspension barkes and rims I Can also change fork and brakes in polygon for parts from Canyon Any ideas?
I loved my t8 ……..but two cracked frames, 1 failed hub and 2 failed rims in 2 1/2 years tell me where they are cutting costs. It’s a great bike for occasional rides but if you’re like me and riding more than 60miles/100km a week you need a better bike. It’s just not strong enough. I’m going back to a hardtail. Commencal Meta HT AM
The used market is saturated period with ALL types of bikes… not just Polygons. So many bought bikes to ride during Covid as there was nothing else to do and have now gone back to the gyms and regular Pre-Covid activities… if you want a deal on a lightly used bike, now is the strike!
Both great bikes! Canyon is a tiny bit more on the XC side but looks like an awesome all-rounder! And I can’t say enough about my Siskiu T8… such a fun bike! Rides well above its price range and is super capable anywhere I’ve taken it! 🤘🏻
I'd love for you to compare the feel of that Polygon to the Vitus Mythique AMP. Super similar in pricing and spec! The Loam Ranger guys loved it, I wonder if you would too!
I just purchased this bike from a local distributor for $1740 USD out the door. It looks like youre riding a medium frame in this video. Do you mind me asking your height? Mediums were all they had left and I'm 5'9" which is top of the scale for this frame size. Do you think it will be okay for me? I'm in between sizes as they say...
@@TopToBottomMTB That's awesome! Thank you for the quick response. I'm a complete beginner and looking forward to getting started at the young age of 37, lol. I loved riding cross country when I was young and currently do some road biking as well.
Iv found the parts on cheaper bikes just wear out faster. Cheap dropper doesn’t last , wheels break , bend easier. Cheep cassette heavier and wears faster. Cheep shocks blow. But the more expensive bike isn’t making you better really.
I test drove a used T7 and there were a few upgrades to it...but every time I tried bunnyhopping it seemed to not stay straight in the air. Like it dogwalked like a car with some frame damage. I ended up walking away from that purchase and wished him well on the sell...but coming from an early 90's Specialized Rockhopper 26". These newer bikes seem so much heavier and less flingable. I presently have a Walgoose Ledge X1 that I am gonna try upgrading as I go. I'm a weight weenie on a budget and figured if I can get the Walgoose (Wal-Mart Mongoose) to be as good a ride for a total of under $1,500.00. Then I did okay. Got to get some hydraulic brakes for this beast and I wanna upgrade everything but the frame...as with the reviews I've seen...the bike is worth the price...but for anything more than leisure sidewalk rail trail type of environment....this thing is a liability to the rider.... I look forward to see the upgrades for the bike you got and depending on my funds...and priority....cuz bills etc... I may follow your lead on what to buy. Thanks for the vid!
That bike kind of looks like a YT Jeffsy. I have rode that bike and a Commencal Meta TR and the Meta TR rides much better than that bike. Ride them back to back and you will see.
3 of the same dude come out, one by one. One talks, then stops talking and just stands there. The other one does the same, then the third one... What is this illuminati shit?
Nope! Everything is the honest truth… I’m hopping to build a reputation as an honest regular joe that loves to ride bikes. If it’s not hitting the mark I’ll definitely be telling you guys… The only thing I would change on the bike is the weight, as stated in the video. The geo, suspension, brakes, and drivetrain all feel really good! Not the BEST components out there but for $2600… 👌🏻
Bike is all fine and dandy until the top tube gets the "Polygon crack" that they all eventually get and warranty ignores you completely. I'll pass on the elephant heavy of a Polygon trail bike.
@@TopToBottomMTBThe T series tends to crack where the head tube and seat tube meet. I’ve been riding one hard (enduro racing and casing jumps) for about a year now and haven’t had a problem. If it cracks they’ll send you an updated frame
Someone who loves bikes… Have you ever invested a decent amount on your well-being, health, enjoyment… 5K is a small price to pay for all that if you ask me. Plus I get to sell the bike and recoup most of that back. To roll into a new steed in a few years…
