Polygon Premier 4 Review
- Price: $599
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: deli 27.5/29″ “x2.25”
- Gear: 2×8
What we like about it: It’s currently discounted at just $419, offering excellent value for money.
What we don’t like about it: The external cable routing is prone to getting dirty, making maintenance and cleaning more challenging.
Rating: (4.6/5)
As someone who thoroughly enjoys off-road biking, I’m eager to get more people involved in this sport. Off-road biking offers immense satisfaction and excitement in the pursuit of thrills. That’s why I found the Polygon Premier 4, a hardtail mountain bike that is perfect for beginners. I’m looking forward to seeing its performance on off-road trails.
Now, let’s delve into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Polygon Premier 4. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several other top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
To thoroughly test the Polygon Premier 4, I booked a plane ticket and a hotel at Burke Mountain Bike Park.
I chose the Upper J-Bar trail at Burke Mountain Bike Park. The trail is 1.2 miles long, descending with occasional small uphill sections. It has an elevation drop of 1114ft, with forest roads and grasslands. Moreover, there are many protruding rocks on the dirt road, which can be tripping hazards, adding to the challenge of my ride.
Off-Road Biking
I started on the slope, and I must say, the SHIMANO ACERA RD-M3020 DIRECT ATTACH rear derailleur and Shimano Acera M315 Top-Swing Dual-Pull front derailleur worked incredibly well together. And I adjusted them to the appropriate gear ratio and controlled the ENTITY SPORT ALLOY handlebar. I shifted my weight back to prevent the bike from tipping over. Overall, the downhill journey was very smooth.
On the uphill sections, although the gradient wasn’t very steep, I didn’t take it lightly. After all, the road conditions were complex, requiring strong handling skills.
Thanks to my extensive riding experience, I adjusted the SHIMANO ACERA RD-M3020 DIRECT ATTACH rear derailleur and Shimano Acera M315, Top-Swing Dual-Pull front derailleur to the smallest gear ratio and accelerated uphill.
I rolled over smaller pieces of gravel and rode past larger rocks. This bike is relatively easy to handle, and I could feel that it’s very suitable for beginners.
In the bends, the Polygon Premier 4 performed incredibly agilely. I used my weight to tilt the bike and turned in each corner. I found the best entry point for each bend and then applied force. Certainly, I successfully handled each bend with ease, and the DELI tires provided decent grip, so I didn’t have to worry about slipping.
Is that all?
This hardtail mountain bike also comes with an ENTITY VOID SADDLE, which provided great comfort for my buttocks. The central indentation effectively relieved pressure in sensitive areas, allowing me to constantly change positions and tilt my weight to achieve the best directional effect for each bend.
Furthermore, I held onto the ENTITY SPORT ALLOY handlebar throughout the ride. I could feel its agility, and it didn’t have the blocky feeling found in similarly priced bikes. I must admit that this bike offers excellent value for money, and I believe beginners can enjoy very comfortable rides with it.
Specifications
The Polygon Premier 4 is an exceptional hardtail mountain bike. It features an aluminum frame and SUNTOUR XCM fork with 120mm travel, providing decent suspension performance. Additionally, it has an ENTITY SPORT ALLOY handlebar, offering excellent maneuverability. Furthermore, it comes with two size options for the wheel. Choosing the smaller wheel size enhances the bike’s agility.
Moreover, this bike is equipped with a SHIMANO ACERA RD-M3020 DIRECT ATTACH rear derailleur and Shimano Acera M315 Top-Swing Dual-Pull front derailleur. The 2×8 drivetrain performs well. The HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE also offers outstanding braking capability, ensuring the rider’s safety.
Video
Other Versions
After numerous tests, we now have a deeper understanding of this bike. It is an exceptional hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have their performance requirements or preferences for components, so we looked into other bikes of the same type for further investigation.
Polygon Premier 20 inch Kids Ultralight
The Polygon Premier 20 inch Kids Ultralight weighs only 21.2 lbs, much lighter than the Polygon Premier 4(32.8 lbs). Lighter bikes are more agile, while heavier bikes provide greater stability but may result in more riding resistance. Additionally, the Polygon Premier 4 offers two wheel size options, 27.5″ and 29″. The Polygon Premier 20 inch Kids Ultralight, equipped with 20″ wheels, offers high agility, with the advantage of smaller wheels being more pronounced in direction changes.
The Polygon Premier 20 inch Kids Ultralight features rim brakes, which have lesser braking performance compared to the hydraulic disc brakes on the Polygon Premier 4, but it contributes to its lighter weight. Moreover, the Polygon Premier 4 has a 2×8 drivetrain, providing a wider gear range, while the Polygon Premier 20 inch Kids Ultralight’s 1×7 drivetrain with a single chainring setup effectively avoids chain drops.
Additionally, the Polygon Premier 20 inch Kids Ultralight has 40mm front travel, which offers less suspension performance compared to the Polygon Premier 4’s 120mm front travel. Hence, it’s evident that the Polygon Premier 4 is $330 more expensive than the Polygon Premier 20 inch Kids Ultralight.
So, if you’re looking for a more affordable bike, the Polygon Premier 20 inch Kids Ultralight would be a great fit. If you desire an all-around superior bike, the Polygon Premier 4 is the better choice.
What do we like about it?
- It’s currently discounted at just $419, offering excellent value for money.
- It has two water bottle mounts, allowing for easy hydration.
- It provides Nylon Platform pedals, convenient for riders to purchase.
- Impressive climbing capabilities.
What don’t we like about it?
- The external cable routing is prone to getting dirty, making maintenance and cleaning more challenging.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
It is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What are the specifications of the chainring?
The chainring specifications for this bike are Shimano CS-HG200, 12-32T, 8-SP.
- How many water bottle mounts does this bike have?
It has two water bottle mounts.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are only general guidelines and the true fit may vary from person to person. The easiest way to find your size the best way is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’11” – 5’5″ | SM |
| 5’3″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’7″ – 6’1″ | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | aluminum |
| Fork | SUNTOUR XCM 120mm TRAVEL |
| Rear Shock | – |
| Bottom Bracket | CARTRIDGE BEARING 68x127mm |
| Headset | ZERO STACK (ZS) THREADLESS, ZS 44/28.6 | 44/30 |
| Stem | Entity Sport 45mm, Alloy |
| Handlebar | ENTITY SPORT ALLOY, EXT: 740mm, BB: 31.8mm, R/D: 20mm, B: 6degree |
| Saddle | ENTITY VOID SADDLE, STEEL ø7mm |
| Seatpost | ALLOY SEATPOST, 27.2x350mm |
| Pedals | Nylon Platform |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SHIMANO ACERA RD-M3020 DIRECT ATTACH |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Acera M315, Top-Swing Dual-Pull |
| Crank | ALLOY CRANK 36/22T, 170MM |
| Shifters | SHIMANO ALTUS SL-M315, 2×8-SPEED TRIGGER |
| Cassette | shimano cs-hg200 12-32t |
| Chain | KMC Z-8.3 |
| Brakes | HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE |
| Brake Levers | HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE |
Wheels
| Rims | – |
| Spokes | – |
| Front Hub | – |
| Rear Hub | – |
| Tires | DELI 27.5/29″ “x2.25” |
| Disk Rotors | 1600mm 6-BOLTS |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 | Click View | Bontrager XR2 Comp | 1 x 10 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| Cannondale Trail 8 | Click View | WTB Ranger Comp, 29×2.25″ | 2 x 7 | Aluminum | microSHIFT |
| Specialized Rockhopper 26 | Click View | Fast Trak Sport, 26×2.35″ | 2×8 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Mezzo,microSHIFT Marvo |
| Giant Talon 1 | Click View | Kenda Booster 27.5 or 29×2.4″ | 1 x 10 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
Polygon Premier 4 vs Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2
The Polygon Premier 4 weighs 32.8 lbs, slightly heavier than the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2, which weighs 31.1 lbs. A larger weight can provide a more stable ride, but it also means more riding resistance. On the other hand, lighter bikes offer greater agility during riding.
The Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 features a more impressive 1×10 drivetrain. Compared to the Polygon Premier 4’s 2×8 drivetrain, the 1×10 drivetrain offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting. However, the Trek Marlin 6 Gen 2 only comes with 100mm front travel, which results in less suspension performance compared to the Polygon Premier 4 with its 120mm front travel.
In conclusion, if you prefer a bike with stronger suspension performance, I would recommend the Polygon Premier 4. If you want a lighter bike, the Polygon Premier 4 would be your top choice.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 6 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 6 Review]
Polygon Premier 4 vs Cannondale Trail 8
The Polygon Premier 4 offers two wheel size options, 27.5″ and 29″. The 27.5″ wheels provide great agility, while the 29″ wheels offer better traction and capability to handle rough terrain.
Polygon Premier provides riders with more choices, making it highly convenient for them to select the one that suits their preferences.
Moreover, it is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, providing better braking performance compared to the mechanical disc brakes on the Cannondale Trail 8. However, mechanical disc brakes are easier to maintain and also contribute to a lighter overall weight.
Furthermore, compared to the Cannondale Trail 8’s 2×7 drivetrain, the Polygon Premier 4 comes with a 2×8 drivetrain that offers a wider gear range and smoother shifting. Additionally, its 120mm front travel provides stronger suspension performance.
In summary, if you desire more options for wheel sizes, the Polygon Premier 4 can meet your needs. If you prefer brakes that are easy to maintain, the Cannondale Trail 8 is an excellent choice.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Trail 8 Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale Trail 8 Review]
Polygon Premier 4 vs Specialized Rockhopper 26
The Specialized Rockhopper 26 features smaller 26″ wheels, which provide excellent agility. On the other hand, the Polygon Premier 4 offers two wheel size options, 27.5″ and 29″, providing riders with more choices.
Additionally, the Polygon Premier 4 is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, which offer superior braking performance. Although they may be more challenging to maintain, they ensure better safety for the rider.
Furthermore, the Polygon Premier 4’s 120mm front travel provides exceptional suspension performance. However, the Specialized Rockhopper 26 comes with Specialized Trail Grips, which allow riders to have a better grip on the handlebar without causing discomfort to their hands.
In summary, if you desire superior components, the Polygon Premier 4 would be a better choice. If you prefer to purchase a bike that comes ready to ride with pedals and grips, the Specialized Rockhopper 26 will better suit your needs.
Polygon Premier 4 vs Giant Talon 1
The Giant Talon 1 is equipped with a 1×10 drivetrain, providing a wider gear range and smoother shifting. However, its 80mm front travel offers weaker suspension performance. Moreover, it has a slower riding speed, reaching only 24mph, which is not as fast as the Polygon Premier 4, which can go up to 25mph.
Furthermore, the Polygon Premier 4 has a stack/reach ratio of 1.53, which is larger than the Giant Talon 1’s stack/reach ratio of 1.41. A larger stack/reach ratio offers better extension, making the ride more comfortable. However, the Giant Talon 1 has a smaller head tube angle of 67.5°, providing a more stable ride.
So, if you prioritize a more comfortable ride, I would recommend the Polygon Premier 4. If you desire smoother shifting, the Giant Talon 1 would be your best choice.
Learn More: Is Giant Talon 1 Worth Buying? [2022 Giant Talon 1 Review]
Conclusion
The above is our complete review of the Polygon Premier 4. This exceptional hardtail mountain bike offers riders a fantastic off-road experience. Based on our assessment, we have given it a high score of 4.6. If you’re looking for more bike information, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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