Polygon SISKIU T8 Review
- Price: $2399
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tire: PERFORMANCE TIRE, 27.5X2.40 / 29X2.40
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: It features a slack head tube angle and a shorter rear chainstay, providing excellent acceleration and optimal performance when making sharp turns.
What we don’t like about it: The Stack/Reach Ratio is relatively small, which may cause discomfort for some riders during the ride.
Rating: (4.7/5)
Lately, I’ve been watching a lot of videos about trail riding. The obscured views by the trees and the reliance on riding experience and road judgment make it an exhilarating experience. I want to try trail riding.
So, I found the Polygon SISKIU T8. It’s a highly cost-effective bike, perfect for beginners, but even experienced riders can handle it perfectly. I’m looking forward to how it performs on the trails.
Now, let’s analyze the riding experience, main features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Polygon SISKIU T8. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it with several other top bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
I was eagerly anticipating the performance of the Polygon SISKIU T8, so I booked my flight and reserved a hotel through IHG to come to Bromont: Montagne d’Expériences.
I chose the La Vingt (Haut) trail in Bromont: Montagne d’Expériences. This trail is 2159ft long with an overall downhill trend and a 367ft altitude drop. The road is rough, with many loose stones and dry branches, and there are steep uphill and downhill slopes. These factors had a considerable impact on my ride.
Trail Riding
I set off, standing up to accelerate, and using the dropper to lower the seat height to avoid hitting my legs on the saddle. And I kept accelerating, flying through the forest, feeling the excitement of trail riding. I could sense the tranquility and freedom of the woods.
During downhill sections, I used the TEKTRO HD-M745 4-PISTONS HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES to reduce speed, avoiding any mishaps in the winding corners. I firmly gripped the ENTITY XPERT handlebar to better control the entire bike.
For uphill sections, I adjusted the SHIMANO SLX RD-M7100-SGS DIRECT ATTACH rear derailleur to the smallest gear ratio. I stood up again to accelerate, lowered the seat height, and then powered through the uphill, adjusting my posture. The 135mm rear travel and 150mm front travel absorbed the shocks, providing me with great comfort and excitement.
When I reached the corners, I controlled the ENTITY XPERT handlebar and, on the ENTITY XTENT saddle, adjusted my center of gravity with my legs to lean the bike and find the best support position. Then, I powered through, skillfully completing each corner with confidence, thanks to the PERFORMANCE TIRE.
Is that all?
The Polygon SISKIU T8 comes with an ENTITY XTENT saddle. It has a very soft material, and I felt very comfortable sitting on it, without any stiffness in my hips. The central groove effectively relieves pressure on sensitive areas, providing a relaxed and comfortable sitting experience.
It is equipped with PERFORMANCE TIRE tires, available in two sizes. Based on my body condition and preference, I chose 29X2.40 (the other option is 27.5X2.40). These tires offer powerful traction and braking capabilities, allowing me to ride fast and brake promptly in emergencies, ensuring my safety.
Specifications
The Polygon SISKIU T8 is an exceptional full-suspension mountain bike designed for off-road trails. It features a sturdy aluminum frame and a FOX 34 RHYTHM fork with 135mm rear travel and 150mm front travel, providing powerful suspension for a comfortable ride.
Additionally, the Stack/Reach Ratio of this bike is 1.32, indicating good flexibility, and its 65.5° head tube angle ensures a stable ride.
In summary, riders can experience a comfortable and smooth ride, and the TEKTRO HD-M745 4-PISTONS HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES offer reliable braking in case of emergencies.
Video
Other Versions
After several tests, we gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It is an outstanding hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have their own performance requirements or component preferences, so we conducted further investigations with bikes of the same type.
Polygon SISKIU D5
The Polygon SISKIU D5 weighs 36.8 lbs, which is heavier than the Polygon SISKIU T8(33.5 lbs), potentially causing some hindrance during rides. The Polygon SISKIU T8 offers two sizes for the wheel, 27.5″ and 29″. The 29″ wheels provide better terrain clearance, while the 27.5″ wheels offer great agility. Moreover, the Polygon SISKIU D5 only has 120mm front travel and 120mm rear travel, while the Polygon SISKIU T8 boasts 150mm front travel and 135mm rear travel, providing stronger suspension for a more comfortable ride.
Additionally, the Polygon SISKIU D5 has a 2×9 drivetrain, which is not as smooth as the Polygon SISKIU T8’s 1×12 drivetrain. The 1×12 drivetrain offers smoother gear shifts, and a wider gear range, and effectively prevents chain drops. So, if you prioritize a more comfortable ride, the Polygon SISKIU T8 is a great fit. If budget is a concern, the Polygon SISKIU D5 would be a better choice.
What do we like about it?
- Siskiu T offers a loose head tube angle and shorter rear chainstays, providing excellent acceleration and optimal performance during turns.
- At this price point, it offers a dropper and a 1×12 drivetrain, delivering exceptional value for money.
- Now discounted to only $2199.
- Excellent uphill and downhill capabilities.
What don’t we like about it?
- The Stack/Reach Ratio is relatively small, making some riders feel discomfort during rides.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- How many water bottle cages does this bike have?
It only has one water bottle cage.
- What’s the braking system on this bike?
The braking system is TEKTRO HD-M745 4-PISTONS HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES.
- How do I choose the right size?
The size chart is below:
These sizes are general guidelines, and the right size may vary depending on the individual. The best way to find your ideal size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’11” – 5’5″ | SM |
| 5’3″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’7″ – 6’1″ | LG |
| 5’11” – 6’5″ | XL |
Polygon SISKIU T8 Specs
Build
| Frame | aluminum BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Radiant Purple – Black |
| Fork | FOX 34 RHYTHM 150mm (27.5″) / 140mm (29″) TRAVEL |
| Rear Shock | FOX FLOAT DPS SPECIAL TUNING E2E:210X55MM, HARDWARE:8MMX25MM |
| Bottom Bracket | shimano 2-piece crankset bsa threaded |
| Headset | ZERO STACK (ZS) SEALED BEARING FOR TAPER HEAD TUBE, ZS 44/28.6 | ZS 56/40 |
| Handlebar | ENTITY XPERT, ALLOY W:780MM R:20MM BB:35MM |
| Saddle | ENTITY XTENT |
| Seatpost | TRANZ-X 150MM (S-M) 170 (L-XL) TRAVEL, ZERO OFFSET, 30.9MM |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | shimano slx rd-m7100-sgs direct atach |
| Crank | SHIMANO MT-510-1 BOOST 32T |
| Shifters | SHIMANO SLX SL-M7100-R, 1×12-SPEED TRIGGER |
| Cassette | 12 SPEED 11-51T |
| Chain | KMC X12 12SPEED |
| Brakes | tektro hd-m745 4-pistons hydraulic disc brakes |
Wheels
| Rims | 584 / 622-35 32h for tyre 584 / 622-54/76 tubeless ready |
| Tires | PERFORMANCE TIRE, 27.5X2.40 / 29X2.40 |
| Disk Rotors | SHIMANO SM-RT54 180mm CENTER-LOCK |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Giant Stance 29 1 | Click View | Maxxis Forekaster 29×2.35 | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Norco Fluid FS A4 | Click View | Goodyear Newton 2.4″ | 1 x 11 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore, FSA |
| Diamondback Release 29 2 | Click View | Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.3″ | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | Shimano SLX |
| CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29 | Click View | Maxxis Ardent | 1 x 12 | Carbon | SRAM GX Eagle,NX Eagle |
Polygon SISKIU T8 vs Giant Stance 29 1
The Polygon SISKIU T8 is available in two wheel sizes, 27.5″ and 29″. The 27.5″ wheels offer great agility, while the 29″ wheels provide superior terrain clearance, giving riders more options to choose from.
Moreover, the Polygon SISKIU T8 has 150mm front travel and 135mm rear travel, offering stronger suspension compared to the Giant Stance 29 1, which has 130mm front travel and 120mm rear travel. However, the stack/reach ratio of the Polygon SISKIU T8 is 1.29, whereas the Giant Stance 29 1 has a stack/reach ratio of 1.4, indicating better flexibility and ensuring a more comfortable ride for riders.
In conclusion, if you want more size options for the wheel, the Polygon SISKIU T8 is a great fit. If you prioritize a more comfortable ride, the Giant Stance 29 1 will better meet your needs.
Learn More: Is Giant Stance 29 2 Worth Buying? [ Review]
Polygon SISKIU T8 vs Norco Fluid FS A4
The Polygon SISKIU T8 features a 1×12 drivetrain, making its gear shifts smoother compared to the Norco Fluid FS A4’s 1×11 drivetrain. Additionally, the Polygon SISKIU T8 has 150mm front travel and 135mm rear travel, providing better suspension than the Norco Fluid FS A4, which has 140mm front travel and 130mm rear travel.
The Norco Fluid FS A4 has a Stack/Reach Ratio of 1.32, larger than the Polygon SISKIU T8’s 1.29 Stack/Reach Ratio, offering better flexibility and a more comfortable ride. Moreover, the Norco Fluid FS A4 has a smaller head tube angle, providing a more stable ride.
So, if you desire smoother gear shifts, the Polygon SISKIU T8 is a great fit. If you prioritize a more comfortable ride, the Norco Fluid FS A4 will better meet your needs.
Learn More: Is Norco Fluid FS A4 Splendid? – [Norco Fluid FS A4 Review]
Polygon SISKIU T8 vs Diamondback Release 29 2
The Polygon SISKIU T8 offers slightly better suspension, but the Diamondback Release 29 2 is priced nearly $1000 higher than the Polygon SISKIU T8. The Diamondback Release 29 2 comes with DB CNC Platform pedals and Ergon GE10 Evo Lock-On grips, which greatly facilitate user purchases and save time.
Moreover, the Diamondback Release 29 2 can reach speeds of up to 28mph, faster than the Polygon SISKIU T8(24mph). Additionally, the Polygon SISKIU T8 provides two size options for the wheel. If you want more wheel size choices, I would recommend the Polygon SISKIU T8. If you prefer a more convenient purchasing experience, the Diamondback Release 29 2 would be your best choice.
Polygon SISKIU T8 vs CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29
The Polygon SISKIU T8 weighs 33.5 lbs, slightly heavier than the CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29 which weighs 29.8 lbs, which may cause some inconvenience for riders. This is because the CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29 has a carbon frame, while the Polygon SISKIU T8 has an aluminum frame, and carbon frames are generally lighter. However, they are more prone to breakage from side impacts, while aluminum frames are sturdier.
Moreover, the Polygon SISKIU T8 offers better suspension and more size options for the wheel. However, the CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29 can reach a faster speed of 26mph. Additionally, in terms of geometry, the CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29 has a larger Stack/Reach Ratio, providing a more comfortable riding experience.
In conclusion, if you want a lighter bike, the CUBE STEREO ONE22 HPC TM 29 would better suit your needs. If you prefer a bike with better suspension and sturdiness, the Polygon SISKIU T8 would be more suitable for you.
Summary
The above is our complete review of the 2023 Polygon SISKIU T8. This excellent full-suspension trail bike offers a very good riding experience. Overall, we rate it 4.7 out of 5. If you want to learn more about bikes, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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