Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 Review
- Price: $899
- Frame: XAluminum
- Tires: Entity Spyderbait SA-290, 2.25″
- Gear: 1×11
What we like about it: It currently has a discount, priced at just $699, offering excellent value for money.
What we don’t like about it: It cannot be modified to fit wider tires, and there are concerns about potential interference with the front fork and chain.
Rating: (4.6/5)
One of my friends recently got into off-road biking, so he asked me to find a bike suitable for a beginner like him. That’s when I came across the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11. It offers great value for money and is perfect for novice riders. I’m excited to see how it performs during off-road biking.
Now, let’s dive into the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11. 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 this hardtail off-road bike, I purchased a plane ticket and booked a hotel on IHG to visit the Fox Creek Bike Park.
At the park, I chose the Immaculate Compaction trail. It stretches 2008ft in total length, with a downhill slope throughout, featuring a 59ft elevation drop and numerous bends. Both uphill and downhill sections have steep gradients, and the trail is scattered with branches and loose gravel, making the ride quite challenging for me.
Off-Road Biking
I started from the starting point, descending the straight slope, steadily gaining speed. I adjusted the Shimano Deore RD-M5120 rear derailleur to achieve an appropriate gear ratio for increased speed, but I wasn’t worried about accidents. With my extensive experience and the Shimano BL-M201 Hydraulic Disc brakes, I could avoid mishaps promptly, ensuring my safety.
During the uphill sections, I adjusted the Shimano Deore RD-M5120 rear derailleur to the smallest gear ratio, maximizing power with minimal effort. Climbing uphill was smooth, and I didn’t feel too tired. I shifted my weight forward and stood up to accelerate, preventing the bike from tipping over.
When encountering smaller pieces of gravel, I simply rolled over them. For larger rocks, I maneuvered with the Entity Sport handlebar to navigate smoothly and effortlessly uphill. I must admit, this bike offers exceptional maneuverability.
In the bends, I sat on the Entity Void saddle, using weight distribution for steering. I controlled the Entity Sport handlebar and continued applying force to the Standard Flat Pedals. Drawing from my riding experience, I found the best entry points for each turn. I handled every bend brilliantly, thanks to the confidence the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 gave me.
Is that all?
Equipped with Entity Spyderbait SA-290 tires, this bike delivers outstanding tread patterns, providing excellent traction and braking support on bends and soft surfaces. The brakes are responsive, ensuring timely and efficient braking for my safety. I felt incredibly relaxed and free during the ride, appreciating its impressive capabilities.
Moreover, the Entity Void saddle on this bike is exceptionally comfortable, giving me a feeling of freedom as I sit on it. Its perforated surface allows for effective heat dissipation and provides ample friction. However, this friction doesn’t make my buttocks stiff, and the central indentation helps alleviate pressure on sensitive areas. The experience is simply fantastic.
Specifications
The Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 is an exceptional hardtail mountain bike. It features an ALX XC Sport 6061 Aluminum Frame, which is highly durable. The bike is equipped with a Suntour XCR 32 LO-R, providing 120mm of travel and delivering commendable suspension performance. Its Shimano Deore RD-M5120 rear derailleur is outstanding, and the 1×11 drivetrain offers smooth gear shifting.
Furthermore, the bike comes with Entity Spyderbait SA-290 tires, offering strong traction and braking capabilities. The Shimano BL-M201 Hydraulic Disc brakes with 160mm disk rotors provide excellent stopping power. It’s worth mentioning that the bike includes Standard Flat Pedals, making it convenient for riders to get started.
Video
Other Versions
After undergoing numerous tests, our understanding of this bike has deepened, and it has proven to be an excellent hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have specific performance requirements or preferences for components, prompting us to investigate similar bikes further.
Polygon Xtrada 5 2×10
The Polygon Xtrada 5 2×10 weighs 31.5 lbs, slightly heavier than the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 at 30.6 lbs. Heavier bikes offer greater stability during rides but may face more resistance. Lighter bikes are more agile and provide an easier riding experience. However, the Xtrada 5 2×10 achieves higher speeds, reaching up to 28mph, while the Xtrada 6 1×11 has a top speed of 25mph.
Additionally, the Xtrada 6 1×11 features a more impressive 1×11 drivetrain. Compared to the Xtrada 5 2×10’s 2×10 drivetrain, the 1×11 drivetrain offers smoother gear shifting and a wider gear range.
It’s important to note that both bikes have identical geometries. So, if you prioritize smoother gear shifting, the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 is an excellent choice. If you seek faster rides, the Polygon Xtrada 5 2×10 will better suit your needs.
What do we like about it?
- Currently offered at a discount for just $699, providing excellent value for money.
- Shorter chain stays for better acceleration and maneuverability.
- Equipped with two water bottle cages for convenient hydration.
- Impressive uphill and downhill capabilities.
What don’t we like about it?
- Inability to accommodate wider tires, which may cause interference with the fork and chain.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Can longer travel be added to this bike?
We do not recommend adding longer travel to this bike, as it may put additional stress on the frame.
- How many water bottle cages does this bike have?
It has two water bottle cages.
- 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 |
| 5’0″ – 5’6″ | SM |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’7″ – 6’2″ | LG |
| 6’0″ – 6’4″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | ALX XC Sport 6061 Aluminum Frame, Smooth Welding Technology, Internal Cable Routing, Tapered Headtube, 73mm Threaded Bottom Bracket, Boost QR Rear Axle 141mmBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
| Fork | Suntour XCR 32 LO-R, 120mm Travel, Preload & Rebound Adjuster, Hydraulic Lock Out, Straight 1-1/8″ Threadless Steerer, QR Axle |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA Threaded, 73mm |
| Headset | Threadless, ZS 44/28.6 | ZS 56/40 |
| Stem | Entity Sport, 31.8 Clamp |
| Handlebar | Entity Sport |
| Saddle | Entity Void |
| Seatpost | Entity Sport, 27.2x350mm, 15mm Offset |
| Pedals | Standard Flat Pedals |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore RD-M5120, Shadow+, Direct Mount, 11-Speed |
| Crank | Shimano Deore FC-M5100, 32T |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore SL-M5100, 11-Speed |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore CS-M5100, 11-51T, 11-Speed |
| Chain | KMC X-11 11-Speed |
| Brakes | Shimano BL-M201 Hydraulic Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Entity XL2 Disc, Double Wall Alloy Rims, 24mm Internal Width, Tubeless Ready ** |
| Front Hub | QRx100mm 32H Center Lock, Alloy |
| Rear Hub | QRx141mm 32H 32H Center Lock, Alloy |
| Tires | Entity Spyderbait SA-290, 2.25″ * |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano SM-RT10, 160mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 | Click View | Bontrager XR2 Comp | 3 x 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney |
| Specialized Rockhopper 26 | Click View | Fast Trak Sport, 26×2.35″ | 2×8 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Mezzo, microSHIFT Marvo |
| Giant Talon 4 | Click View | Kenda Booster 27.5 or 29×2.2″ | 1 x 8 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Advent |
| Cannondale Trail 8 | Click View | WTB Ranger Comp, 29×2.25″ | 2 x 7 | Aluminum | microSHIFT |
Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 vs Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2
The weight of the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 is 30.6 lbs, slightly lighter than the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2, which weighs 31.7 lbs. Lighter bikes offer more agility. Additionally, the former comes equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, providing superior braking performance. However, it is a bit heavier and less convenient for maintenance. On the other hand, the latter has mechanical disc brakes, which may not offer the same braking performance as the former, but they are easier to maintain and repair.
Moreover, the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 features a 1×11 drivetrain. Compared to the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2’s 3×7 drivetrain, it offers a wider gear range and smoother gear shifting. Furthermore, the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2’s 100mm front travel provides less suspension performance compared to the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11’s 120mm front travel.
In conclusion, with the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 currently discounted at $699, and the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 priced at $668, there’s not much price difference. I highly recommend purchasing the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 4 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 4 Review]
Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 vs Specialized Rockhopper 26
The Specialized Rockhopper 26 features smaller 26″ wheels, making it very agile. On the other hand, the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 offers two wheel sizes: 27.5″ and 29″. The larger wheels provide better traction and handling, giving riders more options to choose from.
Furthermore, in terms of the drivetrain, the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11’s 1×11 drivetrain offers smoother gear shifting and a wider gear range. Additionally, when it comes to suspension performance, the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 with its 120mm front travel offers stronger suspension capabilities.
So, if you’re looking for better suspension performance and a versatile drivetrain, I would recommend the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11. However, if you prefer smaller wheels, the Specialized Rockhopper 26 would be a better choice for you.
Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 vs Giant Talon 4
The Giant Talon 4 is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, which offer stronger repairability and maintenance capabilities. However, its braking performance is weaker compared to the hydraulic disc brakes of the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11. Moreover, the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 has only 120mm front travel, providing stronger suspension capabilities.
Furthermore, the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 can ride up to 25mph, slightly faster than the Giant Talon 4’s 22mph. However, the Giant Talon 4 comes with Giant Sole-O grips.
So, if you want to directly purchase a bike with all the accessories, the Giant Talon 4 will meet your needs. If you desire superior hydraulic disc brakes, the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 is the perfect choice for you.
Learn More: Is Giant Talon 4 Worth Buying? [Giant Talon 4 Review]
Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 vs Cannondale Trail 8
The Cannondale Trail 8 can reach a speed of 28mph, but it only has a 2×7 drivetrain, which doesn’t offer outstanding performance. Additionally, its 75mm front travel provides limited suspension capabilities, and its mechanical disc brakes lack strong braking performance. Moreover, the price is comparable to the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 at $699.
On the other hand, the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 features a superior 1×11-speed drivetrain, stronger hydraulic disc brakes with better braking performance, and a more capable 120mm front travel for suspension. In conclusion, I believe the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11 offers excellent value for money, and I highly recommend riders purchase it.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Trail 8 Worth Buying? [Cannondale Trail 8 Review]
Conclusion
The above is our complete review of the Polygon Xtrada 6 1×11. This exceptional hardtail mountain bike performs incredibly well on off-road trails, earning it a high rating of 4.6. If you want to learn more about bikes, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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