Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail Review
- Price: $1099
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: WTB Trail Boss Comp
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: The ability to use the wheel size system to adjust the bike’s size, providing a perfect fit for the rider and delivering an exceptional riding experience.
What we don’t like about it: The frame cannot withstand more pressure, so it cannot accommodate adding more front travel.
Rating: (4.6/5)
After a period of rest, I returned to the off-road race track and saw many new faces, which made me very happy to see a constant influx of new blood into off-road biking. However, upon observation, I noticed that some people were having a hard time adapting to the hardtail mountain bikes they purchased.
To address this, I found the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail. It is a fantastic hardtail mountain bike that is especially well-suited for beginners, and I am eager to see how it performs off-road.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, main features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it with several other top bike models. If you want to read more bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail is an impressive hardtail mountain bike. To properly test this hardtail, I bought a plane ticket and booked a hotel at Giants Ridge.
I selected the Sector 12 trail at Giants Ridge, a 3238ft long trail with a consistent downhill trend and a 358ft altitude drop. The road was very narrow, covered with leaves and loose rocks, and had numerous sharp turns with steep angles, which presented quite a challenge for my ride.
Off-Road Biking
Starting from the trailhead, I skillfully controlled the Shimano Deore RD-M6120 rear derailleur. On the downhill sections, I adjusted the Shimano Deore RD-M6120 rear derailleur to different gear ratios, depending on the slope, to achieve different riding speeds that suited the varying gradients. I also adjusted the pressure on the Shimano BL-M201 Hydraulic Disc to have better control over the bike while seeking thrills and ensuring my safety.
On the less steep uphills, I adeptly adjusted the Shimano Deore RD-M6120 rear derailleur to the smallest gear ratio. Utilizing the downhill momentum, I flew over the slope, and the 120mm front travel helped absorb some of the impacts. It was an exhilarating experience, and I felt fantastic.
In the many sharp turns, skillful use of the bike’s capabilities was crucial. With my ample biking experience, I controlled the Entity Expert Handlebar and continuously adjusted my center of gravity on the Entity Void Saddle to execute precise turns, flawlessly navigating each bend. The Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail gave me great confidence.
Is that all?
The WTB Trail Boss Comp tires are versatile and have low rolling resistance, thanks to the blocky tread pattern, which effectively reduces rolling resistance. Throughout the off-road ride, I found their performance to be outstanding.
Moreover, they are medium-sized trail tires with closely spaced center knobs that reduce rolling resistance while providing strong braking capabilities. I had no worries about tire slips.
Furthermore, the Entity Void saddle is made of very soft fabric, providing a comfortable experience for my hips with minimal pressure. Additionally, the Entity Expert handlebar enables precise turning. In every bend, I felt highly agile in executing turns. It was an incredible feeling.
Specifications
The Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail is an outstanding hardtail mountain bike, equipped with an ALX XC Sport 6061 Aluminum Frame and an RST Aerial-15 TN Black fork with 120mm front travel, providing excellent suspension performance. Moreover, this bike offers both 27.5″ and 29″ aluminum wheels, giving riders more options to choose from.
Additionally, the bike features a Shimano Deore RD-M6120 rear derailleur. The 1×12 drivetrain is impressive, offering smooth gear shifting and a wider gear range. It also comes with Shimano BL-M201 hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring rider safety. Worth mentioning, the bike is equipped with Alloy Flat pedals, making it very convenient for riders to purchase.
Video
Other Versions
After undergoing multiple tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It is an excellent hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have their requirements for performance or components, so we conducted further investigations by looking into similar bikes.
Polygon Xtrada 5 2×10
The Polygon Xtrada 5 2×10 features an ALX XC Sport 6061 Aluminum Frame. It weighs 31.5 lbs, which is slightly lighter than the 32.8 lbs of the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail, making it more agile. On the other hand, the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail offers more stability but may bring greater resistance.
Furthermore, the Xtrada 5 2×10 comes with a 2×10 drivetrain, which is not as smooth in shifting as the 1×12 drivetrain used in the Xtrada 7 Hardtail, which offers a wider gear range. Additionally, the single chainring of the Xtrada 7 Hardtail is more reliable in preventing chain drops compared to the Xtrada 5 2×10.
In summary, if you prefer a lighter bike, I would recommend the Polygon Xtrada 5 2×10. If you prioritize having a superior shifter, the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail would be the better choice for you.
What do we like about it?
- The ability to use the wheel size system to adjust the bike’s size, providing a perfect fit for the rider and delivering an exceptional riding experience.
- It currently has a discount, priced at $799.
- Comes with Alloy Flat Pedals, making it convenient for riders to purchase.
- Impressive uphill and downhill capabilities.
What don’t we like about it?
- The frame cannot withstand more pressure, so it cannot accommodate adding more front travel.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- What is the maximum chainring on this bike?
The maximum chainring is single 36T/double 38/28T.
- What is the drivetrain of this bike?
The drivetrain is Shimano Deore.
- 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 Rear Thru-… Axle 12x148mm BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
| Fork | RST Aerial-15 TN Black;120MM Travel,15 MM, Magnesium Lowers/Alloy Crown,29, Threadless\ Alloy Steerer, Air, Hydraulic Lockout, 32MM Stanchion, 180mm Max Disc Size 180MM Max Disc Size |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA Threaded, 73mm |
| Headset | Threadless, ZS 44/28.6 | ZS 56/40 |
| Stem | Entity Expert, 31.8mm Clamp |
| Handlebar | Entity Expert |
| Saddle | Entity Void |
| Seatpost | Entity Expert, Zero Offset, 27.2x350mm |
| Pedals | Alloy Flat |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore RD-M6120, Shadow+, Direct Mount, 12-Speed |
| Crank | Shimano Deore FC-M510, 32T Narrow-Wide Chainring |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore SL-M6100, 12-Speed |
| Cassette | Sunrace MZ-800, 11-51T, 12-Speed |
| Chain | KMC X-12 12-Speed |
| Brakes | Shimano BL-M201 Hydraulic Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Entity XL2 Disc, Double Wall Alloy Rims, 30mm Internal Width, Tubeless Ready ** |
| Front Hub | 15x100mm 32H Center Lock, Sealed Bearings, Alloy |
| Rear Hub | Novatec D462SB, 12x148mm 32h, Center Lock |
| Tires | WTB Trail Boss Comp, 2.25″ * |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano SM-RT30, 160mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset |
| Cannondale Trail Women’s 8 | Click View | WTB Ranger Comp, 29×2.25″ | 2 x 7 | Aluminum | microSHIFT |
| Trek X-Caliber 8 | Click View | Maxxis Ardent Race | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore XT |
| Specialized Chisel | Click View | Specialized Fast Trak | 1 x 12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Liv Bliss | Click View | Giant Quickcross | 3 x 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Touney |
Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail vs Cannondale Trail Women’s 8
The Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail offers two wheel options, 27.5″ and 29″. The 29″ wheels provide better traction and off-road capabilities, while the 27.5″ wheels offer greater agility. With these different wheel size choices, the Xtrada 7 Hardtail caters to a wider range of riders.
Additionally, the Xtrada 7 Hardtail is equipped with a 1×12 drivetrain. Compared to the 2×7 drivetrain used in the Cannondale Trail Women’s 8, the 1×12 drivetrain delivers smoother gear shifting and has a broader gear range. However, the Cannondale Trail Women’s 8 is nearly $450 cheaper than the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail.
Therefore, if you’re looking for smoother shifting and a wider gear range, I would recommend the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail. If your budget is limited, the Cannondale Trail Women’s 8 can still meet your needs.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Trail 8 Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale Trail 8 Review]
Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail vs Trek X-Caliber 8
The weight of the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail is 14.9kg. It is slightly heavier than the Trek X-Caliber 8, which weighs 13.1kg, making it more stable during rides. However, lighter bikes are more agile and can reduce riding resistance. Additionally, the Xtrada 7 Hardtail has 120mm front travel, providing better suspension performance compared to the Trek X-Caliber 8, which has 100mm front travel.
Moreover, the stack/reach ratio of the Xtrada 7 Hardtail is 1.46, which is larger than the stack/reach ratio of the Trek X-Caliber 8 (1.38). This means the Xtrada 7 Hardtail offers more reach and a more extended riding position, making it more comfortable during rides. On the other hand, the Trek X-Caliber 8 has a larger head tube angle than the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail. Bikes with smaller head tube angles provide a more stable riding experience.
In summary, if you prefer a more stable bike, I would recommend the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail. If you prioritize a more comfortable riding experience, the Trek X-Caliber 8 would be your top choice.
Learn More: Is The Trek X-Caliber 8 Worth Buying? [Trek X-Caliber 8 Review]
Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail vs Specialized Chisel
The Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail is equipped with 120mm front travel, providing better suspension performance compared to the Specialized Chisel, which has 100mm front travel. Additionally, the stack/reach ratio of the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail is 1.46, which is larger than the Specialized Chisel’s 1.41. Therefore, the Xtrada 7 Hardtail can offer a more comfortable riding experience for the rider.
Furthermore, the Xtrada 7 Hardtail comes with Alloy Flat pedals, making it convenient for riders to purchase without needing to search for suitable pedals separately. Moreover, the Specialized Chisel has a larger head tube angle. As a result, the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail provides a more stable ride and offers two size options for the wheel.
Considering the Specialized Chisel is $700 more expensive than the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail and offers lower value for money, I recommend purchasing the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail.
Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail vs Liv Bliss
Liv Bliss is a women’s bike that features two smaller aluminum frame options. The rim brakes have a lighter weight but offer poorer braking performance compared to the hydraulic disc brakes of the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail, which are superior. Additionally, Liv Bliss comes with a 3×7 drivetrain and 75mm front travel, which are not particularly impressive.
On the other hand, the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail offers larger size options for the wheel. Its 1×12 drivetrain provides a wider gear range and smoother shifting. The single chainring setup also effectively prevents chain drop. Moreover, with its 120mm front travel, it delivers better suspension performance.
In summary, if you are a female rider, Liv Bliss, specially designed by the Liv team for women, would be an excellent choice for you. If you desire a more impressive drivetrain and longer front travel, the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail would be a better option.
Summary
The above is our review of the Polygon Xtrada 7 Hardtail, a highly impressive hardtail mountain bike that offers an excellent riding experience. Considering all factors, we give 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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