First Look: 2021 Polygon Siskiu T - Modern Geometry, Modest Price

Polygon have updated their Siskiu T series of bikes for 2021 with revised tubing, updated geometry, and even lower prices. The bike is available in two different models, both aimed at delivering plenty of performance at a good value, with prices starting at $1,799 USD for a complete bike.

Through owning their own manufacturing facilities, Polygon claim they are able to control all of the aspects related to developing a bike, which helps them be more efficient, bringing more value to the person purchasing and riding the bike.

The new Siskiu T is designed around Polygon's "Wheel Fit Size System." The small size rolls on 27.5" wheels, the medium is compatible with both 27.5" or 29" wheels and the large-XL sizes are designed around 29" wheels. 29" models of the bike have 135mm of rear-wheel travel mated to a 140mm fork and the smaller wheels get 140mm of rear travel and a 150mm fork.


Polygon have their own factory, which gives them the ability to have a great deal of control in the development and manufacturing process of a bike.




Frame Details

The frame is now designed to fit a water bottle inside the front triangle on all sizes. The seat tube lengths are shorter than before, and there's a 150mm dropper post on the SM-MD and 170mm on the LG and XL. There is a threaded bottom bracket, Boost spacing, and internal cable routing throughout the main frame.




                                                        Internal cable routing and integrated chainstay protection on the Siskiu T.

Geometry

The Siskiu T's updated geometry sees the reach stretching an additional 25-30mm on all sizes from the previous model, measuring 460mm for a size Medium. The head tube angle is 1-degree slacker than before, measuring 65-degrees for the small and medium 27.5" frames and 65.5-degrees for the 29" frames. Chainstays are 425mm on the small and medium 27.5" wheeled setups and 5mm longer for the 29" edition. Seat tube angles measure 76.5-degrees across all models and sizes.

Suspension

The Siskiu T utilizes a linkage driven single pivot design built around a one-piece unibody pivot bridge which Polygon claim reduces the frame's weight while also improving stiffness and reducing lateral flex on the rear shock while under load. The kinematics of the bike are designed to be similar to the previous generation - poppy yet still supportive to keep climbing efficiency and small bump compliance. There is a new custom shock tune with lighter compression and a small reduction in progression which can be further tuned through the use of volume spacers.

The leverage curve is has been modified slightly from the previous version - still highly progressive yet more sensitive. The axle path has also been updated to be more rearward further into the travel, which should enhance performance over square edged impacts.



There are two different models of Siskiu T available, the T8 and T7. The T8 features a Fox 34 Rhythm Boost fork, Fox Float DPS shock, 12-speed Shimano SLX drivetrain, and sells for $2,299 USD. The Siskiu T7 has a RockShox Recon Boost fork, Rockshox Select Plus shock, and Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain. It sells for $1,799 USD.

Read more