First rides on the Polygon Bend V9x gravel bike
Polygon have released the updated Bend gravel bike, more suited to adventure rides than ever before.
Polygon have just released 3 new models of their Bend gravel bike, a bike they call the 'ultimate adventure companion'. Starting at $2299 for the Bend R7, Polygon also have the Bend R9X at $4299 and the Bend V9X which we have on test. This one sells for $5299. All bikes share the same alloy frame, with changes to all components for each model.
The Polygon Bend frame
The Bend has been designed to conquer challenging terrain and feel great on bike paths – which is a very broad remit within the one bike design. This needs a mix of comfort and capability, so you'll notice that the Bend is more upright than many gravel bikes which have morphed from road bikes. The Bend is available in four sizes from S-XL, and the large V9X I have on test has a 70 degree head angle, while the non-suspension models run at 70.5 degrees. The seat angle is 73 degrees compared to 73.5 degrees on the models without the Fox TaperCast 40mm fork. Smaller sizes have slightly slacker head angles and steeper seat angles.
The frame has a tonne of tyre clerance, with the V9X coming equipped with 50mm Vee Rail tyres. The frame uses a 142×12 through axle, and there are mounts for racks and guards at the dropouts.
There are mounts all over the frame, for top tibe bags, bottle cages, or other accessories – you can really load this up for a big trip, if that's what you're looking to do!
The bottom bracket shell is threaded, and there is internal routing in the downtube for a dropper post – although the Bend V9X has a RockShox Reverb AXS post as stock.
Build kit and setup
The entry level Polygon Bend R7 has a SRAM Apex 11-speed mechanical group set and carbon fork, plus an alloy rimmed wheel set. All Bend models have an Entity flared bar, and a very short stem. The Polygon Bend R9X gains a SRAM Rival XPLR Etap 12-speed group set for a wider range and wireless shifting. This model also has carbon Novatec wheels with a 24mm internal.
The Polygon Bend V9X I have on test has SRAM Rival Etap, but with a SRAM GX Eagle cassette (10-52) giving it a very wide range with the 40t chain ring. The carbon Novatec wheels remain, plus the Fox Performance Tapercast fork with 40mm of travel graces the front end. With wider tyres than the other two models, a broader gear range and the fork – the V9X really is set for adventure. In large, my test bike weighs 11.17kg before adding pedals.
The bike came setup tubeless from Bikes Online, so I just added my own XTR clipless pedals, one bottle cage (for now) and set my position up. The reach is fairly short given the tall head tube, short stem and short reach flared bars. I swapped out to an 80mm stem but may still go to 90 or 100mm to get the reach needed and to stay balanced between the wheels.
On the trail
This is the first time I have ridden a gravel bike with 50mm tyres and a suspension fork. And it took a couple of rides to get used to. Getting the right tyres, tyre pressure and potentially tyre inserts are all a big part of gravel bikes 'making sense' for me. But adding a suspension fork? Surely you'd reach for a hardtail at that point?
I was ready to be unconvinced, but had to eat my words. A couple of things make a difference here. Firstly the lighter weight Novatec wheels prevent the Ben V9X feeling heavy and cumbersome. Less rotating weight is a surefire way to make any bike ride better. Add 50mm fast rolling tyres to that and the bike hums along. At that point, the Fox TaperCast fork is the cherry on top.
Given it has a small air spring, the pressure needs to be high, and I'm at the low end of the range for my weight, but I think I'll increase it now that I'm getting use to riding this bike more like a mountain bike – leaning into the descents and letting the bike go. The Grip damper lets you firm the fork up on the road, although there is still a tiny bit of movement out of the saddle.
Kudos needs to go to Polygon for making a very comfortable cockpit with the Entity flared bars, and the extra padding under the bar tape. In my mind the stock setup is far too short for a given size, but stem length is easy to change out. As for the dropper post, I've really only used it a couple of times on some narrower and steeper trails.
I use a dropper on a mountain bike like my life depends on it, so I suspect this will change when I take the Bend on some burlier routes – which is exactly what the bike encourages. My own gravel bike feels far more restritced with its geometry and tyre size limits, before even lacking a dropper or suspension fork. So I'm excited to see where the Bend V9X can take me over the review period.
You can get more details at Bikes Online.
