Unboxing the Polygon Siskiu T9 trail bike from BikesOnline
Polygon have just added a higher spec Siskiu to their range, with the T9 bringing an impressive suspension upgrade to the trail bike platform.
The Polygon Siskiu range from BikesOnline saw an addition of the Siskiu T6 to the trail bike line up in late 2023, bringing the entry price to good dual-suspension trail bikes to $2299. I tested the T6 in spring and was thoroughly impressed by how the platform rides – which shouldn't be a surprise given the frame is the same as the well-regarded T7 and T8. You can watch my full review on YouTube or read it via the full Polygon Siskiu T6 review.
We did hear that BikesOnline would be receiving a new model – a high end T9 with an upgraded parts kit on the same Polygon Siskiu T series frame. This frame series offers size-specific wheel sizes, with Small and Medium bikes coming in 27.5" wheels, and Medium to XL coming with 29" wheels. So yes, medium sized riders are spoilt for choice! We have a medium 29er on review that will be going to Anna Beck for review. This model sells for $4299, which is epic value for what is on offer.
A closer look at the Polygon Siskiu T9
Like any Polygon, you order and buy the Siskiu T9 through BikesOnline. Their customer service team is top notch if you need help with sizing. The bike arrived in about two business days to AMB HQ just outside Brisbane, and I did need to be home to accept the delivery.
In the box BikesOnline have everything you need to put the bike together, with a torque wrench and tool bits required so you can fit the handlebars, front wheel and dropper post and lever. I would suggest investing in a shock pump so you can set up the suspension, and maintain the right settings. Building the bike took barely a few minutes, although I did need to spend some time straightening the front rotor, which seemed to have a slight bend in it. Having received a number of test bikes from BikesOnline, this is the first instance of a warped rotor – and this very bike was at a photo shoot before delivery and I suspect it occured then. Fear not, your own bike would be brand new for you!
The dark green colour looks fantastic, with a gloss finish that should shrug trail dust off. The frame has internal routing at the top of the headtube, leaving the headset free from the load of cables or brake hoses. There is room below the shock for a drink bottle cage, and I would reccomend a side mount cage for easy access. It is great to see that Polygon have the torque settings etched on each set of pivots – this is very useful for home mechanics and seasoned professionals alike.
There's a Tranz X dropper post, wide 35mm clamp risers and some TRP DH EVO 4-piston brakes with 180mm rotors front and rear. All built up in the medium 29er our test bike comes in at 15.64kg without pedals.
First thoughts
When I tested the Siskiu T6 I was really impressed with what was on offer, but knew a few things held the bike back: namely braking power for truly steep trails, gear range for accessing truly steep trails, and the suspension performance for rougher trails as opposed to high speed flow.
The parts upgrades on the T7 or T8 would sort out most of those, and at $2299 the Siskiu T6 still represents incredible value – but to really get the Siskiu to sing, the parts kit on the T9 really should do the job. While this bike is being passed to Anna Beck for review, the burlier fork with far more tuning, the shock with greater capability, powerful brakes and the XT group set should really make the Siskiu frame come alive. Stay tuned for her full review.
