This Budget Hardtail Exceeds Expectations! 2022 Polygon Xtrada 7!
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- This Budget Hardtail Exceeds Expectations! 2022 Polygon Xtrada 7! Thanks to @bikesonline258 for sending me this excellent bike for review!
Buy the Xtrada Here: bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/Ryj96y
Recommended Upgrades:
PNW Rainier 27.2mm Dropper Post: alnk.to/eDMVr3K
Front Tire I Run 29x2.4": amzn.to/3CufaFx
Rear Tire I Run 29x2.4": amzn.to/3vQFpVE
Clipless Pedals I Use: amzn.to/3KKDBlh
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I finally got to ride the Polygon Xtrada 7, and today we'll talk about my first ride impressions of the bike. First impressions are important right?
I took this bike to Slaughter Pen with the intent of sticking to beginner friendly XC trails because that's what this bike was designed for, but that plan quickly changed. Spoiler alert...I had a really good time on this bike.
We'll start up here with the fork. Their is a warning sticker on it saying for "leisure XC riding only" which makes sense on a beginner XC bike. Obviously I didn't heed that warning, but I would advise you to follow such warning stickers. If you're new to riding and never experienced a nicer fork, then this thing is very suitable. I found it reacted more to medium and large hits, or instances when I push into it harder for more pop. Over repeated small bumps at speed it's a bit harsh, but it performed admirably considering the price. Even though it isn't high end, I appreciate it being an air sprung fork to offer tuneability for different rider weights compared to a cheap coil fork. For the beginner rider learning the sport...this fork will serve you well!
Something I forgot to mention in the last video is the fact that this bike shifted perfectly out of the box. I didn't make a single adjustment to the drivetrain and had zero issues shifting.
Let's get to climbing. It handles this task very well! The bike has a comfortable pedal position, and the front end doesn't wander like it can on really long, slack bikes. At just over 30 pounds this is one of the lightest hardtails I've had, so it was much appreciated on the climbs. No criticisms here.
Pedaling around trails, this bike is quick! The engagement from these shimano hubs is seriously impressive given the price of the bike. I found myself in harder gears just having a blast trying to find muscles in my legs. I'm super grateful this frame isn't nearly as harsh as my Salsa Timberjack. I woke up today and my body wasn't howling in pain which I couldn't say after riding the Salsa. Handling is predictable and easy to navigate in tight and technical scenarios. I'm also happy I went with the XL size as it gave me a bit more breathing room to maneuver around the bike as needed.
All those traits of the bike translate when it's pointed down as well. Obviously don't buy this bike if your descents are thousands of feet, horrendously steep, and just littered with rocks and roots. It's not a downhill bike, and I could see this fork being overwhelmed very quickly in such scenarios. For flowy downhill runs, this bike was exceptional fun! When approaching tech lines you're gonna want to pick lines carefully and wisely. With a slightly steeper head angle, you can't just point this thing into a rock garden and expect it to blast over everything...it's gonna take a bit more finesse.
Speaking of downhill, you'll probably want to slow down or stop at some point. These 2 piston brakes are adequate for normal trails, but they aren't super powerful. You'll have to start braking sooner than you would on a more expensive setup, but as long as you're aware of that, they function decently.
Riding without a dropper post was certainly a throwback. If you live in a relatively flat environment you can probably get away without adding a dropper, but my guess is most people will want to add one. I made due without, but it wasn't without it's fair share of dilemmas. I'd put it down to hit a flowy downhill section only to be greeted with a climb, or have it up to pedal efficiently and boom things get steep. I found keeping it somewhere in the middle for most the ride was suitable...just not ideal.
Overall I'm really stoked on this bike! It far exceeded the expectations I had when starting the ride which is awesome. With any bike in this price range, it's going to come with some compromises, but a beginner could ride this out of the box and have a really wonderful time. The only two things I would recommend doing is the tubeless conversion and adding a dropper post then go enjoy some trails on this beautiful bike. - Sport
I just steered my cousin twards buying this rig... The value and upgradeability (if thats not a word it is now) put it at the top of my recommendations. I dig the videos man...i have subscribed.
haha smart move for your cousin! It's a pretty fantastic bike. I appreciate you subscribing and enjoying the videos! Glad to have you here!
Cool t-shirt! The Acura NSX was my dream car during the 90s. It's iconic status was further elevated when it appeared as Valerie Malone's car (played by Tiffany Amber Thiessen) on Beverly Hills 90210.
T-shirt aside, thanks for your thorough and entertaining review of the Xtrada 7!
I never knew that about Tiffany Amber Thiessen! Quite possibly the most attractive woman ever driving an NSX?! Good stuff! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for the review. Considering this bike along with a few others for my 12yo daughter. Seems like a good value with the plan to add a dropper but might have to upgrade the fork (we’re in CO)
I had an xtrada 5, ended up getting stolen but after a lot of searching I ended up coming back to polygon for the xtrada 7 with the 2021 model on sale I really could not find a better deal. Just like Kyle I am seriously impressed with how good the rear hub and overall 12speed deore drivetrain is. It's also so rare to get full Shimano as well. Imo this brand is a bit of diamond in the rough, I can't imagine it will stay that way for long though.
Sorry your bike got stolen, but sounds like you ended up with a better bike in the long run! The 2021 model is currently $919 which is an insane bargain. I hope Polygon finds a way to keep their prices reasonable while everyone else's are going up. If they can do that, then they will pretty much dominate....like Godzilla!
Bro my xtrada 5 too gor stolen since then i have not been to riding.
Its exactly a year now. Iam also thinking of getting new one but polygon seems more budget friendly among other competitors.
Hi!where are you from?and how much bike price?
Mine will finally be here Monday!
Whoo! Congrats and enjoy it!
Love this bike Polygon 👍
Fantastic review! And please give us a Polygon Syncline review, it’s a similar bike but includes changes in fork and carbon frame.
Thanks so much! I'd love to review a Syncline. I'll see if I can make that happen!
This is a really great review! I just sold my Marlin and I'm in the market for a new bike, and it seems that the X7 hits all the marks that I'm looking for. I was originally budgeting for something a few hundred dollars more, but then I came across the Polygon and I'm super impressed with it. Thanks again for the solid review.
is the xtrada better then marlin
Beautiful color scheme
It really is! I find myself just looking at it when I walk by.
i m going to bicycle! after this video i got hyped, i m tired but i ll do it , i miss the fun n i need adrenaline
Sweet shirt!
i built up a small xtrada 5 for my daughter. she loves it. it has an epixon on it set at 130. i also converted it to 1x and installed a ks dropper. pretty sweet. i wish you could buy these frame only. i’d build one for myself
That's a very cool bike for your daughter! These bikes are so affordable I guess you could buy a complete and sell off the parts you don't want!
Man I need to get up to bentonville lol, sick bike!
You need to move here Dan! I pedaled from my apartment after work the other day to slaughter pen, and rode for two hours on so many fun trails. Surreal after living so far from any dirt in SA. This video was also filmed in one morning since every feature I could possibly need to film is all around. Hope to see you soon man! Weather should be getting better soon (although it snowed today).
What a masterpiece of a video! WE LOVE COBRA!
Cobra loves Bikes Online and his Polygon Xtrada. Rumor has it I rode it last night.
@@CobraKyle 🤯🤯🤯
I had been considering my first mountain bike it's less than half the price of either the Specialized Chisel and Fuse Comp. Decathlon sadly has no suitable Rockrider offerings that are in similar spec to the Xtrada 7 available in my area.
Nice bike Cobra Kyle! Looks like a modern version of Teal Steel 💪💪
haha an OG viewer! I kind of thought the same thing. Thanks!
@@CobraKyle yeah man, since the beginning. I love your channel.
@@CobraKyle This STATE BICYCLE CO. X GRATEFUL DEAD (tie-dye) DANCING BEARS SADDLE would be a great upgrade for that bike. It’s only $39.99.
New bike buyer here ... complete novice approximate 32 in inseam 6 ft 235 looking to purchase an REI co-op bike
as a local REI store claims giant makes their bikes out of Washington State via Taiwan ? and simply rebrans them for REI.
However THIS video has completely changed my focus on REI co-op branded hard tail in the $750 range give or take.
Would prefer the slightly thinner tires to accommodate flat road terrain and Beach footpaths here South eastern Florida .
Also I think we're getting confused between bikes online and bikes direct each of which are on opposite
sides of the country and I can almost promise you that we would require assistance with assembly and
fine-tuning.
All information is welcome.
I am stuck choosing between this Xtrada 7 and the new 2022 Giant Fathom 2. Which one would be light, nible, fun to wheelie and bunny hop flowly trails and small jumps in your opinion. Thanks!!
Great review! I'm currently deciding on this bike as well as the Canyon Stoic 2 which is $100 more. Which one do you think is better for the price? I'll be mostly doing light flow trail riding as well as some trial.
Thanks! The Xtrada is gonna be a bit lighter and easier to pedal around/most likely faster. The Stoic is going to be better as you get into steeper downhills, jumps, drops etc...but won't just pedal around as well. Stoic also uses a boost fork which is nice if you ever go to upgrade the wheels. Stoic also uses a 30.9mm seat tube diameter, so you can run any length dropper you want whereas the Xtrada is limited in sizes. Boils down to if you prefer pedaling around more and going fast while doing so...go with Xtrada. Wanna learn to ride more aggressively...go with Stoic. Hope that clears it up a little!
@@CobraKyle ok thanks a lot!
If you had to choose between this bike and a marin (bobcat trail or san quentin), what would be your first choice?
im looking for somewhere to go thats "warm" and great mtb riding this winter for all of dec-march. is bentonville good and trails always open even if its light snow dusting?
Hardtail 4 lyfe!
This guy gets it! lol
I've been researching xc mtbs around the $1000 price point. Have you ever heard of or ridden the Canyon Grand Canyon 7? At $1,049, it looks better on paper than Xtrada 7, especially since most people complain of the lack of dropper for Xtrada 7. I haven't looked at the geometry yet, but looks like the bike I might be getting, have to look into deeper though. I've looked at Giant Talon 1, Trek Marlin 7 & 8, gen 2 & gen 3, and Polygon Xtrada 6 & 7. The Grand Canyon 7 seems to trump all, on paper, at first glance. Any feedback on that would be much appreciated!
Looks like a sweet bike. On sale now for 850. I have a question about the sizing. Did you find it to be appropriate sizing or a bit small? I usually ride a Giant Trance size large, but the polygon seems quite a bit smaller. Great content!
Looking at bikeinsights, the Xtrada 7 seems to be a bit smaller compared to its' Trance 2 counterpart. So XL Xtrada = L Trance
could have asked for a discount code for your glowing review mate
I probably should have haha. I'll check and see if I can acquire one for the future.
great review, I am also gonna purchase xtrada7. was confused with marlin vs Xtrada.
I also recently moved to Bentonville, looking for a group to join and enjoy riding trails. Hope we can meet on a trail someday
I think the Xtrada offers quite a bit more over the Marlin. You've chosen wisely! Congrats on moving here as well. Hope to see you on the trails!
I have a salsa timberjack 2018, can be this an upgrade? Strong points to buy this?
Great review... I am thinking hard about this one for my 2 daughters...When are you going to make the upgrades.
Thanks! I'm sure your daughters would love this bike. Video about the upgrades comes out this Friday!
@@CobraKyle Yeah.. I would be most interested in wheels ands tires.... I think I am going to just throw on some Racing Ralph TLE's and get rid of those WTC clunkers. They need all the help they can get
@@groovymoon I've never actually used Schwallbe's, but I'd love to give them a try. My favorite light weight tire combo is the Kenda Regolith in front and Kenda Booster out back. Kenda's are fairly affordable too, so that may be my main reason lol. In the video coming out tomorrow, I'm using Bontrager XR4 Tires on the bike now. Another pretty solid tire.
i used a 10inch metal file to sand the first bottle cage mount inside the seat tube, so that i can slam the dropper post more, i also got the PNW rainer gen 3 if any of this helps
Good to know! I got the same dropper, but I'm pretty tall, so didn't run into any issues with it contacting the bottle boss luckily.
Hi from Brazil! Dude let me ask you something... Is this bike good for cross country ?
Ha ha, 'have an old XCR on my hardtail, and it's quite capable and I have done most everything on the warning sticker it says not to do 🤣 (and mine is a coil!)
Good to know! The San Quentin I reviewed had the coil version of the XCR and I was pretty impressed by that fork!
Dropper post upgrade and review please!
I did add one right after filming this video. It's a wonderful addition to this bike. Strongly recommend adding one! I went with the PNW Rainier Gen 3 in a 125mm travel.
Yo, I'm looking for a bike that is decent all around for like a 1 hour bike on gravel and then like a 10 minute ride commute to a coffee shop. Nothing crazy. Will this be ok for all of that??
I bought a xtrada 7 and noticed a notch in the frame under the back axle on the brake side. Is that suppose to be there?
This or the pinnacle kapur 3? I'm thinking about the pinnacle because of the rockshox fork but I need help same price well.. pinnacle is from 900 to 600 and xtrada was 900 to 599
Does the xtrada 7 have the routings for an internal dropper? Great video, i look forward to more. I have been debating getting one of these bikes as it would suite my ride style and by a huge step up from my current bike.
Yes
It does have internal routing. I actually just installed one a couple days ago. Makes the bike far more enjoyable! I'm really diggin this bike!
Just purchased so thanks for your review! What size lizard skin fits the Xtrada 7?
That's exciting! I bought that lizard skin so long ago, but I believe it was either a large or extra large.
You should add a headset that slackins the ht angle!
I quite like the steeper head angle!
Should I get the xtrada 7 or the marlin 7
Hey Kyle, I know your time with the Growler 40 was cut short due to a crank falling off. I know the Growler has a dropper and boost front wheel but, if you can, how would you compare these two bikes?
Also forgot to ask, what size lizard skin chainstay guard fits this bike? Small, medium or large?
I really loved the Growler! It's intent is a bit more downhill focused, but it wasn't a chore to pedal that bike around like the more aggressive hardtails (El Roy, Honzo ESD, etc...). The Xtrada is still going to be a slightly quicker bike when pedaling and weigh a bit less, but if you want to ride a bit harder, then the Growler is an excellent choice! I also bought that Lizard Skin wrap many many years ago at a shop that was going out of business. I think it was like a buck so I just bought it. I'm pretty sure it's a large, but not 100% sure.
how tall are you that you went with an xl? im 6'1 and sort of between a L or xl. Also, nice shirt!
I'm 6' tall with a 32" inseam. The reach number looked better to me on the XL, and it fits me quite nicely! At 6'1, you'll feel less cramped on an XL in my opinion.
It is ok to use 100mm travel fork?
Is this available in anything other than the girlish white on neon purple? It looks like more aimed at very young women. Why can't they offer even ONE more color option?
Hi Cobra Kyle, you chose the XL size. Just wondering what your specs are (height), I’m 6’? Just wondering what pros/cons would be to sizing up? Also, I’m a Clydesdale at 250lbs. Wonder what your thoughts are durability wise between the Xtrada 7 and some of the other hard tails in this price range? Seems like the Xtrada beats them all as an all arounder, but the Canyon Stoic 2, RM Growler, and Vitus Sentier VR are more aggressive. Just trying to make the best decision based on my specs. Thanks
Hello! I'm 6' tall as well with a 32" inseam. The Xtrada geo is a bit shorter than similar bikes in the reach figure. I almost always ride a size large because I like a reach between 470-480mm. The XL Xtrada has a reach of 470mm so went with that size. I'm not certain about any weight limits on this bike, but if you plan on riding somewhat aggressively, then I think the Stoic or Growler may be better suited for that. My friend rode the growler when I had it last year, and he was in the 250 pound range, and I know he really enjoyed it. I haven't ridden the stoic, but the frame looks pretty burly! Xtrada is a bit more XC focused, so if you want an efficient pedaling bike and don't plan to ride it super hard, I think it will hold up. Wanna hit drops/jumps? I'd go with one of the others you mentioned. Hope this helps!
Greatly appreciated!
What’s a good headset upgrade for this bike?
I just ordered the Wolf Tooth Performance headset last night for it. I was disappointed when I took the fork off and found a ball bearing headset. FSA makes some nice headsets that are a bit more affordable than Wolf Tooth. The purple headset from Wolf Tooth just spoke to me!
Hey Kyle, are you experiencing your chain seeming to be sticking at the bottom of the ring as it leave the ring? I’m not sure these KMC chains are perfect for this drive train? Thinking about picking up a Shimano Deore M6100 12 speed chain and see if it works better. I feel with the extra friction and noise the KMC is making, I can see it wearing out the cassette and ring faster. Just curious to see if you’ve noticed anything.
I didn't have any issues shifting luckily, but in all my upgrades I noticed it was a KMC chain. I've always heard shimano drivetrains play nice with shimano chains, so I went ahead and bought a deore chain while I had the bike apart. Some may argue that it won't wear your parts faster to use a different chain, but I decided to play it safe since it's a relatively cheap component.
@@CobraKyle yeah, mine is shifting fine. I just feel it has a little more friction and noise than it should. Think I’ll pick up a Deore chain too.
@@colbyntx8578 Just did my first ride with the Shimano chain, and it certainly shifted smoother!
@@CobraKyle thanks, that confirms my suspicions. It just felt too sloppy coming off the ring and through some of the gears. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad but something felt a little off. That drivetrain should be smoother . I’ll try and pick up a Shamino chain tomorrow in Tyler when we go hit Lindsay Park! We did a short 11 mile ride last Sunday around Lady Bird lake in Austin. I could really hear and feel what was going on in those smooth Austin hills. Just finished installing a KS 120mm dropper. Seems pretty nice for the money.
@@CobraKyle well, got in my Deore chain and went to install it yesterday evening. On closer inspection of the cassette all the way around, the 8th cog from the smallest was bent nearly a 1/4” on one spot. That could be why I’ve had some rough shifting in the middle gears! Crazy because the bike has not been wrecked once and I have only ridden county roads and lite trail. I’m 50 years old. My days of sending it are long past. I just ride for fun and exercise these days. Things don’t heal like thy use to! I have reached out to bikesonline as of yesterday. Hopefully they will get back with me today. I know shifting on heavy load can do this but that hasn’t been done and I’m the only one who has ridden this bike. I’ll save the Shamino chain until I get the cassette issue fixed.
Hey, you said that you went for the XL size. Can you say how tall you are? I'm looking into it as well and I'm right between L and XL for my 1,86m. I'm usually sizing down on my other bikes, but this one looks really short in L just from the numbers.
Hello! I'm 6' tall with a 32" inseam. I based the XL size for me off the reach numbers. The Xtrada is sized a bit smaller than some other bikes as I almost always ride a large, and the XL Xtrada feels quite nice to me.
@@CobraKyle thanks for the reply. Probably going in the XL direction then, too. Was bit hesitant because the long seat tube makes fitting a dropper harder, but since this is supposed to be kind of my gravel bike for longer tours through the woods maybe a nice carbon seat post would even be a better upgrade here.
Do you think this is the bike to go as an absolute beginner in a terrain like NJ?
I think this is a solid choice for a new rider. I've never ridden in your region, so can't really comment on how it would be specifically there, but this bike has nice geometry and decent parts to learn the sport.
@@CobraKyle awesome thanks man
Is the front and rear hub thru axle or quick release
On the Xtrada 7 you get front and rear thru axles. The front is a non boost axle however, so it's a 15x100. The two lower Xtrada models (5 and 6) have quick release.
Who's the guy with the crowbar ?
Just one of those goons from SR Suntour! lol
Wait where does this bike rank on the cobra score card and compared to other bikes?
The Cobra Score is for long term reviews you silly goose! You CRAVE the Cobra Score and I love it!
It went together easily in less than an hour. czcams.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.
Ain't the xtrada a trail bike? Like I believe it as a comfortable trail bike and not at all an XC bike
It's listed as an XC bike on Polygon's website. I'd say it's in this new breed of XC bikes that would have been called trail bikes 3-5 years ago. Whatever we wanna call it...it's just a rad bike!
The only compromise is the color scheme.
haha yeah it's certainly an acquired taste.
I like your content, but you should consider changing your forced speaking cadence and phrasing. It is a bit dated like guys that used to tech reviews. Just be yourself, you actually have some good bits of humor.
Agreed
cant find this Bike online or anywhere. can someone help me Buy one 🥲
Great entry level bike. Awful color lol and the 27.2 seat post diameter well it would be nicer 30.9 for dropper options