From Prototype to Production: The Collosus N9 Has Arrived
Polygon's brand recognition has increased with their sponsorship of the Hutchinson UR downhill team, but the Indonesian company's bikes have been a rarity in North America, although that is slated to change in the next few weeks. With production of the new Collosus N9 underway, Polygon will be bringing their consumer-direct sales model to the US market, and bikes are slated to ship by the beginning of May.
The N9 is intended for all-mountain usage, featuring 27.5" wheels, a relatively slack 66.3° head angle, and short, 431mm chainstays. The full carbon frame is draped with high end components, including a SRAM XX1 drivetrain, e*thirteen's TRS race wheelset, Shimano XT brakes, and a RockShox Reverb dropper post. Suspension is handled by a Fox Float X CTD rear shock and a Float 34 Talas in the front with a handlebar mounted remote to control the CTD feature.
| Polygon Collosus N9 Details • Full carbon frame w/aluminum links • Intended use: all-mountain • FS3 dual-link suspension design • 160mm travel • 66.3° head angle, 431 mm chainstays • Sizes: S, M, L, XL • Weight: 30.29 lb (claimed) • Available late April / Early May 2014 • MSRP $5900 USD |
The N9 uses Polygon's FS3 suspension layout, a dual-link, floating shock design.FS3 SuspensionWe first spotted a
prototype of the N9 at the 2013 Taipei Cycle Show, and since that time there have been a few revisions and name changes, but the basic frame design has remained the same. The carbon fiber front and rear triangle are joined by two aluminum links to create what Polygon calls their FS3 suspension design. FS3 is a dual link design with the rear shock floating in between two aluminum links. As the rear end goes through its travel the shock is compressed from both ends. It's a similar design to the
prototype DH rig Mick Hannah was running at last year's World Championships, although the shock is oriented differently. The shape of the lower link combined with the seatstay design and shock position allows Polygon to run short, 431mm chainstays that should make for a quick handling bike.
The swoopy lines and sharp angles of the N9 make it look unlike any other bike currently on the market.Frame DetailsThe N9's brake, rear derailleur and dropper post lines are all internally routed through the rectangular portion of the frame where the top and down tube meet the tapered head tube. A 12x142mm rear thru axle, ISCG 05 tabs, and a PressFit bottom bracket round out the list of features that have become near-standard on modern all-mountain bikes. There is a spot for attaching a direct mount front derailleur, but we'd imagine the majority of riders will be more than happy running some type of 1x setup.
The N9's frame design is certainly eye catching, but does the design offer any benefits over a more traditional looking frame? We'll be putting the N9 through its paces to find out - stay tuned to see how this unique bike handles the rowdy trails of the Pacific Northwest.www.polygonbikes.us
The one thing I don't like is that 90's looking bulge where the top tube meets the seat post.
Other than that I like the innovative design and would love to feel how their FS3 rear floating shock handles.
Maybe they'll be at Sea Otter?
...just 'ekhm!!' better looking ;]
Screw looks, how well does it work? Those NUMBERS look appealing.
Doesn't matter. None of us will buy it, even if we could afford it. No 559 size option.
just curious about how it rides, it may not be a game changer, but if it rides "good" than it would be an interesting alternative considering the price tag..
It looks to be influenced by modern fighter aircraft.
In the flesh I bet it looks amazing.
I rember seein the Orbea Rallon Team on the web : Didn't like it
In the flesh, I had a minor drool issue.
Note: I love videos that show the suspension moving through its travel in slow motion. Really helps me to understand how it works.
also, that parallelogram in the main "triangle" looks like it would make for a very torsionally stiff frame. especially with the way the rear end aligns with it. looks like it would lay over and track really nice... that is if that floating shock thing is worth a hoot.
Polygon making an impact under their own brand name rather than building for big brand names means they have learned a lot about what works,
Would I buy one NO would I like to ride one YES
Myself, I wouldn't buy it, but would happily ride it if it was given to me.
Anyway, this design looks overcomplicated, seems really expensive to produce. We will see how this preforms...
Digging their DH rig tho!!!
Change the name, or better still for me, change the bike!
adjective
1. not balanced or not properly balanced.
2. lacking steadiness and soundness of judgment.
3. mentally disordered; deranged.
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HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?
Oh well, I'm actually kinda glad. ^_^