Bike Check: Mick Hannah's Mixed Wheel Size Polygon XquarOne DH

Apr 5, 2019 at 13:45
by Daniel Sapp  

photo
BIKE CHECK
Mick Hannah's
Polygon XquarOne DH
Photography by Andy Vathis


Mick Hannah has been a strong competitor on the World Cup circuit longer than many people have been riding bikes. He's been racing at the top level for over two decades, starting in BMX and then upping wheel sizes to the mountain bike.

For the 2019 season, 'Sik Mik' Hannah is once again on the Polygon UR team, along with his younger sister Tracey, rounding out a stout roster of riders.

With his experience, Mick has undoubtedly played a vital role in product development over the years for various brands, Polygon included. We recently caught up with Mick in Rotorua to check out his XquarOne DH bike and see how he had it set up. With the bike's NAILD R3ACT suspension, it's certainly one of the more interesting looking rides out right now. Mick was also running a 29" wheel up front and a 27.5" wheel out back. This is something we have heard a lot of talk about since the UCI's rule change this last year, and we're all curious to see how much we actually see it between the tape
This is UR World Episode Three Mick Hannah
Rider Name Mick Hannah // Polygon UR
Age: 35
Height:6'
Weight:176 lbs
Hometown: Swan Hill, Australia
Instagram: @sickmick83
on the clock this season. Mick says that it's the only set up he's experimented with, but likes the way it rides so he's sticking with it as is for now.

This is the second year that the team has been running this frame. Mick was on a size large last year but has switched over to the XL for at least the time being.

photo
Polygon XquarOne DH Details

Frame: Polygon XquarOne DH - Extra Large
Shock: Fast Suspension
Fork: SR Suntour RUX
Wheels: E*thirteen LG1
Tires: Kenda Hellcat 29" F, 27.5 R
Drivetrain: E*thirteen / Box
Brakes: Trickstuff Maxima
More info: Polygon Bikes

Mike Kazimer did an in-depth first ride on the XquarOne last season and explained the system well. Here's his quick, "how it works" if you don't feel like surfing back to the article: "The swingarm is attached to the front triangle by a short aluminum link, and the shock is driven by a yoke that wraps around the seat tube. That description would work for a number of dual-link designs, but there's one more element to this system – an aluminum stanchion tube that the swingarm slides over. No, it's not another shock, just like the two short rods on Yeti's Switch Infinity design aren't tiny shocks either. Instead, this layout allows for the bike to have a consistent amount of anti-squat (between 98 – 110%) throughout the entire gear range.

In theory, that means the bike should still pedal well even if you're at the bottom of the cassette and need to throw in a couple of extra pedal strokes to get speed for a jump, or putting down the power for a final sprint to the finish line. The NAILD design works best with a shock that has a very low amount of compression and rebound damping"

photo
photo
Trickstuff's Maxima brakes on board to deliver copious amounts of stopping power. Galfa pads and rotors, 203mm. Mick's handlebars are at 780mm. He'll occasionally run a narrower bar, especially for urban races.

photo
photo
Tire pressures are 26 in the front and 27 in the back. Tubeless with Kenda Hellcats and no inserts of any sort...simply air. There's a 29" wheel up front and a 27.5" out back. Snug clearance on the SR Suntour fork. E*thirteen wheelsets keep things spinning.

photo
photo
Custom shock set-up from Fast Suspension with a 550lb spring.

photo
75 psi in the fork. Riders are constantly trying out different set-ups and Mick says the track in Rotorua makes the front of the bike want to dive a lot with a lot of the holes in the faster steeper sections. He runs more damping and more volume spacers there to keep the bike from diving.

photo
photo
The eye-catching suspension design on the XquarOne delivers 220mm of travel. The R3ACT system provides a lot of pedaling efficiency and anti-squat even when you're deep into the gear range.


photo
photo
Box Components' 7-speed rear derailleur coupled with E*Thirteen cranks.

photo
An integrated fender helps to keep the muck off of the suspension.


MENTIONS: @sickmick83 / @Polygonbikes


Author Info:
danielsapp avatar

Member since Jan 18, 2007
476 articles
Must Read This Week
Thank You For Everything, Pinkbike
72696 views
How to Watch the 2024 Mountain Bike World Cup [Update: Staylive Offering Access in New Zealand, South Africa & More]
60252 views
First Ride: The 2024 Giant Trance X Advanced
50475 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
41180 views
Staff Ride: Matt Beer's NZ MTB Rally-Spec Ibis HD6
38613 views
First Ride: 2024 Yeti SB165 - Now With Mixed Wheels
37072 views
Tree Root Pierces Harriet Harnden's Foot at Round 1 of the British National Downhill Series
36228 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
35353 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

125 Comments
  • 82 12
 Man thats ugly, seat tubes to slack, head andgles to steep, no space for a water bottle blah blah blah. Oh yeah something about mullets and sh!t. I actually don't mind the look and would love to see/feel how it rides.
  • 5 2
 DOH, started replying before I was done reading... Smile

It is funny how the head angle seems steep. Should be slacker with the smaller rear wheel. Maybe it was "too slack" and they reversed angle set it?? (pry just the picture)
  • 5 14
flag indobiker (Apr 10, 2019 at 21:25) (Below Threshold)
 That's not ugly, but too good for you dude
  • 22 1
 I'm riding one this season. I will say that I've ridden almost every DH rig out there and most recently Pivot Phoenix carbon to YT Tues. This is the most active and lively suspension platform I've ridden. That big dildo looking thing in the back.. if you let out your shocks air out entirely is actually sucking the bikes suspension negatively. Hard to explain, but imagine a balance where the rear end is consistently adjusting itself in an active manner. The suspension acts in compression and the react system assists in pulling the shock back into the original position. Incredible bike.

m.pinkbike.com/photo/17074326

m.pinkbike.com/photo/17074328
  • 5 0
 For me I just see one of the nicest looking bike. Now with this mix of wheels is even getting better the lines people likes. Serious? compare it to the new V10...
  • 7 0
 it is amazing- like nothing I have ever ridden. It pedals better than anything ever
  • 3 10
flag kookseverywhere FL (Apr 11, 2019 at 9:34) (Below Threshold)
 If your gonna spend big money on a bike, why not get one that actually looks good? There's so many options out there get something that isn't an absolute engineering abomination ebike looking fck
  • 3 0
 @leviatanouroboro: did you change the fork? I have heard that sometimes polygon tends to break stock with certain components and they replace them with better ones, if not, how do you think this bike would work with a 29 fork? im worried on the geo change with a taller fork and wheel. how slack and tall would end.

I have mine on the way, and this is the first time heard of someone with this bike.

Greetings!
  • 4 0
 @leviatanouroboro: yeah boi
  • 1 0
 @mae-fr: Hey man, I wanted this color way and while they ship it with the Boxxer I didn't mind swapping the fork I had laying around to match the rear shock. If you're hoping for a fox 40 to show up I doubt it'll happen, but would be awesome if it did!

The bike is inherently low already and I think that seat tube really exaggerates the angles for the rest of the bike. A 29" fork should work ok, but I get on with 27.5 wheels just fine.

I know it's a weird looking bike, but after sprinting on it and taking some rock sections on I was really impressed to experience the stiff, bottomless, active suspension. Cool that more of these bikes will be out in the wild.

Cheers and don't listen to the haters!
  • 1 0
 @dobermon: dump off a chairlift?
Does dump mean shit?
Shit off a chairlift?
  • 1 0
 @dobermon: I dont think its a phrase we use over here? I wasn"t sure if you meant dump shit or self from chairlift.
  • 56 2
 I just like that it’s not running Shimano, sram, Fox, Rockshox. Crap, those are what i run, but variety is the spice of life!
  • 7 0
 I'm a believer in the Box Component drivetrain so far and run their Box Two 50 tooth 1-11 drivetrain and loving it. Same range as a 1-12 and lighter. Also did my time drinking the cool-aid with the bunch and Sram disappointed me the most. Brakes (sucks)!!!! Locked up twice and had warranty replacements and sold them. Never again! Imagine hot day going down hill locking up then pushing a trailer back. Not fun.

Love the Box Components slogan, "Be Different" very much puts it right in perspective.
  • 2 0
 @damigguds: the one benefit of sram brakes: improved grip strength after extended use.
  • 1 0
 @cuban-b: I'm sure that's probably true but for experience and safety I'll pass. 1st mishap "okay no problem" but for the 2nd time that's a "safety issue" in my opinion. If you can get pass the mushy brake feel of a sram to get to the grip strength after extended use that's subjective.
  • 41 3
 same old situation..the bike will get picked apart untill Mick starts placing...then the bike will be hailed. personally I think it looks like a bad-ass DH tool. its not a beauty contest, its racing.
  • 2 0
 100% agree.
  • 25 1
 I think the DH specific bike looks fine. Gotta admit even the trail bikes are starting to look bearable to me. Maybe they are growing on me?

(OR maybe it's like when your brain is exposed to a traumatic event and there is a natural coping mechanism that lets you live with tragedy...)
  • 9 1
 Nah I’ve always liked the look of the DH. Very moto styled, looks like it would rip a sandy berm to pieces.
  • 9 3
 The looks aren't as bad anymore, either we all have PTSD or it just grew on us. What hasn't grown on me is the even uglier naming and marketing BS:

Naild
R3acT2Play
XquareOne

Its like their target audience are 15 year olds or something.
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez: **All bars include a complete decal sheet to color match our existing wheel decal colors** Matching decals--that's adulthood. Adolf Silva can't be much older than fifteen and he's already riding a mixed-wheel eenduro bike...how they decided on 'Decoy' is beyond me. It's something scary in the woods looking for a socket, which Vinnie Jones calls a prick. At least it's devoid of jargon, even if its name is a decoy.
  • 3 1
 @hamncheez: upvote this to high heaven the names sound so gimmicky
  • 17 2
 The more black these frames are the better they look - they should make these frames as stealthy as possible. It would also look more appealing if that fender wasn't so large (but I'm guessing they tested for the ideal size).

Finally, calling it XquarOne DH with NAILD R3ACT suspension is hurting the reputation of these bikes. Come up with more normal names for your weird frames.
  • 11 1
 Like 'Super Deluxe Ultimate' ? Wink
  • 17 1
 The frame grew on me... and having Sick Mik and Tracy piloting it makes it even better.
  • 11 0
 Let’s put the bike aside and talk about the man. Mick is so great to talk to! If you get to talk about bikes and racing to him, he’s great to listen to. With his long time as a racer he accumulated so much experience and is always willing to learn more. And afterwards you talked to him, you’re feeling better than before, besides that you just learned a lot about bikes and racing. He makes you feel valued. It’s my favorite thing about him.
  • 13 4
 So the industry is killing off 27.5 and now in 2019 downhill bikes are only just being mass released as 29ers, but now are we expecting to told 27/29 will be the next fad 2020?
  • 16 3
 Yes.
  • 9 4
 + electric motors is what the industry/media seem to be pushing hard this year to become mainstream...2020 mtb will look like MX bikes: big fr/small rr wheel combo, 2.6" tires with massive knobs, a motor, ...and don't forget your full face trail helmet!
  • 15 3
 @mtnrush666: In all fairness full face helmets on a trail bike aren't such a bad idea. Just yesterday I watched a kid nose case a jump on a trail ride and went face into the dirt. A chin bar could have potentially saved him a trip to the hospital, or at least required a few less stitches.
  • 5 0
 @pacificnorthwet: Same here. Tore up my face and didn't feel like bringing my chin bar. It's worthwhile IMHO
  • 2 0
 @jazzawil It's not a fad, its faster. I can't believe that Neko didn't really come to that conclusion testing it over the winter, but more riders will over time. Where it really shines is in the corners, the bike just pivots around the lower and smaller rear wheel so much faster. 29" on both wheels makes sense for tall guys but for everybody else I think this is the future of DH and Enduro bikes.
  • 6 0
 Such a truly nice guy and a racer idol to look up to!

Nice to see the team giving Box a chance to proof in the World Cup and always nice to see these Trickstuff Brakes on more and more World Cup bikes!

Hybrid build or MX (whatever you want to call it) is perfect for steep downhill tracks! My wife runs their Canyon with 29 front and 27,5+ rear and this Thing flies down the hill!
  • 2 0
 I think Gwin is running the Box DH drivetrain, if I'm not mistaken.
  • 1 0
 @Rubberelli: I think not. I belive he's riding a prototype TRP drivetrain.
  • 1 0
 @etga6657: You could be right. When I checked on this article, it was updated from Gwin. Does appear that he used the Box derailleur though not the shifter?
m.pinkbike.com/news/aaron-gwin-box-shifter-and-derailleur.html
  • 10 0
 Good to see him trying the Micksed wheel size
  • 11 3
 It’s like all the B brands had a gang bang and got a 2001 Orange pregnant with the bastard
  • 9 1
 Looks like a SciFi bike. Pretty awesome in that gloss black.
  • 6 1
 3 or 4 years ago I spent a season on DH bike that was made as a 27.5 / 26. And it was the best ride so far for me. So call it trend, love it or hate it, I'm looking forward to get another DH with 29 / 27,5 wheels this time.
  • 2 0
 My next bike will be this combo as well. It can only help the DH bikes - with a burlier wider rim and tire in the rear and a 29 up front a bit less stout - the bike will have a much less chance of conventional flatting and rim smashing. Looks bad ass moto too!
  • 8 1
 Galfa pads and rotors? Do you mean Galfer?
  • 5 0
 Remember Seeing Mick run 26 front and 24 inch rear (then 24 f&r) around 20 years ago. History repeating
  • 1 0
 Im on my way to have this bike, and I have been wondering alot about the geometry changes, how higher would the bbh be if the 29 fork is 2cm larger than the 27.5 plus the height of the 29 wheel, how much head angle would it gain
  • 1 0
 Love the Box Components drivetrain. No more with the cool-aid drinking with name brands. "Be Different" is their slogan which pretty much speak for themselves with a lift-time warranty. Can't beat that!
  • 3 0
 Shortly after they presented a pic of a black hole a bike with a millenium look is appearing...
Coincidence?
  • 4 0
 why the f*ck is he living in Swan Hill??
  • 1 0
 Haha, was going to ask the exact same question! it's not exactly an MTB hub or close to any real altitude, weird.
  • 2 1
 The frame design is growing on me. Still looks very futuristic! Why couldn’t Polygon design the swing arm differently? The NAILD R3ACT suspension design is very cool but that swing arm needs cleaner lines
  • 1 0
 Hopefully the suspension is worked out here. Saw lots of "getting bucked" last year from Tracy and if I rmeber right s few big crashes as well. Let's see what happens imcomming up. Ps it's ugly af
  • 4 1
 The brakes look sweet. I don't know if I could afford them but I can look.
  • 5 2
 If darth Vader had a bike....
  • 11 2
 ... he'd be on an Unno
  • 9 1
 This is more the Spaceballs version
  • 2 1
 @Spark24: Don't be ridiculous! As a Sith Lord, Vader would obviously be on the Darkside!
  • 2 0
 It's a tight fit for a 27.5 wheel on a 27.5 Suntour Rux, so they must have made some custom lowers for him?
  • 1 0
 Was wondering too.
  • 3 1
 I guess tire manufacturers are going to have to bring back their 26s so people can mulletize their 27.5 bikes
  • 2 0
 Just go the other way, 29 front and done.
  • 2 0
 Interesting...lots of unusual parts ...would love to give it a try.
  • 1 0
 The mullett busness upfront ...party with strippers in bak...been running it for a couple years now works great..????
  • 1 0
 I actually wanna see a 200mm linkage fork by trust. Whoever I see getting, testing and giving a little time to adapt, don't want to come back to "normal"forks. also, why not a 170mm already?
  • 2 1
 The bike is abolutely perfect! Also, no SRAM components! Can we get an amen!
  • 1 0
 Back in the day, any bike with Kenda tires and an SR Suntour fork would have been rubbish by default!
  • 1 1
 been doing mix match wheel sizes for years --- why hasn't the industry followed motocross tech where they know what they're doing.



MAN -- that's a Marin knock off or what?
  • 1 0
 Kind of looks designed by a 12 year old boy. Or just someone trying too hard for something "different".
  • 3 4
 UCI's sanctioning mixed wheel size is a good starting move to find a common grounds between bikes and ebikes. Checkmate alert.
  • 4 3
 Throw a linkage fork on this baby. Trust me it needs one.
  • 3 1
 I WANT
  • 1 0
 the angles still look weird but function over form i guess
  • 2 0
 I'd Ride it
  • 3 2
 Quick quick, kill it before it lays eggs.
  • 1 0
 Anyone remember the Trek 69er?....
  • 1 0
 "...and no inserts of any sort...simply air." *Clap! Clap! Clap!*
  • 2 0
 looks like a honda
  • 1 0
 Swore that was an e-bike at quick glance!
  • 2 2
 Basically looks like an EBike without the motor
  • 3 0
 Sounds good
  • 1 1
 I'm sorry, but it's fugly as hell !
  • 6 7
 I don’t think I’ll ever come round to liking how these bikes look. Too much going on.
  • 2 5
 I'm with you.
  • 2 5
 Agreed
  • 1 0
 So it begins....29,27.5
  • 3 0
 Cannondale had 24X26 bikes for the 1986 year. Suntour PowerCam brakes made it possible. Friggin' mountain goat, it was so nimble.
  • 5 0
 @Geochemistry: So did Specialized I Had one murdered out Big Hit 26x 24 rear was a good bike for those days low to the floor rippin berms
  • 3 0
 @gooseman310: They absolutely did! About 20 years after Cannondale, but a good formula worth revisiting.
  • 1 2
 It looks so ugly you better be riding one than chasing one I would definitely give her a try
  • 1 1
 There must be a way to make this suspension setup look better ..
  • 1 0
 A modern day BigHit?
  • 1 0
 Love it.
  • 1 4
 It can look normal if the designers were given the instruction to do so at the first place. Maybe they need a controversial standout bike.
  • 3 4
 As it's definitely the ugliest bike in the world cup
  • 3 0
 And when Sikmik starts making very good places with it, everyone will start to find some strange charm in it....
  • 1 1
 What a fuckin eye sore
  • 2 3
 Are those bars straight?
  • 10 13
 Now all it needs are Spengle rims and a lefty for it to become the worlds ugliest bike.
  • 53 1
 and you to ride it.
  • 10 2
 Are you TRUSTing your decision on the fork being a Lefty?
  • 2 0
 @dubod22: lol
  • 1 0
 only one song of course - we'd defo baggsy that rear!
  • 1 2
 Looks like a Marin.
  • 1 3
 Must be racing ebike category!
  • 1 4
 That "floating" BB seems to me some kind of... fragile.
  • 1 0
 Ask ANDREW 'NEEDLES' NEETHLING what he thought about running a Floating BB in the WC oohh mine still alive and pouncing on the rock gardens lol
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.535726
Mobile Version of Website