[Stanceslao]

I am 5'5", 150lbs., Location - Arizona

I really have never owned a mountain bike till lately which I returned due to some issues (Giant Stance). I want an all around bike just to stay fit, go up the mountains and enjoy the views, and drive around my neighborhood. I don't plan on doing high speed downhill and jump stump stuff - I'm too old for that.

I have narrowed my search down to Polygon Siskiu T8 or a Giant Trance both in 27.5 tires.. Both cost $2,500 . Basing on the sizing charts, I am in between S and M sizes.

Specs wise, it seems to me the Siskiu has "better" components, though I'm not 100% sure.

So which one do I pick? Disregard availability because I'm not in a rush.

So which one is a better fit for me?

NB: When I had the Stance, I noticed my rear wheel turned and jump skipped when I'm climbing up. I don't know if that is just me not using the correct gear (just when you use the wrong gear on a manual vehicle) or the "geometry" of the bike ?

Please enlighten me, and help me pick one, and if there is a better bike for the money, I would appreciate it..

Thanks!

 

[cvbrewer]

The two bikes are similar and are well regarded. They have similar travel and the same frame shock. I think the Polygon has a better fork, drive train, and a more modern (slacker) geometry.
If your riding style is relaxed, the difference in head tube angle (slackness) may not matter. You may even prefer the less slack Trance.
You’ll have to decide if you value dealer support too, which Giant has.

 

[ocnLogan]

Can you elaborate a bit on what you meant when you said the other bikes rear wheel “turned and jump skipped”?

Im trying to understand, to see if it was bike or it’s setup, or maybe user error?

Generally speaking though, as it’s mentioned, the bikes are not “that” different.

How comfortable are you doing your own work on your bike? The polygon is a better value, but as it is mail order, and warranty issue could be a bit more complicated. Which may be something to consider.

 

[Stanceslao]

When I am ascending, I shift to the largest cog, and when pedaling, I can feel the rear wheel slipping, or spinning similar to when you are 4wheeling and you get stuck, wheel keeps spinning?

I used to take apart my bike and repainted the frame when I was a kid ( that was a loooong time ago ), and I do my own vehicle oil changes, so I am ok with doing my own repairs on a bike.

 

[Curveball]

Both of those bikes have great climbing traction.

 

[cvbrewer]

The Stance has an Ardent Race rear tire specified. That is neither a very grippy tire nor one that many people appreciate. That tire in the wrong conditions with bad or mediocre technique would very likely slip. In retrospect, you could probably have replaced it with a DHR or other grippier tire and had different results.

In any case, the Trance has a HR2 on the rear, which I think is very grippy. The Polygon doesn't seem to specify which tire, but whatever it is, it will probably offer more pedaling traction than an Ardent Race.

 

[eb1888]

Besides tire model, the air pressure you use will affect traction. Mt bike tires can be run at lower pressures offroad.
The RL 35 fork on the Trance has a poor performing compression damper you can't upgrade. Heavy at 2258g.
The Fox 34 on the Polygon starts off better and canbe upgraded.

 

[cvbrewer]

Yes and at that price point, the fork represents around 1/4 the total cost of the bike, so it is a big deal and not cheaply upgraded.

 

[Curveball]

FWIW, my cousin bought a Polygon T8 and loves it. It might be the best bike in its budget class. Check out the Pinkbike review.

 

[Stanceslao]

Thanks guys, I pre ordered the T8. Estimated to go out on Dec. 16 ... I hope it doesn't get pushed further.

 

[Curveball]

Thanks guys, I pre ordered the T8. Estimated to go out on Dec. 16 ... I hope it doesn't get pushed further.

Cool. It's a hell of a sweet bike.