With 170 mm of travel at both ends, the Collosus N9 slots squarely into the enduro category. A Fox 38 Performance Series fork handles the front end, while a Float X2 Performance Elite shock controls the rear. Out of the box the suspension felt supple and progressive; following the Fox tuning guide, I set the rear sag at around 27% and the bike tracked smoothly through rough rock gardens. On steep descents the 63.5° head angle provides stability, while the steep 77° seat angle keeps your weight centred for long climbs. Reach figures are generous (up to 500 mm on the XL), and the low seat tubes mean you can run long-travel dropper posts. Because the IFS layout keeps the chainstays short, the bike corners with surprising agility. I found it easy to lean the bike into berms and pop off trail features without feeling like I was wrestling a bus. The downside of the complex linkage is maintenance – there are many pivots and bearings – but for riders focused on performance the benefits outweigh the extra wrench time. 

Polygon chose a smart blend of components for the N9. Shifting duties are handled by a Shimano XT shifter and derailleur paired with a Deore 10–51 T cassette. This combination offers crisp, short throws and a wide gear range without the cost of a full XT cassette – a nice touch considering cassettes are wear items. During my rides I found myself shifting more than necessary just because the tactile feel was so satisfying. Braking comes courtesy of SRAM Code R four-piston calipers clamping 200 mm rotors front and rear. They use DOT fluid and metallic pads, delivering powerful stopping with good modulation; the downside is slightly messier maintenance compared with mineral-oil systems.

The bike rolls on Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres with the super-gravity casing and soft Addix rubber in a 2.6 inch width. These tyres have incredible grip and made me feel like I could lean the bike as far as I dared; the trade-off is a bit of extra drag on climbs. Wheels are Entity XL3 alloy rims laced to Shimano XT hubs. The hubs engage quickly and have a distinctive buzz, and the rims are tubeless-ready out of the box. A generous TranzX dropper post, Race Face Aeffect bar and stem, and an Entity Xtend saddle round out the build. All in all the parts feel race-ready without driving up the price.

On the trail the Collosus N9 rides like an enduro bike should: it begs to be pushed harder. The combination of long travel, supportive suspension and aggressive geometry makes you feel invincible on descents. Climbing is surprisingly efficient thanks to the steep seat angle and supportive suspension, but there’s no denying the bike is on the heavier side at around 17.9 kg. For shuttle runs, bike park laps or rowdy trail days, the weight fades into the background once you’re bombing downhill. 

Polygon paid attention to the details. The frame includes a downtube guard, shuttle pad and chainstay protector to shield it from rocks and tailgate pads. Cables run internally and are clamped at the head tube to eliminate rattle. There’s a lower bash guard and a chainguide fitted as standard, so you don’t need to purchase extras before racing. The hydroformed alloy tubes provide plenty of stiffness, and the prismatic overcoat adds a subtle sparkle that pops in the sun. In my eyes it’s proof you don’t need carbon to make a bike look premium. 

The Collosus N9 is aimed squarely at riders who love big terrain and enduro-style racing. If you spend your weekends shuttling downhill trails, visiting bike parks or lining up for enduro races, this bike has the suspension, geometry and components to handle it. The short

chainstays and 29 inch wheels make it playful enough for trail rides, but its weight and aggressive tyres mean it’s not the fastest option for mellow cross-country loops. Riders who value durability over bragging rights will appreciate the alloy frame and mixed Shimano/SRAM build. If you’re debating between the N9 and the more affordable N7, know that the N9 offers more travel, a more sophisticated suspension design and higher-end components. For trail riders, the Siskiu T8 might be more appropriate, but if you want to push your limits, the N9 will reward you.