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Next-Gen Polygon Siskiu T | The Trail Legend Evolved
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Time to read 7 min
Table of Content
Summary: Polygon’s next‑generation Siskiu T series refines a fan‑favourite trail bike rather than reinventing it. The familiar ALX‑Trail aluminium frame now accepts SRAM’s UDH hanger and hides its cables inside tidy brazed‑in ports. Subtle geometry tweaks (a slightly slacker head tube and steeper seat tube) improve stability on descents and climbing efficiency, and each bike rolls on lighter wheels with 2.4 in Maxxis Dissector tyres. Shimano returns as the exclusive drivetrain supplier: the T6 runs a 1×10 CUES drivetrain, the T7 uses a 1×12 Deore setupbikesonline.com.au and the T8 steps up to a 1×12 SLX drivetrain. Hydraulic disc brakes are standard, with the T6 using two‑piston MT200 callipers and the T7/T8 equipped with four‑piston BR‑MT420 stoppersbikesonline.com.au. All three models keep the playful, easy‑to‑ride character that made the Siskiu a favourite.
Siskiu T - Collection
What’s new in the next‑gen Polygon Siskiu T?
Smart frame tweaks
Polygon didn’t rip up the blueprints; it refined them. The next‑gen ALX Trail frame keeps its 135 mm rear travel but gains UDH compatibility and fully internal cable routing so there’s no more derailleur‑tugging housing. Geometry shifts by fractions of a degree — the head tube is slacker and the seat tube steeper — which improves descending confidence and climbing efficiency. Reach grows by about 5 mm across the size range, and the one‑piece pivot bridge stiffens the rear triangle. These updates make the bike feel more composed without sacrificing the poppy handling riders love.
Trail‑focused tyres and wheels
An all‑new wheelset drops over 200 g and features a reinforced nipple channel, offset spoke lacing and a hookless rim bead. The result is a stronger, more compliant wheel that stays true through hard hits. Polygon also swapped the old 2.6 in tyres for 2.4 in Maxxis Dissector rubber, which pairs with the lighter rims to make the bike feel quicker without sacrificing grip or comfort.
A unified Shimano spec
Supply‑chain woes forced Polygon to mix drivetrain brands in the past, but the new range standardises on Shimano. Every model uses a Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic brakes: the T6 gets a CUES 1×10 system with an 11–48 T cassette and MT200 two‑piston brakes; the T7 upgrades to a 1×12 Deore drivetrain and BR‑MT420 four‑piston brakesbikesonline.com.au; and the T8 moves up to SLX shifting with the same wide‑range 10–51 T cassette and BR‑MT420 stoppers. The consistent spec makes it easier to compare models and simplifies future upgrades.
Fresh paint and refined touch points
Colour blocking and textures are gone; in their place are metallic fades and clean graphics. Each model has its own finish, from deep charcoal on the T8 to candy red on the T7. All bikes include an internally routed X‑Fusion Manic dropper post with a low stack height and micro‑adjust clampbikesonline.com.au. Bar widths, stems and grips have been updated for better fit and control, and the modern finishes give the bikes a premium look.
Model highlights & key differences
While all three Polygon Siskiu T models share the same frame, travel and modern geometry, each targets a different rider. Here’s what sets them apart:
Polygon Siskiu T6: entry‑level build
Entry‑level build with a RockShox Recon Silver RL fork and X‑Fusion O2 Pro R shock. It runs a Shimano CUES 1×10 drivetrain with a wide‑range 11–48 T cassette and uses MT200 two‑piston brakes. The bike still gets the lighter wheelset, 2.4 in tyres and an X‑Fusion Manic dropper, making it a solid starting point for new riders.
Polygon Siskiu T7: the mid‑range option
the mid‑range option upgrades to a Shimano Deore 1×12 drivetrain with a 10–51 T MicroSpline cassette and BR‑MT420 four‑piston brakesbikesonline.com.au. Suspension comes from a RockShox Recon Silver RL fork and Deluxe Select+ shock with a DebonAir+ spring and adjustable compressionbikesonline.com.au. The improved drivetrain, brakes and more adjustable shock make the T7 better for intermediate riders.
Siskiu T8: the flagship model
the flagship model steps up to a Fox 34 Float Rhythm fork and Fox Float DPS rear shock, plus a Shimano SLX 1×12 drivetrain on Microspline hubs. Like the T7, it uses four‑piston BR‑MT420 brakes and shares the lighter wheels and dropper, but the Fox suspension and SLX drivetrain deliver the most capable ride for experienced riders.
Model breakdown
Siskiu T6 – budget trail ripper
If you’re entering the world of full‑suspension trail bikes, the T6 is a smart starting point. It uses the same ALX Trail frame as the pricier models and combines 140 mm of RockShox Recon Silver RL travel up front with 135 mm of rear travel delivered by an X‑Fusion O2 Pro R shock. The Shimano CUES 1×10 drivetrain offers a simple, reliable wide‑range 11–48 T cassette and a clutched derailleur to keep the chain secure over rough terrain. Two‑piston MT200 brakes provide consistent stopping power for trail rides, and the re‑engineered wheels paired with 2.4 in Maxxis Dissector tyres keep the bike lively. An X‑Fusion Manic dropper post makes it easy to get the saddle out of the way on descents. At around 15.9 kg for a medium size, it’s not featherlight, but it punches above its price in capability.
Who it’s for: riders on a tight budget who want a capable platform to grow with. The T6 is ideal for beginners and casual trail riders looking for a fun, upgradeable bike that can handle rough singletrack without breaking the bank. Its lower‑end drivetrain and brakes mean expert riders may outgrow it, but the frame will happily accept better suspension or drivetrains down the road.
Siskiu T7 – mid‑range all‑rounder
The T7 builds on the T6’s foundation with upgrades that make a real difference on the trail. Suspension is still 140/135 mm, but the RockShox Recon Silver RL fork is paired with a Deluxe Select+ shock featuring a DebonAir+ spring and adjustable rebound and compression settings for a more supportive, tuneable ridebikesonline.com.au. The drivetrain jumps to a Shimano Deore 1×12 setup with a wide‑range 10–51 T MicroSpline cassette and Hyperglide+ shifting for seamless changes even under loadbikesonline.com.au. Braking performance also improves thanks to BR‑MT420 four‑piston callipers, which provide stronger, more controlled stoppingbikesonline.com.au. Like its siblings, the T7 benefits from the lighter wheelset, Maxxis Dissector tyres and the internally routed X‑Fusion Manic dropperbikesonline.com.au. The complete package weighs about 15.4 kg (size M)bikesonline.com.au.
Who it’s for: intermediate riders who are riding a mix of flowy singletrack and technical descents, or newer riders who want to skip the early upgrade cycle. The T7 delivers modern geometry and components without the premium price tag of the T8. If you’re happy with RockShox suspension and want four‑piston brakes, the T7 is a solid all‑rounder.
Siskiu T8 – performance without the price tag
Sitting at the top of the line, the T8 pairs the same ALX Trail chassis with premium suspension and drivetrain bits. Up front is a Fox 34 Float Rhythm fork and out back a Fox Float DPS shock, both offering 140/135 mm of travel and plenty of adjustment. The drivetrain moves up to Shimano SLX 1×12, using a 10–51 T MicroSpline cassette and Hyperglide+ technology for smooth shifts. Stopping duties are handled by Shimano BR‑MT420 four‑piston brakes, the same callipers found on the T7 but paired with larger 180 mm rotors for extra bite. The lighter wheelset and Maxxis Dissector tyres remain, and an X‑Fusion Manic dropper is included. Thanks to the higher‑end kit, the T8 weighs about 14.9 kg (size M).
Who it’s for: riders who want premium trail performance without splurging on a boutique build. Whether you’re an experienced rider on a budget or upgrading from a hardtail, the T8 gives you the confidence to tackle bigger terrain and still fly up climbs. The Fox suspension and SLX drivetrain provide the most refined ride feel in the lineup. If your trails involve long, steep descents or you plan on hitting bike parks regularly, you may eventually upgrade the rotors, but the stock kit is more than capable for most riders.
Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?
The outgoing Siskiu T is still a capable bike, and if you’re happy with it there’s no need to rush out and upgrade. However, the new frame’s UDH compatibility, tidier cable routing and trail‑focused tyre spec make the bike feel sharper and more future‑proof. Riders who value these refinements or who need UDH for SRAM T‑Type drivetrains will appreciate the new model.
Which model should I choose?
Pick the T6 if you’re on a strict budget and want a solid platform you can grow with. Choose the T7 if you want a wider gear range and improved suspension without spending much more. Go for the T8 if you’re after performance straight out of the box; its Fox suspension and SLX drivetrain offer the best ride feel and longevity.
What wheel size should I run?
All models are available with size‑specific wheels: smaller frames come with 27.5 in wheels for easier handling, while medium and larger frames run 29 in wheels for added stability and rollover. Choose based on your height and trail preferences.
Does the T‑series come tubeless‑ready?
Yes. The rims and tyres on all three models are tubeless‑compatible, so you can ditch tubes for lower pressures and fewer punctures. You may need valves and sealant to complete the conversion.
Jared Morgan
BikesOnline....
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