Polygon Bikes might not be a household name, but the Indonesian brand produces a million bikes a year and is seeking to build its name as a consumer brand. It's taking a new angle with a selection of new bikes and a no hassle direct-to-consumer business model as well as a growing retailer network in the United States.
The Polygon name isn't new to some cyclists, as years ago the same name was a powerful force in brakes but that era eventually came to a halt. The current Polygon offers equal sides of gravel, cyclocross, road and mountain bikes, and at the Sea Otter Classic, we took a close-up look at its new gravel bike, the Bend RV.
The Polygon Bend RV gets a SRAM Rival 1x11 drivetrain and SRAM Rival hydraulic brakes this year. 2017 Sea Otter Classic. © G. Kato / Cyclocross Magazine
Updated from last year, the Bend RV gets a SRAM Rival 1x11 drivetrain and SRAM Rival hydraulic disc brakes. The frame is made from Polygon's ALX 6061 triple-butted aluminum that seeks to be strong and durable, yet comfortable at the same time.
The Bend RV has a taller, tapered head tube for a more upright riding position and the internal cable routing options are a nice touch. There is also plenty of tire clearance (up to a 40c), with Polygon spec'ing a 38c Schwalbe G-One tire this year. The chainstays have a narrow shaped section designed as a flex zone to reduce bone-jarring hits.
The Bend RV has plenty of tire clearance, shown here with a 38c Schwalbe G-One tire. 2017 Sea Otter Classic. © G. Kato / Cyclocross Magazine
The geometry is decidedly more comfort oriented for extended gravel riding than the racier position of the brand's cyclocross-specific models, with long 43.5cm chainstays, but a relatively high (for gravel) bottom bracket drop at 6.5cm.
The Bend RV features a carbon fork with flat mount brakes, fender mounts and thru-axle compatibility. The SRAM Rival 1x11 drivetrain keeps shifting simple, reliable and light.
Available sizes are small (49), medium (52), large (56) and extra large (59cm). The new Polygon Bend RV will be available approximately mid-May and it has a suggested retail of $1,699.
The chainstays have a narrow profile to help add compliance to the rear end. 2017 Sea Otter Classic. © G. Kato / Cyclocross Magazine
The brand is making a big push in the States, putting together a promo video to launch its Bend RV gravel bike.
The company also offers a Bend RIV touring model that also features an alloy frame with similar geometry, a different fork, stout chainstays without the tapers for flex, and plenty of carrying capacity.
There's also a Bend CX carbon cyclocross model available in the online store in the form of a Di2 Ultegra complete bike and as a frameset.
See the full photo gallery below the spec list, and stay tuned as we await a review bike.
See our ever-growing stream of new cyclocross and gravel-oriented bikes, wheels, tires, components and cycling gear from 2017 Sea Otter here.
Polygon Bend RV Specs:
MSRP: $1,699 complete
Frame: ALX 6061 triple-butted aluminum, flat mount brakes,
Fork: Carbon, 12 mm TA
Headset: FSA Orbit C40
Drivetrain: SRAM Rival, 1x11
Rear Derailleur: SRAM Rival, 11-speed
Front Derailleur: n/a
Shifters: SRAM Rival, 11-speed
Brakes: SRAM Rival Hydraulic
Rotors: SRAM Rival
Crankset: SRAM Rival 38t
Cassette: SRAM Powerglide 1130 11/42t
Chain: KMC X-11
Bottom Bracket: SRAM GXP
Handlebar: Entity Xpert dropbar w/flare
Stem: Entity Xpert
Seatpost: Entity Xpert 27.2, 15mm offset
Saddle: Entity Flux
Wheelset: Entity XL2 disc
Tires: Schwalbe G-One, 700x38c
Warranty: 5 years for registered original owners on frame and fork
Extras: alloy pedals
More info: polygonbikes.com
