What makes a bike ride good?Is it the frame materials? The geometry? The fit? The tires? The components? Whether or not the rider has had a satisfactory bowel movement?The answer to each one of these questions is probably Yes, though to what extent each one contributes to the ride is difficult to quantify, which is particularly frustrating in the case of this bike:Basically, the bike rides the way a marketing department would tell you a bike made from titanium and crabon is supposed to ridelets call it smooth and springybut as a curmudgeon whos inherently skeptical of marketing Im not comfortable attributing this to the frame material. Like, maybe its also the seatpost, or even those wheels, which do seem to deflect laterally when you push them with your thumb, or simply the fact that the bike is extremely lightprobably the lightest bike Ive ever had, except possibly for that plastic Specialized I was riding during my comeback:Really, the only way to tell how much the frame materials contribute to the ride quality would be to get, say, a steel LeMond frame in exactly the same size, build it up with exactly the same parts, and ride them one after the other:Actually thats not a bad ideaBut pending that, the simplest thing to do would be to change the wheels and see what kind of difference that makes. Of course the easy thing would be to just grab a pair of wheels I already have, but I was persuing the List of Craig yesterday when I came across these babies:I never actually owned a pair of Spinergy Rev-X wheels, but I did have a rear on long-term loan from the shop when they had to send my Cosmic back to the diminutive Frenchmen at Mavic:Now, granted, this has to have been well over 20 years ago now, but my recollection is that the Spinergy noticeably detracted from the ride quality of the bike, despite the fact that I thought having a Rev-X in the rear and a Cosmic in the front looked totally badass. And if one Spinergy could make a bike ride appreciably worse, then logically two of them could make a bike ride, uh, twice as worse. So it seemed to me that putting a pair on the Tete de Course and seeing if the titanium and crabon could overcome their awfulness would be a good test, whilst simultaneously allowing us all to laugh at their dated hideousness.The only problem was that there was no way I was paying $200 for a pair of Spinergy Rev-X wheels in 2024. However, in the age of tubeless wide tires and disc brakes, I figured nobody else was either. Furthermore, according to the post, the seller had given up riding and these things were now just sitting in his garage, so I suspected maybe hed be willing to entertain offers below his asking price. So, politely, I proffered what we in the industry call a lowball:To which he immediately replied:Hey, I get it. Ive sold things on Craigslist too. When you list a bike for a reasonable price and you get an email from someone offering $19 and a MetroCard with half a subway fare on it you get annoyed. Nevertheless, a hundred bucks is a hundred bucks, and its amusing to think that this person who doesnt even ride anymore is blithely turning down offers of cold hard cash because he thinks hes sitting on a gold mine and not a pair of meat slicers that are so deeply and profoundly obsolete that even the fixie kids middle-agers arent riding them anymore:Then again, clearly hes not the only one:Now thats crazy. It doesnt even come with the original pie plate!Though I do think it has the little adhesive stiffeners Spinergy was pushing for awhile:Those things were hilarious, they were like Breathe Right strips for your wheel.Anyway, to be honest Im glad he refused my offer, because even spending $100 for those things seems wrong, even if they were once ridden by Mario Cipollini himself:In 2016, Fran Ventoso claimed he was sliced open by a disc brake rotor, but long before that there was the story of how a Spinergy Rev-X almost sliced off Michele Bartolis kneecap:Eventually the UCI banned the Rev-X, and designer Raphael Schlanger went on to create an even uglier wheel, the Topolino:Without taking the time to actually verify any of this this, my recollection is that the Topolino featured Kevlar or Kevlar-like spokes that threaded all the way through the hub and across the wheel, so the axle was effectively suspended in a net, but I may be getting that wrong.Schlanger still designs furniture and lighting under the Topolino name:Though its a goddamn shame he doesnt offer a table made out of a Spinergy Rev-X.Speaking of design, in a fit of Spinergy and Cipollini-induced nostalgia, I decided to curate a little tribute to All Hail The Black Market:And heres how it came out:I then stuck it on the Faggin:You know what this bike could really use? A pair of Spinergys:Now that would be totally badass.

Ready to dip your toe into gravel riding? The Polygon Tambora is a good entry-level gravel bike that will get you out on the open dirt roads without demanding a steep investment.A lot of the folks I talk to who are interested in a gravel bike already have a road bike or mountain bike, but are looking to add another discipline to their stable. The Tambora facilitates this expansion, offering an attractive price point without significant compromises in performance compared to its pricier counterparts.This accessibility and versatility are why weve included the Tambora in our list of the best gravel bikes for women.Review In A NutshellPros:AffordableCarbon frameSolid component buildBeautiful design/paintLots of mounting pointsAdjustable geometrygravel to roadCons:May be over geared for mountain ridingMatte paint scuffed easilyPrice: $1,699 List (Tambora G5)Buy at BikesOnline.comFast Rolling On Or Off RoadIve been riding the Polygon Tambora as my bike of choice this spring. Its just that fun!Unless Im headed out on a true mountain bike ride, the Tambora can sort of do it all. It adds a little adventure and spontaneity to my rides.Rather than grabbing my road bike, Ive been tending toward the Tambora. It can manage all the spring debris and potholes on the road better than a true road bike, and allows me to shortcut on the random dirt path. For true dirt road riding, the Tambora is another no-brainer. I have a long forest service road climb that leaves right from my house, and have had some quality training rides on it this spring. The only caveat to that is that the bike is a bit overgeared for Rocky Mountain riding. (It has a 42T chainring). This isnt a complaint unique to the Tambora. Most gravel bikes seem to be designed for MidWest riding.The bike handles well, never feels twitchy, and Ive even taken it on some mellow singletrack. If you plan on doing much trail riding, youd be better suited to a more adventure-oriented gravel bike (like the Canyon Grizl), but for the occasional trail, it will do fine.While I left the bike in gravel mode, it is important to note that the Tambora has adjustable geometry to allow it to be used as a true road bike. Stealing the flip chip concept from the mountain bike world, the bike has adjustment points at both the rear axle and the front fork to shorten the wheelbase for narrower road bike tires. This isnt necessarily a quick conversion. Youd have to swap tires and add brake caliper adapters, but for the occasional century ride or similar, it might be worth it. Comes In Several Build LevelsThe same Tambora carbon frame comes in several build levels. Ive been testing the G5 version, which is the base level build, but offers decent parts.The TRX hydraulic brakes (which have performed well for me) are replaced with brand-name SRAM brakes on the next build level (G7). Both the G5 and G7 have a SRAM Apex 1x drivetrain, but the G5 has an 11-speed cassette while the G7 has a bit more range with a 12-speed cassette.If you want to go all out, the G8 has a SRAM AXS 112 drivetrain and higher-end SRAM Rival disc brakes. It also has carbon wheels for an even faster, lighter ride.But, frankly, the G5 gets you the same carbon frame and fork and the components are all functional. You can always upgrade individual parts later when they need to be replaced. I was perfectly happy with the spec build on the G5 (although as already mentioned, the gearing was a bit stiff for me). Average WeightWe put the bike (with pedals installed) on the scale and it came in at 24 pounds, 5 ounces. This makes it far from the lightest bike on the market, but its certainly respectable. Given the price point, I think its a great weight, in fact.Lots Of Mounting PointsThe Tambora has a TON of eyelets for mounting whatever your little heart desires: water bottle cages, a frame bag, fenders, a rack, you name it. This means the bike is well suited for bikepacking, touring, or long remote rides. There are eyelets on the seat tube, the top and bottom of the downtube, and the bottom of the top tube. There are also eyelets on the rear triangle for a rack. Notably, however, there are no mounts on the top tube so you wont be able to add a bolt-on bag there (something thats become fairly trendy in the gravel world).Tubeless Ready Wheels & TiresWhile the Polygon Tambora doesnt come set up tubeless, it has the ability to convert it easily. The rims are already taped, and in my experience, the Vee Tire Co tires work great for tubeless setups. If you dont know how to set up your tires tubeless on your own, you can always have a bike shop do it for you. The 700c x 40c tires are (as I already mentioned) a good compromise between burly off-road tires and fast-rolling road tires. I used these on road rides without any complaint, and managed all but more technical trails on them as well.I also really appreciated that the wheels use thru-axles (rather than quick release skewers). This provides both safety and stability when riding on rougher terrain.Appropriately Sized ComponentsA lot of bike brands stock the same size parts on all of their frame sizes. So, I was really pleased to see that Polygon doesnt take this approach. The size small and medium frames (which most women will be riding) have a narrower handlebar (420mm) and a shorter stem (90mm). It might be nice if the cranks (170mm on all sizes) were tailored like this also, but well take what we can get. No Quick Release On The Seatpost But Ability To Add A DropperThe Tambora takes a queue from the newest road bikes and uses a hidden seatpost clamp. To raise or lower the seat you use a hidden bolt on the inner side of the front triangle. This looks super sleek but it does make it a little harder to adjust than a standard collar, and it precludes you from being able to install a quick release. On the positive side, however, the bike is compatible with a dropper post, should you choose to add one. Its A Nice Looking Bike!I post a lot of photos and videos of bikes on my Instagram, and rarely do I get as much response or questions about a bike as I have the Tambora. Its obviously a good looking bike!The bike has unusual, but sleek looking angles, and the streamlined aesthetic is aided by having all of the cables internally routed and the aforementioned hidden seatpost clamp. Of all the Tambora builds, the G5 has the prettiest frame color. The light blue-ish green looks a lot like my beloved Bianchi, and turns a lot of heads.While I love the look of the matte paint, it does get scuffed up easily. The bike had only been a ride or two with me before some scuff marks started to appearbummer!Polygon Tambora Vs The CompetitionThe Polygon Tambora G5 (the model I tested) is unique in that many of its closest competitors (like the Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 and the Specialized Diverge Elite E5) offer an aluminum frame at a similar price point. The fact that the Tambora G5 has a carbon frame makes it very attractive.Thats not to say that its a lighter bike. In fact, both the Trek and Specialized are a few pounds lighter. BUT carbon can make for a more comfortable ride especially if youre riding rough roads.Bottom LineThe Polygon Tambora punches well above its weight class in terms of value and versatility. For cyclists looking to explore the world of gravel biking without breaking the bank, the Tambora is a wise choice. Its carbon frame sets it apart at a price point dominated by aluminum offerings, ensuring a smoother ride on rough terrain. The bikes thoughtful design features, such as adjustable geometry and ample mounting points, underscore its suitability for a range of cycling adventures from daily commutes to more extended bikepacking escapades.Moreover, while the Tambora may not be the lightest in its class, it offers a commendable balance of durability, comfort, and aestheticsqualities that are often compromised in more budget-conscious models. Its ability to handle a variety of riding conditions with poise makes it an ideal candidate for riders who want a single bike that can do it all. Whether youre rolling down a smooth road or taking a rugged trail less traveled, the Tambora is equipped to provide a reliable and enjoyable ride.More Stuff You Might LikeYour Guide to Road Bike & Gravel Bike Tire SizesUltimate List Of Womens Cycling & Gravel Events10 Best Womens Padded Bike Shorts For CyclingAbout The AuthorKristen Bonkoski is the founder and owner of Femme Cyclist.An avid cyclist for a few decades now, she took to cycling during her late teen years a time when she needed something to help boost her self-esteem and confidence.Mission accomplished, the sport has become an important part of her life. Kristens favorite disciplines are mountain biking andbike commuting, although youcan also find her crankingout a century on her road bike and touring with her husband and son. If it has to do with two wheels, she enjoys doing it.Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, and she runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.IG:@kristenlbonkoskiThe post Polygon Tambora Gravel Bike Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

With teams for the Olympic Games road race being limited to four men, selection is proving a very difficult task for Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout, especially as two names pick themselves."It is a luxury that we have two of that calibre," says Vanthourenhout, referencing the two stars...

Tired of starting your day stuck in traffic jams or having to endure the inconvenience of public transport to get around the city?Electric bicycles are a fast and efficient way of transportation that allows you to take the reins of your urban commute to reach your destination always on time.In addition, it is a kinder and more environmentally friendly method of transport because, by replacing car journeys with bicycle trips, you will be reducing pollution and traffic in your city.Although, to tell the truth, there are many other reasons why you should switch to electric bicycles for your urban commuting.Would you like to discover them?The benefits of riding an e-bike for commutingRiding an e-bike for your daily commute offers a multitude of advantages, making it an appealing choice for urban transportation. Let's delve into the benefits and explore why e-bikes are revolutionizing the way we commute:1 - Speed and EfficiencyOne of the greatest advantages of e-bikes for commuting is the time and convenience they offer. No more worrying about traffic jams, missed connections or searching for parking spots. E-bikes allow you to maneuver through congested areas effortlessly, take shortcuts and arrive at your destination without delay. Additionally, you will enjoy the freedom of exploring alternative routes to discover your city from a new perspective.2 - Eco-Friendly and SustainableBy choosing an e-bike over a conventional vehicle, you contribute to a greener environment. E-bikes produce zero emissions, reducing air pollution and your carbon footprint. As cities worldwide strive to become more sustainable, opting for an e-bike as your primary mode of transportation aligns with eco-conscious values and helps create a cleaner, healthier urban environment.3 - Health and Fitness BenefitsElectric bikes offer a fantastic opportunity to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Thanks to electric bikes, you can use your commuting time to get some exercise without having to spend extra time on it. With different levels of assistance, they allow you to get to work without breaking a sweat. Just adjust the level of assistance to your needs at any given moment and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.4 - Significant Cost SavingsDaily commuting expenses can add up to a large amount throughout the year, but electric bicycles offer an economical alternative for your urban commute. By getting around the city with an e-bike, you'll enjoy substantial savings on gas costs, vehicle maintenance and public transportation fares. Imagine the amount of money you can save by eliminating the need to fill up your car or buy expensive monthly passes. So, electric bicycles are not only an economical transportation option, but also a wise long-term investment.5 - Adaptable to all fitness levelsUnlike traditional bicycles, electric bikes are perfectly adapted to any type of physical condition or fitness level. Because their electric motor provides pedaling assistance, making it easier to overcome slopes or longer distances. So whether you're an avid cyclist or someone who hasn't ridden a bike in years, e-bikes allow you to enjoy the benefits of cycling without the need to exceed your limits at any time. There is no excuse for not exercising every day!How to choose the perfect city e-bike for commutingTo choose an electric city bike correctly, in addition to the points we specify in our e-bike buying guide, it is important to take into account the factors listed below:Look for a lightweight city ebikeGetting around the city on an electric bike means having to overcome architectural barriers from time to time. Especially if you have to carry it home or to the office every day. That's why it's advisable to choose lightweight ebikes that provide greater maneuverability when overcoming the obstacles you encounter along the way and allow you to move them more easily.Opt for the hardest materialsA city ebike must be prepared for the demands of urban use. In other words, it must be able to withstand the scratches and knocks it can receive on the street. So our recommendation is that, if you are looking for an ebike to move around the city, opt for aluminum frames that, in addition to being more economical, better support the blows.Customize your ebike according to your needsTo enjoy greater comfort during your trips around the city, it is important to adapt your ebike to your daily needs. Therefore, we suggest that you take into account the following ebike accessories:Luggage rackIf you are one of those who never leave home without your briefcase, laptop or sports bag, maybe you should consider adding a pannier rack to your ebike. This way you can ride at ease without having to worry about the weight and discomfort of carrying them on your back.Removable lightsSometimes the workday takes longer than we'd like, or we leave so early in the morning that it's not light enough to get a good view. Adding a light pack to your city bike will help you ride safer because, not only will it help you see better, but it will also help you be seen.FendersWho hasn't ever arrived at work with rain splashes on their pants? Adding a fender to your urban bike to protect you from the water on the asphalt will save you from more than one annoyance.Pay special attention to the motor and batteryOne of the main mistakes when choosing a city ebike is to look for the most powerful motors or the ones with the longest range. And yes, it is true that we must seek an autonomy that allows us to cover the distances of our daily commute, but opting for a too powerful motor or large capacity batteries can add unnecessary weight to the bikes.That's why at Crow we go for a removable motor and battery system that allows you to reduce the weight even more whenever you need it. In addition, in case you have to leave your bike on the street, you can take them with you to charge them wherever you want without having to bring the bike home or to work.Ready to move around the city in a smarter way?Discover our city ebikes

Booked on a self-guided tour? Read our guide on what to expect.La entrada Self-Guided Tours: What to Expect se public primero en Eat Sleep Cycle.

Further to yesterdays post, I should make it clear that ample tire clearance, versatility, wide-range gearing, gravel bikes or whatever were calling them this week, and The Many Supple Tire Offerings Of Jan Heine are all good things. Mostly I was just making the point that versatile road bikes are nothing new, and if anything the era of the thong bikini bike (minimal clearance for asscrack-width tires, only appropriate for the road in the same way the bikini is only appropriate for the beach) was relatively short-lived, though it was recent enough that it still defines the road bike for many.At the same time, bikinis are undeniably titillating; moreover, even if youre an aging cyclist, the urge to parade around in a banana hammock can sometimes get the better of you, however ill-advised it may be:The carbotanium LeMond just barely clears 25mm tires, and its pictured here against a wooded backdrop into which Id never steer it, but its still a sheer pleasure to ride, and a rolling tribute to a time when, rather than simply building in a few extra millimeters of tire clearance to improve the ride quality while netting the rider some versatility in the bargain, designers sought to improve ride quality by gluing carbon and titanium together at great expenseand it seems to have worked, because I can only describe the bike as thupple. (This is because the word supple is the new laterally stiff yet vertically compliant, so I cant say it without biting my tongue.)If the Tete de Course were mine Id outfit it a bit more conservatively with 32-spoke (or more) wheels and traditional handlebars, but like an overbearing parent I have a way of trying to turn everything into the same bike, so Im resisting the urge and letting this one be the chariot of early-to-mid aughts exotica that it wants to be. One noteworthy bauble with which it is adorned is the Zipp crank, which looks pedestrian by todays standards, but was quite rarefied for the time:James Huang liked it, noting its stiffness (the notion that riders can discern stiffness in a crank is one of the most ludicrous ideas in cycling, which is saying a lot), though the ISIS bottom bracket only got two and a half yellow shirts:And yes, $1,000 for a crank and bottom bracket was extremely expensive for a crank and bottom bracket in 2006. That would be over $1,500 today! For that money you can get a Dura-Ace crank with a power meter that tells you exactly how bad you suck:And youll have enough money left over to pick up a pre-bonded Ultegra or Dura-Ace replacement on eBay after it falls apart:[Via here.]Of course ISIS bottom brackets dont have a great reputation, but if this one acts up Jan Heine has me covered:I was never one for boutique cranksets, and even at my most far gone Id never have spent that kind of money just to save weight. However, I did use Dura-Ace 7700 back when I was serious, and its been enlightening to ride it again for the first time in over 20 years:Nine speeds seem positively quaint now, but back in those days it wasuh, one more than eight:It also really made a difference on those climbs, according to Pavel Tonkov:See, a 3925 low gear on a 9-speed system climbs much better than a 3925 on an 8-speed system. Its just common sense. If you dont believe me ask Abraham Olano:When asked to elaborate, Olano further explained that the reason its better is that nine is more than eight, after which he turned around and attempted to read the sign behind him without success for a minute and a half before giving up.The man is nothing if not a deep thinker:All that aside, apparently Dura-Ace 7700 was also lighter than the old 8-speed stuff by over 500 grams, which actually is pretty impressiveand it really did work beautifully. In fact it still works beautifully even by todays standards, as Im finding now that Ive got the Tete de Course. In the ensuing years Ive spent lots of time with all sorts of roadie stuff including Di2 and newer Dura-Ace, and while ergonomics and all that stuff is subjective, 9-speed Dura-Ace remains up there with any of it. The shifters are also very reliable, and given the widespread availability and low cost of 9-speed consumables you could keep a road bike with a 7700 drivetrain running easily and cheaply for roughly forever. Lower gearing isnt a problem either, thanks to compact cranks and the fact that Shimano 9-speed shifters work with about a zillion different derailleurs. You just need to be able to accept the exposed shifter cableswhich you realize is actually a feature once you need to change your shifter cables.Then came 10-speed, and while the Hollowtech II crank in particular (I admit I am a Hollowtech II apologist) was an improvementyou could make an argument that that 7700 was kind of special in that it was thoroughly modern and extraordinarily reliable, and yet is probably the last Shimano drivetrain that wouldnt seem out of place on a classic road bike. Moreover, one could also argue that nine speeds is the perfect number for a performance bicycle, and that beyond that nobody really notices, except the sorts of people who pretend that they can discern crank flex.I mean its no friction system, but its pretty good.

Are you new to mountain biking? Are the trails in your area fairly smooth? If so, the Polygon Xtrada might be a good option for you.This entry level mountain bike will get you rolling without breaking the bank. Its a capable climber, and the parts are durable enough that youll get plenty of use out of the bike until you decide you love mountain biking enough to upgrade.Review In A NutshellPros:Climbs well given its weightFeels fast on smooth trails Durable componentsHydraulic disc brakesGreat valueCons:Fork feels harsh on rocky terrainHeavyNot set up tubeless211 drivetrain adds weight and complexityPrice & Where To Buy: $799 ListBuy at BikesOnline.comGets You Out On The Door And Onto The TrailsIf someone were to ask me how much you should spend on an entry-level mountain bike, Id probably say $2,000. That said, the Polygon Xtrada is less than half of that, and for someone who just cant stomach a few grand, I dont think youll be disappointed with it.Compared to a $2,000 hardtail, the Xtrada is going to be heavier, have a less comfortable suspension fork, and lack any extras like a dropper post. But, if youve never ridden a $2,000 bike, you really wont know what youre missing.What I like about the Polygon Xtrada is that it provides a pathway to mountain biking for new riders and those on a budget. I know lots of women who are interested in trying mountain biking, but dont really know if they will love it. Who wants to invest a ton of money in a sport youre not sold on?! The Xtrada provides the opportunity to get a bike that will get you out on those green, beginner trails where you can start gaining fitness and skills.Feels Fast and Snappy, Even ClimbingI love a good hardtail mountain bike, but the hardtail I usually ride (a Chumba Sendero Ti) is a $7,000, 20 pound hardtail. Coming from that, I wasnt sure that I was going to love the 33 pound Polygon Xtrada. (Yes, we put it on the scale).In fact, I put off riding the bike for as long as I could. But when I finally took the bike out for a spin, I was shocked about how speedy and capable I felt on it. Despite its weight, I felt fast on this bike!Flat trails and climbs were surprisingly easy, and the bike felt snappy and responsive. The clock doesnt lie and I did my usual lunchtime climb on this bike just as fast as I usually do. I really appreciate this, because I feel like many new riders on heavy bikes decide they dont like riding just because their bike is sluggish. While the Xtrada certainly isnt winning any light bike awards, no one can accuse it of feeling slow.Descending On Rocky Trails Wasnt My FavoriteIf I was sold on the bike while climbing, reality came crashing back in on the downhills. While the Xtrada managed reasonably well on smooth descents, throw in a few rocks and bumps, and the 120mm Suntour fork definitely hit its limitations.I had to slow WAY down to safely navigate obstacles, and my arms hurt from the harsh suspension. In fact, it was so rough that I got a lot of audible chatter as well.The sub-par suspension fork on this bike is probably the biggest con. It doesnt have the same plush feel as a higher end fork. If youre sticking to smooth, green beginner trails, this may not be that much of an issue. But as your skills progress, youll likely want to upgrade to a more comfortable ride. The one thing that I did appreciate about the fork is the lockout. You can turn the dial on the fork upper to the lock position to make it more efficient for big climbs.Durable ComponentsWhen folks buy a budget mountain bike from Amazon (or similar big retailer) theyre usually buying a bike with off-brand, sub-par components. The last thing a newbie needs is a derailleur that doesnt shift well or a wheel thats bent.The good news with the Polygon Xtrada is that all the components are durable. They are certainly the base level product, but come from reputable brands, and wont leave you stranded on the side of the trail.Of particular note are the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. Many bikes at this price point have cheaper mechanical disc brakes that dont offer the same stopping power as hydraulic brakes. This is a major win.The bike also has a Shimano Deore drivetrain which is the gold standard for good quality entry-level bikes. It makes nice clean shifts and is reliable. That said, the bike does have a 2x system where most modern mountain bikes have a 1x system. This means that there are two chainrings up front rather than a single chainring. This does add some weight and complexity. (If you upgrade to the Xtrada 6 or 7 they both have a 1x).What The Bike Is MissingIts no surprise at this price point that the Xtrada is missing some nice to have features. In addition to a more supple fork (as mentioned earlier), the biggest drawbacks are the lack of a dropper post, tubeless-ready wheelset, and thru-axles on the wheels. All of these are the norm on modern mountain bikes.Like all bikes of old, the wheels on the Xtrada have tubes. This makes it much more likely that youll get a flat tire than you would with tubeless tires. You (or your bike shop) can always convert the wheels, but thats additional cost and effort. Additionally, the wheels have old-school quick release skewers which dont have the same stability or safety as the more modern thru-axle design. Finally, the bike doesnt have a dropper post. A dropper post allows you to move the saddle down quickly for easier descending. You might not miss this in the beginning, but as you progress, youll likely want one. While its not surprising at this price not to come with a dropper, it is more surprising that it doesnt have routing to allow you to add one later on. When You Might Want To Consider Spending MoreThe Polygon Xtrada is a no-brainer for a new rider on a tight budget. But, if you think mountain biking is going to be your *thing*, you might want to spend a little more up front to get a bike that will progress with you longer.Plan to go mountain biking a couple times this summer? The Polygon Xtrada is all you need. Plan to join a local mountain bike club and start riding 3 times per week? Spend somewhere in the $2k range to get a bike thats going to meet your needs as you get faster and improve. SizingI am 5 5 1/2 and per the Polygon size chart, I chose the size medium frame. The bike comes in size S, M, L, and XL. The small frame comes with 27.5 wheels, the XL has 29 wheels, and the M and L frames come with the option of one or the other. There are all kinds of arguments about which size is better, but I wouldnt spend too much time stressing about it either way. The one thing worth noting is that the bike does not come in an XS frame, so if you are 51 youll have to look elsewhere. The rest of us should be able to find a good fit. Ready To Go Out Of The BoxIn the United States, Polygon bikes are sold direct-to-consumer through BikesOnline.com. This means that it comes in a box to your doorstep rather than to a bike shop.Fortunately, we unbox and build a lot of bikes, and have to say this was one of the easiest unboxings weve had. Everything was securely packaged in the box and there was no damage.You do have to install the front wheel, handlebar, pedals, and seat but these are all easy to do even if youre not mechanically inclined. We did not have to mess with the brakes or drivetrain, everything was in good shape and ready to ride. Polygron Xtrada Vs The CompetitionA popular bike in the same price bracket is the Specialized Rockhopper Sport. (This was actually my first mountain bike many, many moons ago).At $750 (suggested retail), it has many of the same components as the Xtrada including the disc brakes and fork. Like the Xtrada, it comes with 27.5 or 29 wheels depending on the size and has internal cable routing. It does have a 1x drivetrain that I prefer, as well as internal routing to add a dropper post.Those factors might give the Rockhopper a slight edge, BUT youre more likely to find a good deal on the Xtrada. At the time of this writing, for example, the Xtrada is on sale for $500 at BikesOnline. Given that kind of discount, the Xtrada is a no-brainer.Other Stuff Worth MentioningInternal cable routing. The cables for the derailleurs and rear brake are internally routed. This helps keep things clean and tidy and is something I appreciate. Bottle cage mounts. There are mounts for two bottle cages on the frame. Many bikes only have mounts for one cage so this is a nice-to-have. Cross-country tires. The tires on the bike, while off-brand, have good tread and roll smoothly. The 2.25 width is well suited for cross country riding.Quick release seatpost collar. Since the bike doesnt have a dropper post, I appreciated that it comes with a quick release seatpost collar which makes it reasonably painless to lower and raise the saddle height.Saddle and pedals. Like many bikes, the pedals that come with the Xtrada are basically throw away pedals. Youll definitely want to upgrade them with something better. Additionally, youll likely want to upgrade the saddle to something more comfortable and better suited to your body. Id plan on factoring these two upgrades into the purchase price of the bike. Bottom-Line: A Reliable Beginner Mountain BikeIve ridden bikes that are lighter, faster, and come with a price tag that makes my eyes water. Jumping on the Polygon Xtrada, I thought Id be longing for my usual ride, but guess what? This bike surprised me. It might be heavy, but it doesnt feel sluggish. Sure, its got a few areas where it cant quite keep up with the pricier steeds rocky downhills can feel a bit like a rodeo ride, and you might find yourself daydreaming about upgrades. But its a starting point, a way to get you hooked on the trails without having to sell a kidney.The Polygon Xtrada is for anyone whos been on the fence about mountain biking. Its for the curious, the adventurers-on-a-budget, and frankly, anyone who wants to see what all the fuss is about without diving too deep into their pockets. Its a gateway to bigger rides, better skills, and maybe, just maybe, a lifelong passion for hitting the trails.More Stuff You Might Like10 Best Mountain Bikes For Women (Beginner To Expert)What To Wear Mountain Biking: Everything You Need To Know!7 Tools To Find Bike Trails Near YouAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is the founder and owner of Femme Cyclist.An avid cyclist for a few decades now, she took to cycling during her late teen years a time when she needed something to help boost her self-esteem and confidence.Mission accomplished, the sport has become an important part of her life. Kristens favorite disciplines are mountain biking andbike commuting, although youcan also find her crankingout a century on her road bike and touring with her husband and son. If it has to do with two wheels, she enjoys doing it.Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, and she runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.IG:@kristenlbonkoskiThe post Polygon Xtrada Mountain Bike Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.