Polygon has never been afraid to do something different with their bikes. Even their Syncline hardtail is distinctive. At Sea Otter this year, Polygon was showing their latest bike, the Square One, and it continues that heritage.
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For a little more background on the R3ACT-2Play suspension platform that makes this bike so unique, check out my article on the Marin Wolf Ridge. Both the Square One and the Wolf Ridge share the same basic suspension design, although the execution differs between the brands.
Square One EX
Polygon launched the Square One EX with one build, called the “9”. Polygon has yet to announce final pricing, but I would guess it’s in the $8,000+ range. It has a bevy of top drawer components including:
- Full carbon frame
- Fox Factory 36 Float fork (180mm travel)
- Fox Factory Float X2 shock
- SRAM XX1 Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
- SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes
- e*thirteen TRS Race carbon wheels
Why make a bike with 180mm of travel? According to Polygon and NAILD – the company behind the suspension platform – the bike is so efficient, that riders no longer have to choose between a short travel bike that pedals well or a long travel bike that excels at descending. We’ve all heard these claims for years. A bike that climbs like a hardtail, but descends like a DH bike.
Can Polygon deliver on those promises? Will riders finally be able to have a one bike quiver with the Square One? We shall see.
Your Turn: How much suspension is enough? Where do you think mountain bikes will stop with ever-increasing amounts of suspension travel?
