First Look At The New Polygon Siskiu T8

The 2025 Polygon Siskiu T8 proves that you don’t need to spend big to get a capable, modern trail bike. Priced at $3,799, this 140mm/135mm travel 29er continues Polygon’s reputation for delivering affordable mountain bikes that punch well above their weight.

There’s one thing that’s happened since I took on the job as editor of the mag that was somewhat unexpected. While it’s true that all our contributors ride fancy, expensive bikes (after all, bikes are our lifeblood!), my experience testing bikes has all but disintegrated my own bike elitism – and that’s massively in part due to the Polygon Siskiu range.

We are no stranger to the Siskiu here at AMB – the bargain 140mm/135mm 29” trail bike that far exceeds the expectations of its price tag, and the new 2025 Siskiu T range has just been released. While the 2025 Siskiu is more of an evolution rather than a revolution, the updated Siskiu shows Polygon’s commitment to getting with the times – with Shimano brakes now specced on all T-series models, new UDH frames with reinforced rear triangles, top tube mounts, internal cable routing, and modernised geometry.

A few years ago, I wouldn’t have been excited to hop on a sub-$4000 trail bike, but from my experience riding prior models of the Siskiu, I felt the warm tingle of excitement heading out on a bike that’s not only inexpensive by today’s standards – but also promises to be a super fun ride.

We have a Polygon Siskiu T8 on test, which is the most expensive model in the range at $3,799. Polygon is also offering the Siskiu in T6 ($2,599) and T7 ($3,099) models.

First Look at Polygon Siskiu T8

Sent by BikesOnline, the Siskiu T8 comes packaged in a massive box, which means it’s pre-built and requires minimal effort to get up and rolling. Tubeless-ready wheels and tyres are a win, and we were impressed with Polygon speccing Maxxis Dissector 29×2.40″ tyres with 3C MaxxTerra Compound and EXO+ Protection.

Polygon states that they have reduced bulk by speccing their Polygon MT6 alloy rims and Shimano hubs – definitely a welcome upgrade with a claimed 200g wheelset weight reduction. Those who have ridden previous generations of the Siskiu will know that, bang for buck, they’re right on the money, but as a result, they have often featured heavier wheelsets, which can make acceleration a bit more difficult than on a sprightlier pair of hoops.

Drivetrain-wise, the Siskiu T8 runs predominantly Shimano SLX with Deore cranks, and while previous models of the Siskiu tended to spec alternative brake brands, the new Siskiu T8 features Shimano 4-piston brakes.

Previous models of the Siskiu toed the line between planted and poppy, but at times you could really feel the limit of their remit when things got a little spicy on the trail. It seems that Polygon has really listened to rider feedback, having reinforced the rear end for more stability on the trail when things get rough. Previously, We found the Siskiu more than capable of general trail riding – but if things got steep and chundery, you could find the rear end lacked a little bit of poise.

A reinforced rear end, together with the Fox Float DPS Performance and Fox 34 Float Rhythm fork, means that the Siskiu promises to be a solid performer on the trails.

Keeping up with the times, Polygon has also steepened up the seat tube angle to 77 degrees, while also slackening out the head tube angle to 65 degrees, providing more confidence on the descents and greater climbing efficiency.

A few ‘nice-to-have’ extras on the Siskiu T8 include a tool mount, a bottle cage mount in the central triangle, and a chunky chain protector.

Polygon Siskiu T8 Specs

Brand: Polygon
Model: Siskiu T8
RRP: $3799
Weight: 14.9 (claimed weight)
From: bikesonline.com.au
Available Sizes Small, medium (tested), large, extra large
Frame Material Alloy
Fork Fox 34 Float Rhythm
Shock Fox Float DPS Performance Series
Shifters Shimano SLX 12sp
Derailleur Shimano SLX 12sp
Crank Shimano Deore 32T
Chain KMC X-12
Cassette Shimano SLX, 10–51T
Hubs Shimano FH-MT400-B
Rims Polygon MT6 Alloy
Tyres Maxxis Dissector 29×2.40
Brakes Shimano BR-MT420, 4-Piston
Brake rotors Shimano SM-RT54, 180mm, Center Lock
Stem Polygon Expert, 35mm
Handlebars Polygon Expert, 780mm Width, 30mm Rise, 9° Backsweep
Seatpost X-Fusion Manic LC 150mm (S/M), 170mm (L/XL)
Saddle LINC Xtend

Polygon seems to have really taken all feedback on board with the new Siskiu range. We can’t wait to report back from the trails on this updated trail weapon.