First Look: 2016 Polygon Collosus DH9

We've seen the UR Team riders on what seemed like an endless flow of Polygon prototypes over the past 2 years, but little was said about future availability or even what the goal of all the testing was. Today we know a lot more, as Polygon unveils their all-new Collusus DH9, a 27.5" wheeled, 8-inch travel gravity machine. Featuring a floating shock design similar to the one employed on the N9 enduro bike, Polygon's stated goal with the DH9 was to provide "one of the fastest production bikes available to the public".

2016 Polygon Collusus DH9 Highlights

8” of rear travel
Aluminium Front Triangle
Carbon Rear Triangle
Tapered Headtube
Internally routed cables
30.9 Seat Post
9.5” x 3.0” Shock
22.2mm x 10mm Shock Hardware
83mm Threaded Bottom Bracket
157mm x 12mm Rear Axle
ISCG05 Chainguide Mounts
Available in 4 sizes, small, medium, large, extra large
Large frame with out shock weighs 9 lbs
Available in 2 build kits and frame only option

Looking through the highlights and the specs, several aspects of this new bike stand out:

The front triangle is aluminum, while the rear triangle is carbon. Reducing unsprung weight is generally advantageous, but several brands prefer to use aluminum in the rear for durability reasons.
26 ain't dead! A flipchip in the rear allows the rider to adjust the geometry to suit 26" wheels. Kurt Sorge has been taking advantage of this capability in the FEST Series recently.
The bottom bracket is a classic threaded 83-mm deal, the absence of pressfit will probably be seen as a plus by most riders at present.
Looking at the geo numbers, Polygon have not gone down the "long-front" route, staying resolutely on the short side when it comes to reach. The 428-mm of reach on the size L Collusus is typically the medium size for most other manufacturers these days. The very slack headangle coupled with somewhat long-ish chainstays make for a hefty wheelbase however. The result should be a bike that combines a certain degree of playfulness with race-ready speed, although you will need to sacrifice some maneuverability if you want to size up to get a roomier feeling in the cockpit.

2016 Polygon Collusus DH9 Geometry

Pricing and Build Kits

Polygon sell direct, and as a result are able to offer great value builds at good prices. Available Fall 2015, the new Collusus DH9 will retail for $5499 USD with a full Saint build kit, E-13 wheels and Fox suspension (EUR 5599 in Europe). The DH8 will retail for $3999 USD and will have a full ZEE build kit, Spank rims on Novatec hubs and Rock Shox suspension. The Collusus is also available as frame+shock at $1999 USD.