Siskiu T7 vs. T8: Which One Should You Choose?

Polygon’s SISKIU T7 and T8 are making waves in the mountain biking community, offering a perfect blend of technology, design, and performance.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the intricate details of each model, starting with the SISKIU T7.

Comparison Table Of Siskiu T7 and T8

Feature	SISKIU T7	SISKIU T8
Frame	Aluminum	Aluminum
Fork	RockShox Recon Silver RL	Fox Rhythm Float 34 (air)
Shock	RockShox Deluxe Select	Fox Float DPS Performance
Wheels	Aluminum	Aluminum
Wheel Size	27.5″ / 29″	27.5″ / 29″
Brakes	Hydraulic Disc	Hydraulic Disc
Groupset	Deore, Shimano	SLX, Shimano
Drivetrain	1 × 12	1 × 12
Suspension	Full	Full
Front Travel	150mm	150mm
Rear Travel	140mm	140mm
Seatpost	Dropper	Dropper
Brand Site	polygonbikes.com	polygonbikes.com
Weight	15.6 kg	15.2 kg
Price	$2,149	$2,599

SISKIU T7 (2021 Polygon)

Frame and Build

The SISKIU T7 is built on a robust aluminum frame, striking a harmonious balance between durability and agility. Crafted for trail enthusiasts, the frame provides a solid foundation for a variety of terrains, ensuring a reliable and responsive ride.

Fork and Shock

Fork: The front suspension is handled by the RockShox Recon Silver RL fork. With its 140mm of travel, it adeptly absorbs shocks and bumps, contributing to a smooth and controlled ride.

Shock: Complementing the front fork, the RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock enhances the bike’s overall suspension system. Offering 140mm of rear travel, it ensures stability and comfort on challenging trails.

Groupset and Drivetrain

Groupset: The SISKIU T7 is equipped with Shimano Deore components, known for their reliability and precision. The Deore groupset ensures seamless gear changes, enhancing the overall performance of the bike.

Drivetrain: Featuring a 1 × 12 drivetrain, the T7 delivers a wide range of gears, allowing riders to tackle various inclines and declines with ease. The 12-speed configuration ensures versatility and efficiency on the trails.

Wheels and Brakes

Wheels: The T7 rolls on sturdy aluminum wheels, designed to withstand the rigors of trail riding. The choice of aluminum contributes to the overall lightweight profile of the bike, enhancing maneuverability.

Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, a crucial feature for navigating challenging terrains. The T7’s braking system ensures precision control, instilling confidence in riders during descents and technical sections.

SISKIU T8 (2021 Polygon)

Frame and Build

The SISKIU T8 shares the same durable aluminum frame as its counterpart, providing a solid platform for trail adventures. The frame geometry is carefully crafted to balance comfort and efficiency, ensuring an optimal riding experience.

Fork and Shock

Fork: What sets the T8 apart is its front suspension. The Fox Rhythm Float 34 (air) fork takes the lead with its superior performance. With 140mm of travel, this fork delivers a responsive and plush ride, smoothing out rough terrain.

Shock: The T8 features the Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock, further enhancing the bike’s suspension capabilities. Like the fork, the shock offers 140mm of rear travel, contributing to a consistently controlled ride.

Groupset and Drivetrain

Groupset: The T8 steps up the game with Shimano SLX components. Known for their precision and durability, SLX components enhance the overall performance of the bike, ensuring reliable and efficient shifting.

Drivetrain: Like the T7, the T8 sports a 1 × 12 drivetrain, providing a wide gear range for conquering diverse trail conditions. The 12-speed configuration, combined with SLX components, elevates the bike’s capabilities.

Wheels and Brakes

Wheels: Aluminum wheels maintain their presence on the T8, offering a durable and lightweight solution. The choice of quality wheels contributes to the bike’s overall agility and responsiveness.

Brakes: The T8 goes a step further in braking performance with Tektro HD-M745 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes. This advanced braking system ensures precise and powerful stopping, enhancing rider control on descents.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Polygon SISKIU T7 vs. T8

Polygon’s SISKIU series has gained acclaim for delivering exceptional trail biking experiences, and the T7 and T8 models are at the forefront of this reputation.

In this head-to-head section, we’ll dissect the nuances of each, helping you make an informed decision based on your preferences and riding style.

Frame and suspension

Both the SISKIU T7 and T8 share a common foundation: a robust aluminum frame with 140mm of full suspension travel. This setup ensures a comfortable and controlled ride, making them versatile options for various trail conditions. The identical frame design guarantees a consistent riding experience across both models.

Verdict: The frame and suspension characteristics are nearly identical, offering a solid base for trail enthusiasts. It’s a tie in this department.

Fork and shock

Here’s where the SISKIU T8 takes a leap ahead. While the T7 features the reliable RockShox Recon Silver RL fork and RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock, the T8 boasts superior components. The Fox Rhythm Float 34 (air) fork and Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock on the T8 deliver a more refined and responsive suspension system, providing an elevated riding experience.

Verdict: The T8 gains a significant advantage with the Fox components, providing enhanced performance and responsiveness on the trails.

Groupset and drivetrain

Moving on to the drivetrain and groupset, both bikes share a 1 × 12 configuration, providing a wide gear range for tackling diverse trail conditions. However, the devil is in the details. The T8 features the higher-tier Shimano SLX components, offering improved precision and durability compared to the T7’s Shimano Deore setup.

Verdict: The T8 once again takes the lead, offering a more advanced groupset for riders seeking top-notch performance and reliability.

Wheels and brakes

Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to wheels, with both models featuring sturdy aluminum options. However, the braking system introduces a notable difference. The T7 relies on hydraulic disc brakes, ensuring reliable stopping power. On the other hand, the T8 elevates braking performance with Tektro HD-M745 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, providing enhanced stopping power and control.

Verdict: The T8 secures another win with its advanced braking system, offering superior control and precision on descents.

Price and value

One of the critical factors in any comparison is the price. The SISKIU T7 comes in at $2,149, providing excellent value for riders seeking a dependable trail bike. Meanwhile, the T8 is positioned in a higher price bracket at $2,599, justifying the premium with advanced components and features.

Verdict: While the T7 offers a budget-friendly option, the T8’s higher price aligns with the enhanced components, making it a worthwhile investment for riders seeking top-tier performance.

Winner of the comparison?

In the head-to-head comparison between the Polygon SISKIU T7 and T8, the winner depends on the rider’s preferences, budget, and the level of performance they are seeking.

SISKIU T8: The T8 emerges as the overall winner due to its superior components, advanced features, and enhanced performance. With a higher-tier groupset, advanced fork and shock, and an upgraded braking system, the T8 is the preferred choice for riders who prioritize top-notch trail biking experiences.

SISKIU T7: While the T7 may not have the premium features of the T8, it stands strong as a reliable and budget-friendly option. It’s a great choice for riders who seek a solid trail bike without making a significant investment. The T7 offers excellent value for those looking for dependable performance within a more economical range.

Verdict: The SISKIU T8 is the winner for riders who prioritize advanced features and are willing to invest in a higher-tier trail bike. However, the SISKIU T7 is a strong contender for budget-conscious riders seeking a reliable trail bike without compromising on performance.