WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE POLYGON COLLOSUS TLE
When folks like former World Cup racer, Dan Wolfe, are consistently providing input to the design of a bike, you know it’s going to be good. Polygon built the Collosus TLE as a perfect all-rounder — snappy for the jibs and jabs, yet beefy enough to smash the chunk. The brand also ventured into carbon fiber for this one.
DRIVE UNIT AND ELECTRONICS | Polygon went with the Bosch Performance Line SX drive unit to power the Collosus TLE. The updated SX motor delivers 600W of peak power and 60Nm of torque. This is the same wattage output as Bosch’s full-power CX drive unit had until its recent update, which makes it stand out in the SL eBike class.
A 400Wh, internally fixed Bosch CompactTube battery powers the SX drive unit. The battery weighs 2kg, bringing the combined motor/battery weight to roughly 4kg. Those wanting a bit more range can use Bosch’s PowerMore Range Extender, adding 250Wh to the Collosus TLE. It was awesome to see that Polygon includes the range extender with the bike as standard, ensuring every rider can go the distance.
An LED display is installed in the toptube of the Collosus TLE, with five light bars indicating the battery life: each light indicates 20% battery. The lights also indicate the current ride mode, which can be changed via the handlebar-mounted controller. Polygon opted to make the top tube sleek, meaning the Kiox 400C display cannot be fitted, but riders could add the Purion 400 display for the handlebars if desired.
FRAME AND FEATURES | Polygon initially started this project as a new electrified offering in the Siskiu series. In fact, the Collosus TLE we have was actually branded as a “Siskiu TLE,” demonstrating the length of our connection with Polygon on this particular project. However, with the introduction of Polygon’s IFS-6 suspension platform, which the other “Collosus” bikes have, we agree that the Collosus stamp fits best on this frame.
Other than a new suspension platform, the most notable standout for the Collosus TLE is the frame material. Polygon uses its ACX carbon fiber, rather than aluminum, in this new electric offering. Using carbon, Polygon also created a one-piece rear triangle, adding to the Collosus TLE’s stoutness and stiffness.
Polygon keeps things quiet with chainstay guards and tidy cable ports that securely hold hoses and cables. The rear shock is tucked up tight against the top tube, with a hole in the top tube to expose it for easier sag setup. The downtube also sees some guards, including one up high to protect against tailgate pad rub when shuttling this lightweight eMTB.
SUSPENSION | The IFS-6 Six-Bar suspension system features a solid rear triangle connected to the mainframe via two separate links, with 140mm of rear travel. The IFS-6 system enabled Polygon to exert greater control over anti-squat values, creating a more efficient pedaling platform. However, when pointed downhill, they still offer greater small-bump sensitivity and traction while maintaining a good amount of mid- and end-stroke support.
GEOMETRY | Polygon offers the Collosus TLE in four sizes, Small to X-Large. The entire size range sees the same long 450mm chainstays, 343mm bottom bracket height, and 35mm BB drop. There’s also a 64° HTA paired with a 77° STA.
Our size Large has a 481mm reach, for a total wheelbase of 1,266mm. It has a relatively short stack at 628mm for a lightweight eBike with a 160mm fork – high-rise bars may be desired as a result.
BUILD SPEC | Polygon offers the Collosus TLE in two builds: TLE 8 and TLE 0. The Collosus TLE 8 that we have features an ACX carbon frame with Marzocchi suspension — a Bomber Z1 fork and a Bomber Air Shock, and retails for $6,299 at the time of writing.
The TLE 8 comes with SRAM GX Transmission, 165mm FSA cranks, and Magura MT7 brakes. Polygon in-house brands handle a few components, such as the MT6 alloy wheels laced to DT Swiss 370 hubs, and an Xtent Saddle. Other touchpoints include Race Face Chester handlbars and an Aeffect stem. The Collosus TLE 8 also sees a 200mm TransX dropper post.
With our Schwalbe Magic Mary and Albert Radial Gravity control tires fitted, the size Large Polygon Collosus TLE 8 weighed in at 46.5 lbs (21.1kg).
THE DIRT
SETUP | We received our test bike from bikesonline.com – Polygon’s North American distributor – and assembled the bike quickly and without any trouble. Getting the suspension and bike set up were straightforward thanks to the ease of Marzocchi’s Bomber Z1 fork and Bomber Air EVOL shock. These units let us quickly dial in the minimal number of adjustments, and instead focus on putting this light eMTB to work on the trails.
Two areas that were a bit time-consuming, however, were the uncomfortable handlebars and grips, and the Magura brakes, which failed. We swapped out the cockpit, which helped with comfort on the front end, and we remedied the Magura brakes with a warranty replacement. It seems there was an issue that affected some brake batches, as we did not have any issues after replacing the faulty caliper.
ELECTRONICS AND INTEGRATION | Like so many other Bosch-equipped SL eMTBs, the Polygon Collosus TLe had the simple yet efficient power mode selector (Remote Mini) on the bars and the older style five-light display on the top tube. We’d love to see the Kiox 400c, but at the competitive price of this bike, we give Polygon a pass for this one. Especially since they do ship the bike with an included PowerMore range extender, which is an awesome detail.
The only issue we had with the electronic integrations was the charge port cover – the older style press-in cover. It came out of the bike on more than one occasion and was a bit tricky to get pressed back in. We’d love to see a more refined cover fitted in the future.
CLIMBING | Climbing performance on the Polygon was solid, with no real standouts or polarizing points. The body position was comfortable and stable for our 5’11 – 6’2” testers. Some testers felt the rear end would bounce or react a bit more during impacts or when rolling over larger rocks. Depending on your sag setting, the rear end could feel a bit stiffer than some competing Lightweight eMTB platforms, but overall, it was a capable mid-pack climber that let us unleash the Bosch SX drive unit power with ease.
To see more detailed feedback on the drive unit of this bike, head over to the Main Page of the SL Shootout. We dive into the details of each drive unit, what we like about them and what we don’t.
DRIVE UNIT RANGE TEST RESULT | We compared eMTB drive unit performance and efficiency with a standardized test. We created a 13-mile, 1,300-foot elevation “Battery Efficiency Loop” and rode every bike in its highest assist mode until the loop was done. Our test rider, Travis, is 193lbs and was diligent about his efforts and physical state for each ride.
We rode the Bosch SX system on our Battery Consumption Test Loop both pre- and post- Bosch update, and noticed a large difference in battery consumption, as well as overall time of the loop.
Pre-update, the Bosch SX system completed the loop in 01:03:04 (5th/8), and used 300Wh of its 400Wh capacity (75%). This placed it mid-pack for energy used, and 5th in capacity remaining (predicted range: 17.3 miles, 1,730 feet).
After applying the 60Nm update, the Bosch SX system completed the loop 2nd fastest at 00:59:28, but used 388Wh of its 400Wh capacity (97%). This placed it highest for energy used, and lowest in capacity remaining (predicted range: 13.4 miles, 1,340 feet).
DESCENDING | When it came time to let the Polygon Collosus TLe charge the descents, our testers were mostly impressed. While the Collosus name did have us expecting some of the impressive bump-eating capabilities present on its non-electrified enduro sibling, it didn’t quite reach the same levels. Of course, the TLE only had 140mm of rear wheel travel, compared to the 160mm of the non-electric enduro bike.
Even so, with a well-controlled 140mm out back, the Collosus was more than capable of being ridden hard, and performed well over a variety of terrain. It’s possible that shock and fork spec upgrades by the most discerning of riders could tap into a bit more performance. But ultimately, the 140mm of travel will keep this bike firmly in the aggressive trail to all-mountain category, which is fine because that’s what it was designed to do.
The geometry gave Polygon’s Lightweight eMTB a relatively balanced and capable feel. It was more than happy riding on flow trails, natural terrain, or charging into rock gardens for short periods of time. It wasn’t the most playful machine in this space – likely a combination of its fairly long rear end and relatively high overall weight – but was still enjoyable regardless.
FINISH AND VALUE | Comparatively, the Polygon Collosus TLe holds its own in terms of value and as a finished product. The paint, while not flashy or bold is of a decent quality and the frame protectors, integrated mud guard and hardware function and get the job done. As far as value goes, the value is pretty solid when looking at some other options on the market. You get functional, but basic suspension that performs and can get a damper upgrade easily, an included Bosch PowerMore range extender and SRAM GX AXS wireless drivetrain for $6,299 MSRP.
COMPARISON AND RANKING?
When evaluating the Polygon Collosus TLE against the 12 competing bikes in this year’s lightweight eMTB Shootout, this bike held its own among bikes with nearly double the price. While it didn’t quite pack the same performance – in part due to the lower component spec – there is no denying that a majority of riders will be more than pleased. Saving several thousand dollars and having a bike that is still more than capable on their local trails could be a smart move for many riders who have more limited budgets.
The bike’s, frame protection, sharp looks and the inclusion of the Bosch PowerMore Range Extender make it a light eBike we could see ourselves recommending to the right rider based on their terrain, desires and rider level.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Overall, the Polygon Collosus TLE wasn’t a standout in terms of top-tier performance, but we don’t think it was designed to be. It was designed to be a great value eMTB that will let riders charge trails, ride for fun, and enjoy a lightweight eBike without sacrificing performance or dealing with low-quality spec on key components. 
Price: $6,299
Weight: 46.5 lbs
Website: Polygonbikes.com // bikesonline.com
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