Polygon is an Indonesian Bicycle brand with a worldwide presence. They have slowly grown now to become a Performance Bicycle brand with good value for money components. The Heist is their Cross Hybrid Series which can handle both rough and smooth urban roads. We got the opportunity to test ride the Heist X5 (2021) and here is what we thought.
Weight: 13.9 kgs
Usage: Fitness/Commute/Leisure
The Heist X5 (2021) is built on an AL6 Urban Cross Hybrid frame which is the perfect blend of strength and comfort. During the test ride the frame was able to handle the bumps and potholes while being responsive to gradual climbs and fast turns. This frame also offers a high ground clearance at the bottom bracket which makes it possible to ride over curbs without the frame getting hit on the surface below.
This is a Cross Hybrid which comes with a Suntour front suspension fork. The 63mm travel was just about enough for the rough patches on city roads. The suspension lock-out feature helped make the ride faster on flatter roads.
The Heist X5 (2021) which I test rode came in a full Orange coloured frame with Black graphics in a few places. The minimalistic design on both the top and bottom tubes were elegant. The gloss finish paint job was of top notch quality and gave a smooth outlook. The contrasting black coloured fork and colour coded rims made the bicycle aesthetic in appearance.
Shimano’s Deore rear derailleur, handles the 1x10-Speed drivetrain on this Hybrid Bicycle. The Deore at the rear is mid-performance level gearing component in Shimano’s Hybrid/MTB hierarchy. The performance of gears during the test ride was smooth and responsive. Commuters might look for a front derailleur for more divisions in gear ratios for varied speeds.
Shimano’s Hydraulic Disc brakes handle the braking performance on the Polygon Heist X5 (2021). These brakes were powerful and balanced on urban roads and felt safe to use even at top speeds.
The Entity handlebar was wide and flat with MTB characteristics and no raise from the middle. This enables more control over the Bicycle while compromising a bit on the straight back riding posture.
A Cross Hybrid is a Bicycle where the MTB characteristics are slightly more than that of a Road Bicycle. The 700x45c (28 x 1.75) WTB tires are treaded as good as any mid-level performance MTB tires while still being sleek and rolling fast on urban roads.
The Entity Saddle was MTB specific and had the perfect width and length to keep the rider safe and comfortable.
Overall Rating
The is a Cross Hybrid with a strong and lightweight Alloy frame which can handle the hard hitting of curbs and rough patches on urban roads as well as be responsive to maneuver in traffic. The powerful Shimano Hydraulic Disc brakes and well-treaded yet fast rolling 700x45C tires makes this Bicycle rideable on both urban roads and flat trails. Priced at Rs.62,990(as on 5th October 2021) the Polygon Heist X5 (2021) is an ideal choice for anyone looking to buy a Bicycle for commuting during the weekdays and longer rides on the weekends without having to worry about the rough patches on the road.
Prices and Specifications/Components are subject to change by the brand, without due notice.