Polygon Path 2 (2016) : ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

There were some preconceptions that the Polygon Path 2 2016 might not be that interesting, but these were changed when I looked at the bicycle in person and test rode it. The AluTech Alloy frame has clearly been designed for urban riding. At the front end it gives a big nod to current trends with a neatly shaped down tube that flares out at the bottom to accommodate a large bottom bracket. The strongly welded top tube has a similar shape as well. The Hi-tensile steel rigid fork, meanwhile, is nice and flat, which helps channel the wind into that down tube apex.

The bicycle we test rode came in a light grey colour variant with a little orange in a few places on the bicycle. The colour and graphics look simple yet classy oozing with urban characteristics. The frame geometry is basic with no unwanted welds. The black side stand is also fixed at the end of the chainstay and does not look out of place. Only thing which I disliked a bit when it comes to the look of this bicycle is that the font used for the brand name looks a little outdated, but at least it isn't emblazoned all over the frame.

The Path 2 from Polygon runs on a Shimano Altus 24 Speed drivetrain. Shimano Altus is arguably the best groupset for this price from the component giant and does the job here without hesitation. I test rode this bicycle in heavy traffic, fast empty roads and a lot of streets requiring sharp turns and in all the places it took considerably lesser time to find the suitable gear combination at the front and rear. This is a remarkable and much needed gearing characteristic for a Hybrid bicycle. Polygon have also succumbed to look for minor chances for cost reduction and the Shifters on the Polygon Path 2 fall prey to it. The Shimano Tourney 24 speed shifters were in perfect hand position on the grips but the index trigger shifters felt very fragile which makes us question about the life span of the shifter component.

For stopping action, the Polygon Path 2 2016 uses Shimano Tourney brake levers connected to Alhonga alloy V-brakes, which are adequate, but not as precise as disc brakes, especially over even slightly wet roads. Jamming the brakes really don't help and could cause the back tire to skid making it unsafe for the rider and also affect the life of the brake pads. This isn't a negative for V-brakes but simply just limits of its performance.

The handlebar on the Path 2 is from Polygon's own Entity brand components. The handlebar isn't quite the featherweight but has a good shape and length to it. Measuring a decent 680mm in length, this alloy handlebar made controlling this bicycle an easy and safe affair.

The Path 2 floats effortlessly over the tarmac, especially with the 700x38c Deli tires mounted on stock alloy double-wall rims. The deli tires aren't quite bulletproof but they possess enough grooved traction channels to keep you both less puncture and worry free on your daily commute, even under damp conditions. The Path 2 has a well cushioned Entity saddle which makes the ride anything but harsh. The over-all ride quality was a bit jittery on bad roads but smoother and much faster on flat tarmacs.¾