We're excited to introduce the "STRATTOS S5 DISC" aluminum road bike, a model that supports riders from entry-level to mid-range, from "POLYGON," an Indonesian-based brand that we started carrying last year (2023)!

The most remarkable feature of this road bike is its size range, which accommodates riders as short as 145cm! Road bikes with 700c tires that are suitable for shorter individuals are quite rare.

●What is POLYGON?

POLYGON BIKES is a bicycle brand based in Indonesia, as mentioned earlier.

It is a reputable company that has produced bicycles for many famous brands as an OEM for Insera Sena. Although undisclosed, several American brands are also produced by this company, making it a truly trustworthy brand.

Our shop has been selling bicycles produced here for a long time, and we have a strong impression that their frame manufacturing results in solid frames, stemming from their MTB experience.

And now, Insera Sena has launched its own original brand, "POLYGON," with great anticipation.

POLYGON STRATTOS S5 DISC

【Manufacturer's suggested retail price】￥286,000 (tax included)
【Color (1 color)】White
【Sizes (approximate height suitability)】146cm~154cm (XXS), 154cm~161cm (XS), 161cm~168cm (S), 168cm~176cm (M), 176cm~184cm (L)

*Only the XXS size has a different frame design.
*The manufacturer's recommended suitable height for the XXS size is "146-154cm". This article does not guarantee that people under 145cm can ride it.

Our female staff (142cm tall) actually rode it

The XXS size of the "STRATTOS S5 DISC" is an aluminum road bike developed for women.

The manufacturer's official website recommended "146cm~154cm" as the suitable size, but when our female staff (clerical) consulted us saying she really wanted to ride a road bike, we started looking for one...

She is a petite woman, 142cm tall, and there are truly no beginner-friendly road bikes with 700c wheels that fit her.

Just as we were about to give up many times, we received information at a POLYGON exhibition that "middle school students were riding them," so we borrowed a sample bike and went for a fitting and cycling!

＼Watch the cycling video on YouTube／

As you can see from the YouTube video, the conclusion is that we "were able to enjoy cycling without any problems"!

Of course, it's important to note that due to individual differences in limb length or flexibility, some people of the same 142cm height may unfortunately not be able to ride it.

If you're petite and struggling to find a "road bike that allows you to enjoy cycling," please definitely check out this "STRATTOS S5 DISC"!

【Points to note】

First, when adjusting the saddle height to a popular position suitable for cycling (approximate inseam 67cm), there was still about 3-4cm of leeway.

However, if you find this saddle height too intimidating, caution is needed. If the saddle is lowered from this position, the pedals might come up too high when they are at the top. In that situation, it's likely to cause knee pain during long rides.

As for the distance between the handlebars and the saddle, it's just right for someone accustomed to drop handlebars, but for those who aren't, it might feel a bit far.

To adjust the handlebars closer, the popular methods are to "move the saddle forward" or "replace the stem with a shorter one."

Ideally, shortening the stem would be better (as moving the saddle fore and aft can significantly change the ride feel), but the STRATTOS S5 DISC XXS comes standard with a very short stem. We decided against shortening it further due to concerns that it would make the steering too sharp.

To put it simply, our female staff member used to play volleyball and had a strong core, so she was able to ride it without any modifications.

However, if you find this position too challenging, the ultimate solutions are to "use handlebars with a shorter reach" or "use STI levers for small hands." This can likely shorten the distance by about 2-3cm!

For these reasons, I believe the manufacturer did not state that it can be ridden from 142cm, but rather indicated 146cm~ with a little margin for error!

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About the frame performance of the STRATTOS S5 DISC

The STRATTOS S5 DISC adopts an all-round design (with a slightly lower center of gravity but a short wheelbase).

The slightly lower center of gravity improves riding stability and is a welcome feature for easier footing on the ground when stopping, etc.

The short wheelbase, typical of a road bike, enhances acceleration and provides a sharp ride feel.

While it doesn't have specific strong points like being exceptionally good at climbing or sprinting, it can be said that its design is versatile and suitable for a wide range of uses.

The head tube length + steerer tube length is right in between that of a pure road bike and an endurance road bike.

An upright position, which is easy for beginners to enjoy, is also possible.

The dropped seat stays create a compact rear triangle. Combined with the short wheelbase, acceleration is quite good.

Tire clearance might make it difficult to switch to the trending 30c tires...

Nevertheless, Japan's asphalt is clean, so 28c should be perfectly adequate!

Cables are routed internally through the frame. This contributes to a clean appearance and reduced maintenance risks.

The front fork features an aluminum-steerer carbon fork.

While many models nowadays feature full carbon forks, which are lightweight and offer excellent vibration absorption, the STRATTOS S5 DISC features an aluminum steerer, which is a slight downgrade.

On the positive side, its higher rigidity makes it easier for beginners to handle.

The manufacturer-stated complete bike weight is 9.6kg (M size), which feels light for an aluminum disc road bike.

I believe it offers content that can be enjoyed by a wide range of riders, from beginners to intermediate levels!

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About the component configuration of the STRATTOS S5 DISC

The basic components are Shimano 105 (R7000 series 2×11 speed).

Since the current model is R7100 (12 speed), this is the previous generation model.

This is what you'd call the old 105 gruppo, and for the cost, it feels a bit overpriced. If there are no changes to the components, I wish the manufacturer would reconsider the price...

However, for cycling, its performance is more than satisfactory!

With flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes and a thru-axle standard, braking power and control are more than adequate.

The wheels are tubeless-ready aluminum wheels. While they feel a bit heavy, they are a popular choice for stock wheels.

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Summary of the POLYGON STRATTOS S5 DISC

Although some customization might be necessary, this road bike allowed our beginner female staff, who is 143cm tall, to thoroughly enjoy her first cycling experience!

However, with limited color options, the XXS limited color might be a bit embarrassing for guys, perhaps?

POLYGON, which has just arrived in Japan, is a brand with a promising future!

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