52-36 and 11-34 is an excellent real world combination of gearing for an aero bike! Just because you want an aero bike doesn't mean you want to kill your legs going up hills. I wish more bikes were specced with 11-32 or 11-34 when using mid-compact cranks.
Hi guys ! Great videos ! Thanks for doing some reviews on that brand. Would be up to make a review on the Strattos S5D for beginners and people who want to get in ?
my bike is Stratos S7D. original weight a bit high. my bike size is XS. i do some upgrade, carbon wheel, carbon handle bar, carbon seat post and saddle, light weight cassette, finally to have 7.8kg weight (ori is 8.9kg). Stratos ride feel smooth and comfort. easy to follow in the group in 38km/h speed. overall is comfort and happy ride. and will make you love to cycling everyday...
I am thinking about buying the latest S7D. I am size XS also. 8.9KG is quite heavy! My current bike is a mixture build from the mid 2000's. Alu frame, Dura Ace 1380 wheel set with Ultegra 6600 groupset. Ritchey Classic bar, stem and seat post (Alu). It weighs 8.7kg with pedals. It's a size S, so one size bigger also. Crazy to think a carbon frame and parts that are 18 years newer than my bike, plus one size smaller comes in at 200g heavier! Sounds like you have your bike at a nice weight now after your upgrades. Are you still enjoying the ride?
Hey Byron! Devan here - the A8X is killer value for what you get! When it comes to stiffness, it's a blend of personal preference, riding style, and comparative analysis. Comparatively speaking, it's MORE stiff than the Strattos; however, overall, it's not too stiff to the point of being uncomfortable. I personally prefer a stiffer bike, as it kicks out of corners easier and is a bit more responsive. I've had the A8X for awhile now and i've gone on multiple 100km+ rides with no issues when it comes to comfort.
Hey Jerry! Devan here - the whole range comes with the carbon ACX frame and carbon wheels. The main differences would be the cockpit, groupset, and wheel depth. The A7 has 105 11sp mech, 30mm wheels, and the FSA cockpit - the A7X has the 105 di2 12sp, 50mm wheels, and BLKTEC R8 cockpit (and that sweet gloss grape colour).
I do century rides using Stratos 8D on weekends. Due to road conditions are not as smooth as I would like, I put tire pressure at 80psi front and rear. I wonder about Helios though, will it be comfy for the Double Century that I'm aiming for, or should I just stay with current Stratos.
Great question! Devan here - I love the Strattos; however, the Helios is seriously good - not only because of the lighter weight but you have more options when it comes to groupsets & wheelset. If you're going from an S8, I would recommend jumping up to the A7X (best 'bang per buck' in my opinion) OR if you do have the extra cash to spend, consider the A8X. The reason I recommend the A7X is because you currently have the 11sp Ultegra mech and the A8 has the 11spd mech (although, it has the 50mm carbon wheels) which wouldn't be a big jump from the S8 (since it has the 11spd Ultegra mech as well). The new 105 Di2 in my opinion is better than the 11spd Ultegra and you also get the sleek BLKTEC R8 cockpit with the 50mm carbon wheels (and it's cheaper than the A8X). I've personally been on the Helios for quite awhile now and I can say that it is comfy, albeit not as comfy as the Strattos! But, and a big but, the deep section wheels, lightweight nature of the bike, and smooth shifting (regardless of dirt and grime) will allow you to finish the double century quicker and unless you're ripping through potholes, the comfort factor shouldn't be a major issue (the benefits outweigh the 'cons'). I've been on many bikes from top brands and I can confidently say that the Helios is quite the value proposition. At the end of the day, it's up to you! Who doesn't like new bike day though. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out.
@@bikesonline Thank you very much for the explanation Devan :) Much appreciated. Yes, GCN also says that 105Di2 is superb. So, my take is, as long as traffic allows the Helios might enable me reach higher average speed, hence quicker to target. Again, Thanks Devan :).
Did anyone else notice that frightening little twitch in the Helios descending around a LH bend at around 50 seconds? That would inspire fear in me, not confidence in the bike's handling.
52-36 and 11-34 is an excellent real world combination of gearing for an aero bike! Just because you want an aero bike doesn't mean you want to kill your legs going up hills. I wish more bikes were specced with 11-32 or 11-34 when using mid-compact cranks.
Check out our video comparing all the models in the Helios Line-Up ua-cam.com/video/AdCjGx1QQqw/v-deo.html
SUGGESTIONS:
1. how about frame only option for your bikes?
2. new chinese groupset options? e.g. LTWOO or SENSAH
i had used sensah empire pro 12 speed for 9 months, later I change to 105, not recommend for sensah and not easy to find parts
Thanks for the suggestions!
I’ve only ridden an old 2011 helios, was owned my grandfather.
It’s my first road bike actually. And it has flats and not drop bars
Sounds like a fun bike either way!
@@bikesonline yep.
i more a stratos type; but i did change the wheel to carbo wheel. pretty happy
Hi guys ! Great videos ! Thanks for doing some reviews on that brand. Would be up to make a review on the Strattos S5D for beginners and people who want to get in ?
If we haven't covered the bike already, we certainly will in the future as we are trying to make a video for every bike in our lineup. Cheers!
my bike is Stratos S7D. original weight a bit high. my bike size is XS. i do some upgrade, carbon wheel, carbon handle bar, carbon seat post and saddle, light weight cassette, finally to have 7.8kg weight (ori is 8.9kg). Stratos ride feel smooth and comfort. easy to follow in the group in 38km/h speed. overall is comfort and happy ride. and will make you love to cycling everyday...
Thank you for sharing! Enjoy!
I am thinking about buying the latest S7D. I am size XS also. 8.9KG is quite heavy! My current bike is a mixture build from the mid 2000's. Alu frame, Dura Ace 1380 wheel set with Ultegra 6600 groupset. Ritchey Classic bar, stem and seat post (Alu). It weighs 8.7kg with pedals. It's a size S, so one size bigger also. Crazy to think a carbon frame and parts that are 18 years newer than my bike, plus one size smaller comes in at 200g heavier! Sounds like you have your bike at a nice weight now after your upgrades. Are you still enjoying the ride?
$6400 AUD for 12 speed Di2 Ultegra - good value. You both made it sound almost uncomfortably stiff, with the frame only 800g is it really that stiff?
Hey Byron! Devan here - the A8X is killer value for what you get! When it comes to stiffness, it's a blend of personal preference, riding style, and comparative analysis. Comparatively speaking, it's MORE stiff than the Strattos; however, overall, it's not too stiff to the point of being uncomfortable. I personally prefer a stiffer bike, as it kicks out of corners easier and is a bit more responsive. I've had the A8X for awhile now and i've gone on multiple 100km+ rides with no issues when it comes to comfort.
The only difference between A7, A7X is the groupset? The wheels/cockpit are all carbon? When will the bike be available in US?
Hey Jerry! Devan here - the whole range comes with the carbon ACX frame and carbon wheels. The main differences would be the cockpit, groupset, and wheel depth. The A7 has 105 11sp mech, 30mm wheels, and the FSA cockpit - the A7X has the 105 di2 12sp, 50mm wheels, and BLKTEC R8 cockpit (and that sweet gloss grape colour).
And the carbon integrated handle bar on a7x
Helios for me
I do century rides using Stratos 8D on weekends. Due to road conditions are not as smooth as I would like, I put tire pressure at 80psi front and rear. I wonder about Helios though, will it be comfy for the Double Century that I'm aiming for, or should I just stay with current Stratos.
Great question! Devan here - I love the Strattos; however, the Helios is seriously good - not only because of the lighter weight but you have more options when it comes to groupsets & wheelset. If you're going from an S8, I would recommend jumping up to the A7X (best 'bang per buck' in my opinion) OR if you do have the extra cash to spend, consider the A8X. The reason I recommend the A7X is because you currently have the 11sp Ultegra mech and the A8 has the 11spd mech (although, it has the 50mm carbon wheels) which wouldn't be a big jump from the S8 (since it has the 11spd Ultegra mech as well). The new 105 Di2 in my opinion is better than the 11spd Ultegra and you also get the sleek BLKTEC R8 cockpit with the 50mm carbon wheels (and it's cheaper than the A8X). I've personally been on the Helios for quite awhile now and I can say that it is comfy, albeit not as comfy as the Strattos! But, and a big but, the deep section wheels, lightweight nature of the bike, and smooth shifting (regardless of dirt and grime) will allow you to finish the double century quicker and unless you're ripping through potholes, the comfort factor shouldn't be a major issue (the benefits outweigh the 'cons'). I've been on many bikes from top brands and I can confidently say that the Helios is quite the value proposition. At the end of the day, it's up to you! Who doesn't like new bike day though. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out.
@@bikesonline Thank you very much for the explanation Devan :) Much appreciated. Yes, GCN also says that 105Di2 is superb. So, my take is, as long as traffic allows the Helios might enable me reach higher average speed, hence quicker to target. Again, Thanks Devan :).
@@utomotjipto5294 No problem, Utomo! Enjoy your ride! Let's us know how it went by sending us a DM on IG.
I really would love to ride Polygon Strattos S7.
Check out the line up at BikesOnline.com!
how about the frame feels if compared with Colnago V3? does the helios feels better?
Great question! Hard for us to say as we spend our time aboard the Polygons!
How would the Helios compare set up with some TT bars ?
We haven't seen it done! If you decide to, please send us photos!
What’s the actual standover height of the Stratton s8 size xxs?
That would be approximately 717mm.
Great bike & comfy 👍👍
Sweet looking bikes!
Glad you like them!
How about offer all the bikes in XXS
It's not something we currently offer, but maybe in the future!
I love how the H looks
It's super sharp!
Did anyone else notice that frightening little twitch in the Helios descending around a LH bend at around 50 seconds?
That would inspire fear in me, not confidence in the bike's handling.
If you look closely there was a little crease in the road that got Peter a little crossed up, definitely not the bikes fault he was going pretty fast!
Not at all for me, feels secure as. I run 70/65 on 28s, perfect psi for me @ 82kg both on flats and descents.