The Polygon Collosus N8XE is one of those bikes that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. This is a full-power, long-travel enduro e-mountain bike built for riders who want more than easy cruises on tame singletrack. With 160mm of travel, a 6-bar linkage, Shimano’s latest EP801 motor, and a battery that’s ready for big days, the Collosus N8XE clearly aims at riders who regularly push into steep terrain, chunky rock gardens, and long, hard climbs.
In this review, we break down what makes the Collosus N8XE unique, how it rides in the real world, and whether it deserves a place in your growing quiver of mountain bikes — or potentially replace multiple bikes entirely.
Overview: What the Collosus N8XE Is Designed to Do
The Polygon Collosus N8XE is built for riders who don’t shy away from elevation, technical slabs, massive rock gardens, or bike-park laps where an eMTB lets you squeeze in far more runs in a single day. It is not an XC bike pretending to be an e-mountain bike. It isn’t a lightweight trail companion aimed at mellow fitness rides. This machine leans directly into the enduro and all-mountain category with confidence.
With a 160mm Fox 38 up front and a 160mm Fox Float X2 out back, the travel numbers already set the tone. The Shimano EP801 motor paired with a 630Wh battery tells you the bike is ready for long climbs and multi-hour loops, not just quick backyard rides. The geometry — long, slack, stable — reinforces the idea that this isn’t a bike for cautious riders hovering the brakes.
If you’re buying the N8XE, you’re doing so because you want something that can handle real terrain.
The Frame & Suspension: The Heart of the Collosus N8XE
The frame is aluminum, but don’t let that fool you — the engineering inside this platform is considerably more advanced than many carbon frames at twice the price. The 6-bar Independent Floating Suspension (IFS) design is the signature component of the Collosus N8XE’s ride feel.
Instead of relying on a traditional 4-bar layout or a simplified single pivot, Polygon has crafted a linkage that offers:
- A controlled, rearward axle path that helps the bike carry momentum through square-edge hits.
- A floating shock mount that maintains consistent leverage across the travel.
- Extremely predictable traction in low-speed technical climbing and high-speed chunk.
What’s impressive is how the suspension blends plushness with support. Many long-travel eMTBs feel soft off the top and then easily overwhelmed once you start pushing harder. The Collosus N8XE manages to avoid that. It sits in its sag beautifully, maintains traction on loose climbs, and doesn’t dive excessively under braking.
On descents, the rear end gives a sensation of bottomless travel even though it’s “only” 160mm. Riders who typically ride 170–180mm enduro rigs may be surprised by how composed this bike feels when the terrain turns steep or rough.
Motor & Battery: Shimano EP801 + 630Wh = A Very Capable Combo
The Collosus N8XE is powered by the Shimano DU-EP801 motor — Shimano’s strongest and most refined eMTB system to date. It delivers 85Nm of torque and has a much more natural power curve than previous versions, especially when transitioning between tight uphill switchbacks or popping in and out of technical climbing features.
The 630Wh battery hits a sweet spot. While not the biggest battery on the market, it offers a balance of range and weight that makes the bike feel manageable without sacrificing ride time. Most riders can comfortably squeeze a solid 3–4 hour trail ride out of a single charge, assuming they manage boost modes smartly.
The EP801’s power delivery is smooth, predictable, and incredibly helpful when climbing through terrain you might walk on a traditional bike. It turns grueling ascents into something far more enjoyable — but not effortless. You still work; you just get farther and tackle more interesting terrain.
Climbing Performance: Surprisingly Capable for a Big eMTB
Climbing on the Collosus N8XE feels less like wrestling a heavy e-bike uphill and more like piloting a very planted, confident trail machine that just happens to have a motor. The combination of a supportive suspension platform and the torque of the EP801 motor allows the bike to crawl up steep inclines without spinning out or feeling floppy.
Technical climbing is where the 6-bar linkage truly shines. Because the suspension remains active under power, the rear wheel maintains exceptional grip. Even on loose, off-camber pitches where other e-bikes tend to slip or lurch, the Collosus maintains forward momentum.
The long front center helps keep the bike stable, and the seated climbing position feels efficient rather than overly slack. It is not the most nimble climber, but it’s one you can trust to grind up just about anything.
Descending & Technical Riding: Where the N8XE Really Comes Alive
Point the Collosus N8XE downhill and it immediately feels like a legitimate enduro bike — not an overweight e-MTB that’s out of its depth. The frame, suspension, and geometry combine for a planted, confident ride that encourages you to pick up speed rather than tap the brakes.
The Fox 38 handles the front end with authority. It holds lines well under braking, resists dive, and eats chunky terrain without flinching. The rear shock feels supportive and predictable, making it easy to preload into jumps or pump through rollers.
It’s worth noting how the bike manages weight. At around 56–57 lbs, the Collosus is not light — but Polygon has distributed that mass well. When descending, the weight gives it a surprisingly stable, grounded feel. In corners, the bike tracks like it’s on rails. Through rock gardens, it holds speed better than many lighter bikes.
Only in tight switchbacks or very slow-speed technical maneuvers does the heft become noticeable. Otherwise, it rides like a much lighter machine.
Handling & Geometry: Long, Slack, and Confidence-Boosting
The geometry chart reads like a bike meant to descend fast and remain stable on big features:
- Slack head angle keeps things composed on chutes and steep slabs.
- Long reach improves stability at high speeds and through rock gardens.
- Short rear-center (~435mm) keeps the bike maneuverable and easier to corner than its travel suggests.
This combination makes the Collosus N8XE feel very modern — the kind of bike you can push hard without feeling like you’re fighting the platform. It has a predictable, almost intuitive balance between front-end confidence and rear-end traction.
Riders coming from traditional enduro bikes will feel right at home. Riders new to long-travel machines will appreciate how composed the bike remains when things get spicy.
Components, Wheels & Brakes: Built for Punishment
Polygon didn’t skimp on components here. With a Shimano XT/Deore mixed drivetrain and Shimano XT hydraulic brakes, the Collosus N8XE is ready for aggressive use out of the box.
The wheels are 29” front and rear, laced to tires that match the bike’s intentions: Schwalbe Magic Mary 29 × 2.6″ in a Super Gravity casing. This tire choice alone signals Polygon’s understanding of what terrain this bike is intended for — traction, control, and durability take priority over low rolling resistance.
The cockpit is straightforward and comfortable, with a riding position that feels balanced during climbs and confident during high-speed descents.
Real-World Range & Battery Management
Range on the Collosus N8XE is highly dependent on how aggressive you ride, what modes you use, and how much elevation gain your local trails feature. But in general, the 630Wh battery provides enough juice for:
• 3+ hours of aggressive trail riding
• 4–5 hours of moderate singletrack riding
• 2 hours of repeated bike-park or shuttle replacement laps
For most riders, the limiting factor will be your legs or daylight — not the battery.
Who the Collosus N8XE Is Really For
This bike isn’t for everyone — and that’s a good thing. It’s built with clear intentions, so it helps to know whether you fit the profile.
Ideal Riders:
- Enduro or downhill-focused riders looking to add an eMTB to their stable.
- Riders with access to steep, rocky, technical terrain.
- Anyone who wants to replace shuttle days with motor-powered laps.
- Big-mountain riders who value confidence and stability over weight savings.
- Riders who frequently push into terrain where a 130–140mm bike is outmatched.
Less Ideal For:
- XC or downcountry riders who want a lightweight, responsive e-bike.
- Riders who prioritize super-nimble slow-speed handling.
- Bikepackers looking for all-day, ultra-efficient pedaling.
- Anyone who dislikes heavier bikes, even on descents.
Final Verdict: A Serious Enduro eMTB at a Surprisingly Good Value
The Polygon Collosus N8XE is a standout enduro eMTB not simply because of its pricing, but because of how well it rides. The suspension platform feels dialed. The geometry hits the modern sweet spot. The motor and battery integration feels refined. And the overall package behaves like a bike costing significantly more.
Yes, it is heavy. Yes, it requires a rider who appreciates — and uses — long-travel capabilities. But if your riding regularly takes you into steep, rugged, technical terrain, the Collosus N8XE is a bike that won’t just keep up — it will encourage you to push harder.
For riders seeking a capable, confident, full-power eMTB with true enduro intentions, the Collosus N8XE delivers tremendous value and trail performance.