Bike Radar, as one of the most prestigious cycling media outlets, has reviewed our 2026 Strattos C road bike. Positioning itself as a compelling option for riders looking for a modern endurance road bicycle that balances comfort, performance, and value.
Framed as a potential “value-for-money endurance road bike,” the Strattos C Road Bike Series reflects Polygon’s continued focus on delivering accessible performance without cutting corners on key design details.
Endurance Geometry with a Performance Mindset
According to BikeRadar, the 2026 Strattos C sits clearly in the endurance road bike category, but it avoids the overly relaxed feel that can sometimes dull the riding experience. Built around a full carbon fibre frame, the 2026 Strattos C is designed to deliver a responsive ride while remaining comfortable enough for long days in the saddle.
The pricing immediately stands out. With the range starting at a competitive level and scaling through multiple build options, BikeRadar highlights how the 2026 Strattos C aligns with Polygon’s reputation for strong specifications at realistic price points.
Electronic shifting is standard across the lineup, from Shimano 105 Di2 on the C7 to SRAM Force AXS on the range-topping C9 AXS, an increasingly important expectation among riders shopping for the best road bikes today.
Electronic shifting is standard across the lineup, starting with Shimano 105 Di2 on the Strattos C7 Di2, stepping up to Shimano Ultegra Di2 on the Strattos C8 Di2, and topping out with SRAM Force AXS on the range-leading C9 AXS, an increasingly important benchmark for riders shopping for the best modern road bikes today.
All-Road Ambition without Sacrificing Comfort
A key talking point in BikeRadar’s review is the 2026 Strattos C’s approach to ride comfort. Polygon uses a uniquely shaped seatstay design, tuned specifically to absorb road vibrations while maintaining stiffness where it matters most.
Rather than relying on gimmicks, the design aims to deliver compliance through carbon layup and tube shaping, an approach that resonates with riders who value predictable road feel.
Tyre clearance up to 34c reinforces the bike’s all-road ambitions. This allows riders to move beyond perfectly smooth tarmac and confidently explore rougher roads, broken pavement, or long-distance routes where comfort and grip matter more than outright aerodynamics.
BikeRadar also notes the bike’s optimised stack height, which creates a more upright riding position compared to Polygon’s racier road bike models. The result is reduced strain on the back and shoulders, particularly noticeable on longer endurance rides.
Future-Ready Standards and Clean Integration
From a technical standpoint, BikeRadar points out that the 2026 Strattos C is future-facing in its design. The inclusion of SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) means compatibility with SRAM Transmission groupsets, adding flexibility for riders who plan to upgrade or change drivetrains down the line.
Up front, the integrated LINC carbon cockpit keeps cable routing fully internal, contributing to a clean, contemporary aesthetic while improving aerodynamics and reducing maintenance clutter.
Wheel choices also vary across the range, with Polygon’s Alpha Carbon wheels on the top-spec model and carbon WR4 Disc wheels on other builds, both designed to balance durability, comfort, and real-world performance.
Read the full review by BikeRadar here
Don’t forget to know the 2026 Strattos C road bike better in our article about the new Strattos C introduction here.
