ChooseMyBicycle.com (CMB) is one of India’s most respected cycling retail and editorial platforms, a go-to destination for enthusiasts across the subcontinent seeking reliable, hands-on bicycle reviews before making a purchase decision.
With a readership spanning first-time road cyclists to seasoned riders, CMB’s evaluations carry genuine weight in a rapidly growing cycling market. Their test ride of the 2022 Polygon Strattos S2 road bike gave the bike a thorough real-world workout, and the verdict reinforced exactly what this entry-level road bike was designed to deliver.
Things They Like: Smooth Performance Meets Everyday Rideability
CMB’s review opened with a clear set of highlights that speak directly to what matters most in an entry-level road bicycle. Three things stood out immediately:
A smooth Shimano Claris 2×8 drivetrain that shifted reliably and responded well under load. A tapered carbon fork that meaningfully reduces front-end weight without inflating the price. And Tektro R-315 caliper brakes delivered controlled, balanced stopping across both dry and wet road surfaces.
For a road bike positioned at accessible pricing, landing all three of these right is no small achievement, and CMB noted each one with appreciation.
Frame & Geometry: An All-Round Road Bicycle Built for All-Day Riding
The Strattos S2 is built around Polygon’s ALX Performance Road alloy frame, a platform that prioritises comfort and control without sacrificing the responsive feel that road cyclists expect. CMB described the geometry as endurance-focused and genuinely versatile, noting that the riding position across both the hoods and the drops translates well whether pushing hard on the flat or grinding through a prolonged climb.
The 2022 model arrives in a single striking colourway, Gloss Sky Blue with Red graphics, finished to a standard that CMB noted as smooth and visually sharp. Internal cable routing keeps the aesthetic clean while also extending cable longevity, a practical detail that adds long-term value to the build.
The tapered carbon fork deserves a specific mention here. At a price point where alloy forks are common, the carbon front end on the Strattos S2 is a meaningful differentiator, reducing weight, improving steering sensitivity, and giving the bike a more premium feel than its price tag suggests.
Drivetrain & Performance: Shimano Claris Does the Job
The Shimano Claris 2×8-speed groupset is the entry point to Shimano’s road component lineup, and CMB found it well-suited to the Strattos S2’s character. Shifting was described as quick and smooth, with the paddle shifters easy to operate even under fatigue. Critically, CMB noted the gearing range proved adequate for steep climbs, a meaningful endorsement for riders who live and train in hilly terrain.
Complementing the drivetrain are Kenda 700x28C road tyres, a fast-rolling rubber choice that CMB found well-matched to smooth tarmac, with a compound durable enough to justify the investment over time. The Entity Sport alloy drop handlebar rounded out the cockpit with a comfortable grip in both hood and drop positions, backed by bar tape that held up in wet conditions.
Braking is handled by the Tektro R-315 dual-pivot calipers, a system CMB described as reactive and balanced on flat tarmac, with light lever action that suits riders transitioning from flat-bar bikes onto their first road bicycle.
Product Takeaway
CMB’s summary of the Strattos S2 is straightforward: it’s an aesthetic, performance-focused, and comfortable road bike that punches well above its price bracket.
For riders entering road cycling or looking to upgrade to a capable all-rounder without overspending, the 2022 Polygon Strattos S2 delivers where it counts, clean build quality, reliable components, and a geometry that encourages more time in the saddle.
Explore the full Strattos Road Bike lineup at Polygon Bikes.
