When it comes to honest, no-nonsense electric mountain bike reviews, few outlets earn the trust of the trail riding community quite like The Loam Wolf.
Known for their rigorous, multi-bike shootout format and rider-first perspective, The Loam Wolf brings a level of objectivity that serious e-MTB shoppers rely on.
This year, they included our Collosus N8E in their highly anticipated 2024 eMTB Shootout, a field of 14 electric bikes tested across real terrain at Howler Bike Park. The result? A review that validates exactly what we built this bike to do.
Drive & Electronics: Proven Shimano Power for an e-MTB
At the heart of the Collosus N8E is the latest Shimano EP801 drive unit, a system designed to meet the demands of modern e-mountain bike riders.
Delivering up to 600W peak power and 85Nm of torque, the motor provides strong and consistent assistance across varied terrain while maintaining a relatively compact weight.
Powering the system is a 630Wh integrated battery, also from Shimano, offering not only reliable performance but also global service support and easier parts availability. For riders, this translates to peace of mind, especially on longer rides or in remote locations.
Practicality is another highlight. The battery can be removed quickly using a simple 4mm allen key, making charging, maintenance, or swapping batteries straightforward.
Meanwhile, the Shimano EN600 switch on the handlebar allows riders to toggle power modes and control the system without needing additional frame-mounted buttons—keeping the cockpit clean and intuitive.
Suspension Duties: Fox Takes Charge
The Collosus N8E doesn’t cut corners on suspension. Fox handles both ends, a 38 Performance fork up front with 160mm of travel, paired with a Float X2 Performance shock at the rear.
Both units are air-sprung for easy setup and weight savings, and both feature low-speed compression and rebound adjustments. The Loam Wolf’s crew found setup straightforward, settling into a comfortable 30% sag at the rear with minimal fuss.
Underpinning the rear suspension is Polygon’s own IFS 6-Bar linkage design, which allows independent tuning of axle path, anti-rise, and anti-squat, giving engineers precise control over how the bike behaves under power and braking.
Ride Feelings: Where the e-Bike Comes Alive
On the climbs, the Collosus N8E delivered a balanced pedaling platform with reasonable traction and a composed feel through the travel.
The short 435mm rear end demanded purposeful body positioning on steeper pitches, but the EP801’s smooth, consistent power delivery kept momentum manageable across a range of gradients.
Where the Collosus N8E truly came into its own was pointing downhill. The Loam Wolf praised its high-speed stability, noting that the geometry struck a genuine balance between planted confidence and trail playfulness.
The relatively short chainstays preserved an element of agility that keeps this electric mountain bike from ever feeling sluggish or one-dimensional. The suspension platform ran plush and comfortable without losing responsiveness, a setup that rewards riders who want to push hard on technical terrain.
Product Takeaway
The Loam Wolf’s closing verdict said it plainly: for riders working with a $4,999 budget seeking a capable, trail-ready e-MTB, the Collosus N8E is a genuinely strong option.
Fox suspension, Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, and one of the most supported motor platforms in the industry, all at a price that makes the competition work considerably harder to justify themselves.
For riders ready to step into serious e-enduro performance without the premium price tag, the Polygon Collosus N8E is built to deliver, and independently reviewed to prove it.
