TO CELEBRATE THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF DIRT WE’RE SPEAKING TO THE BRANDS AND RIDERS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED US THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. WE’LL BE ASKING 20 QUESTIONS ON THE PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE OF MOUNTAIN BIKING TO THOSE WHO ARE TRULY IN THE KNOW. CHECK OUT OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK THAT’S AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER HERE.
Photos: Chris Southwood and Gameplan Media
South East Asia may not seem like the centre of the mountain biking world but that hasn’t held Polygon back. With Rampage wins, World Cup podiums and an ever-growing fleet of great bikes, Polygon really have taken on the world.
We sat down with Zendy Renan, Product and Development Manager, to talk about this brand’s history and their future.
20 Questions – Polygon
What achievement of the company are you most proud of?
I am really proud of when we started selling bikes internationally and proud of our factory and assembly facilities. Polygon is one of just a small number of brands that possesses it’s own factory and assembly facilities. Facilities that have produced almost half a million bikes this year!
It has been a great journey for us developing our products with creative thinkers, engineers, professional riders and riding communities from around the world. Our products have gone from only being trusted locally then getting attention from people in the international community.
What has been you biggest product development?
The development of the Polygon FS System was the starting point of when we finally created a fresh and authentic design with global relevance. During the development we branched out from using our product development team and worked with a group of creative peoples; who are also riders, based in North America, Europe and Asia. It was a major step for our development as a brand.
What was the brand working on 20 years ago?
Becoming an international brand has also been our core vision. 20 years ago we were working towards that goal by learning new processes and working on the formula to create bikes that would spark the imaginations of riders around the globe.
What is the direction of the company setting up for the next 20 years?
To create quality bikes that are demanded by international customers and to push innovation with our products.
What has been the biggest lesson the company has learnt in the industry?
Never stop being innovative and unique … and to be tough and passionate so that we stay competitive.
What do you dislike about working in the bike industry?
For me it has to be working an 8 to 5 job, deadlines and paperwork, etc … I definitely have less chances to ride compared to a lot of the people in my social media circle. I may not have the change to get in a large quantity or rides, but when I do get on my bike it is always high quality.
Give us a story from your wildest moment in mountain biking?
Back in October 2015 when I woke up to find out that Kurt Sorge had won Rampage on the Collosus DH9. One of Polygon’s biggest achievements in our history!
What has been your favourite moment of Dirt’s history?
The first time one of our bikes was featured on the Dirt website.
Your favorite or most memorable Dirt Cover?
Looking back at all of the covers, I would have to choose issue no 160.
What would be the first question you would ask Dirt?
Is there any possibility to publish a print edition again? We hope to be chosen as part of Dirt’s epic cover history, too!
Press releases or journalism?
Both, but more journalism for sure.
Who have been your favourite riders of the past 20 years?
Kurt Sorge and Sam Reynolds
What Rider has most pushed the boundaries over the past 20years?
All the pro riders. I respect them all, they really help the industry to keep going.
What has been your favourite or most memorable race?
The 2013 World Champs, South Africa. Mick Hannah was just 0.3 sec away from the rainbow stripes!
What does the next 20 years bring for Mountain biking?
More people on bikes, more new trails on mountains ridden and more exploration of what is possible to ride on a bike.
What’s your opinion on E-Bikes?
E-bikes will keep growing, the market for people who can ride on an electric assist bike is huge, and they will bring a new user group to mountain biking. That being said the pedal bike will always be around, they have survived so many cultural changes.
What life lessons has Mountain biking taught you?
Respect nature, crashes will happen and the ground is hard.
What’s been the most questionable thing to come out of Mountain biking?
There have been some questionable components and some questionable standards that we have chosen to forget.
Who doesn’t get the credit they deserve in the industry?
There is a small group of industry people who get a large portion of the credit. The racers, designers/engineers and marketing folks who have made a name for themselves seem to get most of the credit. There are factory workers, office workers, quality control people, warehouse people … that are responsible for getting bikes out to the masses but we seem to forget about them.
