Polygon Tambora A vs Tambora G: Built for Different Gravel Priorities

Feburary 27, 2026 - At first glance, Polygon Tambora A and Tambora G look similar, both modern gravel bikes built on the same Tambora platform. But dig deeper, and the intention becomes clear. 

Tambora A leans toward an all-road setup, prioritising speed and efficiency on paved and mixed roads. Tambora G takes an all-gravel direction, built for rougher surfaces and adventure-focused riding. Jadi bukan soal mana yang lebih bagus, but which Tambora fits how and where you ride most.

What Does the Tambora A Series Do?

The Polygon Tambora A series is designed with an all-road mindset. It’s built for riders who spend most of their time on paved roads, but still want the freedom to cut through mixed surfaces when the route demands it.

In Malaysia, this setup makes a lot of sense. Banyak rider yang riding jauh di jalan raya, smooth asphalt, long stretches between towns, dengan occasional broken roads, bahu jalan kasar, atau shortcut gravel ringan. Tambora A is tuned exactly for that kind of riding.

More All-Road Oriented Setup

Tambora A focuses on efficiency and speed on pavement, while remaining capable on light gravel.

What that means in real use:

• Feels fast and responsive on long paved roads
• Stable enough for mixed surfaces like cracked asphalt or light gravel
• Suitable for day rides, endurance loops, and light touring

It’s a gravel bike that behaves closer to a road bike when the road is smooth, without becoming nervous when the surface changes.

Aero-Inspired Cockpit & Wider Gear Range

One of the defining features of the Tambora A series is its aero-style handlebar and cockpit setup, which supports a more streamlined riding position.

Why this matters:

• More efficient posture for long road-heavy rides
• Better speed retention on flat or rolling terrain
• Comfortable enough for extended hours in the saddle

Paired with a wider gear range, Tambora A handles Malaysia’s varied terrain well without feeling overbuilt for the road. Tambora A series suits riders who ride mostly tarmac, want gravel capability as a bonus, and prefer a bike that still feels quick, efficient, and road-oriented.

What Does the Tambora G Series Do?

If the Tambora A series leans toward paved roads, the Polygon Tambora G series is clearly built with an all-gravel focus. This setup is designed for riders who intentionally seek out rougher terrain, longer gravel stretches, and adventure-style routes where surface quality is unpredictable.

In Malaysia, this fits riders who often explore estate roads, kampung gravel, plantation routes, logging roads, and mixed off-road loops, places where traction, durability, and control matter more than outright speed.

More All-Gravel Oriented Setup

Tambora G is tuned to feel confident when the road gets rough.

What riders will notice:

• More stable handling on loose gravel and uneven terrain
• Better control when descending or riding technical sections
• A calmer ride feels when surfaces constantly change

This makes the Tambora G ideal for gravel-first riding, adventure loops, and routes that include long off-road sections rather than just short gravel connectors.

Flared Handlebar & Simpler 1x Drivetrain

Another key difference is the flared handlebar, which gives extra control when riding on loose or technical terrain.

Why it works:

• A wider hand position improves steering control
• More confidence when descending or riding rough sections
• Feels more secure when carrying speed off-road

The 1x drivetrain setup keeps things simple and durable, with fewer moving parts, less chain drop risk, and easier maintenance when riding in dusty or muddy conditions. For riders who value reliability over tight gear steps, this setup makes a lot of sense for Malaysian gravel adventures. Tambora G series is for riders who treat gravel as the main event, not just an occasional detour.

Tambora A vs Tambora G: Side-by-Side Comparison

Geometry & Riding Position: Tambora A vs Tambora G

Although both share the same Tambora platform, the geometry and riding position clearly set Tambora A and Tambora G apart in real-world riding.

Tambora A uses a road-leaning, all-road geometry with a slightly lower and more stretched position. This delivers efficient power transfer, stable high-speed handling, and a familiar feel for long tarmac rides, ideal for Malaysian roads dominated by paved routes with occasional mixed surfaces.

Tambora G features a more relaxed, gravel-first geometry. The more upright position improves stability, control, and confidence on loose gravel, rough estate roads, and technical sections.

Cockpit & Handlebar: Speed vs Control

One of the clearest differences between Tambora A and Tambora G shows up the moment you place your hands on the handlebars. While both are designed for gravel riding, their cockpit choices reflect very different priorities.

Tambora A uses an aero-inspired handlebar for a more streamlined position. Hasilnya: hand position lebih sempit dan efisien, aerodynamics lebih baik untuk cruising laju di jalan berturap, dan rasa yang familiar untuk rider road atau all-road. 

Di kondisi jalan Malaysia yang banyak paved stretches, setup ini bantu maintain speed dengan nyaman, masih gravel-capable, tapi feel-nya memang lebih road-oriented.

However, the Tambora A series still hasn’t come out yet in Malaysia. We’ll notify you furthera bout the upcoming updates about the Tambora A.

Tambora G guna flared handlebar yang fokus pada control off-road. Hand position lebih wide bagi better leverage, steering lebih stabil atas loose gravel dan rough descents, dan rasa lebih confident bila terrain jadi unpredictable. 

Untuk rider yang kerap ride gravel-heavy routes, estate roads, atau adventure loops, cockpit ini rasa lebih secure dan forgiving, especially bila riding off the drops.

Both are well-suited to their intended use, but the difference becomes very noticeable once the ride shifts from smooth tarmac to rough gravel.

Drivetrain & Braking: Range vs Simplicity

Beyond geometry and cockpit, the drivetrain and braking choices further define how Tambora A and Tambora G behave on the road and off it. This is where the all-road vs all-gravel intent becomes very clear.

Tambora A uses a wider gear range with closer steps, ideal for road-heavy riding. It keeps cadence smooth at higher speeds, transitions easily between flats and rolling climbs, and stays efficient on long asphalt routes with light mixed terrain, sesuai dengan kondisi Malaysia yang banyak jalan beraspal dan flyover. Braking is tuned for consistent, predictable control on pavement and light gravel.

Tambora G runs a 1x drivetrain focused on durability. Fewer parts mean lower maintenance, reduced chain drop, and straightforward shifting on rough terrain, perfect for gravel roads, estate tracks, and adventure loops. Braking emphasizes modulation and control on loose, steep off-road sections.

Same Tambora DNA—different riding priorities.

How to Decide Between Tambora A or Tambora G?

Choosing between Tambora A and Tambora G comes down to one simple question:
Where do you ride most of the time?

Choose Tambora A if:

• Most of your rides are on paved roads, bike paths, and urban routes
• You enjoy maintaining speed on flats and rolling terrain
• Your gravel usage is occasional, not the main focus
• You want a gravel bike that feels close to a road bike, but with extra comfort and versatility

Tambora A makes sense for riders who see gravel as an extension of their road routes. It’s ideal for long rides around town, endurance sessions, or mixed-surface loops where speed and efficiency still matter.

Choose Tambora G if:

• Your riding leans towards gravel, estate roads, adventure loops, and light off-road
• You value simplicity, durability, and confidence on rough terrain
• You prefer a relaxed riding position for long, exploratory rides
• You want a bike that feels stable when the road disappears

Tambora G is built for riders who intentionally seek out gravel and unpaved routes. It’s the better choice if adventure and terrain variety are central to your riding style.

Whichever you choose, both remain true to what a modern gravel bike should be: versatile, comfortable, and ready for Malaysian roads and beyond.

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