The best mountain bikes of the moment
Decathlon is one of the leaders in the sale of affordable electric bikes. In order to guide you to make the right choice, we have made a selection of the best references.
Accessible to the general public, Decathlon has very quickly become one of the references in the world of cycling. The French group is particularly successful thanks to the Rockrider range that it markets. If you are looking for a light and comfortable mountain bike, we advise you to read this article which will introduce you to the Rockrider ST 530, but also to the electric versions that are available.
Rockrider in electric version
Established in the world of cycling for many years, the Decathlon brand is experiencing a relentless craze. This French brand has been able to establish itself on a market aimed at the general public. It has been able to differentiate itself from other groups by offering products adapted to all types of practices.
Moreover, it continues in this step by putting from now on on the sale of electric assisted bicycles. The electric bike is an essential ally for your daily commute, your walks or for your more eventful excursions.
What is Rockrider ?
The Rockrider range lists all the mountain bikes offered by the group. Indeed, since the year 2019, Decathlon has decided to distinguish the products thanks to their names. Formerly known as Btwin Rockrider, the brand has simplified everything so that the consumer can find it more easily.
It is true that originally all the bikes sold by the brand appeared under the name Btwin. It was therefore difficult for the consumer to find his way around.
Today, this debate is no more, the latter has taken things in hand and has made this important but necessary change. Let future users be reassured, even if the name changes, the quality of the products remains the same.
A new signature
As announced above, the Tricolor group has decided to make things clearer by allowing consumers to distinguish the different ranges it offers. Thus, they can easily differentiate between mountain bikes, city bikes and road bikes.
In the past, for all the variants, we heard about Btwin. Even if their current names were already present but located just after it. So it was difficult to find your way around. Nevertheless, today this name is still present in one of the ranges offered by the company. It is certainly intended to reassure consumers. This name is synonymous with quality, aesthetics and affordable price.
The different ranges of Decathlon
As we have already mentioned in the previous section, Decathlon offers buyers a wide range of products that meet most needs in terms of cycling mobility. Indeed, here are the 4 main categories presented by the group:
The name Rockrider is thus assimilated to the range of bicycles known as all-terrain (mountain bike) proposed by Decathlon. You can find it as well in traditional version as in electric version.
Presentation of the Rockrider ST 530
As its name suggests, the Rockrider ST 530 is a mountain bike. Formerly known as Btwin Rockrider 530, it has like all the bikes of the Decathlon brand. This mountain bike is an essential ally for your outings. It will allow you to be efficient and for a relatively reasonable price.
Technical specifications of the Rockrider 530 ST
Before you take the plunge and buy a bike, it’s important to learn more about its features.
Available in several sizes
To ensure optimal comfort, the Decathlon group offers different sizes for the Rockrider ST 530 mountain bike. Indeed, there are 4 sizes: S, M, L and XL. In order to guide you at best, the company provides the following information:
- S : between 1.50 m and 1.64 m
- M : between 1.65 m and 1.74 m
- L : between 1.75 m and 1.84 m
- XL : between 1.85 m and 2.00 m
If your size is between two, you’ll have to make a choice. If you are between two sizes, you will have to make a choice. Indeed, you will have to take the lower size if you wish to privilege the handiness and the comfort.
Conversely, take the larger size if you want to focus on the pedaling phases and ensure a better performance through a more extended position.
Rockrider ST 530 : Its weight
As far as the weight of the Rockrider 530 ST is concerned, it is good to know that it is not excessive. Net weight without pedals.
- S : 150-164 cm : 13.7 kg
- M : 165-174 cm : 13.8 kg
- L : 175-184 cm : 13.9 kg
- XL : 185-200 cm : 14 kg
The Rockrider ST 100 can support a load of up to 120 kg. This includes the weight of the user and the equipment he/she is carrying, including of course the weight of the Decathlon mountain bike itself.
Mixed frame
The frame of the Rockrider 530 ST is mixed and exists in woman variant. An adapted saddle, a narrower handlebar, a shorter stem, a fork with a softer spring and closer brake levers. Made entirely of aluminum, it is lighter. Moreover, the very marked inclination of the upper tube allows all the users to straddle it more easily.
If you are a woman and choose the men’s model. For a better comfort, we recommend the women’s sport saddle 500, adapted to the female morphology.
Front and rear suspension
The hydraulic fork of the Rockrider ST 530 mountain bike makes it possible to pass more obstacles and in all serenity, such as roots, pebbles, stones, mud, thanks to its 120 mm stroke.
As for the rear suspension, the Rockrider 530 ST has no rear suspension. It is a semi-rigid mountain bike. The difference with a full-suspension mountain bike, i.e. with a rear suspension, is that this one is lighter, so you lose less energy on flat terrain.
However, if you want to focus on comfort and handling, the Rockrider ST 530 is available in a full-suspension version with a rear shock absorber. The Rockrider ST 530 S.
Derailleur and transmission
You can count on a single chainring transmission from ROCKRIDER FC ATB 500 Altus, 32 teeth. What does that mean? Well, you’ll have a 9-speed chainring to accompany you on your rides. Accelerate on the flat and tackle the climbs with ease, without compromise.
Moreover, you will have a front and rear derailleur MICROSHIFT ADVENT braked clevis. At the handlebar, you will have only one MICROSHIFT ADVENT lever, no need to think anymore.
Disc brakes
What could be better in the cycling world than 160mm hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear. No matter what kind of weather conditions you encounter or what kind of ground you ride on. Dry, wet and even in the mud, you can count on powerful and progressive braking. You will be able to operate them in a very simple way thanks to the aluminium brake levers present in front of the handlebars.
27,5” wheels and all conditions tires
The wheels on the Rockrider ST 530 mountain bike are made of aluminum, so they are efficient and sturdy. With a 27.5″ diameter and double-wall rims, they are an excellent compromise between comfort and performance. With 28 spokes, they’re light, stiff and durable. You’ll be able to count on wide Rockrider All Conditions tires with sidewall lugs to get you through all types of terrain, wet and dry.
The price of the Rockrider ST 530
To own the Rockrider 530 ST, you’ll need to spend €429. It has a good quality-price ratio. The brand is known and recognized for the products it sells. When you buy a Rockrider ST 530, you are investing in a competent brand whose reputation is well established.
Accessories and warranty
With this Rockrider ST 530 mountain bike you can count on multiple accessories. Indeed, it comes with a bell, lights, wheel reflectors and pedals. If that’s not enough for you, it’s compatible with a basic stand, a water bottle holder, a special mountain bike mudguard kit, a saddle bag, a luggage rack and a baby seat.
Decathlon also offers a guarantee for the products it sells. Indeed, spare parts are available for 2 years. The frame, stem and handlebars are guaranteed for life.
Advice on maintenance, transport and storage
Decathlon offers a free check-up within 6 months after the purchase of the mountain bike. The technicians will check 13 points of your bike. To do this, simply go to the nearest Decathlon workshop with your Decathlon card and/or receipt.
As for maintenance, you should know that the Rockrider ST 530 does not require any specific treatment. Indeed, a blow of water and sponge after your outings is recommended. After washing, remember to take a dry cloth to remove any trace of moisture.
In terms of storage, be sure to keep it in a dry, temperate place away from corrosive or salty atmospheres. If you need to easily transport your Rockrider ST 530, we recommend a bike rack, a simple way to do so without dirtying your vehicle.
The Rockrider ST 530 versus the competition
Today’s cycling market is more and more competitive. The brands are all trying to differentiate themselves from each other, and offer products that are more innovative than the others. But what about Decathlon?
Well, despite the current context, the brand has decided to rely on its know-how by offering products that are always in line with their philosophy. That is to say, to address as many people as possible, by offering affordable but quality mountain bikes! Despite everything, some brands stand out and place themselves on this growing market.
And why not switch to electric ?
The electric bike is very popular. It occupies an increasingly important place in the cycling market. Moreover, it is today a fashionable product.
Does Rockrider ST 530 exist in electric ?
If buying an electric bike is an obvious choice for you, you should know that Decathlon offers this possibility. Indeed, the company offers all kinds of electrically assisted bikes. Whether you are looking for a city bike, a cross-country, a road bike or a mountain bike, there is bound to be a product that suits you in the products offered.
The prices remain correct since the company wishes to answer the mobility and budgetary problems of its consumers. You will be able to take more pleasure, while contemplating the landscapes during your rides. These will also be extended thanks to the electric assistance.
Purchase aids
If the purchase of an electric bicycle becomes a reality, it can sometimes be a real obstacle course. But there are a few things that can convince you to take the plunge. Indeed, there is no need to be afraid of the bill, quite the contrary.
As for electric cars, the State, as well as the regions and the municipalities have set up aids to facilitate the acquisition of these new means of transport. Some of them can even be cumulated and make the basic investment less important for the consumer. To give you an idea, here are the following figures:
- National aid: equal to 20% of the purchase price including tax or 200€ maximum.
- Regional aid: variable according to the regions, between 150€ and 600€.
- Municipal aid: it depends on the municipalities, in Paris for the purchase of a electric bike, the buyer can receive up to 400€.
Thus, the final cost of your electric bicycle will be significantly reduced thanks to these aids. Nevertheless, these data are for information purposes only. To know the exact formalities, we advise you to inquire with your local authorities (town hall), on the details of eligibility and conditions of access.
For more information, you can visit the government website or our article dedicated to the different incentives available for the purchase of an electrically assisted bicycle.
To conclude
The Rockrider ST 530 is a complete product that will undoubtedly seduce you. The different equipment it offers and its light aluminum frame are key elements put forward by Decathlon.
It benefits from a good quality-price ratio and its design is refined. Finally, the electric versions will allow you to benefit from the advantages of the Rockrider ST 530 but with a big plus, the electric assistance.
