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The best mountain bikes of the moment
The renowned Decathlon group is the forerunner in the large-scale distribution of products for sports use. Moreover, its notoriety is only amplified thanks to its range of Rockrider mountain bikes. That’s why we suggest you learn more about one of the models marketed by the company, the Rockrider XC 900. The purpose of this article is to introduce you to this model by describing its technical specifications, but also to tell you about the whole range of electric bikes that come from it.
Rockrider in electric version
As you now know, the French group Decathlon is very popular and this is mainly due to the bikes it sells. Whether they are classic models or others with electric assistance (electric bike).
These new means of transportation are both practical and resistant. So you can count on the unfailing support of your electric bike.
The electric Rockrider benefits from an assistance combined with the excellence of the traditional Rockrider. Indeed, the brand has decided to keep all the DNA. This allows the consumer to benefit from a bike of very good manufacture and excellent finish. The whole associated with an electric motorization of great quality. We can undoubtedly tell you that it is a perfect combo !
Let’s talk Rockrider – What is it ?
Since the year 2019, the Decathlon group has decided to revise the names of these different ranges. Thus, Rockrider is the one that includes all the mountain bikes of the brand. Formerly known as B’twin Rockrider, the brand wanted to simplify its name.
The new signatures
The firm has therefore decided to give a new look to the name of these models. The primary objective of this change is actually very simple. Consumers should be able to identify more quickly the different categories of bikes, mountain bike, mountain bike, urban or road bike.
Previously, you could find the name B’twin on each of the references. Today, it is almost no longer the case. Only a few models still have this name, perhaps in order to reassure customers. B’twin has been for many years the best seller in bicycle sales.
Assimilated to a cheap bike, with a flattering design but also with quality services. It was therefore important for Decathlon not to lose this confidence which is essential to the success of the brand.
Let’s identify them
You will be able to clearly and simply identify the different ranges. This is what we will try to show you below. You will see that there are no less than 4 main ranges at Decathlon, here are the names:
As you can see, the Rockrider bike range is intended for the all-terrain models of the French group. This last one proposes traditional and electric bikes of entry of range but also top of the range.
Presentation of the Rockrider XC 900
Many people are confused between the different references. Indeed, there is the Rockrider 900 XC and the Rockrider XC 900 S. This is something that should be taken into consideration in order not to get lost among the different references available.
As explained earlier, the Rockrider XC 900 mountain bike is part of the Decathlon range of mountain bikes. It is a product with many qualities. It is a very good product whose characteristics are particularly appreciable especially by virtue of its price.
Rockrider XC 900 : Technical specifications
The Rockrider 900 XC is a complex yet simple product. Complex in its elaboration but easy to use by the user. This means of locomotion studied for the practice of the all-terrain is an inescapable ally for your somewhat eventful outings.
Available in several sizes
Rockrider XC 900 mountain bike is available in a variety of sizes so that a wide range of people can get the most out of it.
- M : 165-174 cm for 10,50 kg
- L : 175-184 cm for 10,70 kg
- XL : 185-200 cm for 10,90 kg
A light and mixed frame
The Rockrider 900 XC is made of a mixed carbon frame and a carbon seatpost. This gives it a very light weight as well as a robustness to any test. Its “mixed” frame makes it easier for each user to step on and off.
Front suspension from the Rockrider XC 900
This road companion is equipped with an air fork. In other words, by opting for this model, you can count on suspensions at the front of the latter. These will allow you to overcome sometimes complex obstacles thanks to a travel of 100 mm.
You can also opt for the Combolock II handlebar lock, which has two positions: open and closed. A suspension system allows you to absorb the shocks related to the practice and thus make the driving experience even more pleasant and comfortable.
However, there is no suspension at the back. The positive point is that the weight of the vehicle is not impacted and makes it more manageable.
Derailleur and Transmission
You will be able to enjoy a 12 speed single chainring transmission with the XC 900 Rockrider. Then, you will have the leisure to change them throughout your ride thanks to a trigger located at the right handlebar grip. The chainring is made of 34 teeth. By opting for this model you will also have a Trutativ Stylo crankset in aluminum and a SRAM PG1275 cassette in 10-52.
Saddle and Brakes
The Rockrider XC Ergofit saddle weighs 265 grams and will provide you with all the comfort you need during your ride. The wheels and tires are also complementary. Thus, you will have the good sensations related to your practice while decreasing even annihilating the most unpleasant (shocks and discomfort).
In terms of safety, the Decathlon group has not skimped on the means since it offers its users hydraulic disc brakes. They are of different dimensions at the front and rear to reach respectively 180 mm and 160 mm.
29″ wheels and tires
The Rockrider XC 900 mountain bike has 29 inches Mavic Crossmax wheels of 1850 grams with an external width of 25 mm tubeless compatible. They are made of 24 spokes. Moreover, the mounted tires are also tubeless compatible. They are by the way from the brand Hutchinson Kraken. They will ensure you a perfect grip during your practice.
Equipment and Warranty of the Rockrider XC 900
As you can see, the French company has done its utmost to offer future users a complete and efficient product. This is done as well by the materials used as by the equipment and accessories integrated by the possible additions or the guarantee of the product itself.
Thus, the XC 900 Rockrider bike is quite basic at first glance. Nevertheless, the quality is there since it is ultra light and performant. Then, if you wish, some options are possible. Indeed, you could integrate a carbon bottle cage since a space is dedicated to that.
As you now know, the Decathlon group applies a warranty to all its bikes. So, no bad surprise in case of problem, you can turn to the brand for any defective part. The warranty is 5 years for the frame. Spare parts are available for 2 years.
Maintenance and storage
When it comes to the maintenance of the Rockrider 900 XC, there are a number of guidelines that should be followed to ensure proper operation. If you choose this model, you will have to degrease the chain and lubricate it regularly.
Then, you will have to degrease the brake discs and check the transmission for wear. Then, you will have to maintain the suspension fork regularly, ideally every 50 hours of use. Finally, you will have to make sure that you regularly reinject preventive fluid into the tubeless ready tires.
The Rockrider XC 900 mountain bike versus the competition
We believe that a good review is one that is highlighted and compared to other products in the same market segment. That’s why our experts have selected for you competing mountain bikes that may challenge your choice of Rockrider 900 XC.
The Rockrider XC 900 mountain bike is the latest addition to the Rockrider family. The French brand has now several models in this range, from children’s models to adult models. You can find our complete tests about the Rockrider 340, 540 and 520.
We’ve gone over the specs of the Rockrider 900 XC mountain bike, but can we say it’s a good compromise right now? Aren’t there better options? That’s what we’re going to elaborate on in the next part and give you our opinion about the Rockrider 900 XC.
Is the Rockrider XC 900 a bad compromise ?
You’re probably wondering why we told you about the technical features and advantages of this product if we don’t recommend it in the end ?
Well, actually, you have to keep in mind that even if the Rockrider XC 900 is not a good compromise, it doesn’t mean that it is a bad product. It just means that it is not the best investment at this time.
The XC 900 Rockrider: a mid-range mountain bike
Keep in mind that this is a mid-range bike. It’s not the “worst” in its class but it’s not the best either. The Rockrider XC 900 S is a bit more expensive but will give you the comfort you need with a suspension for example. Nevertheless, the XC 900 Rockrider is a good product to consider at its true value.
The electric trend is on the rise
One of the reasons why our review does not show all the lights on green for the XC 900 Rockrider. This is a classic road bike. Indeed, with today’s new trends, we could have expected a model with electric assistance.
The latter is present in almost all the ranges offered by Decathlon. So, whether you are looking for a model for urban use, for all types of trails or all terrain, the bike is now often equipped with an electric assistance.
It is necessary to know that in addition to the positive aspects brought by the electric assistance, the purchase of these means of locomotion is encouraged by the state, the regions and the communities.
Purchase subsidies for electric bikes
Some European Union countries have put in place aids. Let’s take the example of France. The French government is encouraging households to use alternative means of transportation that run on green energy. Initially set up for electric cars, this has spread to electric bikes as well. Thus, aids have allowed many French people to take the step.
This is particularly simple, because every French person can apply for help and will be given a favorable answer or not if he/she respects the few necessary criteria. Moreover, you will not only be able to claim a national aid, but you will also have the possibility to apply for aid from your region and from your commune.
The sums paid are not negligible and must be taken into account for any new acquisition of a means of locomotion of this type. Some grants can reach 500 euros as in Ile-de-France. As explained above, this help is not negligible considering the price of an electric bike.
The Decathlon brand offers many references of electric bikes from entry-level to high-end. The Rockrider electric bikes are, in our opinion, a much better compromise, especially if you combine the purchase subsidies.
Presentation of the electric Rockrider
As mentioned earlier in this article, the electrically assisted Rockrider bikes are nothing more or less than classic bikes with electric assistance. In reality, it’s a little more complex, but despite that, the Decathlon group wanted to keep the spirit and the look of the classic Rockrider bikes. The company has also kept the quality of the latter while declining them in electric version.
The most important thing to remember is that the Rockrider is a mountain bike for the general public. It also knows how to adapt to a more professional public thanks to high-end versions.
A very good quality finish
The performance of electric bikes can be seen on the ground but also at a glance. Indeed, the quality and the aestheticism are there. We can mention the Rockrider e-st 500 which is purely and simply a mix of the design of the Btwin Rockrider 340 and other models among others.
It is undoubtedly a electric mountain bike with an elegant style. Moreover, the engineers of the tricolored group succeeded in integrating well the battery at the level of the frame.
Intelligent assistants
One of the big advantages of the Decathlon electric bike is the torque sensor. This last one allows to adapt the force of the electric assistance according to that of the user.
In other words, the sensor detects your strength during the effort and calculates the power that the electric assistance will have to provide to help you during your practice. A power decoupled from +50% to +300%…
An important autonomy
Autonomy is one of the central elements to take into consideration when choosing the right electric bike model. The Decathlon brand has nothing to fear, on the contrary, since it is able to offer models with an autonomy of up to 100 kilometers.
It should be noted, however, that the latter will vary according to several criteria. You will have to take into consideration the use, the weight of the user, the weather conditions and many other criteria. But with the electric Rockrider, you will be able to go on longer rides than with a traditional mountain bike.
Rockrider XC 900 : Conclusion
The Rockrider XC 900 is a good companion for people who want to enjoy off-road riding. This means of locomotion is both ultra light and robust thanks to the carbon used for its frame. It will undoubtedly give you pleasure and comfort during its use.
Moreover, you will be able to count on high quality equipment and accessories. However, if the built-in ones are not enough for you, you can add more. Nevertheless, we think that Rockrider electric bikes are a much better investment. They will provide you with the electric assistance you need while riding.
