Rockrider 540: our mixed opinion on this mountain bike

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.

The French group Decathlon has very quickly established itself as one of the references in the world of cycling accessible to the general public. It is particularly successful thanks to the Rockrider range that it markets. This article will present you the Rockrider 540, but also the electric versions that come out of it.

Rockrider in electric version

Established in the world of cycling for many years, the Decathlon brand has experienced a relentless craze. The latter has been able to establish itself on a market aimed at the general public. It has been able to differentiate itself from other brands 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 even for your more eventful excursions. 

What is Rockrider ?

Well, 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, so it was difficult for the consumer to find his way.

Today, this debate is no longer, because the latter has taken things in hand and has made this important but necessary change. Future users can rest assured that even if the name changes, the quality of the products remains the same.

A new signature 

As announced earlier, the Tricolor group has decided to make things clearer by allowing consumers to clearly 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 consumers a wide range of products that meet the majority of 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 cross-country proposed by Decathlon. They exist in both classic and electric versions.

Introducing the btwin Rockrider 540

As its name suggests, the Rockrider 540 or rather Rockrider ST 540 is a mountain bike. Formerly known under the name of Btwin Rockrider 540, it thus has like all the bicycles of the Decathlon sign. 

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 Btwin Rockrider 540

Before jumping into the purchase of a bike, it seems appropriate to learn more about its characteristics. 

Available in different sizes

To ensure your comfort, the Decathlon group offers several sizes for the Rockrider ST 540 mountain bike. Indeed, there are 4 sizes: S, M, L and XL. In order to guide you in the best way, the company provides the following information:

• S : user height between 155 cm and 164 cm
• M : user height between 165 cm and 174 cm
• L : user size between 175 cm and 184 cm
• XL : user height between 185 cm and 200 cm

If you are between 2 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 thanks to a more extended position.

Mixed frame

The Rockrider 540 ST mountain bike is designed for both men and women. Its frame is made entirely of aluminum and is lighter. In addition, the steep incline of the top tube allows all users to straddle it more easily. 

Suspension

First of all, it is necessary to know that there is no suspension at the back. Indeed, it is a semi-rigid Rockrider ST 540 mountain bike. This allows you to benefit from a lighter and therefore more manageable bike. However, if you want to be more comfortable, you should know that this bike is also available with full suspension, i.e. with a shock absorber at the rear.

On both versions you will find a front suspension and more specifically a hydraulic fork. It will allow you to absorb the shocks linked to your practice.

Derailleur and transmission

You will be able to count on a double chainring transmission of the brand SHIMANO Altus 22 and 36 teeth. What does this mean? Well, you will have 2 chainrings of 9 speeds, that is 18 speeds in total to accompany you during your escapades.

You will have a MICROSHIFT FD-M462 front derailleur and Shimano Altus rear derailleur. You will also have at your disposal SHIMANO Acera shifters with speed indicators.

Disc brakes

What could be better in the cycling world than hydraulic disc brakes? Indeed, you can count on powerful and progressive braking thanks to these. These 160mm disc brakes from Rockrider by Tektro will respond to any weather conditions or type of ground you ride on.

You will be able to operate them in a very simple way thanks to the aluminum brake levers present in front of the handlebars.

27,5” wheels and all conditions tires

The wheels of the Btwin Rockrider 540 mountain bike are made of aluminum, so they are light and strong. They assure you efficiency and robustness. They have a diameter of 27.5″, they are the perfect compromise between performance and comfort.

You will be able to count on wide Rockrider All Conditions Light tires with sidewall lugs to accompany you on all types of terrain (wet and dry).

The price of the Rockrider ST 540

To own the Rockrider ST 540, you will need to spend 459 €. It has a good quality / price ratio. The brand is known and recognized for the products it markets. When you buy a Rockrider 540 ST, you are investing in a competent company with a reputation that no longer needs to be created. 

Accessories and warranty

With this Rockrider ST 540 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 bottle cage, a special ATV 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.

Weight of the Rockrider 540

As far as the weight of this Btwin Rockrider 540 bike is concerned, you should know that it is not excessive, on the contrary. You will have to count between 13,5 kg for the S version and 14,2 kg for the XL version (weight without pedals). It 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.

Maintenance and storage tips

Decathlon offers a free service within 6 months of purchase. In terms of maintenance, you should know that the Rockrider ST 540 does not require any specific treatment. In fact, a little sponge and water after each ride is appreciated.

After washing, remember to take a dry cloth to remove any trace of moisture. In terms of storage, be sure to leave it in a dry and temperate place away from any corrosive product or salty atmosphere.

The Rockrider 540 versus the competition

The cycling market is increasingly competitive. Brands are all trying to differentiate themselves from each other by offering products that are more innovative than the others. But what about Decathlon? Well, despite the tense 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. We can name Alltricks for example. 

And why not switch to electric?

The electric bike is very popular. It occupies a place more and more growing on the market of cycling. Moreover, it is today a highly sought-after product.

Rockrider 540 ST in electric it exists?

If this is an obvious choice for you, you should know that Decathlon offers this possibility to its customers. Indeed, the company offers all kinds of electrically assisted bicycles. So whether you are looking for a city bike, a mountain bike, a road bike or a cross-country bike, there is bound to be a product that suits you in this store.

The prices do not get out of hand as this company wishes to respond to the mobility and budgetary problems of its consumers. You will be able to take more pleasure while contemplating the landscapes during your outings. These will also be extended thanks to the electric assistance. 

Financial aid for the purchase

Electric bikes are still much more expensive than conventional bikes, says the European Cyclists’ Federation. Although they have gained strong support in several European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, their development is still in the start-up phase in the others.

Well, even if the purchase of an electric bike can sometimes be a real obstacle course, some elements can convince you to take the plunge. Indeed, don’t be afraid of the bill, on the contrary. As for electric cars, the State, as well as the regions and the municipalities, have set up subsidies to facilitate the acquisition of these new means of transport.

Some of them can even be cumulated and thus make the basic investment less important for the consumer. To give you an idea, we can give you the following figures for France for example :

• 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€.
• Communal aid : depends on the communes, in Paris for the purchase of a electric bike the consumer can receive up to 400€.

Thus, the final amount you will have to pay for your electric bicycle will be significantly reduced. Nevertheless, these data are for information purposes only. It is therefore advisable to find out more about the eligibility details and access conditions.

To find out where, when and how to apply for these grants, we advise you to contact your local authorities

To conclude

The Rockrider 540 mountain bike is a complete product that will undoubtedly seduce you. Its various on-board equipment and its aluminum frame are key elements highlighted by Decathlon. It benefits from a good quality/price ratio and its design is refined. Nevertheless, the electric versions will allow you to benefit from the advantages of the Rockrider 540 ST but with a big plus, namely the assistance. 

To help you make the right choice, our OnMyBike team regularly posts articles on traditional and electric bikes

Source