Rockrider 8.1 : Our opinion on the mountain bike model

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.

What is Rockrider? It is the range of mountain bikes that the French company Decathlon markets. One of the references in the cycling world. In this article, we present you the Rockrider 8.1, a faithful training companion. It is designed for the intense practice of mountain biking, and offers a level of equipment unequalled for its price. It is the reference in terms of semi-rigid bikes, one of the best selling Decathlon mountain bikes. To finish, we will speak about the electric versions which emanate from it.

The Rockrider range in electric version

In electric version, the Rockrider offers all the technical features of the classic version. This means you can enjoy a quality mountain bike at an attractive price. Moreover, thanks to the electric assistance, your mountain bike outings will be less demanding and more pleasant.

Currently, Decathlon is the undisputed leader in the French market of sports and leisure articles. It knows a craze without respite.

That’s why it continues in its momentum and it now offers for sale bicycles with electric assistance (electric bike). The electric bike is an essential ally for your weekend rides, or your daily trips to work.

What is Rockrider ?

For the record, Btwin is a brand of bikes owned by the Decathlon group since 2006. The first bike “made in Lille” at Btwin Village is the Rockrider 5.1. It was produced on April 21, 2010. But in 2019, the tricolor group decided to distinguish its products through names.

Mountain bikes are now marketed under the name Rockrider, cross-country bike for Riverside, Gravel (road bike) under the name Triban, and Elops for city bikes. This change was important, but necessary for all consumers. Rest assured, even if the name has changed, the quality of the products is still the same.

In total, more than 12,000 Decathlon employees are working in the Btwin Village to make sport accessible to as many people as possible.

A new signature for Decathlon

Since this important change, it is easier for buyers to differentiate the range that Decathlon offers. You can now distinguish between mountain bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes and city bikes.

It is important to know that it is still possible to buy the brand Btwin. It is present in one of the ranges that Decathlon offers. Why is this? In our opinion, to reassure consumers. Btwin is known for its aesthetics, for the quality of its materials, but especially because the prices remain very attractive.

The different ranges offered by Decathlon

As mentioned above, Decathlon offers a wide range of products to meet the needs of cyclists. You will find below the categories that the tricolored group offers:

• Rockrider range : mountain bike
• Riverside range : cross-country bike
• Elops range: city bike
• The Triban range : road bike

As you can see, Rockrider is associated with the mountain bike range.

Presentation of the rockrider 8.1

Today, the Decathlon Rockrider 8.1 has become a must-have bike. It is the cross-country mountain bike model par excellence. It is a semi-rigid aluminum mountain bike. Since the introduction of the Rockrider 8.1, cross-country mountain bike models have evolved.

We find equivalent models at Rockrider, but with aluminum or carbon frames very worked. They bring efficiency and performance to pedaling. Many mountain bikers know that the frame design is very important to determine the behavior of the mountain bike on the ground.

Technical specifications of the Rockrider 8.1

Before buying a mountain bike, it is important not to rush into anything. Do not hesitate to get information about the bike and its technical characteristics. Don’t buy a bike just because you like it. Above all, buy a bike that is the right size!

The sizes offered by the Rockrider 8.1

Decathlon has thought of everything. In order to be comfortable on your Rockrider 8.1 mountain bike during your rides, the Rockrider is available in several sizes S, M, L and XL. To help consumers make the right choice, the French brand provides the following information:

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

If your size is between two, for an optimal comfort, we advise you to choose the superior size. In order for the Rockrider 8.1 mountain bike to fit your body type and size, it is important to adjust it properly before your ride.

To do this, once you are seated on the saddle, the tip of your feet should touch the ground. To adjust the saddle, bend your knees slightly, with your foot on the pedal positioned downwards.

… its weight

As for weight, the Rockrider 8.1 weighs 12 kg 850 in size S, without pedals.

Rockrider 8.1 mountain bike frame

The frame of the Rockrider 8.1 mountain bike is made of 6061 T6 double thickness aluminum. Resistant and light, it weighs 1,850 kg in size M, and much more comfortable thanks to a large choice of sizes from 145 cm to 200 cm. Its racing geometry offers the ideal compromise for climbing and descending. The adjustments of the frame are simple.

Front and rear suspension

The Rockrider 8.1 is a semi-rigid mountain bike, ideal to start and launch you in your first mountain bike rides. For the suspension, it has a new Rock Shox RECON Silver TK fork with a travel of 100mm. A system ” Remote Lock-Out ” at the level of the handlebar.

This lock-out control allows you to control the fork and the shock simultaneously. The rebound adjustment is efficient and the locking is possible with half a turn of the lever.

As for the rear suspension, the Rockrider 8.1 has no rear suspension. What’s the point? It’s simple, the mountain bike is lighter, so you lose less energy on flat ground. If on the other hand you are looking for the comfort that the rear suspension provides (it allows you to go almost everywhere without worrying) we advise you to turn to an all-suspension mountain bike.

The presence of the shock absorber guarantees exceptional traction by keeping the rear wheel pressed to the ground, whatever the roughness of the terrain.

Derailleur and transmission

The Rockrider 8.1 is equipped with a triple crankset (transmission) from Shimano Deore M590 22x32x44. The cassette SRAM PG950 11×32 with 9 sprockets. In addition, the grip is made with a front derailleur SRAM X – 7 (3 speeds) and a rear derailleur SRAM X – 7 (9 speeds) that is 27 speeds to the shifters. For added safety and performance, the Wellgo 823 WPD pedals are automatic.

Hydraulic disc brakes

Avid ELIXIR 3 front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, 160 mm rotors. They guarantee power and progressiveness in all circumstances, and obey 2 or 3 fingers. No more cramps !

26′ wheels and tires

The tires that come with the Rockrider 8.1 mountain bike are new Michelin Country Trail tires. As for the 26′ wheels, they come with Rockrider Comp 32 hole rims by Rigida Hubs D041/D142. The spokes are 2mm stainless steel and the bearings are sealed. It is important to know that the first mountain bike rides are always on dry ground !

Saddle, handlebars and stem

The handlebars consist of the handlebars and the stem. The part of the handlebars on which one puts the hands, the handlebars, is raised. It is of the mark Rockrider Comp 600/640mm. The stem is also from Rockrider Comp.

These are oversize for more resistance with more lightness. You will have a more raised position to gain control and comfort, without penalizing the performance. As for the saddle, the Rockrider 8.1 has a new Btwin mountain bike comp saddle. The seatpost is also from Rockrider.

Rockrider 8.1 Accessories and Warranty

Decathlon offers a wide range of Rockrider mountain bike accessories. The Rockrider 8.1 is delivered with a bell, lights, reflectors of wheels, as well as automatic pedals. The latter is compatible with accessories that you can add:

• Mountain bike
• Crutches
• Mountain bike mudguards
• Water bottles and bottle cage
• Bike pumps
• Panniers
• Luggage rack

Decathlon offers a guarantee for every bicycle purchase. The spare parts are guaranteed for two years. As for the frame (if it is made of aluminum), handlebars and stem, they are guaranteed for life. Find on this link the table of guarantees.

Inspection, maintenance, storage and transportation of the Rockrider 8.1

Even before repairing a product, maintaining it well is already prolonging its life !

In order to avoid any breakage or premature wear of the various parts, Decathlon advises all its consumers to have their bikes serviced at least once a year, depending on their use. This can be more regular if your use is daily.

Um Brüche oder vorzeitigen Verschleiß der verschiedenen Teile zu vermeiden, rät Decathlon allen Kunden, ihr Fahrrad je nach Nutzung mindestens einmal im Jahr warten zu lassen. Bei täglicher Nutzung kann dies auch regelmäßiger erfolgen.

Tightening of cranks, pedals and bottom brackets. Adjustment and lubrication of front and rear derailleurs and shifters. Lubrication and verification of the chain and the de-spooling of the wheels.

To maintain your Rockrider 8.1, nothing complicated! Once you’ve finished your ride, simply spray your bike with water and clean it with a brush or sponge. After that, a dry cloth is not too much. It will remove all traces of moisture and make your bike shine.

We advise you not to store your bike in a humid environment, against each other or on the ground. We recommend that you store your bike in a dry and temperate area, away from corrosive products and salty atmospheres.

Finally, if you need to transport your Rockrider 8.1 mountain bike for any reason, there is a bike rack. A simple system that will keep your car clean.

The Rockrider 8.1 versus the competition

For several years now, the sports goods trade has largely dominated the market (75% to 80%), it is one of the most dynamic sectors of the trade, and is in constant evolution. The competition is settling in and offers a more and more innovative production.

And Decathlon? The French subsidiary of large-scale distribution does not give up, its know-how comes into play. In order to satisfy a clientele that is constantly evolving, the brand offers its Rockrider bikes, a range of quality mountain bikes at affordable prices.

And why not switch to electric bikes ?

It is true that we hear more and more about electric bikes. The electrically assisted bicycle, otherwise known as e-bike or electric bike, is in the air and for good reason. Its use greatly facilitates travel. Less effort and more speed !

An electric bicycle can reach up to 25 km/h. Beyond that, the motor stops. You will arrive faster at your destination without having to go through the shower at the end. This means of travel has found its place on the bike market.

It is for everyone: men, women, young people, seniors and its popularity is growing! It helps to relieve congestion in cities and reduce the level of pollution in downtown areas.

Does Rockrider 8.1 exist in electric version ?

If your choice is more towards electric assistance, you should know that the Decathlon group has thought of everything. You have the choice between several kinds of electric bikes. There is a good chance that a product will suit you among the cross-country bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes or road bikes.

And the budget? Don’t panic! Decathlon wants to answer the mobility and budget problems of the buyers, that’s why the prices remain very interesting. To you the long distance rides and without too much effort !

Aid for the purchase of an electric bicycle

It’s true that buying an electric bike can be a daunting task. But, some elements may convince you and help you to take the plunge. Or on the contrary, the price can be a brake in the purchase. That’s why we’re going to talk to you about the financial aid that the State has put in place.

Indeed, as for electric cars, the State grants a subsidy for the purchase of an electrically assisted bicycle (electric bike). Some of these subsidies can also be combined. To do so, you must already benefit from aid obtained at the local level (town hall).

The amount of the State aid is identical to the amount of the aid granted by the local authority, within the limit of 200 €. Thus, the total amount of your bill will be reduced. 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€
• Communal aid: it depends on the communes, the consumer can receive up to 400€

To know if you can benefit from these financial aids, you must meet certain conditions. We advise you to contact your local authorities to find out.. They will be able to inform you more easily about the details and the conditions of access.

You can also visit the government website to find out where, when and how to apply for these grants. Finally, the team of Circuler Propre has written an article dedicated to the various premiums. Nothing will have any more secret for you!

To conclude

If you are looking for a complete product at an attractive price, the Rockrider 8.1 mountain bike will certainly meet your expectations. Its various on-board equipment and technical features are important elements, highlighted by the Decathlon group.

The Rockrider offers good value for money and its frame remains sleek. The electric versions allow you to benefit from the classic advantages of the Rockrider 8.1, but with a plus, its electric assistance.

In order to make the right purchase, our OnMyBike team writes daily articles on electric and classic bikes

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