Discover the Decathlon Rockrider E-ACTV 100 electric bike, priced at 999 euros, or just 599 euros with financial aid. This model features a responsive motor with various riding modes, a comfortable suspended fork, and essential accessories like mudguards and lights. While the mechanical disc brakes and 6-speed transmission are entry-level, they don’t detract significantly from the overall experience. Initial impressions are favorable, making it a great option for both new and experienced cyclists. A detailed week-long test is forthcoming.
Discover the Decathlon Rockrider E-ACTV 100 Electric Bike
The Decathlon Rockrider E-ACTV 100 electric bike is making waves in the cycling community, boasting an attractive price tag of just 999 euros. If you’re eligible for financial aid, such as the 400 euros available in Île-de-France, the cost drops to an incredible 599 euros, making it one of the most affordable electric bikes on the market.
We’ve put together an in-depth article detailing the features of this exciting model. Additionally, we had the opportunity to test ride it for an hour, covering a distance of around ten kilometers through the streets of Paris. Here are our initial impressions after experiencing this bike firsthand.
Responsive Motor and Riding Modes
Let’s dive right into the heart of the bike—the motor, which delivers 45 Nm of torque and is equipped with a rotation sensor. Unlike torque sensors, rotation sensors can create a slight delay between your first pedal stroke and the electric assistance kicking in, resulting in a noticeable on-off effect. However, we found that the Rockrider E-ACTV 100 manages this effect quite well.
While it’s not as responsive as bikes with torque sensors, the assistance in Boost mode is impressively powerful right from the start without being too jarring. In terms of control, you won’t achieve the same precision as with a torque sensor, but the rotation sensor still provides commendable performance for a bike priced at 999 euros.
During our ride, we preferred Boost mode for a quick start and then switched to Normal mode to maintain speeds between 10 and 25 km/h. This setting offered excellent calibration and control on flat surfaces. Although Eco mode might not provide enough power for most riders, it serves well in battery-saving situations. Unfortunately, we didn’t encounter any steep hills during our ride; however, Boost mode made riding effortless on the smaller inclines.
Comfort Features and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Rockrider E-ACTV 100 is its 60 mm travel suspended fork, which effectively absorbs shocks and enhances comfort without compromising the bike’s agility. Over the kilometer we traveled, we were genuinely impressed by its performance.
On the downside, the Tektro mechanical disc brakes left something to be desired. It’s worth noting that the bikes we tested were freshly unboxed, meaning the brakes weren’t fully broken in at the start. While they improved slightly over time, they still lacked the desired bite.
Another aspect to consider is the absence of a standard kickstand, which can be an inconvenience. However, you can purchase one separately for 49 euros. It’s a small detail, but having a kickstand is something I rely on for my daily electric bike usage.
The Microshift 6-speed transmission is another entry-level feature. While it performs adequately, it does occasionally lack precision and smoothness. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s a trade-off made to keep the overall cost down.
In summary, our first impressions of the Decathlon Rockrider E-ACTV 100 are very positive, especially when you consider its price point. The bike is well-equipped with mudguards, a suspended fork, lights, and a user-friendly display with minimal buttons, making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced riders.
Stay tuned for an in-depth week-long test coming soon to our columns, where we will explore this electric bike even further!