For people trying to get into electrical mountain biking, it may be tough to seek out choices from respected producers that match the price range. As a rule, manufacturers like Large, Trek, and Specialised provide e-bikes that begin in the course of the street by way of pricing – across the $4,000 USD mark. Fortunately, there are different respected manufacturers that provide extra inexpensive choices to people on a tighter price range. 

People in Europe would definitely be conversant in Decathlon and its in-house model of mountain bikes known as Rockrider. Other than making some completely spectacular MTBs, Rockrider additionally has a collection of entry-level fashions that present rookies with a stable platform to begin hitting the paths with. The identical is true with its electrical MTB vary, with its entry-level providing, the E-ST 100, receiving a couple of refinements for 2023. 

Retailing for simply 999 Euros, the Rockrider E-ST 100 is a superb method to get in on the e-bike enjoyable with out breaking the financial institution. Priced even cheaper than some non-electric mountain bikes, the E-ST 100 continues to sport a hydroformed aluminum body. It follows a barebones mountain bike formulation with customary cross-country geometry and a hardtail body. Up entrance, the bike is suspended by a barebones suspension fork within the type of an SR Suntour XCT 30. Whereas it is one of many least expensive suspension forks on the market, I assume it is higher than rocking a inflexible fork on the paths. 

The bike is complemented by a rudimentary albeit reliable set of elements comparable to Tektro mechanical disc brakes, and an eight-speed Microshift drivetrain. For 2023, Rockrider has thrown in a set of burlier tires, too, boosting the e-bike’s off-road functionality just a bit bit. Regardless of beefing up the bike a bit, it is barely lighter – 600 grams lighter – than its predecessor. 

Shifting on to the efficiency aspect of the equation, the E-ST 100 is powered by the identical rear hub motor with a 250-watt output and 42 Newton-meter torque ranking. It is packing a rudimentary cadence sensor, however hey, at this worth level, we won’t actually complain. Battery-wise, we’re a 380-watt-hour energy pack that ought to present vary of about 45 miles on a single cost. Rockrider claims a cost time of about two hours.

As for know-how, Rockrider has dialed issues down with the onboard show. Gone is the LCD display screen in favor of a fundamental indicator highlighting degree of cost and help mode. That is made up for by Bluetooth integration, nevertheless, so you may entry all the info you want through your smartphone. 

Pricing and availability-wise, the Rockrider E-ST 100 eMTB carries an extremely engaging price ticket of simply 999 Euros, or about $1,100 USD. For people within the U.S., it might be a bit tougher to return by Rockrider’s bikes. They’re, nevertheless, obtainable via Decathlon’s U.S. web site, in addition to via some retailers.