The Rockrider E-ST500 – The Best Budget Electric Mountain Bike

The new Decathlon Rockrider E-ST500 is simply the best electric mountain bike available for under £1000 – and I have tested loads!

Nothing else comes close to the great specification of the Rockrider at this price – You have en excellent 250w geared rear hub motor that produces 42Nm of torque, a 36v11.6ah (417Wh) lithium battery pack,  using high-quality LG cells.

On top of all that, there is Shimano 9-speed gearing, Hayes MX-5 mechanical disc brakes and extra tough MTB rims with 27.5″ x 2.4″ Hutchinson tyres for superb grip off-road.

The team at Decathlon have really made this a capable budget off-road machine – they always say the devil is in the detail, and using a single 32t SRAM NX front chainring in combination with an 11-36 cassette means that the gearing is perfectly suitable for off-road riding.

If you’re looking for an e-MTB but are on a budget, the Rockrider E-ST500 has to be high on your wish list! For more information on this great value electric mountain bike, check out my full review our sister website ebikechoices.com

Specification

FRAME

The frame of the Rockrider E-ST 500 electric mountain bike has been designed using 6061 aluminium with hydroformed tubes.

MOTOR

The rear wheel motor is specially designed for mountain biking:
– a torque of 42Nm to overcome any slope
– a wheel axle of 150x12mm to stand up to rough terrain
– watertight bearings to withstand environmental conditions which can sometimes be tough.
What if you get a puncture? An 8mm Allen key is all you need to unscrew the wheel nuts.

BATTERY

The 36v 11.6ah (417Wh) battery is equipped with LG, LGC-MG1 cells, renowned for their high level of reliability and safety. The Rockrider mountain bike team has designed a battery that locks in place with a simple lever.
This locking system prevents any vibrations to the battery when you go riding on rough terrain.
A key lock is also installed if you want to protect your battery from theft, such as when parking your bike on the street.

EBIKE DISPLAY

A discreet LCD control screen.Located just to the side of your left grip, choose between the 4 assistance modes without letting go of the handlebars: Deactivated, Economy, Standard, and Boost.
You’ll also find a host of useful information:
– Chronometer
– Speed
– Distance covered
– % battery level
– Remaining battery in km
– Active assistance mode
– Reset
And: the 0.5A USB port for charging your smartphone.

TORQUE SENSING PEDAL ASSIST

Wondering how to conveniently control your speed, particularly on technically difficult terrain? Our Rockrider mountain bike team has included a torque sensor on the bottom bracket of the E-ST 500. This will allow you to control the level of electrical assistance in the simplest way possible: by pedalling!
Press harder on the pedal, and you’ll accelerate; press less, and you’ll slow down!

4 ASSISTANCE MODES FOR ANY SITUATION

Mode 0 – Deactivated
The battery is not used.
Mode 1 – Economy:
Extend your outings by preserving the battery. Ideal for keeping up with other mountain bikers without assistance who are in better shape.
Mode 2 – Standard:
This is the most versatile mode. Climb any slope without getting too tired and without using too much power.
Mode 3 – Boost:
Overcome the insurmountable! Note:Using this mode for an extended time will reduce the length of your ride.

FRONT HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION

Calmly overcome new obstacles (roots, rocks, gravel, etc.) thanks to the 120mm of travel in the Suntour XCR fork.
Our Rockrider mountain bike team worked with Suntour to design a superior lubrication and wiper seal for this electrically-assisted mountain bike. This ensures the fork stays sensitive over time.

SINGLE CHAINRING

To prevent the chain slipping, the E-ST500 electric bike is equipped with a single SRAM NX chainring with X-Sync technology. Made from steel for greater durability.
An end to confusion:simply change between the 9 speeds using the single shifter on the right handlebar.
In detail:
– Sram X-Sync 32-tooth BCD 94 steel chainring
– Shimano Altus M2000 9-speed rear derailleur
– Shimano Altus M2000 shifter
– KMC x9 chain
– 9-speed 11-36 tooth cassette

WIDE 27.5″ DOUBLE-WALLED RIMS

These aero trail wheels have been specially designed for mountain biking:
– 23 mm rims for improved durability and good grip on wide tyres.
– a rear wheel with 36 oversized spokes to resist the torque of the motor.

HUTCHINSON COUGAR 2.4″ TYRES

So you feel safe on any terrain and for traction adapted to your motor, the E-ST500 mountain bike is equipped with Hutchinson Cougar 27.5″ tyres 2.4″ across. Our test riders particularly liked these tyres for their grip on the ground. Mounted on wide rims, these tyres ensure grip, traction, and comfort. On any terrain.

180MM DOUBLE DISC BRAKES

No matter the conditions you ride in, (dry, muddy, wet), the Hayes MX5 mechanical disc brake callipers on the front and rear provide powerful, progressive braking. Oversized 180mm diameter discs provide even more power.
The Tektro aluminium brake levers are easy to grip, lightweight, and precise.

HANDLEBAR, STEM, GRIPS

With its adjustable stem, the E-ST500 controls are close to hand. The all-aluminium B’Twin stem is 70 mm (size S), 80 mm (size M/L), or 90 mm (size XL) and can be raised using 5 adjustment intervals: + 0mm, + 7.5mm, + 15mm, + 22.5mm, + 30mm.
In detail:
– oversize 720mm-wide aluminium frame for even more control
– soft touch B’Twin Sports grips for good grip and a comfortable feel

SADDLE

Since your mountain bike rides will get longer and longer, it is important to have a suitable seat. So our teams have designed the exclusive B’Twin Ergofit Evo saddle. Suitable for all hip sizes, its “hammock” shape is particularly good for sport touring.
The 31.6mm aluminium seat post ensures compatibility with most adjustable and suspended saddles on the market.

PLATFORM PEDALS

The E-ST500 electric bike is supplied with B’Twin Flat platform pedals. The pedal surface is wider and the dots more pronounced to better keep the foot on the pedal.

ACCESSORIES

Your E-ST500 mountain bike is supplied with a bell, lights, wheel reflectors and pedals.
The frame is compatible with:
– front and rear mudguards
– stand
– bottle cage (on the horizontal tube)
– saddle pouch
– rear pannier rack (fixed onto the seat stays or special mounts for wide bikes, 150 mm gap for the rear wheel)
– child seat