Rockrider E-ST100 Review

The e-bike market is brimming with different models and options. So much so, that if you were looking to invest in one for the first time or need a newer model, you are a little spoiled for choice and may find it overwhelming to say the least. That’s where I hope this site and these reviews of the best e-bikes available come in handy.

In this review I am going to look at, in detail, the latest model from British retailer Decathlon’s own entries into the e-bike market, the Rockrider E-ST100 Electric Mountain Bike. To look at, it is very similar in appearance to other, more expensive models. However, on closer inspection, there are subtle differences here and there that have been made to keep the retail price low. I will discuss many of these in the review below.

Its Frame

First things first, I wanted to discuss the very lightweight frame of the Rockrider E-ST100. It is made from 6061 alloys and features hydroformed tubs and a similar low geometry to the previous model, the E-ST500. If you are new to e-MTBs, then this is a great thing for you. Although it is not nearly as sturdy or robust as more expensive models, I never felt at risk of it falling apart, even when putting it through its paces on uneven and offroad conditions.

I know there are a lot of experts and riders that consider this to be one of the best frames on an electric MTB for such a low price.

Front Fork Suspension

As this is an electric mountain bike, it would be a terrible entry into the market if it did not have some sort of suspension to absorb all the bumps and uneven surfaces you are likely to face offroad. This model comes equipped with Suntour XCR 30 forks that provide you with an impressive 100mm of travel that gives you all the shock absorption you need, regardless of where you are adventuring.

Although the forks on these bikes are very simplistic and entry-level, there are a lot of other bikes that are priced the same with inferior, less effective, or efficient forks fitted. The one bit of warning I would offer is to know their limitations but know they will be able to take a fair amount of use and abuse.

The Battery and Motor

To look at when comparing this and the more expensive model, its battery looks very much the same from the outside. However, it does pack a slightly smaller punch, at just 378Wh. On the plus side, because Decathlon has made use of premium-grade Samsung SDI lithium cells inside the battery, it offers a reasonable longevity and reliability.

The range offered by the battery per charge is between 30 and 50 miles, depending on various factors. Those factors include how much pedal assistance you opt for, the type of terrain or surface you are riding on, the weather conditions, and your weight.

Or this model, the motor is the same as the E-ST500. It is a rear hub motor and offers 42Nm of torque and is wider by design for bikes with bigger dropouts than 150mm.

A big difference between this model and the older one is the lack of torque-sensing pedal assist. This relies on a more rudimentary cadence sensor, which if you have read any of my reviews before, you will know I am not very keen on. This bases whether you get pedal assist on the rotations of your pedals, rather than torque. It has to be said this one in particular, but this type of device and system for pedal assist is not the most intuitive or even fluid. This means there is something of a dip in efficiency and are not quite as smooth.

Again, if you have read any of my reviews before, you will know I am quite opinionated about pedal assist and how many levels there should be. Whereas the standard is 5, I always feel like this might be a little too much. Which is why I was pleased to read that the Rockrider had just three levels of pedal assist. My view is that it is just a lot simpler and on the bloated 5 level systems, there is often no difference in the help you receive from the motor until you hit about the 3^rd level anyway.

Tektro TKD68 180mm Mechanical Disc Brakes

The brakes on an electric mountain bike are one of the most important features. While it’s true that Decathlon has taken a lot of liberties while trying to reduce the price tag, one place where they have not compromised is with the brakes. They are not hydraulic brakes, which is not really surprising as they instantly increase the price of any bike they are featured on.

Instead, they have opted for Tektro TKD68 180mm mechanical disc brakes in the front and rear. This is a good move as Tektro are one of the most renowned names in the industry when it comes to brake design and manufacture. While they always could be better and improved, I never felt I was at any danger while riding on the Rockrider E-ST100. They offer exceptional power transmission between the grip of the lever and the discs pressing against the wheels.

What’s more, due to the reason this bike was designed and the activities it is made for, these brakes will stand you in good stead regardless of the weather conditions.

Microshift 8-Speed Gears

The gear offered is also important when you are choosing a suitable electric bike for mountain biking and off-road pursuits. The E-ST100 features a single chainring with a Chain Flow 3D anti-slip tech. These are present to help stop the chain from coming off.

With just one shifter it is an easy and reliable system to use. I found the action between switching up and switching down gears was smooth and seamless.

Ride Comfort

In terms of comfort, despite its low-price tag, the Rockrider E-ST100 is still a fun and comfortable e-bike to ride. It comes equipped with the Ergofit Evo saddle, made in house by the team at Rockrider. This is ideal for users oof all hip sizes and has a hammock-style design that is excellent for sport rides and races. The seat post on the Rockrider is made from aluminum and measures around 31.6mm.

The saddle, in my humble opinion, especially when it comes to comfort, is exceptional for the price. It can be adjusted to meet your height requirements, whether you are short and need a little boast or quite tall and want to be able to extend your legs.

The Tires and Wheel Rims

In order to feel safe on just about any type of terrain and surface, and to ensure there is adequate traction for the motor on this beast, the E-ST100 is fitted with All Terrain 30 TPI Tires made by Rockrider. These have a wide 2.2-inches cross-section. I enjoyed using the bike with those tires because of the grip they had onto the ground. As they are mounted with wider than normal rims, the tires, the material they have been made with, provide comfort, traction, and grip.

The wheels are designed with mountain bike in mind, and have 23mm rims, as measured between the brackets, with 28 spokes on the front wheel and 36 larger than normal spokes in the rear wheels, too offer improved durability and better grip on tires with up to 2.5-inches.

The wheel rims also have cone hubs with bearings in the front and sealed moor bearings in the rear.

The LCD Display Unit

As is the case with most mountain and road e-bikes in the same price range, the LCD display unit is mounted in a neat and tidy manner on the left-hand grip of the handlebars, to give you easy access to all the controls, without moving your hand while riding the bike.

While there is no USB charging port, which is rather disappointing for a modern e-bike, you have access to the following controls and features:

• Active assistance mode
• Remaining battery range (measured in km)
• Battery level
• Total distance
• Distance covered
• Maximum speed
• Average speed
• Current speed
• Stopwatch
• Reset

I appreciated that the screen was big enough and clear enough for me to see, no matter when I took the bike out.

Summary – The Rockrider E-ST100 Mountain Bike E-Bike – Is it Right for You?

When it comes to deciding what the best e-bike model is for you and whether it might be the Rockrider E-ST100, it is down to your own personal taste and circumstances. I am merely giving you some suggestions and thoughts on this model.

In my honest and humble opinion, considering its price tag and the good points about the Rockrider, I would recommend it to my friends and relatives. I think it is a solid machine that there have been some compromises made to ensure it had a lower price tag, but many of these can be worked with.