Rockrider E-Feel 700 S on test: Test winner! Decathlon's E-MTB can do more than just be cheap

Already in our large E-mountainbike test "Readers most wanted!" The own brand of the French discounter Decathlon surprised us: The Rockrider E-Expl 520 S wins our price-performance tip at the sensational price of 2999 euros. The brand new E-Feel 700 S plays in a suspension travel and price category above. At € 3999, it is not even one of the cheapest bikes in our test of affordable e-mountainbikes under € 4000. Can it match the good results of its little brother off-road? We tested it in detail.

In the test: 4 E-MTB full-suspension bikes under 4000 euros

Click here to go directly to the detailed test report:

• Conway eWME 3.9
• Radon Render AL 7.0 750
• you are reading: Rockrider E-Feel 700S
• YT Industries Decoy MX Core 1

Somewhat surprising, but the equipment doesn't exactly stand out in our comparison: The RockShox 35 Gold comes from the lower price range. And with Shimano's Cues gears from the trekking bike segment, you can't really make a name for yourself either. Plus the Shimano EP6 drivetrain, the little brother of the EP801and a battery of only 630 Wh - even discounters obviously have to reckon with a sharp pen in this price range.

Nevertheless, the French have paid attention to some important equipment features: a stable TRP four-piston brake for long descents, a Shimano Linkglide cassette designed for durability, a telescopic seatpost with 170 millimetres of travel and very high-traction tyres from the Decathlon range. All in all, Rockrider has managed to make a convincing overall impression with this bike despite its average spec. Mainly due to the predominantly good riding performance.

The facts about the Rockrider E-Feel 700 S

• Motor: Shimano EP6, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 630 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizes:
• Price: 3999 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 25.2 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 120 kg (manufacturer's specification)

The e-bike drive

Technically, the EP6 is similar to Shimano's premium EP801 unit, but it is around 300 grams heavier and noticeably weaker. Modulation and power delivery are pleasing, but you have to pedal a little harder on steep climbs. The battery, which is secured with a 4-bus, sits without rattling and can be easily folded out to the front. In our standardised range test, the E-Feel climbed almost 1500 metres in boost mode. Not the best value, but a decent range.

Click here to test the Shimano EP6!

The geometry

Thanks to the very steep seat angle, the top tube is short at 604 mm in size L. This means you sit upright and compact. The chainstays are 463 millimetres long. At 65.5 degrees, the steering angle is on the steeper side. This gives the Rockrider a pronounced climbing geometry. The short seat tube is modern and creates space for long dropper posts.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 415 mm
• Wheelbase: 1265 mm
• Reach: 464 mm
• Stack: 646 mm
• Steering angle: 65.5 degrees
• Seat angle: 77.8 degrees
• Chainstay length: 463 mm

The features of the Rockrider E-Feel 700 S

• Fork / Shock: RockShox 35 Gold Solo Air / RockShox Deluxe Select RL
• Gear system: Shimano Cues, 11-speed, 34 x 11 - 50
• Brakes: TRP Slate Evo, 203/203 mm
• Wheels: Sun Ringle Düroc SD37
• Tyres: Rockrider Grip 500, 29 x 2.4''
• Special features: telescopic seat post with 170 mm stroke; lifetime warranty on frame, handlebars and stem

Practical test: How the Rockrider rides

A short top tube and steep seat angle make the Rockrider compact and somewhat front-heavy. As the chainstays are also long at 463 millimetres, the front wheel only rises very late on steep climbs. The discounter bike also performs extremely well on technical climbs. Even with a passive riding style, there is always enough pressure on the front wheel, which, thanks to the moderately steep steering angle, manoeuvres through tight bends in a controlled manner. The Shimano EP6 delivers a decent amount of torque in the lower cadence range. However, when maximum thrust is required, it runs out of breath, especially at high cadence.

On descents, the E-Feel is surprisingly confident. The suspension harmonises well and absorbs even fast bumps. The own-brand tyres with very soft rubber provide plenty of traction and good damping, making the bike feel plush and secure. The long wheelbase and the long chainstays are in the same vein, resulting in a smooth ride. The only thing to criticise is the moderate braking power.

Even on manoeuvrable courses, the Rockrider cuts a passable figure and can be pushed dynamically from bend to bend. However, flying turns and more radical manoeuvres are not part of the core competence - long chainstays and heavy wheels slow down the playfulness. The weight of over 25 kilos doesn't exactly contribute to a light-footed riding experience either. All in all, the Rockrider performs very well off-road - especially when you consider the favourable price of less than 4000 euros! Of course, the E-MTB from the discounter can't compete with high-end bikes with top suspension and lower weight in terms of riding dynamics.

EMTB rating

Strengths

• Balanced and powerful off-road
• Telescopic support with 170 mm stroke
• Discreet driving noise

Weaknesses

• Quite heavy
• Only 120 kilos permissible total weight
• Frame finish somewhat careless

The EMTB review of the Rockrider E-Feel 700 S

The discounter Decathlon seems to be staffed by people with bike expertise. After the E-Expl 520 S, the new E-Feel 700 S also impresses in the EMTB test. For 3999 euros, the French company offers a bike with broad all-round characteristics and good handling. The bike thus secures the test victory in the comparison of E-Fullys under 4000 euros. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine