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For 2023, Decathlon is equipping its Rockrider Stilus E-AM for difficult terrain. The new bike looks confusingly similar to its predecessor, the E-AM 100S, but rolls on 29-inch wheels and relies on a larger 625 Bosch battery, a shock with a reservoir and tyres with better grip. However, the price has also risen sharply from the original 3000 to 4000 euros. With Bosch's CX drive (albeit without the Smart system), twelve-speed gears and mid-range suspension from Rockshox, this is still a bargain compared to the market. Because one thing is clear: you won't find such a well-equipped fully for under 4000 euros from most brands.
Can the Rockrider e-bike also score points in practice? The new Stilus E-AM at least performs well uphill. The riding position is balanced, but slightly rear-heavy. Thanks to the long chainstays, the front remains well planted on steep ramps. The Bosch CX motor pushes powerfully and is easy to control. Unfortunately, the suspension is not very sensitive on climbs and comfort and traction could be better. The narrow, hard saddle looks out of place on the E-MTB. And there is also cause for criticism downhill. The seat is not really well integrated into the frame and the rear suspension could be a little more sensitive. The loud chain rattling on the unprotected strut and the unergonomic lever of the dropper post are also less pleasing details. The biggest drawback, however, is the handling: with extremely long chainstays, high weight and a long wheelbase, the Stilus E-AM feels bulky and unwieldy, yet it is not really smooth-running, as you would expect from the long geometry. The functional fork gives the Rockrider E-Fully some confidence on rough terrain, and the tyres offer decent grip. As a result, the E-MTB also masters demanding downhills quite safely - albeit at a rather reduced speed.
PLUS: Bosch motor; climbing characteristics, also copes with difficult terrain
MINUS: Heavy; bulky handling; handling characteristics somewhat unbalanced
Conclusion from Adrian Kaether, EMTB editor:
"The Rockrider Stilus E-AM from Decathlon is a fully off-road capable fully at a competitive price. With a decent reach and good climbing characteristics, it's a bike for long tours that still performs reasonably well on difficult downhill terrain. For fun on the trail, however, there are better candidates."
Technical data of the Rockrider Stilus E-AM
General information
- Price: 3999 Euro >> available here
- Sizes / frame material: S / M / L (tested size) / XL / Aluminium
Drive
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: Bosch Powertube 625 / 3638 grams / 899 euros
- Gear system: Sram SX Eagle (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 11-50
- Display / size: Bosch Purion / 31.5 mm
Equipment
- Permissible total weight³: 120 kg
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox 35 Gold Debon Air / Superdeluxe Select+
- Suspension travel³ (f. / h.): 150 mm / 150 mm
- Telescopic post: Trans-X YSP18P, 150 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Guide RE 200 mm / 200 mm
- Wheels: Sun Ringlé Düroc 30 Boost
- Tyres: Vittoria Martello Enduro 2Ply, 29 x 2.35 inch
Measured values²
- Weight²: 26.17 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1611 hm
- Average speed: 14.1 hm
- Centre of gravity height: 519 mm
- Handlebar width: 760 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 190 mm
- Ground clearance: 460 mm
EMTB assessment⁴ (max. 10 points)
- Uphill (x 3): 8
- Trail (x 2,5): 4
- Downhill (x 2,5): 5
- Tour (x 3,5): 7,5
- Drive (x 2,5): 9
- quality (x 1): 6,5
Points: 6.8 = satisfactory
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
² Determined on the test stands in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer's specification
⁴ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
⁵ Measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel (step).
Adrian Kaether
Editor
