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The trekking and city bikes from French sporting goods manufacturer and direct distributor Decathlon are sold under the imaginary name Elops. The French company has been expanding massively in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for several years. With almost 1,700 shops in 60 countries (as of December 2020), the sports giant is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The company has long relied on its own brands for clothing and sports equipment, with in-house product development and manufacturing. This is why the LD500 HF test bike is almost exclusively fitted with components that are not comparable with the usual branded components of other bike brands and whose quality is difficult to assess.
The affordable bike in practice
First impression of the Elops LD500: appealing, compact and petite, despite size M. And very light at just over 14 kilos, considering the purchase price of only 450 euros. This makes the speedy economy bike an unbeatable price breaker in our low-cost test field. Once you're in the saddle, the sporty character is confirmed, which is already apparent from the look: You sit relaxed, apply your power well to the pedals, the steering feels precise and balanced. The rustic aluminium frame with its simple steel fork has compact dimensions and rides solidly. It withstands every riding situation without any noticeable twisting. It's nice how quietly and smoothly the almost treadless tyres, which weigh just 600 grams, buzz over the asphalt! They only lose grip relatively quickly on loose or wet surfaces.
However, the brakes on the Elops LD500 are a different matter: Here, inexpensive V-brakes slow down, which are already noticeable when new due to high operating forces and poor modulation. Individual disruptive factors can still be optimised by the rider, but the tendency to squeal, the diminishing braking effect in wet conditions, the relatively poor friction pairing between rim and brake pad and the difficult adjustability due to careless surface treatment remain. These brakes are not up to date. The pannier rack also shows weaknesses and wobbles if you load it with more than about six kilos.
The Elops LD500 HF in detail
The Microshift derailleur works less precisely and crisply than a comparable Shimano or SRAM derailleur, its levers are less ergonomic and the lever travel is longer. However, it always shifts its nine gears reliably and ensures uninterrupted propulsion. Its low gear range of just 327 per cent and a lowest gear ratio of just one to one make the Elops LD500 primarily suitable for short and medium distances with a low percentage of inclines. On its website, Decathlon classifies the LD500 as a city bike. In our opinion, this is also the area of use where you can cope well with the inevitable price-related compromises. The equipment with lights, mudguards and rear kickstand as well as its low weight and balanced handling make the bike a good choice. Easy to use in daily practice. If you replace the brakes or at least carefully readjust them, you can get from A to B with your Elops at a very favourable price. Decathlon also offers its online customers a spare parts and workshop service in every local branch.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Good handling; quiet, smooth running; very reasonably priced
- Minus: Poorly adjustable brakes; less laterally stiff pannier rack; mudguard struts cannot be adjusted lengthways, sheet metal buckles; handlebar grips too narrow
The most important details of the Elops LD500 HF
- Price: 449.99 Euro >> available here
- Frame sizes: Men: S; M, L,XL; Ladies: S; M
- Test bike weight: 14.3 kg
- Permissible total weight: 125 kg
- Frame: Aluminium, welded
- Fork: Steel, welded; V-brakes
- Circuit: BTwin Microshift Mega Ratio 9, Microshift lever
- Translation: 36/11-36 t., 9 gears, 327%
- Brakes/ø: Tektro V-brakes
- Tyres: Decathlon 38-622
- Lighting system: Axa Blueline, NN rear light, Shimano DH-C30001 hub dynamo
- MYBIKE grade: 3.3
Conclusion on the Elops LD500 HF
The remarkably light bike from the discounter Decathlon offers surprisingly good value for money. Good handling, smooth running and a full range of features suitable for everyday use are convincing. One flaw, however, is the poorly controllable, difficult to adjust brakes.
