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Verdict on the Rockrider ADTV 900 test
Decathlon proves that even a well-designed touring bike doesn’t have to cost more than €4,000. The ADVT 900 is well-equipped and extremely sturdy, yet nimble to handle. There is room for improvement when it comes to details such as the front light and cable routing.
Data and facts about the Rockrider ADTV 900
| Price | 1.699,00 € |
| Weight | 16.73 kg |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Cues RD-U8020 |
For under 2,000 euros, touring cyclists are spoilt for choice. A trekking bike, a gravel bike or even a mountain bike? Also highly sought-after, but almost never available at such a low price: Sturdy touring bikes (featured here in a major comparison test), which, as velomobile globetrotters, are already fully kitted out for long journeys straight from the factory. Decathlon delivers with the Rockrider ADVT 900 the notable exception. Rather than costing around four thousand, the bike costs less than 2,000 euros.
Quality from a discount retailer
Admittedly, the Rockrider does cost a bit, but it more than makes up for it with its attention to detail. There’s no sign of discount-quality here – nor, for that matter, on many of Decathlon’s more expensive bikes. It has a maximum authorised weight of a whopping 170 kilos. The frame can carry 40 kilos at the rear and 20 kilos at the front, plus plenty of luggage eyelets.
Decathlon has deliberately opted not to include a suspension fork in favour of luggage capacity and durability. Mechanical disc brakes are said to be easier to repair in remote areas. The lighting is kept simple, but the 8000 Cues circuit (reviewed here), The Brooks saddle and, above all, the DT Swiss wheelsets with 350 hubs make the bike all the more high-quality. Despite its high stability, the bike’s weight is perfectly acceptable. Thanks to its moderate geometry, the handling is surprisingly agile and responsive. Whilst riding, you can use the dynamo to charge small USB devices such as a GPS. However, if you want to charge a smartphone using the dynamo’s low output, you’ll need patience.
A tip for everyday life too?
Admittedly, the Decathlon isn’t the perfect everyday bike. However, if you fit a kickstand for a small sum, you won’t have to compromise much here either. On short trips and short rides, this long-distance bike performs well anyway. The extra puncture-resistant Marathon tyres with a bit of tread offer a wide range of use, from tarmac to light off-road terrain.
There are very few points of criticism. The Brooks saddle is a matter of personal taste when it comes to ergonomics, and on the Rockrider, stability takes precedence over comfort. The frame offers hardly any suspension. At 30 lux, the front light is rather dim, but it uses very little power. This leaves more dynamo power available for USB charging. It’s a bit of a shame that the cables rattle noticeably in the down tube when the bike is shaken, and they can be damaged beneath the bottom bracket if hit by heavy stone chips or when the bike hits the ground hard. Perhaps the rattling could at least be remedied with narrow foam sleeves. Otherwise, it’s a great all-rounder at a fair price.
The Rockrider ADVT 900 at a glance
Strengths
- Lightweight and affordable for a touring bike
- agile handling
- very high payload
- USB charging as standard
Weaknesses
- No stand fitted as standard
- Trains rattle along the tracks
Adrian Kaether
Editor
