MTBs for beginners - Test: A comparison of affordable hardtails - Rockrider Race 720 for 1299 euros
Max Fuchs
· 04.03.2024
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We chose the hardtail MTBs for this test because they are affordable and versatile. They should make mountain biking appealing to beginners, but also attract advanced riders with their uncomplicated, robust character. To find out for whom the Rockrider Race 720 from sports discounter Decathlon is worth recommending, we put it through the BIKE test along with six other hardtails.
Rockrider Race 720 - Fact check
- Weight: 12.36 kg without pedals
- Suspension travel: 100 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Price: 1299 Euro >> available here
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension fork: Manitou Machete
- Gear system: Sram NX Eagle 1x12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 31; 10-50 / 500 %
- Brakes: Sram Level T / 180/160 mm
- Wheels: Sunringle Düroc 30
- Tyres: Vittoria Barzo/Mezcal Graphene 29 x 2.25
- Available frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
Decathlon wants to offer quality at attractive prices with its MTB brand Rockrider. At just 1299 euros, the Race 720 is at the lower end of the price range in the test, but still scores the best marks among the classic hardtails.
The Rockrider Race lives up to its name from the very first turn of the pedals. The bike encourages you to go full throttle. The 80 millimetre stem and the flat seat angle stretch the rider over the front triangle of the frame in a sporty manner. Racers will appreciate the stretched riding position. With the best overall weight (12.36 kilos) and easy-rolling tyres, the bike accelerates comparatively well. With a lot of pressure on the front wheel, the Race 720 also scrambles up steep ramps. The fork can be locked via the twist grip to increase speed.
Downhill, the long wheelbase keeps the Rockrider safely on track even at higher speeds. The Manitou fork responds sensitively, but the suspension travel is unfortunately difficult to utilise due to the strong progression. On technical descents, you reach the limits of what you can ride early on: The stretched riding position offers too little leeway for technical manoeuvres.
Laboratory data and evaluation
Conclusion on the hardtail MTB Rockrider Race 720 in the test
With its pronounced propulsion and sporty seating position, the Rockrider* is an attractive entry into the race segment, but also performs well on tour. It also collects the most points in the overall standings among the classic hardtails. - Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Max Fuchs
Editor
