Test Rockrider E-ACTV 900 LF: Decathlon e-bike - is this the bike of the future?

Sometimes revolutions are loud, resounding and spectacular. But this Rockrider E-ACTV 900 LF saves any drama. Simply switch on, get on and ride off. You pedal along smoothly. The motor purrs quietly and pushes powerfully. Only a slight vibration can be felt from time to time, until the bike finally throttles back the assistance at the 25 km/h limit. It's as if it's never been any different.

>> Competition for Pinion and Co? The Owuru automatic transmission motor in the test

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Its unspectacular appearance completely belies the fact that the Rockrider is one of the most technically remarkable e-bikes the cycling world has ever seen. For decades, bicycles have relied on wear-prone, complicated gears for variable transmission. With the Owuru motor developed by E2-Drives, Decathlon now relies on a fully integrated motor-gearbox unit with a continuously variable automatic transmission. This implies a full-bodied promise: As low-maintenance as Pinion's spectacular MGU and user-friendly like Enviolo's Automatiq system. And in typical Decathlon fashion, it doesn't even cost the earth.

Decathlon Rockrider E-ACTV 900 LF at a glance

• Price: 2699 Euro >> available here
• Drive: Owuru motor (65 - 120 Nm), 694 Wh
• Circuit: CVT transmission (continuously variable)
• Translation: 310 per cent
• Brakes: Tektro T280 (two-piston)
• Tyres: Rockrider Protect+, 47 mm
• Lighting system: v. / h. Herrmanns, 30 Lux / Herrmanns
• Luggage carrier: MIK, 27 kg
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Frame shapes: Diamond, Wave
• Fork: Rockrider Carry
• Permissible total weight: 150 kg
• Guarantee: 2 years
• Special features: Motor-gearbox unit with automatic gearbox, extensive range of accessories available
• Weight: 27.7 kg (MYBIKE measurement)

The engine: Owuru with automatic transmission

No Bosch motor? No problem. The Rockrider features the Owuru mid-motor developed by E2-Drives, which even has an integrated, continuously variable automatic gearbox. This is real premium technology that you won't find anywhere else on the market, especially in a bike for under 3000 euros. The Owuru motor has a central display in front of the stem, is compatible with Decathlon's Ride app and can cover around 70 kilometres with one battery charge in normal touring mode with medium support.

>> How the engine drives and all the details can be found here in the detailed test report on the Owuru

>> Decathlon e-bike motor Owuru: "30,000 kilometres without problems"

Upright and user-friendly: the Decathlon in everyday life

Against the backdrop of its spectacular motor, the Rockrider itself almost fades into the background. But even here, Decathlon has few weaknesses considering the extremely low price of the technology carrier. With its upright riding position, the simple suspension fork and the angled stem, the step-through bike naturally emphasises comfort.

The riding characteristics are pleasing. Despite the very upright position on the rather powerful bike, the Rockrider is still easy to manoeuvre around tight corners. The stability with a load is even above average thanks to the stiff luggage rack. The total weight of less than 28 kilograms is well within the limits for a step-through bike.

Simple & mostly functional equipment

However, you do notice the price pressure in some places. The simple cork-look wing grips are not the best, the partially integrated light is mainly good for being seen and the brakes could also be a bit more powerful. Unfortunately, the front brake disc warped under hard braking. A larger and more stable disc would probably help here.

We think it's a bit of a stretch for Rockrider to call the E-ACTV an SUV. The range of use is more like that of a classic trekking bike. City, everyday, touring and travelling, this is where the Rockrider feels at home. With its relatively narrow and low-profile tyres, it is not the best choice for off-road riding in our opinion. The gear range of the automatic transmission would also set limits here.

As a classic e-trekking bike with a low step-through, however, the Rockrider cuts a fine figure. Rockrider is one of the few complete bike manufacturers to specify tyres with particularly high puncture protection ex works. We would like to see this more often on full-size e-bikes.

MYBIKE review of the Rockrider E-ACTV 900 LF

Strengths

• Great automatic engine
• Low maintenance and low cost
• Good driving characteristics

Weaknesses

• Not a mountain goat
• Simple, albeit adequate equipment for the price
• Chain rattles a little

MYBIKE verdict on the Rockrider E-ACTV 900

The Rockrider E-ACTV 900* and above all its motor impressed us enormously. The combination of a great automatic gearbox and electric motor in one housing should make even significantly more expensive competitors break out in a sweat. What's more, Decathlon offers this top technology in a great package at an absolutely competitive price. However, a slightly higher-quality model with better components would still be desirable. - Adrian Kaether, Test Manager MYBIKE