A review of the Decathlon's Btwin RockRider 5.0 is a good entry level steel framed geared bicycle that comes with 21 gears and 26" wheels.
Decathlon had a clearance sale going on and came about the RockRider 5.0 that was selling at Rs.7500/- as against its original selling price of Rs.9999/-, which was a super deal. Pondered much over the question - with a very good MTB - RockRider 5.3 already in possession, would buying a second bike be a good idea? The price of the bike was just too hard to ignore and so purchased the bike along with Decathlon rear pannier bags. The rear rack available at the Decathlon store however was just too heavy, so chose to figure where else to buy it from.
About the Btwin Rockrider 5.0
The RockRider 5.0 comes with basic shimano 21-gear grip-shifter, rigid steel frame, no suspension and 26" wheels with 26" x 2" rigid bead MTB tyres. The frame size available in India range is M (medium) and L(large). This bike is of size L and weighs about 15kg.
Below are the specifications of the bike:
Frame : HI-TEN steel with sports geometry
Fork : Steel (NO shock absorbers)
Weight : 14.4kg (size S)
Crankset : Triple 24 x 34 x 42 steel
Groupset : 7 speed. Shimano rear derailleur
Transmission : Shimano TZ30 front derailleur, KMC Z51 chain.
Handle bar : 580mm steel handlebar and steel stem
Shifters : SRAM MRX 21 (3x7) speed twist grip shifters
Brakes : V-brakes
Saddle : PU MTB saddle. HL SP200 steel seatpost
Wheels : 36 hole aluminium rims. Quick-release front hub.
Tyres : Semi-slick 26 x 2.0
Pedals : VP flat resin pedals with bearings
Accessories to buy for the bicycle
At the Decathlon store, along with the bicycle I purchased one bottle cage and mudguards (front & back) for the tyres. However, I should NOT have got those plastic mudguards as it wasn't very effective in it's purpose. Chose NOT to buy the kickstand for I CAN do without one. One should buy & USE a cycling helmet and a decent bike lock (preferably two). A basic bell is optional and based on preference.
Conclusion on Btwin Rockrider 5.0
The Rockrider 5.0 is the best choice for someone who wants to start cycling and to travel on small country paths, trails or as just a regular mode of transport. The riding stance is a bit forward leaning just as that of any proper MTB so it can be a bit uncomfortable for those wanting plush ride, for it has no suspension to dampen the impact of riding over uneven hard surfaces.
Also, for someone with a height 6' and over, this bicycle (even in Large frame) size would not work in his/her best interests. So do sit on the bike, test ride the bicycle to check if it fits well for the intended purpose before purchasing this bicycle.
