Decathlon Rockrider comparisons - help for a beginner.

[CHIEF]

Ok I posted some time back as I was looking for a beginners bike, I only rerally require a hardtail as I wont be doing anything daft just yet.

I looked at Trek etc but a few people recommended Decathlon Rockrider's as you get good kit for your money.

I've looked at the various starter bikes and I have 3 in mind.

Rockrider 5.3 2012 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-53-2012-id_82...

Rockrider 8.0 2012 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-80-id_8206681...

Rockrider 8.1 2012 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2012-id_8168918.html


Now I dont know the first thing about bikes, Nothing, so could someone be kind to tell me the difference in laymens terms with the specs of these bikes.

I'm leaning towards the 8.0 but is the 8.1 a vastly superior bike for an extra 100 quid and is the 5.3 a vastly inferior bike for 100 quid less?

Thanks in advance.

[norman156]

CHIEF said:

Ok I posted some time back as I was looking for a beginners bike, I only rerally require a hardtail as I wont be doing anything daft just yet.

I looked at Trek etc but a few people recommended Decathlon Rockrider's as you get good kit for your money.

I've looked at the various starter bikes and I have 3 in mind.

Rockrider 5.3 2012 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-53-2012-id_82...

Rockrider 8.0 2012 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-80-id_8206681...

Rockrider 8.1 2012 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2012-id_8168918.html


Now I dont know the first thing about bikes, Nothing, so could someone be kind to tell me the difference in laymens terms with the specs of these bikes.

I'm leaning towards the 8.0 but is the 8.1 a vastly superior bike for an extra 100 quid and is the 5.3 a vastly inferior bike for 100 quid less?

Thanks in advance.

As I'm also a beginner my opinion probably doesn't count for a whole lot, but I've just gone from a few months on a Rockrider 5.1 to an 8.1, and the difference to me is massive, it's just so much better to ride. I can't say if the difference between the 5.3 and the 8.1 will be as big, but I'd say it's worth discounting the 5.3 as it's the only one with mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulic. Also if you go for the 8.1 over the 8, you're getting a Rock Shox fork over Decathlon's own brand one (though I have a feeling they're made by Suntour?), and better brakes, so I'd have thought you're best of plumping for the 8.1.

Also it might be worth looking about for a used one, I picked up a hardly used one for a bargain price.

[Gumstabber]

The difference between each level is maybe not so great. But between the base one you list and the top one for "only" £200 more is fairly big. The 5.3 has a different frame to the others. The 8.1 is the only one with a Rock shox fork although it has the steel steerer and it is likely to be the coil spring version which is heavy. Rims are all own branded so who knows?? 8.1 has a deore bottom bracket which is nice and avid brakes (the 5.3 only has mechanical disc brakes the 8's have hydraulic which is better), although the 8.0 has tektro which I've had on previous bikes and are fine.

Long and short of it - buy the bike for the job you want it to do - if it's commuting buy something else. If you can afford to buy the 8.1 then buy that. I wouldn't buy the 5.3 if I could afford either of the others.

[CHIEF]

Thanks for taking the time to answer this chaps.

I know bugger all about this sort if thing so your replies are very much appreciated, Thank you.

[gradeA]

It's pretty much always cheaper to buy the best bike you can to start with rather than buying cheaper and upgrading later.

Plus, a better bike will be nicer to ride and you'll likely enjoy it more.

8.1 gets my vote!

[dudleybloke]

id personaly go for the 8.1 if your going to do any tarmac riding as the remote lockout is a handy thing to have.

[CHIEF]

dudleybloke said:

id personaly go for the 8.1 if your going to do any tarmac riding as the remote lockout is a handy thing to have.

Is that something to do with locking the front suspension so it's rigid?

[beanbag]

I've not heard great things about those bikes. They sell them in Spain and the quality can be questionable. Probably more to do with the build but I think you're better off going for an established and recognised brand.

I could be totally wrong but I would avoid that. Pop over to a good local specialist cycle shop and they will advise you honestly. The people who work there are enthusiasts and don't usually go about trying to rip you off.

At Decathlon, it's a little like going to Dixons and getting expert advice on hifi. They make it up as they go along (usually).

Whereabouts do you live?

[dudleybloke]

CHIEF said:

Is that something to do with locking the front suspension so it's rigid?

yes.
iv got remote lockout on my bike and its set up so i can lock/unlock using my thumb without changing hand position on the grips. i mainly run locked up but if going down a curb or over big pothole one quick flick and the shock does its stuff then flick and its locked again and im back on the power.
its good if you've got lots of hills like where i live too!

[GreatGranny]

beanbag said:

I've not heard great things about those bikes. They sell them in Spain and the quality can be questionable. Probably more to do with the build but I think you're better off going for an established and recognised brand.

I could be totally wrong but I would avoid that. Pop over to a good local specialist cycle shop and they will advise you honestly. The people who work there are enthusiasts and don't usually go about trying to rip you off.

At Decathlon, it's a little like going to Dixons and getting expert advice on hifi. They make it up as they go along (usually).

Whereabouts do you live?

I go to the Decathlons in Sheffield and Nottingham and the staff there are pretty good.

Re. quality of the 8.1, decent review below.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...

[Dan_1981]

I've got a 2011 8.1

Its a great bike.

Staff were really helpful in store too.

[beanbag]

GreatGranny said:

I go to the Decathlons in Sheffield and Nottingham and the staff there are pretty good.

Re. quality of the 8.1, decent review below.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount...

I'm obviously wrong. I guess I just have poor experiences of the sales staff at my Decathlon stores in Spain. They didn't know what a chain-whip was...even when I showed him my broken one. Apparently he was the bike expect there.

[J B L]

Decathlon are fairly well established in the world of cycling.

I got one of their Rockrider over 15 years ago (nearly 20 come to think of it) when I was living in France and the bike is still going and used by my brother.

I wouldn't dismiss them against another brand and they tend to be cheaper for equivalent components. I don't have one now in the UK mainly because the Decathlon in Coventry wasn't open when I bought my GT but it also gives me a warm feeling inside to support my local small family business

[CHIEF]

I think the replies on here pretty much settles it then, I also cannot think of a better bike from another manufacturer for 500 quid.

Thanks again.

[timnoyce]

My buddy just purchased an 8.1 and we'll be riding together tomorrow up at Swinley. Hopefully I'll be able to report back with some kind of review by Monday!

I instructed him to buy it though, as looking at the specs there is nothing else which comes close.

[wilbo83]

timnoyce said:

My buddy just purchased an 8.1 and we'll be riding together tomorrow up at Swinley. Hopefully I'll be able to report back with some kind of review by Monday!

I instructed him to buy it though, as looking at the specs there is nothing else which comes close.

How is your mate getting on with his 8.1?

[Birdster]

Thread revival I know, but I've been looking into the 8.1 as well. How's the bike holding up?