Configured as a value all-terrain offering, the Rockrider E-ST 500 utilises 27.5-inch wheels and offers a lot of e-MTB for the price. A Brose mid-drive motor adds 280% to your pedal inputs at its most potent setting and uses a torque sensor to ensure smooth uptake. 

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The Rockrider E-ST 500 draws its power from a 420Wh downtube battery pack, sourced from reputable industry specialists, Samsung and LG. For those considering an e-mtb, but might be resistant to battery material sourcing issues in Africa, the Rockrider E-ST 500's battery packs are certified as part of the 'Responsible Minerals Initiative'. 

How much endurance does the battery pack offer? On an average route, the Rockrider E-ST 500 should be good for two and three-quarter hours' worth of pedal-assisted riding. To assist riders in controlling and best deploying its e-mtb hardware, the Rockrider E-ST 500 has an Ergo 500 display, which shows assistance mode, battery level, various speed calibrations, distance status and the crucial remaining battery level. 

Beyond the e-MTB bits, what is the core mountain biking specification of the Rockrider E-ST 500? The drivetrain is a robust 1x8 system from Microshift, featuring a medium cage derailleur. Gearing sees a 34T chainring connected to a 12-42T cassette with KMC's E8S e-MTB-specific chain. 

Product planners at Decathlon have selected a longer than average 175mm crank length for the Rockrider E-ST 500, to maximise the climbing leverage on offer with its pedal-assistance. 

Rolling the Rockrider E-ST 500 onto your local trail are comparatively narrow 23mm internal diameter aluminium rims, shod with a selection of Hutchinson tyres. Most riders would probably be best served to opt for the Hutchinson Gila, available in 27.5x2.35in on the Rockrider E-ST 500. 

Any hardtail mountain bike is significantly dependent on its fork's damping performance, and the Rockrider E-ST 500 features Suntour's 120mm XCM suspension up-front. The specification might be modest, with 30mm stanchions and a 9x100mm quick-release system instead of a more contemporary 15x110mm thru-axle, but the Suntour XCM should prove low-maintenance. 

The Rockrider E-ST 500 is available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL), with a weight range of 22.8 to 23.2kg. Helping riders keep their Rockriders under control are Tektro M276 hydraulic two-piston brakes, which actuate 160mm rotors. 

Decathlon's target market with the Rockrider E-ST 500 are riders who need a robust all-terrain hardtail with pedal-assistance. For mild adventure riding and all-terrain active commuting. As such, the Rockrider E-ST 500 features comfort geometry, with a 720mm handlebar as the standard fit across the size range. 

Stem lengths vary with size and can be raised in five increments on all bikes, to improve fit and rider comfort: + 0mm, + 7.5mm, + 15mm, + 22.5mm, + 30mm. Riders on the smallest Rockrider E-ST 500 steer via a 70mm stem, with medium and large frames fixing an 80mm stem. The extra-large frames clamp a 90mm stem to the steerer. 
Priced at £1,599.99, Decathlon's Rockrider E-ST 500 isn't a hardcore hardtail for black diamond-rated trails, but it does make for a very keenly priced all-terrain e-mtb. 

• www.decathlon.co.uk

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