Decathlon Riverside 500 E
The French sports superstore Decathlon is well known for its great value own-brand products and nothing’s changed when it comes to the Riverside 500 E
For many, Decathlon is a byword for great value sporting goods. The French chain of multi- sport superstores is renowned for offering no- nonsense, sensibly priced ownbrand goods, and that extends to a range of bicycles that includes this electric- assist hybrid, the Riverside 500 E.
At a price point where many manufacturers’ hybrid bikes come without electric assistance, Decathlon has found a way to include a motor. Not only that, this is a bike built around a lightweight aluminium frame and there’s even a ‘known brand’ suspension fork, the Suntour unit in question offering a comforting 63mm of travel to smooth out the worst road imperfections.
Naturally, to arrive at an electricassist hybrid costing below £1,500, some sacrifices have had to been made, such as the 250W motor housed neatly inside the rear wheel’s hub and the 36V lithiumion battery mounted externally on the frame being generic unbranded options.
However, given Decathlon’s reputation, these components should be more than up to the task, as should the rest of the drivetrain components. Rather than the more commonly seen Shimano derailleur at the rear, there’s an RD M25 mech from Decathlon’s house-brand B’twin.
On the other hand, the inclusion of hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro – a brand that is becoming increasingly common on mountain bikes – is great value for the price.
While the wheels are unbranded, Decathlon has taken care with the specification. The front wheel, protected by the suspension fork, reduces the spoke count to 28 to help keep the overall weight down (there are 36 spokes in the rear wheel, where the strength is needed for the hub- mounted motor).
Obviously, the low price does negate the inclusion of such useful accessories as mudguards and a rack, but there are fitments for them. That said, you do get a set of lights and a side stand, which once again demonstrates what good value for money the Riverside 500 E is.
► £1,299.99 decathlon.co.uk