Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes FAQs

Should terrain or bike specifications come first when choosing a mountain bike?

Begin with the type of ground, ride duration and level of control required rather than selecting by appearance alone. Entry ROCKRIDER models such as the EXPL 50 are intended for introductory dry-weather touring, with 27.5-inch wheels, 80 mm front suspension and a 3x7 drivetrain. The EXPL 100 platform steps up to 29-inch wheels, 100 mm suspension, a simpler 1x8 drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes. These bikes keep the rear frame rigid, making the separate hardtail mountain bikes category relevant for riders prioritising straightforward construction and pedalling efficiency. Rougher trails, steeper gradients and longer outings may require different suspension, brakes, tyres or electric assistance, so match the bike to regular routes rather than an occasional extreme ride.

Which wheel size is suitable for children aged nine to twelve: 24-inch or 26-inch?

Both sampled junior ROCKRIDER bikes are intended for children approximately 135-150 cm tall, but their frames and wheel formats differ. The 24-inch EXPL 500 uses a steel frame, weighs 14.3 kg and provides 50 mm front suspension. Its seven-speed Easytrigger control lets the child change gear from one handlebar shifter, while 152 mm cranks suit shorter legs. The 26-inch model moves to an aluminium frame and larger wheels, which Decathlon links with easier rolling over roots and stones. Brake levers sit closer to the handlebar on both models to suit smaller hands. Check the child's height, reach and confidence across the available kids mountain bikes, rather than selecting wheel size from age alone.

When it comes to rear-hub or mid-drive assistance, how does the equipment perform?

The E-EXPL 100 places a 43 Nm motor in the rear wheel and pairs it with a 360 Wh battery, three assistance levels and an advertised range of up to 50 km on fairly flat terrain. The E-EXPL 140 moves to a torque-sensing mid-drive motor producing 78 Nm, alongside a 499 Wh battery, 120 mm suspension and hydraulic disc brakes. The sampled STILUS model increases motor torque to 110 Nm and provides five assistance modes. All three stop assisting above 25 km/h. Selection within electric MTB therefore involves more than battery capacity: motor position, torque, bike weight, brake type and suspension travel all affect how the bike responds on climbs and uneven ground.

When the trails get rougher, does rear suspension matter?

A front-suspension hardtail absorbs impacts through the fork while keeping the rear triangle rigid. This can suit touring, smoother tracks and riders who value simpler maintenance. Rear suspension adds another moving system intended to manage impacts at the back wheel, which may improve control and comfort on more broken terrain but also changes weight, setup and servicing requirements. The opening ROCKRIDER selection mainly uses 80-120 mm front suspension, so its published specifications do not represent every bike intended for technical trails. Look at the intended discipline, suspension travel, brake system and wheel construction within full suspension mountain bikes. More suspension is not automatically useful when most rides take place on towpaths, gentle forest tracks or compact local trails.

What else should be checked before storing an aluminium, steel or carbon mountain bike?

The sampled adult ROCKRIDER frames use aluminium, while the 24-inch junior EXPL 500 uses steel. Separate carbon mountain bikes may offer different weights, component levels and intended riding disciplines, but the exact product specification and warranty need checking before purchase. Frame material does not replace routine care. Clean mud from the drivetrain, dry the bike, lubricate the chain appropriately and check tyre pressure, brake wear and wheel security before the next ride. Store the bike indoors in a dry place away from salt and corrosive products. Electric models need additional battery care: do not leave the battery fully discharged, and follow the stated recharge schedule during long storage. ROCKRIDER adult bikes provide lifetime cover on selected structural parts, but wear components and third-party models use separate warranty terms.