Decathlon bikes, good deal like a Dacia?
In just 20 years, Dacia has managed to become a necessity in the automotive industry, with a recipe that is not new: breaking the market from the bottom, then once the clientele is large enough and captive, the quality and price are slowly -slowly increasing. Fortunately, Dacia still remains hyper competitive, and the Romanian company has found the right root: popular, without falling into too popular. Dacia has also very well taken care of its image today, which is focused on the outdoors and the family. Two important concepts in Decathlon, the favorite French company, all sectors are combined. But Decathlon still has a problem: brand image. If it remains very high in most consumer products, it is more difficult in the cycle part. Let’s be clear, however: the sales of Decathlon bicycles have nothing to envy to other brands in terms of volumes. Where it may be lacking are the athletes and the more informed public who shun the little queens of the Decathlon. So, the “Decat” bike, the bike of the “difficult” and the little beginner?
Also Read: Decathlon unveils its electric bike with gearbox
Decathlon goes upmarket
Like Dacia, Decathlon has been making a small move upmarket lately with an overhaul of its B’Twin (general public) and especially the Rockrider (MTB) cycles, which are now taking part in the competition. The sign that the engineers and designers based in the North of France have the possibility of more qualitative products. For others, the ranges are very different with Elops for urban and Triban for Gravel.
To be convinced of this, just look at the presentation of the latest electric bike with an automatic gearbox and complete integration. With this premium product (over 3000€) and the strike force of the network, Decathlon can do a lot of damage to “small” like Angell bikes.
But then, for the rest? Is a Decathlon bike necessarily a cheap product? In fact, you have to see Decathlon exactly as you see Dacia: models that follow the most practical trends with aggressive prices. However, there is still a big difference between a Dacia and a Decathlon bike: the first generally has a very good rating when used, but it is the opposite for Decathlon bikes which, for the most part, often fall faster than in models from the main ones. brands (Trek, Giant, Specialized, Orbea, etc.).
Also read: Carbon, aluminum, steel…: weight, stability, all our advice for choosing the right bike
However, and we can prove it, buying a Decathlon bike is not a sign of production at a discount. Often invisible defects (delamination, “empty” parts of carbon fiber inside, very poor quality of welds on aluminum or steel frames, frame asymmetry, failed machining, bad brake setting, etc.) in reputable brand bikes are not uncommon. Buying a Decathlon bike is not synonymous with finding a poorly made product. Or in any case no more than elsewhere. Where the big names stand out are the geometries (more avant-garde), the choice of components, the possibilities of different mountings, and the very high end. Decathlon does things that are more “basic”, but to stick to a tighter budget.
And then there is warranty support and contact workshops. It is common to read that guarantees are taken without much discussion at Decathlon, including on very low budget bikes.
Two examples of Decathlon bikes
Prices range from €800 to €3999 for electrics. The high-end Decathlon therefore comes where the entry tickets of the big brands! One of the stars of the catalog is none other than the Elops 920 E, a connected and highly efficient urban car with a 417 Wh battery and a 50 Nm Brose motor.. An effective combination suitable for “cycling” use. And at this price, the competition with that level of equipment is rare, especially since everything is included: light, stand, luggage rack and connectivity through one application.
At the other end of the scale, the Stilus E_All Mountain MTB costs €3999. At this price, you leave with full suspension with the latest generation Bosch engine with a 625 Wh battery. Granted, it’s not the top of the line equipment (entry-level Rockshox fork, basic SRAM drivetrain), but it’s more than enough for beginners. And above all, today there is no electric mountain bike with this motor/battery set for less than 4000 €. And although this Stilus will lose its value faster than a Trek or a Canyon, the fact remains that the initial investment is lower, the loss in absolute value is not necessarily greater upon arrival.
