Cycling training has gotten complicated with all the different methods and technologies flying around. As someone with extensive cycling experience, I learned everything there is to know about this topic. Today, I will share it all with you.

Living With the Rockrider ST100

Bought this bike for my nephew who wanted to try mountain biking. Didn’t want to spend serious money on something he might abandon after three rides. Six months later, he’s still riding it regularly. For what it is — a cheap entry point into the hobby — the ST100 does its job.

What You’re Getting

This is a Decathlon house brand bike at a budget price point. Steel frame, basic suspension fork, V-brakes, 21 speeds. Nothing fancy, nothing particularly wrong either. It’s transportation and entry-level trail riding, packaged affordably.

The Frame

Steel adds weight but also durability. A teenage kid can crash this thing into rocks and it shrugs it off. Geometry puts you in a comfortable upright position — not aggressive, not sporty, just sensible for casual riding.

Weight is around 15 kg. Heavy by mountain bike standards but fine for what it’s designed for. You’re not racing this; you’re learning on it.

Suspension Reality

The front fork has 80mm of travel. Enough to smooth out bumps and roots on easy trails. Not enough for serious technical riding, but serious technical riding isn’t the point here.

No rear suspension. Hardtails are simpler and cheaper. For a beginner on moderate trails, this is actually fine. Rear suspension adds complexity and maintenance that most beginners don’t need.

Gearing and Brakes

21 speeds via 3×7 drivetrain. Plenty of range for hills and flats. Shifting is functional rather than crisp — expect some searching for gears under load. Adequate for learning; you’d upgrade before competing.

V-brakes work fine in dry conditions. Wet weather performance drops off. This is a limitation of the brake type, not the specific bike. Budget constraint makes disc brakes impractical at this price.

Wheels and Tires

27.5-inch wheels are the modern standard for maneuverability balanced with rollover capability. Tires are adequate for light trails and paved surfaces. Nothing special but nothing bad.

What Works Well

The comfortable geometry and adjustable seat post mean it fits a range of rider sizes. That’s what makes it endearing as a first bike — one size can grow with a kid for a couple years.

The kickstand is actually useful. Serious mountain bikers scoff, but for casual use, being able to park your bike without leaning it on something matters.

What Could Be Better

Weight is the obvious limitation. Carrying it up stairs or loading on a car rack takes effort. Lighter aluminum would help but would cost more.

Components are entry-level throughout. Expect to adjust things more frequently than on a more expensive bike. Cables stretch, derailleurs need tweaking, brake pads wear.

Who Should Buy This

Beginners unsure if they’ll stick with cycling. Kids who might outgrow it. People who need cheap transportation more than performance. Secondary bikes for vacation homes or guests.

Who shouldn’t: anyone planning to ride seriously. The upgrade path from this bike is basically “buy a different bike.” That’s fine if you’re not sure about the hobby; frustrating if you already know you’re committed.

Maintenance Tips

Keep the chain lubricated. Check tire pressure before rides. Adjust brakes and derailleurs periodically — YouTube tutorials make this accessible for beginners. Clean mud off after trail rides.

Basic maintenance extends the life significantly. Neglect it and things wear out faster than they should.

The Verdict

It’s not a great bike. It’s a sufficient bike at a low price. For someone unsure about cycling, that’s exactly the right tradeoff.