Getting started – Stilus v3: Decathlon’s full-suspension electric mountain bike as accessible as ever


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Decathlon is present at the eBike Festival in Tignes with a large Rockrider stand where it is possible to try out the brand’s electric mountain bikes. The opportunity to take control of the Decathlon Stilus v3, the latest version of the full-suspension electric mountain bike sold for €3,990.

The Stilus v3 keeps the usual recipe with an interesting quality/price ratio and a slightly reworked frame. Decathlon still relies on the Bosch Performance Line CX motor capable of reaching 85 Nm of torque and a 625 Wh Powertube battery. This model is recognizable by its new color and a more discreet reinforcement of the connection between the top tube and the seat tube. The weight also drops by 1.2 to 1.8 kg depending on the size, which is far from negligible. Strangely, this drop in weight does not affect the behavior of the bike too much. One would think he would gain in agility, but that’s not really the case. It must be said that Decathlon has opted for a slightly longer stem (+5 mm) and 29-inch wheels instead of 27.5-inch wheels, which improves the stability of the bike to the detriment of dynamism.

For the occasion, Decathlon had mounted its own tires on the bike: the Grip 500 with a section of 2.4. We can’t claim to have enough experience to compare the different types of tyres, but these didn’t hold any bad surprises for us. On the other hand, there are some doubts about the SRAM SX Eagle derailleur, the American brand’s entry-level 12-speed model, which is not as fluid as the other 12-speed models. Not being able to shift more than one gear at a time is quite frustrating.

Getting started – Stilus v3: Decathlon's full-suspension electric mountain bike as accessible as ever

The rest of the equipment meets expectations quite well. The couple formed by the Rockshox 35 Gold fork and the Rockshox Super Deluxe Select (or Deluxe Select+) shock absorber with 150 mm of travel offers appreciable comfort and above all an ability to absorb heavy shocks on moderately committed routes. The Tranz-X dropper post with 100 or 150mm (depending on bike size) also works great. The four-piston SRAM Guide RE brakes and 200 mm discs of the same brand provide good braking, again for medium-committed rides.

Getting started – Stilus v3: Decathlon's full-suspension electric mountain bike as accessible as ever

The Bosch Performance Line CX engine is unsurprising and offers very solid hill assistance. If climbing isn’t your cup of tea, the Stilus V3 seems to do the job for you. The eMTB mode remains the one that offers the best compromise between control and power on the slope, while allowing you to relaunch correctly on the flats.

Getting started – Stilus v3: Decathlon's full-suspension electric mountain bike as accessible as ever

Overall, the bike remains generally very safe, especially at high speeds. It passes, even in the very brittle portions. The bike seems on a rail. On the other hand, for the fun side, you will have to look elsewhere. Despite the slimming cure, the Stilus is still clumsy and does not really offer pleasure for those who like to move the bike. It sums up the spirit of Decathlon well: an accessible, reassuring, not too expensive model. In short, a bike that allows you to have fun in the mountains at a lower cost so to speak, while taking advantage of the Decathlon network.

Getting started – Stilus v3: Decathlon's full-suspension electric mountain bike as accessible as ever

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