CHEAP ebike vs SUPERBIKE

[@RobRidesEMTB]

What a contrast we have here in these two bikes! Since filming this the Decathlon Stilus has completely sold out BUT Decathlon confirmed to me they are working on a revised version for 2021 with some changes for the better... let’s hope it retains its more affordable price point so we can get as many people enjoying riding in 2021 👊👊👍

[@FlyingFun.]

Looking forward to that. Been drooling over these bikes for ages, still to much for my wallet lol. My 1000w hub drive conversion is keeping me happy though.

[@roninsnowboards]

Do you have more info about 2021 Decathlon Stilus ???

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Nothing yet, other than there’s definitely one on the way and they are making some changes based on feedback on this model 👍

[@johnchristopher5075]

@@RobRidesEMTB As you’ve already said, let’s hope they do us ordinary Joe’s and Joanne a massive favour and keep these new bikes to the same price point.

[@gordonmculloch4904]

I was wondering why Decathlon had taken the Stilus off their website. It will be interesting to see the revised version. Cheers 👍

[@jordidiego3391]

You nailed it saying: "for 25% of the price I have 85% of the fun", that's the perfect summary that suits at least 80 percent of riders. I bought my Commencal metapower 29 race in 2019 (none integrated battery model), just a one week before they launched the 2020 model, for a long time I was regretted to have not returned it and pay the 1300€ difference for the new model (because you know it doesn't look so nice, as the new models, water bottle, etc..), but after my family vacations paid with those 1300€, I'm more than happy of my decision, my bike puts me a smile in the face every single ride, and I have no plan to change it in a very long time or until there's a real game changer on ebike industry.

[@enhncr]

Exactly!!!

[@NanoDex]

Thank you for not screwing up this important comparison like EMBN did by comparing a hardtail vs full sus ebikes. Cheap full sus vs expensive full sus is actually a real usable comparison. Thank you also for the much more usable observations and comparisons as you went along.

[@johnchristopher5075]

Here, here. You took the words right out of my mouth.

[@Dietahvr]

EMBN is such a bunch of bike brand paid folks, they do never point out negative stuff on any "brand" bike they are showing.

[@Hunter_Bidens_Crackpipe_]

They even compared to a hub bike...

[@flexion3025]

Well said, I’m sure gmbn weren’t tryna do harm but accidentally did.

[@rampchamp9283]

Thanks Rob you made us Decathlon Stilus users feel like we have the best eBike in the world! 👍

[@anthonybrown7959]

I tried to buy one at the beginning of this year but they were sold out. Went for the Haibike fullseven 4.0. Nice bike but lacks the suspension travel and brands.

[@FlyRidesUSA]

Super interesting video! I've always found that, like you, I'm able to get used to just about any geometry on any bike. I'll also add that Rob is a guy who can shred pretty hard. Guys like me who are just out there doing some single track, maybe the occasional small jump, and mostly just are looking to get out in the world a bit, might not need the high end stuff. But, then on the other hand, the top of the line bikes are always a blast to ride not to mention that they'll last a lot longer and be better for resale in the long run. Mostly, this video just got me drooling over that Mondraker!

[@akabukiman]

Rob and EMBN launching the same kind of video this week. Rob: "The superbike is great but almost same fun for far less money possible! Buy the cheaper one and eventually upgrade it." EMBN: Let's put a super enduro bike and a cheap hardtail xc head to head. "Buy the Haibike! Cheap is crap! Look how it climbs the enduro track!" Thanks again Rob for great advice on this channel. Although I own a super ebike, I'm totally with you on this.

[@andyukh1625]

Rob, absolutely bang on with this review, couldn’t have put it better myself ! I have a cube reaction hybrid pro 2020 hard tail ebike with a Bosch generation 4 motor which I wanted after reviewing loads of vlogs. Why hardtail, I live in The Fens relatively flat but some lovely trails. Starting to change the components , new pedals, forks, dropper and continental tyres............ and the best thing , I have the biggest smile on my face when I ride! Maybe one day I may get a full suspension bike, but till then if ever , I’m just going to enjoy the ebike experience! Keep up the good work and honest reviews.......... fantastic mate 🤙🏾

[@TheAquanomad]

I'm only in the first few seconds, but this is a budget vs high end done right. Unlike some other recent YT vids....

[@garylord7202]

Recently bought a Stilus after watching your review. I did feel a bit cramped, but after tilting the handle bars forward a little and tilting the seat up a little i'm smiling from ear to ear. Thank you so much for doing the review as I wouldnt have known about the Bike and spent at least another £1300

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Cheers Gary, glad I could help out. Brilliant little bikes these Stilus rippers! With the 85nm Bosch update too such good fun bikes!

[@PhysicsOnline]

I ‘m massively biased in my opinion as I have had a Stilus for about two weeks now - but the thing is that these two bikes have exactly the SAME motor! And that has to be the big advantage to an ebike to a conventional bike. I’d say that the Stilus is a much more capable off-road machine than every bike I’ve ridden - even much lighter and more expensive traditional MTBs.

[@raphaelbarrosdesa8936]

Wow!! i wasn't expecting that ending... THANK YOU for such a honest review & for being so genuine. Much Appreciated!!

[@rampchamp9283]

Oh yeah like many I ended up with a Stilus after your review. Had it 2 1/2 months and done 333 miles on the dot last night. I've lose 2.5 kgs in weight exercising more and eating less. And even got a feature on My World on EMBN last week 👍

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Amazing man that’s so good! That’s the thing with these ebikes, cheap, expensive or in between - if it gets you out, keeps you fit, helps mental health and explore new places they are all winners 👍

[@rampchamp9283]

@@RobRidesEMTB 100% and I knew I had to get fitter and keep my mind in good health as I have been working on trains the whole way through all this. Keep up the great work Rob. 👍

[@derekblake9385]

Great review again Rob, I’ve just put a set of RockShox ZEBs on my Stilus looking forward to trying them at the weekend.

[@markyboyclark]

Another great video. Thanks Rob.

[@markyboyclark]

Rob!! You need to get your mitts on a Dengfu Chinese eBike with Bafang m600 midrive. Like the Luna X1. 🙂 You could make the video about making your own eMTB 😋

[@corollarijder]

This. Just this! I like your honesty Rob 👍🏻

[@julianassem2780]

Thanks for your different kind of view to this tech and money battle of some of the brands. Sometimes I do have the impression that the bike is becoming more and more a status thing than a sports equipment to have fun with. But being honest I do sometimes end up myself upgrading and upgrading. But it feels good stepping back one time or the other.

[@johnchristopher5075]

Well done Rob for another cracking review. I’m one for buying “cheap” and then uprating components over time and experience so customising the bike to my individual needs. I’m seriously looking at the Stilus next year as a upgrade from my ht Giant e-MTB.

[@franciscosegura1960]

Really worth watching your vids. Nice job you do, which makes them really interesting. Nice!! Best regards from Spain, Rob.

[@robertoicc100]

thanks a lot for this very down-to-earth comparison. That helps me a lot!

[@NikolayBlaskov75]

Full sus ebikes are good for descending trails. Hardtrail bikes are amazing on uphill off-road rides where climbing 1500-1700 meters on a single ride is the only reason for their purchase...

[@59trevski]

Rob you need to breakdown the speck of this Decathlon bike looks better than the Mondraker😂. upgrades, forks travel, tyre size rear shock.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

If there’s enough folks that want this Video to be made I will do it!

[@SubmarinersDive]

Rob, please do. My 2020 Haibike NDuro is screaming for more upgrades! 🤣

[@YorkshireEmtb]

@@RobRidesEMTB I'm interested in that . 👍

[@59trevski]

Also how the decathlon rides now. I think buying entry level emtb’s then upgrading how you want them your self is a good way to go.

[@johnchristopher5075]

@@59trevski And if you can source these components via FB, EBay and Amazon all the better. That’s what I’ve done with my entry level Giant Fathom E+3 29er (Including a set of Rock Shox Judy front forks for £179 from Decathlon). Love Rob because he stands up for the Everyday man and woman on the street. Screw Snob Hill.

[@MrPhillipgraham]

Great honest advice thanks Rob. I really want to buy the Stilus but can't find one for love nor money!! The same goes for a cube stereo 140 ;-(

[@gregorylesko9466]

Well done and very well stated comments

[@thegad650]

Hi Rob would love to see a review of the upgraded stylus (if you still have it) v a 6k mondraker

[@cbenson513]

Correct, you don't need to spend a ton of money to have fun. But, you might want to start with a bike that has solid frame geometry since no amount of upgrading will fix that. My big problem with cheap parts is where and how I ride they will (and have) leave you stranded and may put you in a bad situation.

[@leelipinski4667]

When I was first looking for a Ebike, my mate said the Decathlon was a brilliant entry bike. But I didn't want to wait ages so ended up spending nearly double on a Trek rail 7 as shop had them in stock. Great review

[@TomKennedyUSA]

True. Many purchase decisions right now are based upon what bikes are available.

[@johns9974]

Hi Rob, Do you have any idea when the 2021 Stilus will be released by Decathlon? Thanks John

[@59trevski]

Your Decathlon now looks amazing but how does it ride now. Competed to the Mondraker or say the Focus jam2 Is it still as twitchy or was it just a suspension and tyre upgrade?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Changing fork and to a Mullet setup has made a huge difference. More stable and quicker. But still a bit sketchy on steep stuff due to it being too short for me. But brilliant fun!

[@59trevski]

You must do a review in the new Decathlon bike when it’s out Rob.🤘

[@garth62]

Thanks for this - extremely interesting and on the point for my perspective. I like to ride but couldn't justify a high end price for my level of ability. Still in the process of trying to decide what to buy based on what's available (which is pretty much zilch at the moment) so might end up buying whatever I can get my hands on rather than preference. There is little doubt that the popularity of emtb's has taken off way beyond the manufacturers ability to forecast.

[@bilezura79]

Great honest and detailed review!

[@Mgia503]

Hi Rob! Congratulation for your videos, i enjoy them very much, very clear and direct! Given that, would u do a video explaining the concepts related to geometry (like reach, chain stays, etc etc) especially associated to emtb?? It would great! Thanks :)

[@sixtysecondsofstephens2386]

If you only have a cheap bike and stick to it you won't know any else. Another good video Rob.

[@MTBs]

VERY interesting test. Thanks!

[@Pollard77]

what a refreshing change .a true comparison with a honest outcome.

[@SubmarinersDive]

The world needs more content like this. Top Job Rob!(wait...that rhymed didn't it? 😆 )

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Cheers (you’re a poet but don’t know it!)

[@Tara-Maya]

Another great review. Have you done a video on the pros and cons of building your own emtb? And do you think in the future we will see a lot more companies offering just a frame for custom builds?

[@davycurrie7457]

Nice one Rob, honest and unbiased. I bought a Voodoo Zobop back in June, my first full suss never mind e-bike and I love it. Have you tried the Zobop? and how do you think would it do in a comparison....?

[@grahamgilbert9331]

As usual Rob you say it as you find it ,no bullshit,that’s why I love your videos,keep it up and Stay Safe

[@trickyrickymtb5622]

Excellent comparison, totally agree with the sentiment. Also i really like the colour of the stylus

[@mattdedasc]

Great video. Nails the point.

[@anthonybrown7959]

Nice review. Honest opinion.

[@chriskros8858]

Decathlon costs 2700? Similar price I paid three years ago for my Scott E-Genius 920 model 2018 that I am using till now. The prices are crazy.

[@HoldYourSeahorses]

I don't know, I think in order to make it fair he should do a blind comparison test.

[@stevenleslie8557]

Loved the review. I just purchased a new Luna X1 Enduro. It was 3.5K USD. I like it because they made sure that those components that are most important were not skimpt on. The drivetrain and brakes are top notch Sram.

[@The5laYYer]

Hey Rob - thanks for your continued enthusiasm and brilliant work. Where was this filmed? It looks fun. :-)

[@grahamgilbert9331]

Tried to buy the Decathlon Stylus after your last review but it was completely sold out everywhere...I’m going to wait until the 2021 model is released and you’ve reviewed it

[@367scotty]

how do you actually find a Stilus in the us?? and the initial decatholon review you liked it. bmw vs toyota.

[@James87987]

What I don’t get with the Decathlon Rob is that good geometry doesn’t cost anything extra during the manufacturing process does it? After all, the amount of materials used to make the frame are pretty much the same regardless of the geometry. On an aside, one of our mates rides a 130mm hardtail over Surrey Hills and he smokes all of us on our 160 travel full sussers so it’s definitely not all about the bike lol.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Correct it costs nothing, but if they have to make big tooling changes to production line possibly will cost a bit to change. But they could have just got it right from the start! These are cheap catalogue frames so will suit 29ers. 27.5” wheels etc. Built for bigger scale sales, not for refined enduro / ebike market I guess?

[@James87987]

@Brendan Tovey No two ways about it Brendon, he’s a better, faster rider no matter how knarly the trail. Saying that he’s been riding decades and most of us are relative newbies. Hate to think he might be even quicker on a full susser !!

[@PrEEsten1]

Great review there. 👍

[@alexanderasner1689]

You should really do the same comparison with the Infront IF-2.1. IMHO it is the absolute bang for the buck. Bosch Gen4, XT all around, FOX fork and damper, short chainstay, ispec integration, even SQLab handles and seat, all for less than 5000€.

[@jazzman_10]

Which brand is making the Decathon one? The frame looks like a Giant to me but Giant works with Yamaha engines...

[@TheBikePilot]

It's a Lombardi Catalogue Frame..If your a big brand and you just want to make a bike without too much R&D, you buy off the shelf and brand it yourself. Same as white goods. My Neff washing machine is not made by Neff..!! It is a banger of a frame though...

[@jazzman_10]

@@TheBikePilot Thanks!

[@TheAegisClaw]

I'm one of those who much prefers a short reach. I may have to look into one of those decathlon bikes.

[@eddiebaby22]

Intersting. I'd like to have tried both before you told me the price.

[@bacburrito4225]

Is there any reason Decathlon have taken it off sale? You can no longer purchase it!

[@AI-Driven-Entrepreneur]

Can you post a list of the upgrades you did?

[@LeadMunitions]

It basically comes down to what you can afford everybody would love to ride the top specked out bike but it’s not always feasible.. I always try to purchase the best quality that I can afford and enjoy that!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Well said!

[@zivkovicable]

This applies to so many products. It's not hard to differentiate between a £14 bottle of whisky & a £30 bottle. £30 - £60 gets a bit harder to justify....By the time you get to £500 bottles of single malt, you're thinking, is it really that much better than the one that costs £250... Or even £30...& you could probably have just as much fun on the £14 bottle. Cheers!

[@michaelgimani418]

Every time i watch this channel i am sure i'm watching a 1 million subs channel, these videos are very. VERY well made.

[@808GT]

You missed a MAJOR factor here: In the pub you only get 25% of the bragging rights. Cant put that Decathlon bike in your BMW without hiding in the bushes.

[@Benjamin_Jehne]

The Decathlon bike is out of stock and will not be available anymore. Got an email from them 😐

[@JiuJitsu2023]

Hi Rob, great video, I am debating on buying a stilus myself nevertheless wanted your opinion on which size to take : L or XL.. I am 1.85cm can you give your opinion on what size to take ?many thanks :)

[@cambike]

Did you not rave about how good this stilus was in your other videos?

[@gordonkcampbell4081]

Really positive genuine advice for all 👍

[@rw7269]

Will you keep the decathlon bike after the long term test rob ?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yep!

[@59trevski]

Looks slack what’s the head angle is it a 170fork

[@alancox7572]

It's all about the smile factor 😁

[@enhncr]

Thank you. I am sold after watching your original review. I was planning to buy turbol levo for .... £8k.... You saved my finances:). Now I have to wait for this bike V2 £3600. It is a bargain. Thank you! ,🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@46holl]

Decathlon don’t seem to stock the stilus anymore, just looked

[@johnf3326]

I would have had the Stilus but they were always sold out. Ended up getting the Trek Rail 5 625. Better battery, 29 wheels, a bit better all round. For your test, what the heck real value do you get for an extra £8k? Which is in effect another good bike or 2 cheaper ones.

[@endujaenmtb752]

Have you heard of a Specialized Enduro SL?

[@FlyingFun.]

What do you think of the bafang ultra options out there? I'm very tempted by the powerful 160nm claims but are they real?

[@curtrichardson8002]

Power is real, but they eat up battery life quickly, and usually are on heavier emtbs.

[@FlyingFun.]

@@curtrichardson8002 thanks, seen one on ebay with good specs for £3200 (still too much for me lol ), Full sus downhill bike, guess I'm thinking how reliable it might be.

[@ArqTopsiaSobreArquitectura]

Gran trabajo y una demostración de que el sector se ha vuelto loco.

[@miketran4289]

Buy 4 cheaper bikes and get a group of friends to go out enjoy life!

[@martynwatson4929]

How's the depreciation? I find the same thing riding dirtbikes, everyone after this years model but world champions were riding bikes the same as the stilus not long ago. You don't need to get into serious debt to have fun.

[@MotoGoato]

blows my mind that some folks pay over £10K for an electric mountain bike ..... thats over £2K more than my brand new KTM 790 motorbike cost me, I could literally have bought the 'cheap' E-bike PLUS my KTM and still had enough left over for a tank of fuel or two before matching the cost of the Mondraker. Don't get me wrong .. I'm sure the components and build quality of the £10K e-pushy make it worth the asking price ... it's just a bit mad relatively speaking, lol.

[@Ruffest]

I recognise some of those shots 📸

[@TheBikePilot]

Shit bastad'..? hehehe

[@Ruffest]

My new vid has shit bastard dh on 😂

[@FuttBucker42069]

100% agree with conclusion

[@barberboyz]

Hello , Stilus it’s good bike ?

[@n0b0dy07]

What a strange world to define cheap

[@59trevski]

What is the Decathlon weight now look sick.🤘

[@RobRidesEMTB]

About 24kg still! Coil / Lyrik ultimate added weight!

[@59trevski]

Looks so good now

[@MyFaithShines]

Cheapest ebike? Thats literally the most expensive bike in whole decathlon

[@Levisgil47]

If the 2021 stilus has a shorter chainstay would you still consider it as a great bike ? Thanks

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Would need shorter chainstay and longer reach then it’s definitely getting there

[@suratullahkhan6158]

Why I don’t find the decatlon on sale anywhere?

[@mrjapanimeniac]

can you actually have an spare battery in either one?...that would be my $2K question, it doesn't matter if you apply all the upgrades in the world if you can't go longer or far

[@wanneske1969]

2700 £ is still not cheap. And 10.000 £ for a bike, really ? It's just a hobby. On the other hand, photography cost me 30.000 € the past 15 years ...

[@Hobbiemtbrider]

Usually people who buys expensive kit can’t really use it as low budget simple people

[@ilhandilber508]

Bro if you are calling a 2700£ bike cheap then i am doing something wrong

[@MrPhillipgraham]

In terms of 'e' bikes it is relatively cheap.

[@jaycarneygiants]

Are these big name bike companies that claim we are paying for years of R&D mostly just coping each other?

[@thim8009]

The cheap bike is a good bike to have if you have a guest without a bike

[@pugman1543]

im still on my jam 2. awsome

[@bbmdenny8255]

Ich hab auch das Focus jam² 6.7nine 2020 es ist sau geil für 4.000€

[@pugman1543]

@@bbmdenny8255 geil 19er

[@pugman1543]

@@bbmdenny8255 19 er mein frau auch wir habben 2 stk

[@bbmdenny8255]

@@pugman1543ne 2020

[@bbmdenny8255]

@@pugman1543 ich springe auch viel so 4-5 Meter manchmal

[@Extremegaz25]

Decathlon with upgrades for me

[@lewiss66]

What components makes the stilus having excess weight ?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Coil shock, heavier tyres, heavier (stronger) Wheelset, beefier but heavier Lyrik

[@roberthamilton1301]

Thanks !

[@JittyLaRoot]

Potato ally and the beast I recognise there at the Ladybower. My local trails 👍

[@edwardk3]

Referring to a $4 000 bike as "bargain basement" doesn't seem to fit.

[@andythurlow1614]

"What you're paying for is years of R&D". In which case 'll still never be convinced that a very few components are worth almost £11K. We are talking good quality motorcycles or cares for this price lol

[@fantscher]

That's the problem of niche markets...

[@dspa1109]

Both prices are completely ridiculous You’d be crazy to buy a bicycle the price of a real motor bike… this market is completely crazy

[@val_en_tin]

Amazing conclusion

[@beesleyboy]

If the Decathlon Stilus was your first E-Mounting bike, you would be having 100% fun and never know the different s of a top bike. Great vid. 😁👍