One thing to note, the v2 model of this, or "newer" v1 models can go down to about ~12% "safely" with a newer controller. On the older original versions like the one I have the bike goes into eco mode at ~36% so some hills/heavy loads can be a struggle if you go below this. There isn't a risk with going below this with a battery, it's more an issue leaving it for long periods of time below 20% or over 80%.
The gist of the review is at 23:45. "Are there better 5k bikes? Yes. Does this one take me to work 5 days a week and takes my groceries on Saturday? Yes.
Hi. First of all, thank you for your honest and comprehensive review: it was the most helpful of all those I've seen on TH-cam (yeah, I'm looking at you sponsored partners who had it on try for a week at best) and I understood and learned many things. I have a couple of questions for you: the Decathlon's website says that deep maintenance of the drivetrain (especially the chain) is necessary - as with all bikes, I would say - but for this cargo bike the issue is different given its bulk and weight. Have you had the chance to clean (and lubricate) the chain and sprocket yet? Is this a complicated procedure? What about the tires? Is it complicated to remove the wheels to replace the tires? Regarding the front basket: is it useful? How to make the best use of it? Are there dedicated bags or boxes as for the rear rack? Or would it be better to use bungee cords or an elastic motorcycle spider? Thanks again.
I have over 3,000km on it now. I think the drive train was maintained once. At my one year maintenance the tech said the drive train could wait til next time (3 months or 1,000km). I typically get the maintenance done at Decathlon because it is so cheap and I don't have experience with e-bikes.
I've had two rear tires damaged and because of the way motor is set up I got them changed by the shop. You have to move the motor to demount the rear wheel.
I use the front basket to hold my gloves and helmet when I'm arranging things and for bringing eggs home from the store (in a bag so they don't slide out the side). I don't use it nearly as often as the rear storage. The lower rear bags cost 100 and I like them. I just use bungee cords and a plastic tub on the upper part, but I think a motorcycle spider would work better, especially if you take the plastic bin off regularly. Good questions!
@@WhatIfBrigade thank you for the replies! The nearest Decathlon to me is 50km away and, if you don't own a car (like me), is not reachable with public service. So I think those two are very concerning points with my decision.
@@lucagiangrande9514 You are welcome! Even with heavy use (5 days a week to work and groceries on Saturday for a family of four), I've really only had it in the shop three times in a year. Once the rear tire was destroyed by something in the road, for the 6 month checkup, and the 12 month checkup. However, when I blew the rear tire it was a big hassle, had to borrow a car. Blew another tire before the one year checkup and I rented a van because I was bringing in two other bikes. Based on my experience, you want to ask local shops what they'd be comfortable with, because e-bikes can be tricky. For example the Decathlon bike you need to demount the motor to change the rear tire. A neighborhood bike repair service or mobile bike repair truck might not feel confident enough to do that. As a person without a car, I view selecting a qualified workshop as almost as important as the e-bike.
Great review, thank you very much. Very seriously considering buying this model. My only concern is that its not a step through. I am tall but my knees are a little messed up. Is it easy to get on when a kid is in the back?
@@clloyd77 Good question. I usually step over the bar rather than swing my leg over the seat because my seat is quite a bit higher than the bar. Setting 18 I think, and the entire length is above the bar. Sometimes when I'm feeling sore from exercise I like to have the pedal on the opposite side at its lowest point so it is out of way. It isn't a step through, but not very high either.
Great video. Thanks for your absolute review. Please where do you get the black crate from amd whar size should i get? ... I will appreciate any online links for purchase as I'm based in UK. Thanks.
@@osayomoreogbemudia This is one I got on Amazon. My support bars were from the 2022 bike model, so you might want to verify the sizes. But the sizes are listed on the item. Relaxdays 10022584_46 Boîte... www.amazon.fr/dp/B07BS6H8N4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
@@WhatIfBrigade Thank you so much. This was so helpful... I will order It right away. Yes, the bike I've I have got is the same exact model as yours. if you can, I will appreciate the links to get your same cell phone holder, your light, and maybe the strings/ropes/cords you used in holding the crate to the bike. 😂.. I got my of a very good irresistible sale, so I have to go for it.. so far, it's a great bike. I'm also looking at/ searching for forums of R500E owner so I can learn maintenance tricks... Any other information not mentioned that you think will be helpful, please let me know... You have done a great job on this bike.. This is best video on this bike... Many thanks again for your prompt response and happy new year in advance.. Gracias 🙌🏻
@osayomoreogbemudia Glad to help! Phone Holder: shenkey Sac Étanche pour Support... www.amazon.fr/dp/B07GQCTDQ4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share This is my latest light. I loved the other design, but they broke a lot. IPSXP 2023 New 3000 Lumens... www.amazon.fr/dp/B0BG2HSF6S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share This is my original BigO light. I bought two sets, but the charging ports on the rear light keep breaking. www.amazon.fr/dp/B07TKSKX14?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share The straps are just ordinary bungee straps. www.amazon.fr/dp/B06VVKC3SN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I've put more than 6,000km on it, got it in October 2022 and I love it. Love taking it to work, love getting groceries, love taking it on longer trips though I haven't had many opportunities to do that. There are nicer, much more expensive cargo e-bikes, but this one is a great value for daily use. And while I totally abuse mine, as long as I regularly take it into Decathlon for service, they have kept it in excellent working order for minimal price. If you drive it all weather with heavy loads as much as I do, regular service every few months is important, but I don't think they've charged me over 150 until my 5,000km 18 month overhaul. And they had very reasonable suggestions as to how to reduce wear and tear. My main irritation is I have to unscrew the rear plank to install rear seat pads, can't just velcro them around, but it doesn't take that long. I think I'd have to spend at least 4,000 to 5,000 to get a better bike and considering my heavy use I'm not sure that makes sense. If I got a more expensive bike I'd use this one for all of the tough jobs to protect my investment. This thing is a WORKHORSE.
@@WhatIfBrigade Ah that's great. Glad you are enjoying the bike. I'm really torn about getting one after reading most of the reviews on the decathlon website. People reporting so many various faults especially not being able to use the full range or the assist when the battery gets below 40%, the breaks failing them.... I live here in hilly Sheffield, England and wanting to carry my 2, 2 and 4 years old toddlers around daily. Just felt like from those reviews that the bike won't be reliable and always needing to be in at the shop for expensive repairs. Was it a fault that made you take the bike in every few months, or were you just wanting it to be checked over giving your heavy use? I have a decathlon store very close to my house so that's very handy for me. I have a Raleigh ebikes fitted with child seat and a kids ride shotgun to carry the kids at the moment and the Bosch motor ot that has been so reliable, never had an issue with it and we are close to maxing out the weight for the bike but it's been such a workhouse. Our budget can't go as high as the 4000 bikes so hoping this bike would be good reasonable upgrade. Happy riding, rubber side down! Thanks so much for making this video and your awesome feedbacks.
@Bendeenswaray I have heard others say their bike switches to eco-mode at 30%. Mine is 20%, but I've noticed it is faster and hauls better if I charge it whenever it falls below 80%. As for my maintenance schedule it comes from two factors: first, I ride the bike 6 days a week year round in Bretagne weather to work and groceries on Saturday. Second, my previous bike, a manual bike I set up for cargo, things wore out quickly. My manual bike the tires and brakes were unsafe after 3 months. Because my bike is my primary vehicle, I always have a backup for when it is in the shop (first my old manual bike, now a city e-bike with a trailer if necessary). So I've just gotten into the habit of making appointments regularly. It certainly possible it is less reliable than more expensive e-bikes. But I think any vehicle would need lots of maintenance based on what I put it through.
Thanks for a great review and good maintenance advice. We just got the bike. We like it but are having trouble removing the key when the back tire is locked. Have you experienced this issue?
I rarely have that issue, sometimes the lock isn't down all the way. For me the issue is I need to rotate the tire sometimes to get into a position where I can lock the bike. And of course it is much harder with the bags on because I can't see anything, all by feel.
@@taggartdavis It definitely has to be all the way down to lock. This is an unobstructed view with everything off: th-cam.com/users/shortsg0lxrs5aSw4?feature=shared
Just learned about this bike. Decathlon says this bike does up to 90 km in eco mode and 50km on power. Your numbers are much lower. I figure France has more hills , but any idea how this would do in the Netherlands. I'm also tall, so I'm interested in the long term comfort for someone of 195.
I'm 185cm. I'm about at the limit if you prefer an upright riding style. If you raise the seat, probably a more mountain bike style ride. My understanding is the range depends a lot on weight, speed, etc. I think I could have gone about 45k. in mode two if I ran it completely empty, but I am 90kg and brought water bottles, snacks, the toolkit, U-lock, etc. I often haul a lot of stuff for work and even my summer clothes use 5% less battery life than my winter clothes. 90/50 sounds obtainable for my 15 year old running it empty on flat ground with no wind.
I haven't done a good eco mode test yet, but I got 33km in Normal mode 2 without going into the under 25% battery reserve. Weight, speed and grade matters a lot so I'm looking forward to the eco mode test!
Good question! On regular hills I don't even notice the hill, leave it in the hardest gear. The steepest hill I regularly encounter it slows a bit near the top, I maybe shift gears but still super easy after a hard day at work. I love it when biking into the wind or uphill.
Um, I ah um am um, so um ah glad, that um you um tube um allows um allows to um adjust um the um, the um play, um playback um speed, ah, to ah, allow um some um sort um of ah um way um to um speed um the um, ah speed um of ah the um video to um make um it a um a little bit um watchable....
Great review, thanks. In summary the negatives are: Variable battery range and wood might be subject to mold in humid countries.
Yes, thanks for watching!
One thing to note, the v2 model of this, or "newer" v1 models can go down to about ~12% "safely" with a newer controller. On the older original versions like the one I have the bike goes into eco mode at ~36% so some hills/heavy loads can be a struggle if you go below this.
There isn't a risk with going below this with a battery, it's more an issue leaving it for long periods of time below 20% or over 80%.
Yes, mine is 13 months old now. Battery tech is always improving!
Thank you for an honest and informative review. Swedish soon to be owner of this bike.
You are welcome! I hope you like it as much as I do!
The gist of the review is at 23:45.
"Are there better 5k bikes? Yes. Does this one take me to work 5 days a week and takes my groceries on Saturday? Yes.
Exactly! An excellent summary!
Hi.
First of all, thank you for your honest and comprehensive review: it was the most helpful of all those I've seen on TH-cam (yeah, I'm looking at you sponsored partners who had it on try for a week at best) and I understood and learned many things. I have a couple of questions for you: the Decathlon's website says that deep maintenance of the drivetrain (especially the chain) is necessary - as with all bikes, I would say - but for this cargo bike the issue is different given its bulk and weight. Have you had the chance to clean (and lubricate) the chain and sprocket yet? Is this a complicated procedure? What about the tires? Is it complicated to remove the wheels to replace the tires?
Regarding the front basket: is it useful? How to make the best use of it? Are there dedicated bags or boxes as for the rear rack? Or would it be better to use bungee cords or an elastic motorcycle spider?
Thanks again.
I have over 3,000km on it now. I think the drive train was maintained once. At my one year maintenance the tech said the drive train could wait til next time (3 months or 1,000km). I typically get the maintenance done at Decathlon because it is so cheap and I don't have experience with e-bikes.
I've had two rear tires damaged and because of the way motor is set up I got them changed by the shop. You have to move the motor to demount the rear wheel.
I use the front basket to hold my gloves and helmet when I'm arranging things and for bringing eggs home from the store (in a bag so they don't slide out the side). I don't use it nearly as often as the rear storage.
The lower rear bags cost 100 and I like them. I just use bungee cords and a plastic tub on the upper part, but I think a motorcycle spider would work better, especially if you take the plastic bin off regularly. Good questions!
@@WhatIfBrigade thank you for the replies! The nearest Decathlon to me is 50km away and, if you don't own a car (like me), is not reachable with public service. So I think those two are very concerning points with my decision.
@@lucagiangrande9514 You are welcome! Even with heavy use (5 days a week to work and groceries on Saturday for a family of four), I've really only had it in the shop three times in a year. Once the rear tire was destroyed by something in the road, for the 6 month checkup, and the 12 month checkup. However, when I blew the rear tire it was a big hassle, had to borrow a car. Blew another tire before the one year checkup and I rented a van because I was bringing in two other bikes. Based on my experience, you want to ask local shops what they'd be comfortable with, because e-bikes can be tricky. For example the Decathlon bike you need to demount the motor to change the rear tire. A neighborhood bike repair service or mobile bike repair truck might not feel confident enough to do that. As a person without a car, I view selecting a qualified workshop as almost as important as the e-bike.
Great review, thank you very much. Very seriously considering buying this model. My only concern is that its not a step through. I am tall but my knees are a little messed up. Is it easy to get on when a kid is in the back?
@@clloyd77 Good question. I usually step over the bar rather than swing my leg over the seat because my seat is quite a bit higher than the bar. Setting 18 I think, and the entire length is above the bar. Sometimes when I'm feeling sore from exercise I like to have the pedal on the opposite side at its lowest point so it is out of way. It isn't a step through, but not very high either.
Great review. thanks.
You are welcome!
Great video. Thanks for your absolute review. Please where do you get the black crate from amd whar size should i get? ... I will appreciate any online links for purchase as I'm based in UK. Thanks.
@@osayomoreogbemudia This is one I got on Amazon. My support bars were from the 2022 bike model, so you might want to verify the sizes. But the sizes are listed on the item. Relaxdays 10022584_46 Boîte... www.amazon.fr/dp/B07BS6H8N4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
@@WhatIfBrigade Thank you so much. This was so helpful... I will order It right away. Yes, the bike I've I have got is the same exact model as yours. if you can, I will appreciate the links to get your same cell phone holder, your light, and maybe the strings/ropes/cords you used in holding the crate to the bike. 😂.. I got my of a very good irresistible sale, so I have to go for it.. so far, it's a great bike. I'm also looking at/ searching for forums of R500E owner so I can learn maintenance tricks... Any other information not mentioned that you think will be helpful, please let me know... You have done a great job on this bike.. This is best video on this bike... Many thanks again for your prompt response and happy new year in advance.. Gracias 🙌🏻
@osayomoreogbemudia
Glad to help!
Phone Holder: shenkey Sac Étanche pour Support... www.amazon.fr/dp/B07GQCTDQ4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is my latest light. I loved the other design, but they broke a lot. IPSXP 2023 New 3000 Lumens... www.amazon.fr/dp/B0BG2HSF6S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is my original BigO light. I bought two sets, but the charging ports on the rear light keep breaking. www.amazon.fr/dp/B07TKSKX14?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
The straps are just ordinary bungee straps. www.amazon.fr/dp/B06VVKC3SN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
You are amazing. Many thanks again.
Great video. What’s your experience of the bike a year on?
I've put more than 6,000km on it, got it in October 2022 and I love it. Love taking it to work, love getting groceries, love taking it on longer trips though I haven't had many opportunities to do that. There are nicer, much more expensive cargo e-bikes, but this one is a great value for daily use. And while I totally abuse mine, as long as I regularly take it into Decathlon for service, they have kept it in excellent working order for minimal price. If you drive it all weather with heavy loads as much as I do, regular service every few months is important, but I don't think they've charged me over 150 until my 5,000km 18 month overhaul. And they had very reasonable suggestions as to how to reduce wear and tear. My main irritation is I have to unscrew the rear plank to install rear seat pads, can't just velcro them around, but it doesn't take that long. I think I'd have to spend at least 4,000 to 5,000 to get a better bike and considering my heavy use I'm not sure that makes sense. If I got a more expensive bike I'd use this one for all of the tough jobs to protect my investment. This thing is a WORKHORSE.
@@WhatIfBrigade Ah that's great. Glad you are enjoying the bike. I'm really torn about getting one after reading most of the reviews on the decathlon website. People reporting so many various faults especially not being able to use the full range or the assist when the battery gets below 40%, the breaks failing them....
I live here in hilly Sheffield, England and wanting to carry my 2, 2 and 4 years old toddlers around daily. Just felt like from those reviews that the bike won't be reliable and always needing to be in at the shop for expensive repairs. Was it a fault that made you take the bike in every few months, or were you just wanting it to be checked over giving your heavy use?
I have a decathlon store very close to my house so that's very handy for me. I have a Raleigh ebikes fitted with child seat and a kids ride shotgun to carry the kids at the moment and the Bosch motor ot that has been so reliable, never had an issue with it and we are close to maxing out the weight for the bike but it's been such a workhouse. Our budget can't go as high as the 4000 bikes so hoping this bike would be good reasonable upgrade.
Happy riding, rubber side down! Thanks so much for making this video and your awesome feedbacks.
@Bendeenswaray I have heard others say their bike switches to eco-mode at 30%. Mine is 20%, but I've noticed it is faster and hauls better if I charge it whenever it falls below 80%. As for my maintenance schedule it comes from two factors: first, I ride the bike 6 days a week year round in Bretagne weather to work and groceries on Saturday. Second, my previous bike, a manual bike I set up for cargo, things wore out quickly. My manual bike the tires and brakes were unsafe after 3 months. Because my bike is my primary vehicle, I always have a backup for when it is in the shop (first my old manual bike, now a city e-bike with a trailer if necessary). So I've just gotten into the habit of making appointments regularly. It certainly possible it is less reliable than more expensive e-bikes. But I think any vehicle would need lots of maintenance based on what I put it through.
Thanks for a great review and good maintenance advice. We just got the bike. We like it but are having trouble removing the key when the back tire is locked. Have you experienced this issue?
I rarely have that issue, sometimes the lock isn't down all the way. For me the issue is I need to rotate the tire sometimes to get into a position where I can lock the bike. And of course it is much harder with the bags on because I can't see anything, all by feel.
Thank you. Maybe I just haven't fiddled with it enough. I also have the bags which are very obstructive. Thank you!
@@taggartdavis It definitely has to be all the way down to lock. This is an unobstructed view with everything off: th-cam.com/users/shortsg0lxrs5aSw4?feature=shared
Great review thanks for all the information, a question where did you buy the black box you have in the back?
Thanks
On Amazon France: amzn.eu/d/6ejAnva
@@WhatIfBrigade Thanks!
Just learned about this bike. Decathlon says this bike does up to 90 km in eco mode and 50km on power. Your numbers are much lower. I figure France has more hills , but any idea how this would do in the Netherlands. I'm also tall, so I'm interested in the long term comfort for someone of 195.
I'm 185cm. I'm about at the limit if you prefer an upright riding style. If you raise the seat, probably a more mountain bike style ride. My understanding is the range depends a lot on weight, speed, etc. I think I could have gone about 45k. in mode two if I ran it completely empty, but I am 90kg and brought water bottles, snacks, the toolkit, U-lock, etc. I often haul a lot of stuff for work and even my summer clothes use 5% less battery life than my winter clothes. 90/50 sounds obtainable for my 15 year old running it empty on flat ground with no wind.
Good review. What would the range be in eco mode?
Btw, the volume in your video is varying quite a bit.
I haven't done a good eco mode test yet, but I got 33km in Normal mode 2 without going into the under 25% battery reserve. Weight, speed and grade matters a lot so I'm looking forward to the eco mode test!
I don’t know where this guy is filming it but I can find this bike on Decathlon for less than £3K in England.
Bought it 18 months ago in France. I think the current model is slightly different than mine.
Thanks for review. Good!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your video. How does the motor perform on hills?
Good question! On regular hills I don't even notice the hill, leave it in the hardest gear. The steepest hill I regularly encounter it slows a bit near the top, I maybe shift gears but still super easy after a hard day at work. I love it when biking into the wind or uphill.
@@WhatIfBrigade a useful and rapid response - thank you!
@@RichardGaskill You are welcome! Glad I could help. Buying an e-bike is a big decision and I want to give people as much information as possible!
I wish this guy would stop saying urn ar if he comes annoying to watch. Unfortunately I’ve cut this video short.
Me too. Me too.
Um, I ah um am um, so um ah glad, that um you um tube um allows um allows to um adjust um the um, the um play, um playback um speed, ah, to ah, allow um some um sort um of ah um way um to um speed um the um, ah speed um of ah the um video to um make um it a um a little bit um watchable....
Thanks for watching!
To be fair, you gave great review points, but it was just very difficult to keep following them with the persistent breaks.... 🙂
Can i know where you get the hi-vis jacket?
Yes, I also got it at Decathlon.
It is the Triban brand at Decathlon