Outdoor and sports retailer Decathlon has made quite a name for itself in the cycling world with its in-house brands Rockrider for mountain bikes and B'Twin and Triban for road and commuter bikes. Seeing the growing popularity of e-bikes, Decathlon has also fully joined the bandbike bandwagon, and there is now a wide selection of electrified two-wheelers to choose from.

The latest of which comes in the form of the E-EXPL 700 electric mountain bike from its Rockrider brand. The new model caters to beginner and intermediate riders who are looking for a capable e-MTB without breaking the bank. The result is a hardtail electric MTB that promises respectable performance thanks to premium components from respected brands like SHIMANO. For example, its drivetrain consists of a SHIMANO Deore 5130 rear derailleur, Deore LG 11-43 rear cassette, and an LG500 series – all entry-level but reliable components from the Japanese component manufacturer.

On the performance side of the equation, the Rockrider E-XPL 700 relies on Broz's premium drive system: the Drive-T mid-mounted motor. This compact yet powerful system delivers 70 Nm of torque, and pedal assist up to speeds of 25 kilometers per hour (18 mph). As far as the battery is concerned, the e-MTB features a 630 watt-hour battery pack that offers a claimed range of up to 62 miles. For those who want to go the distance, there's a 360-watt-hour range-extender that promises an additional 44 kilometers (27.5 miles) of range.

Complementing the respectable performance is a set of Tektro M530 hydraulic brakes, as well as a 130-millimeter suspension fork giving the bike good off-road capability. The model is only offered in 29er configuration, highlighting its intended use for cross-country purposes. Last but not least, the e-XPL 700 keeps the rider informed about relevant riding statistics via a full-color TFT display neatly placed on the handlebar.

Availability-wise, the Rockrider E-EXPL 700 retains Decathlon’s attractive pricing. At just 2,499 euros ($2,724 USD), it delivers similar specs and performance as that of its mainstream rivals at a fraction of the cost. It’s offered in sizes S, M, and L, and can be found in Decathlon’s online store