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

The Stilus v3 keeps the usual recipe with an interesting value for money and a slightly revised frame. Decathlon continues to rely on the Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 85 Nm torque and a 625 Wh Powertube battery. This model is recognizable by its new color and a more subtle reinforcement at the junction between the top tube and the seat tube. Depending on the size, the weight also drops by 1.2 to 1.8 kg, which is by no means negligible. Oddly enough, this weight loss doesn’t affect the bike’s behavior all that much. You’d think he’d gain agility, but that’s not really the case. It has to be said that Decathlon 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 at the expense of dynamics.

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

The rest of the equipment meets the expectations quite well. The pair of Rockshox 35 Gold fork and the Rockshox Super Deluxe Select (or Deluxe Select+) shock absorber with 150 mm travel offers noticeable comfort and, above all, an ability to absorb heavy hits on medium-difficult routes. The Tranz-X dropper post with 100 or 150 mm (depending on the bike size) also works great. The four-piston SRAM Guide RE brakes and 200mm discs from the same brand ensure good braking performance, even for medium-duty rides.

The Bosch Performance Line CX motor comes as no surprise and offers very solid mountain support. If climbing isn’t your thing, the Stilus V3 seems to do the job for you. The eMTB mode remains the one that offers the best compromise between control and performance on the piste while allowing you to restart correctly on the flat.

Overall, the bike generally remains very safe, especially at high speeds. It passes, even in very brittle portions. The bike appears to be standing on a rail. On the other hand, for the fun side, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Despite the slimming down, the Stilus is still clumsy and doesn’t really offer joy 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 for a lower price, so to speak, while taking advantage of the Decathlon network.