B’Twin Hoprider 900

For some time now, sports supermarket Decathlon's own brand, B'Twin, has been putting the lie to the notion that only expensive bikes are good bikes; its road models in particular have been the bargain hunter's dream. But what can it do with dedicated commuting machinery? If the Hoprider 900 is anything to go by, I can tell you it's just as impressive: okay, it's not a light bike, but if your commute isn't too hilly it rides really well and is excellent value, equipped with just about everything you could need for cycling to and from work.

• Pros: Incredibly fulsome spec, stable ride, nice high commuting position, fantastic value
• Cons: Very heavy, contact points are a little disappointing, limited general use

Although road.cc bike reviews tend to start with a report on ride quality, it's a little unfair to begin immediately with how the Hoprider 900 rides because first we need to put it in context: this is less a 'bike' and more a 'total cycle commuting solution'. That might sound like marketing guff (it really isn't, I've just made it up) but you'll soon understand why. For £549 you're buying a bicycle that comes fully loaded with features that cover everything from load carrying, to night-time illumination, to even basic lockable security.

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Technically, the Hoprider 900 is a trekking bike. Trekking bikes have been all the rage in Continental Europe for donkeys' years because they offer efficient, sensible, practical answers to people's daily cycle transport requirements. They're not aero or lightweight but they don't need to be for flat city riding.

The Hoprider 900 certainly lives up to that 'weighty' tradition but you can't fault it for effort, emerging from the box complete with rear rack, hub dynamo lighting system, frame lock, front suspension fork, kickstand, hydraulic disc brakes, mudguards, 38mm Schwalbe Marathon tyres and even a chainguard to keep your tapered turn-ups oil-free.

With all that kit in mind, it seems obvious to say you won't be throwing the Hoprider 900 into corners, getting your knees out as you weave down mountain passes. You also probably won't find yourself dancing out of the saddle enjoying every chance to test your climbing legs. At a total weight of nearly 19kg, this is a seriously heavy bike and it feels it when the road starts to rise.

> Buyer's Guide: 9 of the best urban bikes

But that mass isn't all bad news because the Hoprider 900 is also fantastically stable even at speed (that 19kg plus rider can sure pick up some momentum downhill) and it offers a supremely inspiring base from which to navigate the urban jungle. It might sound a minor point for riders with excellent bike control, but for more nervous or wobbly folk, the Hoprider 900 is a brilliantly benign bike for looking over your shoulder or signalling. The view forward is impressive, too: the riding position is relatively upright, which is good for visibility and also adds to a rider's road presence.

For all the talk about bike weight, the Hoprider 900 is mechanically no slouch and B'Twin has specced some very decent components. The Shimano Alivio/Deore/Altus drivetrain is bombproof and works well, which is good because you'll probably make the most of its 27 available gear ratios.

Meanwhile, the Shimano BM-M315 hydraulic discs have enough stopping power to handle a laden Hoprider 900, even when travelling fast.

'Travelling fast'? It's not as ridiculous as you may think. The Hoprider 900's aluminium frame is quite responsive and turns effort into forward motion with impressive efficiency. You may find yourself cursing gravity at times but at least you won't find yourself fighting with your own bike. Indeed, despite being accessorised to the max, and having a hub dynamo, disc brakes and mudguards (all things that can easily cause irritatingly inefficient rubbing sounds) our Hoprider 900 cruised like a silent dream fresh from the box.

Stiff alloy frames might be good for efficiency but they tend to fall down in the comfort stakes; B'Twin has tried to alleviate this by fitting 63mm of front suspension and a fairly voluminous Selle Royal saddle.

Although you'd never pick it for the red run at Fort William, the Suntour fork puts up a good fight and will take the edge off minor potholes or patchy parkland paths. It can also be locked out, if front stiffness is your thing.

The saddle, on the other hand, is something that might visually reassure novice riders but would also make experienced roadies wince with its extravagance of cushioning. I had my doubts about it, but it's actually not a bad seat at all and will certainly do until you need to give people ideas for your next birthday or Christmas present.

Other road insulation comes via the excellent Schwalbe Marathon tyres with reflective sidewall strips and puncture protection: a perfect piece of speccing on a bicycle of this type.

And let's not forget those other practical extras, either. The rear rack comes with bungees and a clip. The dynamo system puts out 30 Lux of LED light at the front and a constant red LED glow at the back.

The kickstand comes in surprisingly useful. And the frame lock might not deter committed ne'er-do-wells, but at least it's an extra reason why they might choose to nick the bike parked alongside instead.

However, for all B'Twin's speccing excellence elsewhere on the bike, the Hoprider 900's contact points are a slight disappointment. The stock pedals alone hit the scales at 400g, so you could start making weight savings instantly by replacing them with something lighter.

Meanwhile, the wide handlebar grips have a nicely shaped palm rest but the rubber surface is unforgiving. Cycling mitts aren't a bad idea at all times but they're a requisite if you'll be riding the Hoprider for anything more than half an hour.

Those minor and easily rectifiable gripes aside, B'Twin has worked its customary speccing magic with the Hoprider 900, offering a fantastically fulsome trekking/commuter bike package with a fine riding experience at an astounding price. For those who need a bike to carry kit to work on a reasonably flat commute, I'm not sure you could find anything better. If only B'Twin could also work its magic on the weighing scales, it would be perfect.

Verdict

If you place practicalities, comfort and general usefulness ahead of bike weight, the Hoprider 900 is a gem – but it is heavy