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Van Rysel brings, with the RCR-G: a race gravel bike onto the market, with a clear focus on competition and speed. The Flemish brand draws on its experience with the RCR-R road racing bike and applies it to the gravel sector. There are three models to choose from.
Frame and fork made from high-modulus carbon
The frame of the RCR-G is made from high-modulus carbon and weighs 885 grams in size M without paintwork. The fork, made from the same material, weighs 415 grams. Van Rysel uses carbon fibres that are also employed in the RCR-R, but adapts the lamination to meet off-road requirements. According to the manufacturer, the design is intended to combine low weight with power transfer and durability.
The 27.2-millimetre-diameter seatpost absorbs high-frequency vibrations on long rides. Van Rysel has incorporated frame protection at points subject to particular stress. The complete bike weighs 7.7 kilograms in size M with SRAM RED components.
Aerodynamics from the wind tunnel
Van Rysel carried out CFD analyses, virtual prototyping and wind tunnel tests to develop the aerodynamics. The engineers adopted the front-end architecture of the RCR-R and adapted the head tube, seat tube and tyre clearance. According to the manufacturer, the result is designed to enable high speeds on tarmac and unpaved tracks.
Wind tunnel tests show an advantage of 8.6 watts over the Van Rysel GCR, the previous model. The aerodynamics are effective with tyres up to 50 millimetres wide. Van Rysel analysed modern gravel races and identified four requirements: high average speeds, efficiency on mixed surfaces, explosive acceleration and precise handling on technical terrain.
Competition kit
The RCR-G offers tyre clearance of up to 50 millimetres. Chainrings with up to 50 teeth fit in a single-chainring configuration, and up to 52 teeth in double-chainring set-ups. Three bottle cage mounts and compatibility with a Bento box on the top tube increase the capacity for carrying food and drink.
The SRAM RED model features an integrated monocoque handlebar-stem assembly. Lightweight thru-axles and the carbon seatpost reduce the overall weight of the bike. Van Rysel has made the bike UDH-compatible for modern rear derailleurs.
Development with WorldTour riders
Van Rysel developed the RCR-G in collaboration with riders from the Decathlon CMA CGM WorldTour team. Several frame prototypes featuring different carbon laminates underwent extensive testing. Feedback from the professionals helped to fine-tune the balance between stiffness, responsiveness and control. This collaboration is already underway on the RCR-R, RCR-F and RCR-X models.
Van Rysel was founded in 2019 and is based in Flanders, just a few kilometres from the cobbled sections of Paris–Roubaix and the climbs of the Tour of Flanders. The brand has been a technical partner of the WorldTour team since 2024.
Van Rysel RCR-G: Technical Specifications
RCR-G RED AXS
- Frame/fork: High-modulus carbon
- Integrated cockpit: Combo RCR-R Carbon (as used by the Decathlon-CMA-CGM World Tour Team)
- Gear system: SRAM Red XPLR AXS 13-speed (44 - 10/46)
- Wheels: VR 50 Carbon
- Tyres: Continental Terra Comp TLR 45 mm
- Sizes: XS – XL
- Weight: 7.8 kg (size M)
- Price: 6,599 euros >> available here
RCR-G Force AXS
- Frame/fork: High-modulus carbon
- Stem/Handlebars: VR AL / VR Carbon
- Gear system: SRAM Force XPLR AXS 13-speed (42–10/46)
- Wheels: VR 35 Carbon
- Tyres: Continental Terra Comp TLR 45 mm
- Sizes: XS – XL
- Weight: 8.2 kg (size M)
- Price: 4,199 euros >> available here
RCR-G Rival AXS
- Frame/fork: High-modulus carbon
- Stem/Handlebars: VR AL / VR AL
- Gear system: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 13-speed (40 - 10/46)
- Wheels: VR 30 AL
- Tyres: Continental Terra Comp TLR 45 mm
- Sizes: XXS – XL
- Weight: 8.6 kg (size M)
- Price: 3,199 euros >> available here
Maik Schröder
Editor
