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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. 3 models are available 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 used in the RCR-R, but adapts the lay-up to suit 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 both 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 up to 50 millimetres of tyre clearance. 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 makes 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 laminations underwent extensive testing. Feedback from the professional riders helped determine 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
You can win a Van Rysel RCR-G here!
To coincide with the launch of the new RCR-G, Van Rysel is turning its racing focus directly to gravel: as a sponsor of the new mountain time trial, the ‘Legend of the Halde’, at the Gravel Ground Festival In Herten, the performance brand is sponsoring one of the weekend’s new racing formats.
On Friday, 11 September 2026, the race against the clock will take place on the Hoheward slag heap: Over a distance of around 2.6 kilometres and an elevation gain of 80 metres, the riders will compete in the individual time trial – short, steep and designed for maximum speed. The results will be classified separately for women and men.
Van Rysel is giving away a brand-new RCR-G gravel bike in a prize draw open to all participants. Your chance of winning the new race gravel bike is independent of your finishing position and time: anyone who takes part is in with a chance of winning. All you have to do is actively enter your race number into the prize draw after the race. That’s a pretty good extra reason to secure a place in the ‘Legend of the Halde’.
All the information
- Date: Friday, 11 September 2026 | Starting at 5.30 pm
- Location: Ewald Colliery / Doncaster Platz, Herten
- Route: 2.6 km | 80 metres elevation gain | Individual time trial
- Entry fee: €19.00 plus fees
- Entries: by 10 September via Racement.com.
Maik Schröder
Editor