Inexpensive road bikes with carbon frames on test: Van Rysel NCR CF Tiagra - pleasantly balanced

Decathlon steps on the gas. And how. With its own brand Van Rysel, the French sporting goods discounter is forcing a widespread return to cycling. The versatile NCR is a new addition to the fast RCR one of many new products that have been launched on the market in recent months. Other promising models such as a gravel bike suitable for competition, the study of which was presented at the Belgian Velofollies bike fair at the beginning of the year, are set to follow.

The Van Rysel NCR CF Tiagra: kept simple

The NCR, the abbreviation for "Neo Carbon Racer", takes on the role of the unpretentious all-purpose weapon without technical frippery in the relaunched range and is aimed at amateur athletes who do not want to spend a fortune on a racing bike with a carbon frame. Almost logically, the test version is the cheapest bike in this comparison. In addition to the price, the Van Rysel is defined by its relatively large tyre clearance. With maximum 35 millimetre wide tyres, the newcomer follows in the footsteps of modern all-road bikes and leaves the option for excursions on gravel tracks. We would also recommend a change of tyres for use on the road, as the tyres fitted ex works roll relatively slowly and somewhat counteract the good suspension comfort of the aluminium seat post. The front end, on the other hand, is hard to adjust and the handlebars are unergonomically shaped.

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Few surprises in terms of driving behaviour

Our test rider struggled to reach the Tiagra's shift brake levers in the lower handlebar grip. This handlebar position also makes you sit relatively stretched out, which doesn't really suit the all-road character of the Van Rysel. The handling provides few surprises and is pleasantly balanced. The very smooth ride is not least a consequence of the high overall weight. The carbon frame is the heaviest in the test; at more than nine kilograms, the NCR is no lively lightweight. There is also a lack of gears for hard sprints, but the sub-compact crank with 48 instead of 50 teeth on the large blade makes climbing easier. Further equipment variants are available with modern twelve-speed drivetrains from SRAM (Apex AXS Rival AXS) or Shimano (105) for a surcharge of between 500 and 1200 euros.

Van Rysel NCR CF Tiagra - Info & test grade

• TOUR grade: 2,5
• Price: 1599 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 9.2 kilos
• Frame sizes: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL (test size greased)

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 504/565/163 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 593/386 millimetres/1.54
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 651/580 millimetres/1.12
• Wheelbase/caster: 1010/61 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 48/34, 11-32 t.) | Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 48/34, 11-32 t.) Grade: 2.5
• Brakes: Shimano Tiagra (160/160 mm) | Shimano Tiagra (160/160 mm) Grade: 2.0
• Tyres: Hutchinson Fusion 5 TLR 28 mm (eff.: 30 mm) | Grade: 2.5
• Impellers: Mavic Aksium wheel weights 1534/2036 (front/rear)

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: favourable, more comfortable on the saddle, easy to maintain
• Minus: Relatively heavy, unergonomic handlebars