Van Rysel RCR-F: Is this the fastest racing bike in the World Tour?

If the new competition bike from Van Rysel can deliver what the French company promises, then the RCR-F will be an extremely potent racer on the market. "It's the best racing bike we've ever developed," announces Product Manager Jeremie Debeuf, adding: "We want to be excellent in every area, we don't want to be mediocre."

Alongside the RCR - the race all-rounder will be known as the RCR-R in future - the new platform will take its place as an aerodynamically optimised expert for the French. According to the manufacturer, the RCR-F should save almost 14 watts compared to the Race-Allrounder. and at 207 watts, it was already remarkably fast in the TOUR test. The racing bike editors of our sister magazine took a close look at the new aero bike.

The facts about the Van Rysel RCR-F

• Weight of complete wheel: 7.5 to 8.2 kilogrammes
• Frame/fork weight: not specified
• Aerodynamics: 13.6 watts faster than RCR-R (without rider, 45 km/h)
• Stack/Reach/STR: 535/392 millimetres/1.36 size M, manufacturer's specification)
• Max. tyre clearance: 33 millimetres
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
• Prices: 5499 to 9499 Euro >> available here

How streamlined the new RCR-F really is will be revealed in our next test in the GST wind tunnel in Immenstaad The TOUR grade will follow. After our first ride tests, there are many indications that the new Van Rysel is likely to shake up the fast competition. Currently (as of 28 March 2025), the Storck Aerfast.5 Pro with 198 watts as the fastest production bike in the TOUR test. Just ahead of the Simplon Pride II with 199 watts. In the World Tour, neither Storck nor Simplon are represented as suppliers on the big cycling stage. Canyon Aeroad CFR (204 watts), Cervélo S5 (202 watts) or Scott Foil RC Ultimate (203 watts) is the fastest material. The trio lands just above the 200-watt sound barrier. The new Colnago Y1Rs or Ridley Noah Fast we do not yet have our own aero results.

Decathlon launches sales of the competition racer

The RCR-F is not entirely new: We got to see the racing bike, which was still known as the FCR at the time, at the Tour de France 2024. Selected professionals from the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team helped the camouflaged racing car make its race debut on the undulating stage from Cesenatico to Bologna. Van Rysel officially unveiled the new product for the first time last winter at the French team presentation. Decathlon's high-end own brand is now launching sales of the competition racer, which is only available online.

The overriding development goal was - of course - aerodynamics. To make the new bike "the fastest bike in the peloton", according to Van Rysel, the French manufacturer's research department, in cooperation with the aero experts from Swiss Side, first defined the RCR-F's preferred terrain. The engineers incorporated factors such as altitude difference, wind and racing speed as well as rider weight and performance into their evaluation. The result: the Bolide should be superior to the RCR-R in many racing situations. The French team cite examples such as one-day classics with little difference in altitude, undulating stages with a sprint finish or moderately difficult mountain stages with gradients of up to five per cent.

Aero advantage makes the high-end road bike even faster

After numerous CFD simulations, which can be described as a virtual wind tunnel, the real GST wind tunnel in Immenstaad was finally put to the test. The RCR-F was tested both "naked" and with a rider - with impressive results: the new racing machine without bottles and brackets is said to save 13.6 watts at 45 km/h compared to the RCR-R. The French are not providing an absolute figure, but the racing machine is "the most aerodynamic racing bike ever to come out of the wind tunnel" thanks to the collaboration with Swiss Side. Converted, the aero advantage means that the RCR-F is 1:30 minutes faster than Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale's previous main working machine at an average speed of just under 42 km/h on a route such as the Tour of Flanders (268 kilometres, 2250 metres in altitude).

In addition to the flat frame set with long head tube (approx. 120 millimetres) and seat tube (approx. 65 millimetres), the fully integrated cockpit in particular is responsible for the aero performance, according to the manufacturer. "The centrepiece", says Van Rysel, saves almost three watts compared to the comparatively conventional handlebar-stem unit on the RCR-R. The Flare cockpit, which was developed together with the Italian component specialist Deda, is characterised by a flattened upper handlebar and curved stem, among other things. In addition, the inwardly inclined handlebar humps follow the shape of the 12-degree flared lower handlebars, which are designed to bring the rider into an aerodynamically favourable position.

However, the highlight of the control centre are the so-called Ergodrops: the reinforced, oval-shaped handlebar arch is very easy to grip and sits ergonomically in the hand. The thickening also makes it easier to always find the same position in the lower handlebars. According to Van Rysel, the design was primarily developed for the professional sprinters at Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale around Sam Bennett. The distance between the shift/brake levers on the test bike is only 330 millimetres, while the distance at the handlebar ends is 420 millimetres. The upper handlebar measures 370 millimetres.

Van Rysel RCR-F: A little heavier, but stiffer

As top values for aerodynamics and weight are mutually exclusive, Van Rysel almost inevitably had to make a compromise in the second core discipline of a competitive racer. Despite high-quality carbon fibres from the Japanese specialist Toray, partial painting of the frameset and weight tuning of the components, the TOUR scales only stop at 7540 grams. Compared to the RCR-R, which is used as a race all-rounder, even on steep mountain stages, the test version with Shimano's Dura-Ace (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t) and high aero wheels from Swiss Side (Hadron² Ultimate 625) is around 600 grams heavier. The fast competition from Scott, Canyon or Storck saves between 250 and 600 grams on the TOUR scales. The new Y1Rsthat Superstar Tadej Pogačar among others at Milan-Sanremo is similar in weight to the RCR-F, according to Colnago.

A major advantage over comparable bikes - as well as the RCR-R - is the excellent frame rigidity. Despite the elongated head tube, Van Rysel has succeeded in creating an extremely stable and torsionally stiff platform. In combination with a relatively short wheelbase, the RCR-F rides very directly and steers more agilely around fast bends than bikes from the aero class normally do. Van Rysel explains the top marks for front and bottom bracket stiffness with, among other things, a targeted layout plan. Shortcoming of the short wheelbase: The tips of the shoes can touch the front wheel with wide tyres.

It is undisputed that suspension comfort is not the top priority for a fast (professional) bike. The RCR-F also offers an open flank in this discipline, as it is tuned extremely hard on the saddle. The flat aero seat post only yields 3 millimetres under a test load of 80 kilograms, which is a below-average value even in the racing class. The good news is that the supple rear tyre from Continental (Grand Prix 5000 S TR), while the aerodynamically optimised Conti 111 is fitted to the front in contrast to the standard version, compensates for the weak point in the design and takes some of the fear out of riding over bumpy surfaces. As the frame and fork are officially approved for tyres up to 32 millimetres wide, the racer could be set up a little more comfortably.

We identified at least one point of criticism on our early model: the seatpost clamp on the RCR-F Dura-Ace Di2 PWR Pro Replica caused problems. Even when properly tightened, the seatpost has some play under load. It then rubs against the back of the seat tube, which can lead to cracking noises and, in the long term, damage. It remains to be seen whether the French will find a solution to this problem.

We are waiting for the wind tunnel!

After our first test impression, we can hardly wait to put the Van Rysel in the wind tunnel. After all, the bike proves to be as fast as an arrow in many riding situations. Speeds in excess of 30 km/h are easily possible. Thanks to its enormous speed, the RCR-F skilfully manages to cover up the hard-tuned chassis. The measured values from the TOUR lab so far already point to a top score - if the bike delivers what it promises aerodynamically.

Figures & data: The Van Rysel RCR-F Pro in detail

• Price: 9499 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 7.5 kilos
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL (test size greased)

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 488/550/131 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 543/386 millimetres/1.41
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 596/565 millimetres/1.05
• Wheelbase/caster: 985/57 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.) | Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.) Grade: 1.0
• Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm) | Grade: 1.0
• Tyres: Conti Aero 111/Grand Prix 5000 S 26/27 mm (eff.: 26 mm/29 mm) | Grade: 1.0
• Impellers: Swiss Side Hadron² Ultimate 625
• Impeller weights: 1221/1628 grammes

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 7540 grammes | Grade: 2.7
• Driving stability: 9.0 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
• Rear comfort: 322 N/mm | Grade: 5.0
• Comfort front: 105 N/mm | Grade: 3.0
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 64 N/mm | Grade: 1.0

Advantages & disadvantages of the Van Rysel RCR-F Pro

• Plus: invites you to speed off, agile steering behaviour
• Minus: very hard, toe overlap, seat post has play

Van Rysel RCR-F Pro: Models, equipment & price

Van Rysel is offering three equipment variants for the official sales launch. The test version (RCR-F Dura Ace Di2 PWR Pro Replica) leads the portfolio, while the other models are also equipped with electronic shifting groups from Shimano and power meters. Further models with SRAM drivetrains are to follow. With a price of 9499 euros for the top model, the French manufacturer draws a clear dividing line to the other cycling brands at Decathlon. The more affordable versions of the RCR-F cost 5499 euros (105 Di2) or 6499 euros (Ultegra Di2). Van Rysel quotes a complete bike weight of 8.2 kilograms for the basic model.

RCR-F Pro 105 Di2 PWR

• Price: 5499 Euro >> available here
• Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/140 mm)
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR
• Impellers: Swiss Side Hadron² Classic 625 (Carbon)
• Weight: 8.2 kilogrammes

RCR-F Pro Ultegra Di2 PWR

• Price: 6499 Euro >> available here
• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/140 mm)
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR
• Impellers: Swiss Side Hadron² Classic 625 (Carbon)
• Weight: 8.0 kilogramme

RCR-F Pro Dura-Ace Di2 PWR

• Price: 9499 Euro >> available here
• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
• Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR
• Impellers: Swiss Side Hadron² Ultimate 625 (Carbon)
• Weight: 7.5 kilogrammes