We had already talked about it a few months ago, but we finally got to see it up close new Van Rysel RCRthat is the top-of-the-range version of the Decathlon house brand which will soon be on the market.
The occasion was a presentation dedicated to the Italian media that was held in the Modena store, one of the Decathlon reference points for the bike world in Italy.
The RCR is just one of the high-end products that Van Rysel has unveiled more or less officially in recent months. The others, exhibited at Velofolie in Belgium, we showed them to you in this article. Some are already available, others will arrive later in the year.
All are part of an evolution of the Van Rysel brand towards the top of the range, which already began with the supply of Team Cofidis clothing.
The goal isn’t even so hidden, given that in Modena they revealed to us that they want to be among the top 5 brands in the cycling world in the coming years, managing to combine quality with highly competitive prices.
The rumors, in this regard, also speak of a future sponsorship of a professional team, but nothing is certain at the moment.
New Van Rysel RCR: chassis details
The new Van Rysel RCR is a high-end model developed to combine aerodynamics, stiffness and lightness. In short, a good bike for any route, tested in the wind tunnel and already used by high-level athletes.
The aerodynamic tests were carried out in collaboration with the Swiss company SwissSide, which in all probability will also supply the wheels for the top-of-the-range set-up.
The pipes are aerodynamic, but not as extreme as on the FCR. The design is in line with the most recent standards, therefore we find lowered chainstays and distant from the covers, integrated cable routing, hidden saddle tightening.
The frame will be proposed in two different versions: RCR Pro and RCR HM.
RCR Pro is the one made with the finest carbon fiber, which allows for greater rigidity in key points without sacrificing lightness.
The declared weight in size M is 810 grams.
The maximum wheel clearance allows you to mount tires up to 700×33. There are 6 sizes, from XXS to XL, with competition geometries.
Below you will find the table in detail:
Layouts, prices and availability
The Van Rysel RCR will be available in 4 setupsincluding two Sram and two Shimano.
All will be equipped as standard with a power meter and a Deda handlebar and stem (photo below). The RCR frame, as well as all Van Rysel carbon frames, is covered by a 5 year warranty
The montages have not yet been made official and could undergo some changes, but should be as follows:
RCR HM frame with Sram Rival AXS: 4,200 euros.
RCR HM frame with Sram Force AXS: 4,800 euros.
RCR Pro frame with Shimano Ultegra Di2 12s and Ultegra C36 wheels: 5,500 euros
The top-of-the-range version is still uncertain, which will be the last to hit the market. The assembly should include Shimano Dura Ace and SwissSide wheels, obviously with RCR Pro frame. The price has not yet been disclosed.
The first version available for purchase will be the one with Shimano Ultegra Di2 in about a month. For 2023 the numbers will be rather limited, while they will be fully operational in 2024.
Services and how to buy
The introduction of high-end models will require an evolution also in terms of workshop, after-sales assistance and quality of the services offered. Work is underway, but we have already been told that an important investment is planned in this sense, especially in some specific stores which will become points of reference for the high-end bike market.
As for the purchase, you can proceed in two ways.
The first is buy online and have the bike sent to your home or to the nearest Decathlon store.
The second is to order directly in the store, with delivery times that should be a few days once fully operational.
In some selected shops, defined as Pros, it will also be possible to see the bikes on display and touch them firsthand before ordering them in the desired size and set-up.
For more information:
decathlon.it
vanryselcycling.com
