Van Rysel RCR-G Force AXS Bike

The Van Rysel RCR-G Force AXS Bike is Van Rysel's race-focused gravel bike, built by the Decathlon-owned brand as the gravel counterpart to the RCR-R Pro road frame ridden by the Decathlon CMA CGM WorldTour team. Van Rysel developed the RCR-G for gravel racing specifically, running the frame through CFD and wind tunnel testing borrowed from that road program rather than treating it as an adventure bike with wider tires bolted on. At $5,799.00, this build pairs a wireless SRAM Force XPLR AXS E1 groupset with Van Rysel's own carbon wheels on the RCR-G High Modulus Carbon frame.

The geometry leans toward a road bike's manners more than a typical gravel bike's. Stack stays low and reach runs long across the size range, paired with short 426mm chainstays for quick direction changes on technical sections. A 73.5-degree seat tube angle and a 72-degree head tube angle split the difference between an aggressive road position and the stability needed when the surface gets loose. Van Rysel says the redesigned frame saves several watts over its predecessor at race pace, particularly on the faster, harder-packed sections that show up in most modern gravel races. The frame also builds in armor on the down tube near the bottom bracket and on the drive-side chainstay, protecting against rock strikes in the spots that take the most abuse, and carries bottle mounts on the underside of the down tube as well as on top of the top tube for a third bottle or a bag on longer days.

Shifting comes from SRAM's wireless Force XPLR AXS E1 groupset, built around a single 42-tooth chainring with an integrated power meter. The SRAM XG-1371 cassette spans an unusually wide 13-speed, 10-46 range, which is what makes a single-ring setup work for both flat-out racing and steep gravel climbing without a front derailleur to manage. Force AXS E1 hydraulic disc brakes on 160mm rotors handle stopping, and the wireless layout keeps the front end clean with no shift housing to route.

Van Rysel VR 35 Carbon wheels come wrapped in Continental Terra Speed tires at 700x45, with the frame clearing up to 50mm if a rider wants to run something wider for rougher terrain. The cockpit is built from Van Rysel's own VR carbon handlebar and stem, with a VR carbon 27.2mm seatpost and an integrated headset keeping the front end aerodynamic and free of exposed cabling. A Fizik Vento Argo X3 saddle finishes the build. The RCR-G Force AXS ships in Delicate Green across sizes XS through XL.

This is a bike for the rider entering gravel races or fast group rides who wants a bike that handles like a road bike everywhere the surface allows it to, then keeps working when the pavement runs out. The low, long geometry and short chainstays reward riders comfortable pushing pace in a group, while the wide-range single-ring drivetrain and reinforced frame areas mean it doesn't fall apart the moment the racing gets technical.