Van Rysel RCR Pro: One Year In – An Unexpected Love Affair
I started at Van Rysel/Decathlon one year ago, and what a year it’s been! I'd all but given up on carbon bikes. My age, riding style, irrational hang-ups, and downright cynicism led me to think these race bikes weren’t for me. But oh, how I’ve changed! This past year with my Van Rysel RCR Pro has been a revelation, proving that sometimes, the bike you least expect is the one that fits you best.
From Cervélo to Decathlon: A Journey of Discovery
Let’s go back a few years to my benchmark bike, the Cervélo R5. Back in 2022, I felt fast and light on that machine. A trip to Ventoux and La Ferme des Bêlugues, with multiple ascents and descents, and the bike handled like a dream. Surely, this couldn’t be topped? I was flying, it wasn't the lightest, but it and I felt great, a dream team. The relationship was brief, just a couple of months to test, but wow, I was impressed. It set a high bar for any other performance road bike.
The Van Rysel RCR Pro was next. Initially, I didn’t think it was "very me." The snob in me came into play, as did the thought that I don't need or want "performance." I don't care for wind tunnel results or how many races a bike won. However, I do have to admit I am a fan of lightweight, and my RCR Pro came in at a respectable 6.7 kg with pedals and cages. That makes it a serious contender for a lightweight carbon road bike if that’s what you’re looking for.
Conquering Ventoux (Again!) on the RCR Pro
My first real test of the Van Rysel RCR Pro? Back at the Giant of Provence! Another trip to Karen and Spencer's – a nice little coincidence. To set the scene, I hadn’t been riding as much as when I had the Cervélo, and I was 4 kg heavier, but mentally, I was in a good place. I set out for Ventoux from Malaucène, the same as before, watched my watts, and paced myself. The result? I ended up 8 minutes faster than before! This Decathlon road bike was already proving its worth as a formidable climbing bike.
The Confidence-Inspiring Ride of the Van Rysel RCR Pro
I’ve spent the last year whipping around on the Van Rysel RCR Pro. I’ve had a stable year, and my head’s in a good place, maybe that’s helped on the bike.. I’ve been riding plenty, though not regularly, but every time I’ve been out, PBs have fallen. I’m closer to times from when I was guiding, still not as light, but feeling great. This bike just makes me want to ride faster and further.
Where I’ve noticed the biggest differences is in my climbing. I’m confident; I feel strong even on the shorter, snappier stuff where I previously felt I lacked a kick. Whatever is in that rear triangle makes this thing go! It truly is a fast bike that inspires confidence on the climbs.
Van Rysel RCR Pro for Bikepacking? Why not?
I’ve just returned from a bikepacking trip. To be honest, I didn’t want to take this bike. I searched around looking for an alternative, but time ran out, and a sense of “why not?” came into play. You know, "fnck around and find out." Can I ride long distances and lots of elevation on an aggressive race bike? The answer was a resounding yes! I rode 800 km over a few days in the Maritime Alps, loaded up with enough kit for changeable conditions and sensible high mountain gear.
I have to admit, the bike’s aggressive, great for smashing it up with mates and the front end’s a bit low when loaded up and in the saddle for 8-10 hours. But I didn’t really have any issues as I’d expected. The Van Rysel RCR Pro truly inspires confidence; it wants to be ridden hard. I rode one of my longest days fully loaded and wasn’t broken, or in pain; I just wanted to keep going.
I’m hoping I continue this year in the same form and that I continue to have the balance right. We’ve just come into June, and fingers crossed, the weather continues, and I have the time to enjoy riding this bike. It’s very me. If you're considering a new carbon road bike or looking for a versatile race bike, the Van Rysel RCR Pro might just surprise you.
My set up:
Van Rysel RCR Pro SRAM Red AXS, Zipp 454 NSW, Continental GP5000 S TR tubeless, Wahoo Zero Stainless pedals.
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