The Van Rysel RCR Pro Team Edition has a bold mission: to compete with the best lightweight aero race bikes on the market. But does it succeed?
There’s a lot to unpack with this £9,000 marvel from Decathlon’s high-performance brand, Van Rysel. On paper, it’s got all the hallmarks of a top-tier race machine: featherweight frame, wind-cheating aerodynamics, and a pedigree backed by WorldTour development. Yet, it also carries a few quirks that may leave some riders scratching their heads.
First Impressions: A Familiar Face in a New Crowd
If the RCR Pro’s silhouette feels familiar, it’s because it borrows design cues from the who’s who of race bike royalty—think Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Ultimate, and Merida Scultura. Developed in collaboration with French aerospace lab Onera, this isn’t just imitation; it’s strategic evolution. Van Rysel openly admits to testing 18 leading WorldTour bikes to cherry-pick the best features.
The result? A frame that’s strikingly understated but impressively effective. At 790g for a painted medium frame, it’s as light as you’d expect for a top-tier contender. The fully integrated front end, dropped seatstays, and tidy cable routing scream modernity, though the press-fit BB86 bottom bracket may raise a few eyebrows among threaded-BB enthusiasts.
On the Road: A Bike That Demands to Be Ridden Fast
Here’s where the RCR Pro truly shines. Its 6.9kg build weight, combined with sharp geometry, creates a bike that feels purpose-built for speed. Sprinting feels explosive, climbing is a joy, and its low, aggressive front-end position suits riders looking to push limits.
Van Rysel’s decision to partner with Deda for the cockpit is mostly a win. The internal cable routing is sleek, and the narrow flared bars provide an aero advantage while maintaining control. However, the lack of front-end customisation is a glaring oversight. A one-size-fits-all cockpit doesn’t fly in this price range, and the promised aftermarket options can’t come soon enough.
Handling: Sharp Yet Predictable
The geometry hits a sweet spot for modern race bikes. The 73-degree head tube angle and tight 986mm wheelbase deliver razor-sharp handling, but not at the expense of high-speed stability. Whether carving through switchbacks or holding a line on rolling terrain, the RCR Pro feels like an extension of the rider.
That said, the ride isn’t buttery smooth. It’s not punishing by any means, but on broken tarmac, you’re reminded that comfort isn’t this bike’s main gig.
Componentry: Almost Flawless
The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset is, unsurprisingly, impeccable. Shifts are lightning-fast and precise, and the wide-range 11-34T cassette strikes a good balance for non-pro riders. Paired with Continental GP5000 S TR tyres and Swiss Side Hadron 2 Ultimate 500 wheels, the RCR Pro offers a fast, grippy, and responsive ride.
However, those wheels can get twitchy in strong crosswinds—a trade-off for their narrow profile. And
The Fizik Vento Argo 00 saddle, though a premium touch, might be polarising. For some, its wide nose and central cutout will be a godsend. For others, it may feel intrusive.
Value for Money: A Tough Pill to Swallow
Here’s the sticking point. At £9,000, the RCR Pro Team Edition is far from a bargain. Sure, it undercuts rivals like the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8, but it’s still pricier than the Merida Scultura Team, which offers comparable performance for £1,000 less.
For budget-conscious racers, the Ultegra Di2 build at £5,500 offers much better value without sacrificing too much in performance.
The Bottom Line: A Bike for the Speed Obsessed
The Van Rysel RCR Pro Team Edition is a thrilling ride that oozes WorldTour DNA. Its aggressive geometry, featherweight build, and no-nonsense speed make it a formidable race bike.
But is it perfect? Not quite. The lack of cockpit customisation is baffling, and its price puts it in a competitive bracket where every detail matters.
Still, for riders who prioritise performance over everything else, this bike won’t disappoint. What do you think? Is the RCR Pro Team Edition worth the price tag, or would you opt for a rival? Let’s hear your thoughts below.
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