Van Rysel directs its WorldTour aero nous at the dirt, launching its first gravel race bike – the RCR-G

Van Rysel, a Flanders-born bike brand, has unveiled its first gravel racing bicycle, the RCR-G. The lightweight, aerodynamic RCR-G is designed to excel on the demanding terrains of elite gravel racing. The new gravel bike platform marks a departure from multi-purpose gravel geometries, adopting a pure competition setup for improved performance metrics such as high average speeds, mixed-surface efficiency, quick acceleration, and precise handling on technical terrain.

The development of the RCR-G drew from the Van Rysel RCR-R road bike, with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, virtual prototyping, and wind tunnel testing employed to adapt the road frame's architecture for gravel racing. The carbon frame's stiffness, previously considered too high for a gravel bike, was toned down to enhance ride comfort while maintaining a weight of just 7.7kg for a medium size.

The RCR-G features an integrated monocoque carbon cockpit, lightweight thru-axles, and a 27.2mm round carbon seatpost, which filters out high-frequency vibrations and reduces rider fatigue during long-distance races. Despite its focus on low weight and aerodynamics, the bike still offers off-road-ready clearances for tyres up to 50mm wide. It supports a maximum 50T chainring in one-by configuration and a 52T in a two-by arrangement, providing riders with safety net gearing options for challenging events.

The Gravel Master, Van Rysel's complementary bike for the RCR-G, prioritizes total comfort and practicality for multi-day rides. With a longer wheelbase, slacker head tube angle, integrated toolbox, and a RockShox Rudy XPLR fork, the EDR-G is built for endurance and stability on challenging terrains.