Van Rysel Makes His Debut in Mountain Biking on a 32-Inch Race Bike
Van Rysel Develops Its Own Race Bike
After expanding into road, gravel, and triathlon bikes, Van Rysel is now setting its sights on the mountain bike market. At Roc d’Azur, the French brand is presenting its first cross-country race bike, the RCR-XC. To develop it, the company established its own mountain bike division with a team based in the French Alps.
Van Rysel is taking a data-driven approach to this project. Since the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, engineers have analyzed extensive World Cup data, studied race scenarios, and conducted wind tunnel tests. The development was supported by professional athletes as well as partners such as Zipp, Rock Shox, and Vittoria.
32 inches is expected to offer advantages
The most distinctive feature of the RCR-XC is its 32-inch wheels. This makes Van Rysel one of the first major brands to consistently use the new wheel diameter for cross-country racing.
Despite the larger wheels, the new bike is said to be lighter than the Decathlon Ford team’s previous 29-inch platform. According to the manufacturer, the carbon frame weighs about 230 grams less in size M. At the same time, Van Rysel promises aerodynamic advantages: In wind tunnel testing, the RCR-XC required about 15.5 watts less power at 35 km/h than the team’s previous bike from the 2026 season.
Frame stiffness was fine-tuned during several days of off-road testing in collaboration with the Decathlon Ford riders. The manufacturer has not yet provided specific details on travel, geometry, or total weight.
World Cup Team to Rely on Van Rysel Starting in 2027
The new mountain bike is also accompanied by a significant partnership. Starting with the 2027 season, Van Rysel will be the official bike and apparel supplier for the Decathlon Ford team.
This means that, among others, French World Cup star Luca Martin, New Zealander Samara Maxwell, and American Savilia Blunk will be riding the RCR-XC in the future. The team, led by Samuel Roces, is set to further develop the new bike under World Cup conditions.
Release date still to be determined
While the first mountain bike apparel collection is set to hit stores as early as 2027, prospective buyers will have to wait a little longer for the RCR-XC. For now, the new race bike will be reserved exclusively for the Decathlon Ford pros. Their feedback will inform the bike’s further development. Van Rysel is keeping the release date and price of the model under wraps for the time being.
With its entry into mountain biking and the consistent use of 32-inch wheels, the French brand is certainly sending a clear message.
Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.