VAN RYSEL INTRODUCES THE NEW RCR-G AND EDR-G: TWO GRAVEL BIKES, TWO DISTINCT RIDING EXPERIENCES

Whether you’re racing for the podium or exploring beyond the horizon, VAN RYSEL’s new gravel range delivers purpose-built performance without compromise.

VAN RYSEL, the premium cycling brand born in the heart of Flanders, introduces two new additions to its gravel range.  Although both bikes are designed to perform across mixed terrain, each has been engineered with a distinct purpose. 

• The RCR-G – Developed with DECATHLON – CMA CGM riders and inspired by the award-winning RCR-R PRO, the new VAN RYSEL RCR-G is built for one purpose: uncompromising speed in modern gravel racing.
• The EDR-G – Developed for riders who want versatility, confidence and comfort over any distance.  The new VAN RYSEL EDR-G is designed to make every road, trail and gravel track accessible, whether you are new to off-road riding or a long-term gravel rider.

Together, these bikes represent VAN RYSEL’s vision for modern day gravel riding, offering purpose-built bikes designed to excel in their intended environment rather than compromise across disciplines.  

Credit: Quentin LE BLANC

RCR-G: A Gravel Bike Engineered To Win 

As gravel racing has evolved into a fast, high-intensity discipline, VAN RYSEL identified an opportunity to redefine what a performance gravel bike should be.  Rather than adapting an adventure bike for racing, the RCR-G was developed from the ground up with the objective to create the fastest possible bike for modern gravel racing.

Drawing on the aerodynamic expertise developed through the award-winning RCR-R Pro road bike, engineers used extensive CFD analysis, virtual prototyping and wind tunnel testing to optimise every aspect of the frame.  The result is a gravel race bike that combines aerodynamic efficiency with clearance for tyres up to 50 mm, allowing riders to maintain speed across both paved and unpaved terrain.

Wind tunnel testing demonstrated an 8.6-watt aerodynamic saving over the previous-generation VAN RYSEL GCR gravel platform.

At the heart of the RCR-G is an 885 g high-modulus carbon frame (size M, unpainted) paired with a 415 g carbon fork.  Developed using premium carbon fibre and a gravel-specific layup, the frame delivers exceptional power transfer while maintaining the durability required for off-road racing.

Every detail has been optimised to reduce overall weight and improve performance, from the integrated monocoque cockpit, available on the SRAM RED-equipped model, to the lightweight thru-axles and vibration-damping carbon seatpost.  The flagship SRAM RED-equipped model weighs in at just 7.7 kg (size M).

The RCR-G also incorporates features demanded by modern gravel racers, such as: 

• Chainrings up to 50T (1x) or 52T (2x)
• Three bottle cage mounts
• Top-tube bento box compatibility
• UDH compatibility
• 50 mm tyre clearance

Throughout the development process, VAN RYSEL worked closely with riders from the DECATHLON – CMA CGM World Tour team, refining multiple frame prototypes to achieve the ideal balance of stiffness, responsiveness, and control required for elite competition.  The collaboration seems to have paid off, with team rider and gravel racer Stan Dewulf saying, “now we don’t have the bike as an excuse anymore, because the bike is top-tier.”

Credit: VAN RYSEL

EDR-G: An Endurance Gravel Bike Designed For Adventure

The EDR-G has been developed around a different philosophy to the RCR-G.  Designed for riders who want to stay comfortable and efficient over long distances, the EDR-G reduces vibration-induced fatigue to help riders perform better across everything from tarmac and cobbles to forest tracks, gravel roads and multi-day bikepacking adventures.

Positioned within VAN RYSEL’s endurance range, the EDR-G combines responsive handling with confidence-inspiring stability, making it equally suited to riders discovering gravel for the first time and experienced ultra-distance cyclists.

A defining feature of the EDR-G is its integrated toolbox, carried over from the VAN RYSEL EDR road bike.  Built into the frame, the discrete storage compartment remains accessible even when the bike is fully loaded with bags, keeping essential repair equipment centred within the bike for improved balance.

The integrated repair kit includes:

• Frame storage pack
• Compact inner tube
• Multi-tool
• Two tyre levers
• Mini-pump capable of inflating tyres up to 4 bar

The carbon frame uses an optimised layup to balance responsiveness with all-day comfort, while more than 15 mounting points across the frame and fork allow riders to configure bottle cages, luggage and accessories for any adventure. 

Select models are equipped with VAN RYSEL’s 1,600 g VR32 carbon gravel wheelset, while riders looking for greater off-road capability can choose the model fitted with a RockShox Rudy XPLR 40 mm suspension fork.  The EDR-G also features a Deda Gera gravel handlebar with a 24-degree flare, providing multiple hand positions for improved comfort and greater confidence on technical terrain.

Development included over two years of real-world testing involving 30 riders covering more than 25,000 km.  The bike was also tested extensively by ultra-distance rider Juliette Coqueret during a fully self-supported 10,000 km expedition across Europe, helping shape a bike capable of meeting the demands of riders across every level of gravel riding.

Credit: Quentin LE BLANC

One Discipline, Two Very Different Bikes

While both bikes have been developed for gravel riding, each is designed with a different focus.

The RCR-G is designed for riders chasing maximum speed, aerodynamic efficiency and race-winning performance.

The EDR-G is built for riders seeking confidence, comfort and versatility over long distances, whether exploring local gravel roads or embarking on multi-day adventures.

By developing two dedicated platforms rather than a single compromise, VAN RYSEL offers riders the freedom to choose the bike that best matches how and where they ride.

RCR-G Key Specifications: 

• High-Modulus Carbon Frame – 885 g (size M, unpainted)
• High-Modulus Carbon Fork – 415 g (unpainted)
• Tyre Clearance – Up to 50 mm
• Drivetrain Compatibility – Up to 50T (1x) and 52T (2x)
• Integrated Monocoque Cockpit
• Three Bottle Cage Mounts
• Top-Tube Bento Box Compatibility
• UDH Compatible
• Complete Bike Weight – From 7.7 kg (size M, SRAM RED build)

EDR-G Key Specifications: 

• Carbon Frame with Endurance Geometry
• Tyre Clearance – Up to 50 mm
• Integrated Frame Toolbox – With repair kit
• 15+ Frame & Fork Mounting Points
• Deda Gera Gravel Handlebar – 24° Flare

Jéremie Debeuf, VAN RYSEL Race Product Manager, said “With the RCR-G, we didn’t want to adapt an adventure bike into a race bike, we wanted to develop a true gravel race platform from the ground up.  Modern gravel racing is faster, more technical and more demanding than ever before, so every decision we made was driven by performance.  We combined the aerodynamic expertise we’ve developed through the RCR-R and RCR-F road bikes, with a lightweight carbon construction and geometry designed specifically for gravel competition.  The result is a bike that gives riders the confidence to push harder, maintain speed over mixed terrain and compete at the highest level.”

Rachel Gassier, VAN RYSEL Endurance Product Manager, said: “With the EDR-G, our ambition wasn’t to create another gravel bike, it was to create a bike that encourages riders to keep exploring.  Whether you’re heading out for a few hours, taking on an ultra-distance challenge or setting off on a multi-day bikepacking adventure, comfort and confidence become just as important as performance.  That’s why we focused on reducing fatigue, improving stability and integrating practical features like the frame toolbox, so riders can stay self-sufficient and enjoy every kilometre.  The result is a bike that’s built to go further, whatever route you choose.”

The VAN RYSEL RCR-G and EDR-G bikes will be launched on August 24th 2026 08h00 CEST.  VAN RYSEL’s communication period will be from August 24th for the RCR-G and September 27th for the EDR-G.  More information about on sale dates across different territories is included in the press pack below.