CyclistVan Rysel RCR-R vs RCR-F: Decathlons road race bikes comparedVan Rysel made a splash when it launched the RCR-R in 2024, offering a pro-level bike at a price that undercut the majority of its WorldTour competitors. Its Decathlon parent backed up its investment by sponsoring, for the first time in 20 years, its own WorldTour team, now named Decathlon CMA CGM.Alongside the RCR-R Pro, theres also the non-Pro RCR-R, which is made of less exotic carbon fibre, adding a little to the weight and reducing the stiffness a little too.Van Rysel has changed the name to RCR-R since the bikes launch as the RCR (denoting Racer), helping to differentiate its all-round road race platform from the aero RCR-F, which it released in 2025 and is the bike usually ridden by the Decathlon CMA CGM pro team on the flatter stages. Seixas has been riding an unreleased RCR-R in the mountains of the Tour de France, but until we get more details on that well stick to the existing bike here.But for the non-pro rider, which is the best Van Rysel road race bike? Well break down the design and spec choices and help you choose the best Van Rysel performance road bike for you.Van Rysel RCR-R and RCR-F key featuresVan Rysel RCR-RAll-round road race bikeTwo frame grades: Pro and non-Pro790g Pro frame weight, 830g non-Pro, 380g fork33mm tyre clearanceRead our full Van Rysel RCR-R reviewVan Rysel RCR-FAero road bikeSingle Pro grade frameset1,010g frame weight, 420g fork weight33mm tyre clearanceRead our full Van Rysel RCR-F reviewVan Rysel RCR-R and RCR-F framesetsThe RCR-R frameset is available in two carbon grades. Bikes labelled Pro are made in super high modulus carbon, while non-pro frames are made of high modulus carbon. While the Pro grade frame has a 790g claimed weight in size M, painted, Van Rysel says that the non-Pro frame weighs 830g in the same size. The same fork is fitted to both frames and, painted, weighs an additional 380g.Thanks to the pricier carbon used, the RCR-R Pro is also claimed to be 10% stiffer at the head tube than the standard RCR.In contrast, the aero RCR-F frame is available in one carbon grade, which Van Rysel also describes as super high modulus and is comprised of 40T and 60T carbon fibre. The deeper frame profiles result in a 1,010g claimed frame weight in size M, while the fork adds 420g. Van Rysel says that the RCR-F frame is 7% stiffer again at the front than the RCR-R Pro.Van Rysel RCR-R and RCR-F aerodynamicsJoseph BranstonVan Rysel worked with Onera, the French aerospace agency, to develop the RCR-R, using Oneras wind tunnel located close to Decathlons HQ in Lille. When it launched the RCR-R in 2024, Van Rysel claimed that it was among the ten most aero bikes in the pro peloton, based on Tour Magazins testing protocol. The pros wanted a more aero bike still though and now usually ride the RCR-F.Van Rysel again used Oneras facilities and developed the RCR-Fs aerodynamics alongside Swiss Side, which supplies the pro teams wheels too. It claims that at 45km/h the RCR-F is 13 watts faster than the RCR-R.Van Rysel RCR-R and RCR-F componentsJoseph BranstonVan Rysel has worked with component specialist Deda to develop the cockpit for both its road bikes. Top specs of the RCR-R are equipped with a one-piece integrated cockpit with 7 flare that is purpose-designed for Van Rysel. Lower specs have a separate Deda Superzero RS handlebar on a Deda x VR Superbox Evo stem, offering semi-integrated hoses. Van Rysel says this is 11 watts less aerodynamically efficient at 45kmh than the integrated cockpit.All RCR-F specs have a one-piece fully integrated aero cockpit, which is compatible with Deda extensions. We loved the RCR-Fs Ergodrops when we reviewed the bike, due to the comfort offered by the ovalised drop shape. As is common with aero bars, theres a pronounced flare, with the 420mm width between the drops tapering to around 350mm at the hoods thanks to a 12 degree flare, promoting an aero tucked position. Van Rysel claims the cockpit is 2.7 watts more efficient than that of the RCR-R.Van Rysel RCR-R and RCR-F groupsets and gearingJoseph BranstonBoth the RCR-R and RCR-F are fitted, in Shimano specs, with 52/36t chainrings and an 11-34t cassette. This gives them slightly higher gearing that matches their performance orientation, but some riders may find a little high for steeper climbs. Van Rysel fits a power meter to all specs of the two bikes. While Shimano doesnt sell a 105-level power meter, the Ultegra and 105 Di2 specs have an Inpeak-E single-sided rechargeable power meter fitted. Shimano Dura-Ace and SRAM Red AXS specs come with the in-series dual sided power meters.The Decathlon CMA CGM pros now ride SRAM Red AXS-equipped bikes, having switched from Shimano at the start of the 2026 racing season.Van Rysel RCR-R and RCR-F wheelsetsJoseph BranstonVan Rysel honed its bikes aerodynamics alongside Swiss Side and fits most specs with Swiss Side wheels, which are also used by the pro team. While Swiss Side now sells its wheels as 3 versions, Van Rysel still shows its bikes fitted with 2 wheelsets, with slightly different depths to the newer Swiss Side wheels and with 20mm internal width rather than 22mm. To match its aero design, the RCR-F is fitted with deeper section Swiss Side Hadron2 625 wheels, with a Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR 28mm rear tyre, alongside a Conti Aero 111 TLR 26mm front tyre, which was the product of another Swiss Side collaboration, in this case with DT Swiss and Continental.The RCR-R Pro, meanwhile, is fitted with Swiss Side Hadron2 500 wheels, Ultimate in the top specs, Classic in lower specs, in both cases with 28mm GP5000 S TR tyres front and rear. The non-Pro RCR bike has Swiss Side Hadron Classic 470 wheels fitted, with the same 28mm Conti tyres.The sole exception among UK specs is the SRAM Red AXS spec of the RCR-R Pro, which has Zipp 353 NSW wheels with 28mm Conti tyres.Van Rysel RCR-R and RCR-F geometryRCR-RRCR-FFrame sizeLLTop tube length571.4566Seat tube length513518Seat tube angle73.573.5Head tube length174157Head tube angle73.073.0Fork rake4545Bottom bracket drop6767Chainstay length410410Frame reach395.5399Frame stack572561Wheelbase1001.51002Many of the frame angles and tube lengths of the RCR-R and RCR-F are similar or identical and they have similar wheelbases and the same 33mm tyre clearance. The RCR-Rs stack was already lower than many competitors, but the head tube of the RCR-F is 17mm shorter than the RCR-R, which results in a significantly reduced frame stack, while the RCR-Fs reach is also longer.For an aero bike this makes sense, as around 80% of the wind resistance comes from the rider, not the bike. Placing the rider in a lower position is likely to reduce their frontal profile and hence the drag of rider-plus-bike, which along with the frame aerodynamics should result in a faster ride. Van Rysel RCR-R and RCR-F ranges comparedAt present, Van Rysels UK spec options are predominantly equipped with Shimano groupsets, with the exception of a single RCR-R Pro spec with SRAM Red AXS (and Zipp wheels) but in other markets there are additional specs offered, with SRAM Force and Rival alternatives for the RCR-R and RCR-F.RCR-RMike Massaro / CyclistRCR-R Pro Dura-AceGroupset: Shimano Dura-AcePower meter: Dura-Ace dual sidedWheels: Swiss Side Hadron2 500 UltimateClaimed weight: 6.9kg (size M)Price: 9,000RCR-R Pro Red AXSGroupset: SRAM Red AXSPower meter: SRAM Red dual sidedWheels: Zipp 353 NSWClaimed weight: 6.7kg (size M)Price: 9,000RCR-R Pro UltegraGroupset: Shimano UltegraPower meter: Inpeak-E single sidedWheels: Swiss Side Hadron2 500 ClassicClaimed weight: 7.4kg (size M)Price: 6,000RCR-R 105 Di2Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2Power meter: Inpeak-E single sidedWheels: Swiss Side Hadron Classic 470Claimed weight: 8.0kg (size M)Price: 3,699RCR-FJoseph BranstonRCR-F Dura-AceGroupset: Shimano Dura-AcePower meter: Dura-Ace dual sidedWheels: Swiss Side Hadron2 625Claimed weight: 7.5kg (size M)Price: 10,000RCR-F 105 Di2Groupset: Shimano UltegraPower meter: Inpeak-E single sidedWheels: Swiss Side Hadron2 625Claimed weight: 8.0kg (size M)Price: 7,000RCR-F 105 Di2Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2Power meter: Inpeak-E single sidedWheels: Swiss Side Hadron2 625Claimed weight: 8.2kg (size M)Price: 5,000Van Rysel RCR-R and RCR-F: Which should I choose?According to Van Rysel product manager Jeremie Debeuf: The RCR[-R] range is for the global market for Granfondo riders as well as pros whereas the RCR-F is just for racers. This is a demanding bike which is undoubtedly for powerful racers who want to ride at high speed. For other use cases, it might be a mistake and we would suggest trying the RCR[-R].Helpfully, Van Rysel offers some pointers as to which type of terrain each bike is suited to as well, stating that the RCR-R Pro is ideal for routes with more than 1,500m of positive gradient over 100km, ridden at average speeds between 25 and 35km/h.Meanwhile, it suggests that the RCR-F is the better choice for routes with less than 1,500m of elevation gain and for faster average speeds between 35 and 50km/h.That seems pretty clear-cut, although riders looking for an extra turn of speed may be tempted by the RCR-F. The bike comes with an extra spacer over the RCR-R, which would go some way to redressing the lower frame stack. We found even the non-Pro RCR-R to be quite stiff and also fast, with Van Rysel stating: The RCR is not comfort-focussed, its speed-focussed.Weve not ridden the Pro bike, but given Van Rysels claims would expect this to be accentuated. Our experience of the RCR-F was more nuanced and we found it to be firm without being punishing and a bike that feels right when you ride it fast. Both the RCR-R Pro and RCR-F offer you the chance to ride the same frameset as the pro team and the ride reflects this.Decathlon and Van Rysel clearly target the majority of amateur riders with the RCR-R and theres more depth to the range, with a lower entry price and a lower price for the premium spec. Its likely to be a better choice on UK quality roads too.Van Rysel markets a range of other performance bikes stretching from gravel and cyclocross to time trial and its EDR CF provides an alternative for those looking for an endurance-oriented Van Rysel road bike. 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