Bike test: the french connection

A A few issues back, I tested Van Rysel’s RCR road bike and my word, was I impressed. Decathlon, the brains behind the Van Rysel range, had thrown its considerable heft behind the RCR, maximising prem

The Van Rysel name will be easy to spot at the 2025 Tour de France courtesy of French pro team Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale, led by Austrian climber Felix Gall. Since 2024, Lille-based Van Rysel has sup

Weight 7.53kg (58cm) Frameset Carbon fibre Groupset Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 (54/40t, 11-34t) Wheels Reserve 57|64 rims on DT Swiss 180 hubs Tyres Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR Wide Rim, 700c x 29mm Finish

Weight 7.36kg (L) Frame HMX carbon fibre Fork HMX carbon fibre Groupset Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 (52/36t, 11-34t) Wheels Syncros Capital 1.0 40 Tyres Schwalbe One TLE, 700c x 30mm Finishing kit Syncr

When SRAM released their redesigned Red XPLR AXS groupset last year, I was impressed. It paired the brilliant shifter ergonomics and brakes from the road-going Red AXS with specific gravel parts – a w

The Austrian mounted a speedy steed for the Tour’s opening stages