In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Van Rysel, the own brand of sporting goods giant Decathlon, is providing the AG2R team with two racing bikes for the Tour of France. In addition to the RCR-R Pro, Gall & Co. can also rely on the aerodynamically optimised RCR-F Pro. So far, the majority of the team has mainly been riding the lightning-fast bike, which in the TOUR test only needed 200 watts to overcome its own air resistance. We don't currently know of a faster model in the peloton.
In contrast to the RCR-F - the "F" stands for "Fast" - the RCR-R offers a wider range of applications. It saves weight. At 7.4 kilograms, the ready-to-ride model including bottle cages, transponder and start number is around 350 grams lighter. Compared to comparable all-rounders, the Van Rysel still falls behind in this category. On the other hand, the 27-year-old's workhorse is one of the faster candidates among the versatile competition bikes. We measured 207 watts in the wind tunnel for an almost identical version. The Austrian's racing bike is likely to be even faster, as it is equipped with a new feature.
Gall on the road with a brand new wheelset
Just in time for the Grand Départ in Lille, Swiss Side presented a new wheelset. The Hadron³ Ultimate 550, as ridden by Gall, should work better aerodynamically despite a wider rim. Especially with the optimised Aero 111 from Continental, which the Austrian has (naturally) also fitted to the front wheel. At the rear, the former junior world champion is travelling on a Grand Prix 5000 S. The team mechanics have handwritten on the tyre sidewall when the two tyres were fitted - you can't remember everything.
We noticed on the drivetrain that the scratched crank and chainrings had probably already seen a few kilometres of racing. Gall rode on the sixth stage, before TOUR was able to photograph the bike, with the 54/40 tooth chainring combination. A cassette with 11-34 teeth was fitted to the rear wheel. Like many of his professional colleagues, the Decathlon pro rides slightly shorter cranks (170 millimetres). A so-called chainguide, which is designed to prevent chain drops, is now almost standard in the peloton.
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 54/40, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace
- Brake discs: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
- Impellers: Swiss Side Hadron³ Ultimate 550
- Tyres: Continental Aero 111/Grand Prix 5000 S
- Handlebars: Deda
- Computer: Wahoo
- Saddle: Fizik
- Pedals: Look
Julian Schultz
Editor
