The Van Rysel RCR-G Red AXS is the top-spec version of Van Rysel’s carbon gravel race bike. It targets riders who want a very fast, light, competition-focused machine with handling close to that of a high-performance road bike.

Both frame and fork are high-modulus carbon. Van Rysel claims 885 g for an unpainted size M frame, paired with a 415 g fork. Tyre clearance up to 50 mm opens the door to fast gravel on tracks, smooth trails and modern race courses.

Key features

• High-modulus carbon frame and fork
• SRAM Red XPLR AXS 13-speed groupset
• 44-tooth chainring and 10-46 cassette
• Van Rysel VR 50 Carbon wheelset
• Continental Terra Comp TLR 45 mm tyres
• Integrated carbon Combo RCR-R cockpit
• UDH compatibility
• Mounts for a bento box on the top tube
• Three bottle cage mounts
• Claimed weight: 7.8 kg in size M
• Quoted retail price: €6,599

This build clearly prioritises performance: high-end electronic groupset, deep-section carbon wheels, integrated cockpit and low overall weight. It suits riders who like to ride fast, enter gravel events, or want a single, highly capable bike that straddles road and off-road.

The one documented limitation concerns the wheels on the tested build: their 22 mm internal width is still narrow for getting the best out of modern gravel tyres larger than 40 mm.

Tested by GravelPassion

On the ground, the RCR-G Red AXS felt very fast, agile and exhilarating. It is a credible race bike, already well-sorted, though a more gravel-specific wheelset would further enhance its appeal.