For those who haven't ventured into a Decathlon store, it's like a candy shop for sports enthusiasts, and it's massive in Europe. Known for their in-house sports gear that spans across all imaginable sports, Decathlon introduced their own bike brand, Van Rysel, in 2019. Fast forward to the end of last year, and they've made a splash in the triathlon world with their first triathlon-specific bike, the XCR, following the earlier launch of the XCR UCI-legal time trial bike.

The brains behind the XCR's design include Swiss Side, and having spent time in the wind tunnel with Swiss Side’s founder, Jean-Paul Ballard, I can attest to his deep-rooted expertise from his days with F1’s Sauber team. It's no surprise then that Van Rysel's entry into the triathlon bike market has been met with anticipation and excitement.

The Essentials

Van Rysel faces a unique challenge: balancing high-end design with Decathlon’s reputation for affordability. The XCR is competitively priced between US$6,000 and $9,000, striking a balance between cost and quality, a range that is becoming increasingly popular among various brands for offering both performance and comfort. While this might still seem steep, it's a bargain compared to what you might shell out for top-tier bikes.

The XCR Tri frame boasts a high-modulus carbon fiber frame weighing 1,490 g for the medium frame and 490 g for the fork. While there are lighter frames on the market, the XCR offers a competitive weight that won’t break the bank.

Adjustability is crucial in today's tri bikes, and Van Rysel’s design doesn’t disappoint. The proprietary cockpit offers a plethora of fitting options, including up to 95 mm of spacers for height adjustment and 30 degrees of tilt for the extensions, which can extend up to 40 degrees in total.

For hydration and nutrition, the XCR includes integrated bottle cage mounts—one between the aero bars and another behind the saddle. A sizeable Bento Box on the top tube and a handy “trash box” at the front end of the Bento Box make it easy to store nutrition and dispose of wrappers responsibly.

An internal toolbox equipped with essentials like a tube, CO2 inflator and cartridge, valve extender, tire irons, and a 6 mm Allen key is also part of the package.

Model Variants

The XCR is available in two models:

The Ride Experience

Testing the XCR in Kona offered a firsthand look at its performance. The bike handles beautifully, maintaining stability even in challenging crosswinds, which speaks volumes about its design and the choice of Swiss Side wheels. The geometry and stiffness, tailored to meet the demands of the AG2R World Tour team, ensure a responsive and exhilarating ride.

From cornering to climbing, the XCR promises a robust and reliable experience. It’s a bike that invites you to push the limits, whether you’re tackling a steep incline or sprinting on a flat.