As Decathlon expands its global cycling presence, the retail giant is rebranding its premium road line under the Van Rysel name — a label already making waves in the WorldTour with the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team. From the sleek RCR race bikes to a full range of helmets, shoes, and apparel, Van Rysel aims to deliver professional-level performance at everyday prices. As the brand launches in Canada, PEZ got a first look at the new Van Rysel RCR Mips helmet and RCR road shoes, both designed for speed, comfort, and exceptional value. Here’s what we found so far.
Sporting goods retailing giant Decathlon is in the process of rebranding its road cycling offerings with the Van Rysel name. The Decathlon AG2R La Mondial professional team has attracted attention for certain with its impressive Van Rysel bicycles (the RCR, RCR-F aero and XCR time trial models). In fact, an entire line of cycling accessories use Van Rysel name. These range from clothing to glasses to helmets and shoes. The goal of the company is to provide good value and we recently had the chance to sample some of these products.
As part of the brand’s launch into Canada, PEZ spent time with Van Rysel at the Gran Prix Cycliste du Montreal, and received samples of the the new helmet and shoes. We’ll have more on these pieces and the whole Van Rysel kit, but since we’re heading into winter and indoors, our these warm weather specific items will hit our test roads a bit later.
Van Rysel RCR Mips Helmet
“RCR” stands for “Racer” and this helmet was designed for use by the Decathlon AG2R La Mondial team, particularly for mountain races. The helmet has 15 huge vents, which reportedly are very effective when climbing. Travelling at speed, the helmet takes advantage of the design properties to be both more aerodynamic and cooling at the same time. So you can look good and go fast, it seems. The helmet is easily adjusted with a small wheel at the back offering very positive action.
The helmet uses the Mips® Air Node system to not only provide lightweight protection but also to deflect rotational forces on impact. Of course, the helmet complies with recognized safety standards, in this case European Regulation EN1078.
All helmets on the market must meet a certain level of protection and Mips® technology is now available in less expensive helmets so the question is whether the RCR offers good value.
I have been using two helmets from a major manufacturer and was able to make a direct comparison. My mid-range helmet cost just under C$200 and weighs 380 g in my size. The high-end one is closer to C$400 and comes in at 282 g. The RCR weighs 262 g, although Decathlon’s own specifications show it at 280 g in this size. The price: only C$120. This is reasonable for an attractive, well-made helmet good enough for the World Tour. Learn more about the Van Rysel RCR Mips Helmet here.
RCR Road Cycling Shoes
Moving now from the head to the feet, Van Rysel offers three different models of road shoes, with the RCR being the top-of-the-line. Its features include a polyurethane/polyester upper and a sole that is 70% carbon and very stiff indeed. Each shoe uses a pair of habu® Fit System Li2 tensioners. These work like BOA dials and in fact are made by that company. The shoes seem to be true to size as I have compared them to several other brands I own. They have a fairly wide toe box and in a 45 weigh around 310 g each. This makes them slightly heavier than other carbon-soled shoes with double BOA dials but not far off.
The RCR shoes look sleek and come in either black or white. While the uppers feel quite supple only time and use will determine their durability. The sole offers everything one could desire in terms of stiffness. In addition it has ventilation at the toe and in the midfoot. The shoe is compatible will all of the popular 3-screw cleat systems.
Looking closely at team photos, it seems that the riders of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale are using the RCR shoes in races. Listed at Cdn$240, the Van Rysel shoes represents good value to the consumer. Comparable shoes from competitors seem to run at the C$300 and up (way up!) level. Getting a shoe to fit properly is a highly personal thing but the Van Rysel RCR is definitely worth consideration. Check out the shoes here.
Although Van Rysel’s high-end bicycles will only be coming to Canada in Spring 2026, the accessory line is already available in Decathlon stores and online. For readers outside Canada, check out your local Decathlon store. They are found in 79 countries.
US Readers visit VanRyselUS.com
The post Van Rysel by Decathlon: New Road Cycling Line Brings WorldTour Performance at Real-World Prices appeared first on PezCycling News.
