Van Rysel announced two new carbon gravel bikes: the race focused RCR-G and the endurance focused EDR-G. Both offer 50mm tire clearance. The EDR-G starts at 2,200 Euro for a mechanical GRX build, while the RCR-G starts at 3,200 Euro with SRAM Rival AXS.
I prefer a comfortable saddle that cushions trail bumps over a hard plastic race seat. The EDR-G looks like the practical choice, whereas the RCR-G is all about that racing speed and wireless gear.
Is the extra 1,000 Euro for the RCR-G race model actually worth it for a typical rider? Since availability is immediate in Europe but later in other regions, how do you deal with waiting for new gear to ship?
For a typical rider, that 1,000 Euro jump for the RCR-G is a tough sell. While the wireless SRAM Rival AXS is a nice touch, the EDR-G is the more logical path for anyone prioritizing long-term comfort. On endurance rides, a frame designed for stability and a mechanical groupset often provide a more practical balance. If the goal is just getting a ride in without fighting a race-geometry setup, the EDR-G is likely the better investment; you can always upgrade the components later to get the specific finish and detailing you want.
Spot on. No point in paying a grand extra just to fight a race geometry that'll have you cramping up. Mechanical gear is a way better bet anyway; you get a crisp, positive click without worrying about batteries or fancy electronics glitching out when things get muddy. Better to save the cash, go with the EDR-G, and spend the leftovers on a seat that actually cushions the bumps instead of some hard plastic board.
The peace of mind with mechanical systems is hard to beat. There is something to be said for eliminating battery anxiety, especially when you are out for a long stretch and don't want to worry about electronics glitching in the mud. As for the saddle, it is a smart move to prioritize comfort; there are some seats with heavy duty springs available that can make a huge difference in cushioning those bumps compared to a rigid race saddle.
Exactly. No one wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere because a battery decided to quit or a sensor got gunked up with mud. Keep it simple and it actually works. And you hit the nail on the head with the seat; a bit of cushion or some springs is worth ten times more than a rigid plastic board that treats your backside like a pavement slab.
Keeping it simple is the only way to go. There is nothing quite like the peace of mind that comes with a mechanical setup where you aren't praying a battery holds out or a sensor stays clean. As for the saddle, a bit of actual cushion is a lifesaver; fighting a rigid race seat on a long ride is a quick way to make sure you never want to look at a bike again.
