Prepare to have your perception of cycling redefined! Van Rysel has unleashed the FTP2 Concept Bike, a machine so audacious it promises to double your power and hit speeds exceeding 100kph! This isn't just a bike; it's a rolling laboratory, a statement, and a glimpse into the future of performance cycling. Launched at the Velofollies trade show in Belgium, the FTP2 is more than just a publicity stunt; it's a testament to Van Rysel's commitment to pushing boundaries.
Why all the fuss? Van Rysel, the performance arm of Decathlon, founded in 2018, is on a mission to prove it can produce the best road bikes, worthy of the sport's highest echelons. They're not shy about making bold claims, either. Their 2024 RCR-F aero bike was described as a “UFO” by Van Rysel’s Nicolas Pierron.
The FTP2 continues this extraterrestrial theme, positioning itself as a “bike from another planet.” This project aims to inspire both the public and the cycling industry to question what's possible. The FTP2 Concept Bike is the most complex project the team has ever undertaken.
The FTP2's frame design is a radical departure from the norm. Unfettered by UCI regulations, it boasts a design reminiscent of triathlon bikes like the Cervélo P5X, forgoing a seat tube. It features a unique “two-part fork,” similar to the design used on Matthew Richardson’s Hope HB.T track bike.
Van Rysel emphasizes that the handmade carbon frame is fully rideable. The bike is designed to withstand the rigors of extreme speed.
But here's where it gets controversial... The FTP2 isn't just about aerodynamics; it's about power. It claims to “double your FTP” and magnify your effort. This is achieved, in part, by a special motor integrated into the downtube.
The bike utilizes a unique version of the Mahle M40 electric bike motor. This motor, originally designed for mountain biking, is managed by specific software to harness its raw power. Van Rysel claims the system multiplies the rider's effort by four, turning the athlete into a “superhuman engine” capable of reaching speeds between 45 and 100 km/h.
The concept extends beyond the bike itself. Van Rysel has created a “fully integrated ecosystem,” including a custom cockpit, shoes, helmet, and clothing. The cockpit, inspired by Formula One cars, centralizes control. It even integrates a Hammerhead bike computer and front light. The cockpit is also used to tighten the FTP2 concept shoe, which has an aeroplane wing profile and integrates an axle into the carbon sole.
The FTP2 aero helmet uses Van Rysel’s new X Clip Concept, where an aerodynamic shell clips onto its existing RCR-R road helmet. The outer shell was made with Swiss Side, the aerodynamics experts Van Rysel also collaborated with for its RCR-F aero bike.
Finally, the FTP2 speed suit incorporates protective pads and offers an aerodynamic benefit. The suit's exterior is abrasion-resistant, and it includes an integrated baselayer with additional protection.
So, is this the future? While the FTP2 Concept Bike won't be for sale, Van Rysel assures us that its innovations will trickle down to their commercial products. The aerodynamic integration of the battery, the fork design, and the integrated lighting signature prefigure the standards for future Van Rysel road bikes. The protective elements of the speed suit will likely make their way to Van Rysel’s cycling kit in the future, while the X-Clip helmet system “foreshadows” modular equipment and “paves the way for a new generation of versatile helmets”.
And this is the part most people miss... It’s unlikely we’ll see Van Rysel release a cycling shoe with an integrated pedal system, but the work on the FTP2 shoe’s airflow and textiles will influence the design of its top-spec footwear.
Key Specifications:
- Frame and fork: FTP2 carbon
- Weight: 15kg (M)
- Electric motor: Mahle M40
- Drivetrain: SRAM Red AXS / Praxis carbon cranks
- Wheels: Swiss Side Hadron3 850
- Cockpit: FTP2 Carbon with AXS, Mahle and shoe-tightening controls
- Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento 00 Adaptive
Van Rysel's philosophy is clear: “What is extreme today will be the norm tomorrow.” Do you think this is the future of cycling? Will we see more brands embracing such radical designs? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
