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| Decathlon’s Van Rysel FTP² e-bike concept (pictured) has been unveiled. |
The world of performance cycling just got a jolt of futuristic energy. At the prestigious Velofollies event in Belgium this January, Decathlon’s premium cycling brand, Van Rysel, pulled the covers off a stunning new concept e-bike that promises to redefine electric road cycling. Dubbed the Van Rysel FTP², this machine isn’t just another e-bike—it’s a statement of intent, engineered with one audacious goal: to literally double a rider’s Functional Threshold Power.
For the uninitiated, FTP (Functional Threshold Power) is the gold standard metric for cycling performance, representing the highest average power a rider can sustain for an hour. By naming its concept the FTP², Van Rysel isn’t being subtle. It claims this e-bike can effectively double that output, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a future where human effort and electric amplification merge seamlessly for unparalleled speed and endurance.
Under the Hood: Mountain Bike Muscle Meets Road Racing Refinement
The heart of this beast is a surprisingly potent one. Van Rysel has opted for the Mahle M40 motor, a unit originally developed for the demanding world of e-mountain biking. With a peak power of 850W and a formidable 105 Nm of torque, this system promises explosive acceleration and unwavering support on steep climbs—capabilities rarely felt on a road-optimized frame.
This robust motor is paired with a top-shelf drivetrain: an SRAM Red AXS/ Praxis carbon crank setup, ensuring buttery-smooth, wireless shifting that competes with the best traditional road bikes. The rolling stock is equally impressive, featuring Swiss Side Hadron3 850 wheels, known for their aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight rigidity. Completing the premium touchpoints is a Fizik Argo Vento 00 Adaptive saddle, designed for comfort and performance in aggressive riding positions.
Innovation at the Touch of a Finger: The Integrated Cockpit
Where the FTP² truly feels like a concept from the near-future is in its handlebar-integrated cockpit. This centralized control hub allows riders to adjust both gears and the bike’s assistance modes without ever moving their hands from the bars. Even more ingenious is the integrated micrometric shoe tightening system. Need a mid-ride adjustment? You can now tighten or loosen your road shoe dials while still gripping the handlebars—a small detail that speaks volumes about the model’s focus on uninterrupted, focused riding.
A Sleek, Disappearing Act
Despite its powerful internals, the Van Rysel FTP² maintains a remarkably sleek profile. The carbon fibre frame is aerodynamically optimized, featuring a distinctive two-part fork design that hints at advanced wind-cheating engineering. Crucially, both the Mahle motor and its accompanying battery are fully integrated, “disappearing into the frame.” This clean integration contributes to a claimed weight of just 15 kg (approximately 33.1 lbs) for a medium size—a featherweight figure in the world of high-power e-road bikes.
The Future of Performance Riding?
For those eager to see every angle of this groundbreaking machine, Van Rysel has released detailed visuals and specifications. You can explore the full concept and design philosophy behind the FTP² directly on the brand's official page here.
As with all concepts, the big questions remain: When will a production version hit the shelves, and what will it cost? Decathlon and Van Rysel have remained tight-lipped, stating only that future e-bikes will be "inspired by" the FTP² concept. This suggests that while the exact specifications might evolve, the core philosophy—doubling human potential through seamless, lightweight, and powerful integration—is here to stay.
One thing is clear from the Velofollies reveal: Van Rysel is not just playing in the e-bike space; it’s aiming to lead it, blurring the lines between assisted and traditional performance cycling in a way that will have road enthusiasts and tech skeptics alike watching closely.
For an in-depth look at the unveiling and expert first impressions, check out the coverage from Cleanrider: Decathlon Van Rysel FTP 2 Concept.
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| The Decathlon’s Van Rysel FTP² e-bike concept. |
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| The Decathlon’s Van Rysel FTP² e-bike concept. |
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| The Decathlon’s Van Rysel FTP² e-bike concept. |
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| The Decathlon’s Van Rysel FTP² e-bike concept. |