Van Rysel RoadR900 Shoes Review

With their carbon soles, micrometric dial closures, and remarkable look and finish, Van Rysel RoadR900 shoes combine high-level performance with excellent comfort. At a price of €130 in Decathlon stores, their value for money is unmatched.

By Guillaume Judas (with Alexandre Lorioux) – Photos: All rights reserved

Van Rysel (“from Lille” in Frenchified Flemish) is the new name given to the high-end cycling product brand of the large Decathlon chain. Contrary to some preconceived notions, the distribution system and the volumes concerned do not alter the quality of the products in this range, all of which are designed by an army of highly qualified engineers and sold most of the time at an unmatched price on the market, like the Van Rysel Ultra RCR CF tested on our site a few weeks ago.

The shoes are no exception to the rule, especially with this high-end model due to its technical characteristics, at least twice cheaper than most competing products. Available in matte black or silver grey (Iridescent grey with beautiful reflections depending on the light), the Van Rysel RoadR900 were developed in collaboration with Jean-Christophe Peraud (2nd in the 2014 Tour de France and a trained engineer) and the young rider Nans Peters of the AG2R La Mondiale team, then subsequently manufactured in Italy, one of the reference countries in the field of cycling shoes.

A 100% carbon sole

Compared to previous shoes offered in the same price range by B’Twin at the time, the RoadR900 gains a 100% carbon outsole, instead of a combination of nylon, fiberglass, and carbon. It’s difficult for us to comment on the rigidity level of the sole at first glance, but it seems to us to be really well designed, with visible and well-grooved carbon, which gives an excellent first impression for a shoe of this price.

Great efforts have been made on ventilation, both to cope with high summer temperatures and to ensure good water evacuation in case of rain. We note the presence of two air inlets at the front and back of the sole, supported by numerous perforations on both sides of the upper and at the tongue.

To protect this sole, there are two small walking pads at the back and a reinforcement at the front of the foot, which are not replaceable. Comfortable pads, which above all prevent slipping when walking on tiles. Markers are visible on the sole for cleat placement, which also demonstrates attention to detail.

A good quality finish

At the back of the shoes, a reinforced heel on the outside ensures good guidance, while on the inside, small pads improve foot support. The closure is provided by two Atop micrometric dials, certainly a little less technical than Boa dials, but already performing and comfortable, with the wire here placed on a thick and comfortable tongue. The closure is adjusted click by click, while the entire system must be released by pulling on the dial to loosen.

The finish seems to be of a very good standard, as no pressure points are felt when tightening due to a misplaced seam.

The upper is stiff enough to ensure excellent overall rigidity once the shoes are adjusted, although we noticed a very slight difference between the matte black and silver grey models in terms of the apparent flexibility of the material. And moreover, for the same size, the grey shoes appear slightly smaller than the black ones. In both cases, however, the finish seems to be of a very good standard, as no pressure points are felt when tightening due to a misplaced seam.

We especially notice the effort made by Van Rysel to offer a pair of shoes with a worthy insole, equipped with slight arch support, which further reinforces the impression of support and rigidity when putting on these RoadR900.

Comfort and efficiency

First impressions during the initial test: a reasonable weight of 318 g in size 44, and a “true to size” fit, meaning it’s not necessary to choose a model one size up or down from your usual shoes. In terms of comfort, the RoadR900 scores points right away, with precise and even closure, both on the forefoot and on the top. Once you get used to handling the Atop closures, and especially the need to anticipate a total loosening before readjusting if you feel a little too constricted in the shoes, we also note the extreme ease with which the shoes are maintained, especially in this silver grey color, as a quick wipe with a sponge is enough.

After a few weeks, the RoadR900 are definitively adopted, as we appreciate their rigidity during intense efforts or power sections, but without compromising comfort. We haven’t yet experienced extreme heat, but the absence of pressure points inside the shoes and the good support of the internal sole suggest the absence of tingling sensations related to poor pressure distribution.

Surprising for their price, the Van Rysel RoadR900 are not equipped with some small details that the most expensive shoes on the market can benefit from, such as replaceable walking pads or mobile cleat adjustment inserts. But they prioritize the essentials: efficiency with overall rigidity and very good foot support, comfort with no compromises made on tongue padding or the quality of the internal sole, and finally aesthetics, because, let’s face it, this silver grey is truly superb.

-> SEE ALSO: All our Gear articles

->9.5