Can the carbon-framed GCR deliver comparable performance to more expensive gravel rivals?
The Decathlon Riverside GCR gravel bike looks set to continue the French brand’s reputation for impressive value.
The new gravel bike has a carbon frame built with SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS and retails for £4,000 / $5,700 / €4,000.
Many of the best gravel bikes with carbon frames and a gravel groupset such as this cost a lot more, so the GCR could well be a challenger for premium brands.
A race-oriented gravel speedster
Riverside is a subsidiary group of Decathlon, similar to Van Rysel, that specialises in gravel bikes.
Its GCR model uses high-modulus carbon fibres in certain areas for maximum power transfer.
These fibres are most likely used in the bottom bracket junction and head tube.
The seatstays are dropped and the GCR uses a round 27.2mm seatpost standard rather than anything proprietary.
Decathlon says it has designed the frame around a shorter reach and stem length, with a flared handlebar for optimal control on rougher surfaces.
The brand also opted for long chainstays to improve stability and a raised bottom bracket for “maximum versatility”.
The GCR pleasingly eschews integrated cable routing, with the cables fed conventionally through the down tube. This should make maintenance easier.
The GCR is only compatible with electronic groupsets, which might be a drawback for some.
Decathlon claims the frame weighs 1,058g (size medium) and the fork 442g. According to the brand, the carbon fork plays a large role in the bike’s handling, helping to make it more playful and “ensure extremely precise steering”.
The 42mm gravel bike tyre clearance is rather narrow compared to the competition, although it’s in line with the most recent Canyon Grail.
The GCR is available in four sizes, from S to XL. This isn’t a great deal of choice, but the limited range may be a cost-saving measure from Decathlon, helping the GCR achieve its comparatively low price.
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A mix of own-brand and high-end componentry
We have the top-spec Riverside GCR, with a SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS groupset and Reynolds 4.1XL 700 wheels.
Although our bike is specced with the outgoing generation of SRAM Force, Decathlon says future models will be specced with the newer SRAM Force AXS groupset, launched in 2023.
Decathlon pairs a 40t chainring with a 10-44t cassette. This is a reasonable gear range, which should help you on climbs and descents.
Claimed to weigh 1,685g, the Reynolds 4.1XL 700 gravel bike wheels use the brand’s ATR carbon fibre rims but have heavier steel spokes and a more cost-effective set of hubs. The ATR rims have a 23mm internal rim width.
Decathlon says it opted to spec 40mm Hutchinson Touareg tyres for their “versatility and flexibility”. The bike comes set up tubeless out of the box and you just need to add your preferred sealant.
The bike has a Decathlon Aluminium ERGO handlebar with a moderate 16-degree flare and a matching stem. The bar has quite a deep drop, unlike many other gravel bike handlebars, which are more compact.
Rounding off the build is a Fizik Argo Terra X5 saddle mounted to the own-brand aluminium seatpost.
Our size-large bike weighs 8.48kg and it’s a promising build for a decent price. But can the Riverside GCR compete with pricier gravel bikes? Stay tuned for our review in due course.