A race-oriented gravel speedster\u00a0<\/h2>The Riverside represents quite a different proposition from what we’ve typically come to expect of Decathlon. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>Riverside is a subsidiary group of Decathlon, similar to Van Rysel, that specialises in gravel bikes.\u00a0<\/p>
Its GCR model uses high-modulus carbon fibres in certain areas for maximum power transfer.<\/p>
These fibres are most likely used in the bottom bracket junction and head tube.<\/p>![\"Down](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/03\/Riverside_CGR_woz_14.jpeg\")
The down tube is chunky. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>The seatstays are dropped and the GCR uses a round 27.2mm seatpost<\/a> standard rather than anything proprietary.\u00a0<\/p>Decathlon says it has designed the frame around a shorter reach and stem length, with a flared handlebar for optimal control on rougher surfaces.\u00a0<\/p>
The brand also opted for long chainstays to improve stability and a raised bottom bracket for \u201cmaximum versatility\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>![\"UCI](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/03\/Riverside_CGR_woz_6.jpeg\")
The frame is even UCI-compliant. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>The GCR pleasingly eschews integrated cable routing<\/a>, with the cables fed conventionally through the down tube. This should make maintenance easier.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>The GCR is only compatible with electronic groupsets<\/a>, which might be a drawback for some.<\/p>![\"Removable](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/03\/Riverside_CGR_woz_20.jpeg\")
There’s a removable front derailleur mount. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>Decathlon claims the frame weighs 1,058g (size medium) and the fork 442g. According to the brand,\u00a0the carbon fork plays a large role in the bike\u2019s handling, helping to make it more playful and \u201censure extremely precise steering\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>
The 42mm gravel bike tyre<\/a> clearance is rather narrow compared to the competition, although it\u2019s in line with the most recent Canyon Grail<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>![\"Tyre](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/03\/Riverside_CGR_woz_11.jpeg\")
There’s still some clearance around this 40mm tyre. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>The GCR is available in four sizes, from S to XL. This isn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/p>
What is Bike of the Week?<\/h3>
Every fortnight, we’ll bring you a detailed first look at one of the latest bikes (or framesets) to arrive at BikeRadar HQ \u2013 from road to commuting, gravel to enduro, and anything in between.<\/p>
This is our chance to introduce the bike and everything that makes it unique before hitting the road or trails.<\/p>
Head to our Bike of the Week hub<\/a> for previous editions.<\/p><\/div><\/div>A mix of own-brand and high-end componentry<\/h2>![\"SRAM](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/03\/Riverside_CGR_woz_3.jpeg\")
You get SRAM’s outgoing Force XPLR eTap AXS. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>We have the top-spec Riverside GCR, with a SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS<\/a> groupset and Reynolds 4.1XL 700 wheels.\u00a0<\/p>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<\/a> groupset, launched in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>![\"SRAM](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/03\/Riverside_CGR_woz_12.jpeg\")
The 10-44t cassette will get you up most climbs. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>Decathlon pairs a 40t chainring with a 10-44t cassette<\/a>. This is a reasonable gear range, which should help you on climbs and descents.\u00a0<\/p>Claimed to weigh 1,685g, the Reynolds 4.1XL 700 gravel bike wheels use the brand\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>![\"Hutchinson](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/03\/Riverside_CGR_woz_17.jpeg\")
The Reynolds carbon wheel and Hutchinson tyre combination is a strong spec choice. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>Decathlon says it opted to spec 40mm Hutchinson Touareg<\/a> tyres for their \u201cversatility and flexibility\u201d. The bike comes set up tubeless<\/a> out of the box and you just need to add your preferred sealant<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>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<\/a>, which are more compact.<\/p>![\"Fizik](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/03\/Riverside_CGR_woz_7.jpeg\")
The Fizik Argo saddle is a nice touch. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Riverside is a subsidiary group of Decathlon, similar to Van Rysel, that specialises in gravel bikes.\u00a0<\/p>
Its GCR model uses high-modulus carbon fibres in certain areas for maximum power transfer.<\/p>
These fibres are most likely used in the bottom bracket junction and head tube.<\/p> The seatstays are dropped and the GCR uses a round 27.2mm seatpost<\/a> standard rather than anything proprietary.\u00a0<\/p> Decathlon says it has designed the frame around a shorter reach and stem length, with a flared handlebar for optimal control on rougher surfaces.\u00a0<\/p> The brand also opted for long chainstays to improve stability and a raised bottom bracket for \u201cmaximum versatility\u201d.\u00a0<\/p> The GCR pleasingly eschews integrated cable routing<\/a>, with the cables fed conventionally through the down tube. This should make maintenance easier.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> The GCR is only compatible with electronic groupsets<\/a>, which might be a drawback for some.<\/p> Decathlon claims the frame weighs 1,058g (size medium) and the fork 442g. According to the brand,\u00a0the carbon fork plays a large role in the bike\u2019s handling, helping to make it more playful and \u201censure extremely precise steering\u201d.\u00a0<\/p> The 42mm gravel bike tyre<\/a> clearance is rather narrow compared to the competition, although it\u2019s in line with the most recent Canyon Grail<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> The GCR is available in four sizes, from S to XL. This isn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/p> Every fortnight, we’ll bring you a detailed first look at one of the latest bikes (or framesets) to arrive at BikeRadar HQ \u2013 from road to commuting, gravel to enduro, and anything in between.<\/p> This is our chance to introduce the bike and everything that makes it unique before hitting the road or trails.<\/p> Head to our Bike of the Week hub<\/a> for previous editions.<\/p><\/div><\/div> We have the top-spec Riverside GCR, with a SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS<\/a> groupset and Reynolds 4.1XL 700 wheels.\u00a0<\/p> 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<\/a> groupset, launched in 2023.\u00a0<\/p> Decathlon pairs a 40t chainring with a 10-44t cassette<\/a>. This is a reasonable gear range, which should help you on climbs and descents.\u00a0<\/p> Claimed to weigh 1,685g, the Reynolds 4.1XL 700 gravel bike wheels use the brand\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p> Decathlon says it opted to spec 40mm Hutchinson Touareg<\/a> tyres for their \u201cversatility and flexibility\u201d. The bike comes set up tubeless<\/a> out of the box and you just need to add your preferred sealant<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> 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<\/a>, which are more compact.<\/p>What is Bike of the Week?<\/h3>
A mix of own-brand and high-end componentry<\/h2>