Easygoing and plenty capable, the Van Rysel GRVL AF 2 delivers on a $1,399 budget

The GRVL AF 2 is an affordable gravel bike that punches well above its weight—and looks good doing it

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that before riding the Van Rysel GRVL AF 2, I honestly can’t remember the last time I rode a bike that retailed for under $2,000.

Most of the time, when brands invite media to test their bikes, it’s to show off their halo products. Their lightest, fastest, most high-tech race machines. The superbikes that are wind tunnel-tested, dressed in top-shelf components and painted to turn heads in a showroom. Getting to ride these engineering marvels is a big perk of the job but sometimes, we lose touch of the bikes people are actually buying – not the $12,000 carbon superbikes but the $2000 metal ones.

The truth is, most bikes above a certain price point are excellent. Light, fast, sharp-handling. It's hard to go wrong when the investment’s there. But what about the bikes that don’t come with massive R&D budgets and glossy marketing campaigns? The ones built with tighter margins and a more restrained spec sheet? Arguably, making a good bike at this level is the tougher challenge.

These bikes might not be as aspirational, but there’s a lot riding on them. For many, especially those just getting into the sport, this is where the journey starts. And if we want people to fall in love with cycling the way we have, these bikes can’t just be affordable, they need to be capable, comfortable and, most importantly, fun to ride.

For many U.S. consumers, Van Rysel’s aluminium bikes will also be their first real introduction to the brand. Barely six years old, Van Rysel is a French performance-focused cycling brand and subsidiary of Decathlon, the one-stop sports superstore. Van Rysel made a splash in 2024 with its sponsorship of the Decathlon-Ag2r La Mondiale WorldTour team and the Van Rysel RCR Pro team bike, which was one of the most talked-about bikes in 2024. But despite its global presence–2,000 storefronts and counting–Decathlon has no retail stores in the United States. And Van Rysel is only now beginning to break into the American market with a limited offering on their direct-to-consumer website and a handful of strategic retail partnerships, most notably with REI, which has exclusive rights to sell the GRVL AF models through summer 2025.

This is all to say: the GRVL AF 2 is an important bike for Van Rysel. Important enough that they flew a group of media out to Vermont to put the bike through its paces. And that’s how I found myself reviewing the most affordable bike I’ve ridden in quite some time.

Let’s dive in and see how it fared.

Van Rysel says its new line of gravel bikes was designed with comfort, versatility and adventure in mind. Promising a confidence-inspiring do-it-all platform whether you’re tackling chunky gravel, cruising country backroads, loading up for a bikepacking trip or just commuting across town.

At the heart of the GRVL AF series is a 6061 aluminum frame—AF stands for “Aluminium Frame,” not the other thing—and a carbon fork, both equipped with plenty of mounting points for bags, racks or fenders/mudguards. There are three builds, each making use of the same aluminium frame, carbon fork, alloy wheels and finishing kit.

The entry-level model tested here features a 1x10 MicroSHIFT SWORD drivetrain paired with TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes and retails for $1399 / £999.99. An extra $600/ £300 gets you a 1x13 SRAM Apex mechanical drivetrain with hydraulic brakes. At the top of the range, the $2,399 / build is spec’d with a Shimano GRX 610 groupset and GRX 400 hydraulic brakes.

Drivetrains aside, the only other difference between the builds are the tyres. My test bike came with 40mm Hutchinson Touareg tyres. The Apex build uses the same tyres but in a 45mm width, and the top-end model is spec’d with 40mm Continental Terra Trail tyres. While spec’d for moderate terrain, the frame and fork will accommodate tyres up to 50mm.

My XS test bike came in a bold "granite pink" paintjob, which I quite liked, and there’s a sandstone colourway, too. The understated branding keeps the look clean and modern.

I rode an XS frame and felt right at home on the bike from the start, with the reach being just 3mm shy from than on my own gravel bike. If this were my bike, I’d likely remove a spacer or two for a sportier fit, but even out of the box, the geometry lands squarely in that endurance sweet spot — not too upright, not too aggressive.

With a 70-degree head tube angle and a 1020mm wheelbase, the bike’s handling leans toward the stable side, prioritising predictability and confidence over rough terrain and descents. That said, it didn’t feel sluggish on mellow trails either. The handling was still responsive enough to enjoy some light off-road fun.

The frame features a gently sloping top tube, which improves standover clearance and may also offer a touch of added compliance thanks to the exposed seatpost.

Up front, the carbon fork is paired with an alloy steerer tube, which keeps the cost low while adding durability and peace of mind when tightening stem bolts. The fork also includes three accessory mounts per leg, and like the frame, internal cable routing leads to a flat disc brake mount.

The entry-level build comes with a 1 x 10 MicroSHIFT SWORD drivetrain and TRP Spyre cable-actuated disc brakes.

While it’s been a minute, I fondly remember these brakes well from racing cyclocross when disc brakes were just becoming a thing. This dual-piston mechanical setup gave better stopping power and modulation than many other mechanical discs at the time. And while they don’t match the power or finesse of today’s hydraulic systems, they’re significantly easier to set up and maintain. For the price point, they offer dependable performance.

The SWORD drivetrain was new to me, but it left a strong enough impression that I’ll be writing a separate review on the groupset soon.

Designed specifically for gravel, MicroSHIFT SWORD was designed to balance a wide gear range (an impressive 436%) and reliable shifting with durability and affordability for riders tackling mixed terrain. The bike came spec’d with a 11–48T cassette and a 40t front chainring, which was plenty of range for the undulating terrain of Vermont.

While not as smooth or refined as its pricier competitors, the shifting was consistently reliable and predictable. The dedicated rear derailleur even features a clutch mechanism to keep the chain taut over bumpy terrain, reducing slap and improving chain retention.

But what impressed me most were the shifter ergonomics. The shallow hoods and compact shape were very comfortable. And the lever reach is short and intuitive, with a decidedly mechanical feel that makes shifting feel deliberate and crisp. The up- and downshift paddles are uniquely shaped with a nice texture to them and clean, taught engagement. The whole system has a surprisingly premium feel that belies its entry-level price point. And while the components’ finish is a little plastic-y, it looks clean.

I never felt limited by the 10 speeds, either. While 2 or 3 speeds short from many 1x competitors, the gear steps felt natural. The jumps between cogs were never jarring or awkward, which speaks to smart spacing across the wide 11–48T cassette. The number of gears don’t matter so much if they’re well spaced.

Kudos also to the size-specific crank arm lengths, which are just right at 165mm for the XS and small bikes.

The finishing kit isn’t anything to write home about but nothing to complain about, either. The 40mm-wide handlebars felt a bit wide for the smallest bike size offering; I would have preferred 38mm bars. That said, the flare and shallow drop were nice touches you don’t often see on lower spec bikes. I did swap the saddle for one of my own from the start, so I can’t comment on the stock option, but that’s a contact point many riders are quick to change anyway.

The wheels weigh in at a claimed 4.14 lbs (1,877g), with the Touareg tyres adding about 490g each. Factor in tubes, rim tape, and other small bits, and you’re looking at roughly 3kg for the rotating mass. This is an obvious area for potential upgrades, whether through an entry-level carbon wheelset or an premium alloy alternative, and by going tubeless to enhance ride quality and flat protection.

With that said, there’s nothing wrong with the existing wheelset. They felt durable and with centerlock hubs, thru-axles, and a 27mm internal rim width, they check all the boxes for a modern, versatile gravel setup.

Over the course of three days on Vermont’s lumpy backroads, the GRVL AF 2 proved itself as a remarkably easy bike to get along with. It’s comfortable and intuitive, capable and yet lively enough to add some spark to the ride.

While it carries a bit more weight and lacks the snap of the carbon race-capable gravel bikes I’m used to, I never felt held back. On the contrary, the GRVL’s well-roundedness shone through across a range of terrain.

The stiff aluminum frame responds well to out-of-the-saddle efforts, efficiently translating power into forward motion up the climbs or during accelerations. Meanwhile, the carbon fork and high-volume tyres help take the edge off, softening some of the road chatter.

The geometry hits a sweet spot where the bike’s handling is responsive and playful enough to feel engaged, yet stable and predictable when the loose surfaces or descents call for it.

However, on fast descents, there is a moment when the bike’s weight asserts itself. It can feel like the bike’s starting to run away from you,building momentum faster than expected, but it’s easily controlled with a little feathering of the brakes or a few extra inches of stopping space at the bottom.

What stood out most was the ride’s composure. I found myself settling in and simply enjoying my surroundings and company. The GRVL AF provides well-rounded performance that newer riders will especially appreciate: confidence across uneven terrain, forgiveness in handling, and comfort for the long days. For that, the bike is aided by the drivetrain and brakes, too.

Versatility is another standout feature. The frame and fork offer plenty of mounting options for bikepacking excursions and commuter needs alike. With clearance for 50mm tyres and an endurance-focused geometry, it’s a bike that’s ready for multiple identities. Load it up, strip it down, hit dirt or tarmac. It’ll play along.

For the $1,399 price tag, there’s very little to fault here. The GRVL AF 2 is a remarkably easy bike to get along with. It delivers a well-rounded ride quality, reliable spec, and a geometry that strikes a fine balance between comfort and capability.

I’m partial to hydraulic disc brakes, especially when riding with a heavy load or on technical descents. so I’d be tempted to stretch for the $600 upgrade to get the SRAM Apex-equipped model. That said, the TRP Spyres specced here do a perfectly respectable job, offering consistent braking with the bonus of easier setup and maintenance. One could always upgrade to Paul Klampers or TRP’s Hy/Rd calipers down the road. Plus, that headturning pink colourway is only available on the SWORD build, and aesthetics count.

If you’re interested in trying your hand at gravel racing, this may not be the bike for you. But for exploring backroads, trying bikepacking, logging long endurance miles or commuting through the city, the GRVL AF 2 is a confident, capable performer with room to grow alongside you.

And for those in the U.S., Van Rysel’s partnership with REI is also a significant plus. You’ll likely be able to see the bike in person, take it for a test ride, and make use of REI’s warranty and nationwide support.