Van Rysel has revealed one of the most eye-catching bikes of recent times, the FTP2 Concept Bike, which it describes as a “rolling laboratory, unrestrained by current industrial standards”.
Launched at the Velofollies trade show, which opens today in Kortrijk, Belgium, close to the brand’s home in Lille, France, the FTP2 Concept Bike is clearly intended – on some level – as a publicity stunt.
But, with its radical frame design, powerful electric motor and ability to propel you to speeds in excess of 100kph, Van Rysel intends the FTP2 Concept Bike to confirm the brand’s “commitment to research, design and development”.
Why has Van Rysel created the FTP2 Concept Bike? 
The bike forgoes a seat tube. Van Rysel
Founded in 2018, Van Rysel is Decathlon’s performance bicycle brand. In 2023, it was revealed that Van Rysel would be co-title sponsor of Decathlon AG2R–La Mondiale.
Since then, Van it has been on a mission to prove it’s capable of producing the best road bikes, worthy of a place at the top of the sport.
Van Rysel’s RCR-F aero bike was launched in 2024 with bold claims around the company’s development process, and Van Rysel’s Nicolas Pierron describing it as a “UFO”.
Now, with the FTP2 Concept Bike, the extraterrestrial theme continues – it’s a “bike from another planet” – and so does the emphasis on Van Rysel’s technical capabilities.
“Confirming Van Rysel’s commitment to research, design, and innovation, FTP2 is a concept bike like no other – pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, inspiring future innovation and showcasing Van Rysel’s unique in-house R&D capabilities,” the brand says.
The project also has the bigger aim of expanding what the public and bicycle industry deem possible.
“It is the most complex project ever carried out by the team, aiming to inspire the general public, as well as the bicycle industry, to continue pushing the boundaries to see what is possible,” Van Rysel adds.
The FTP2 Concept Bike’s frame design 
The bike has a wide fork and appears to have two crowns. Van Rysel
The result of that complexity and ambition is a bike that looks like no other road bike. Freed from the UCI’s constraints on bicycle design, that’s not such a surprise.
It’s not a surprise either that it has a passing resemblance to another type of go-fast bike freed from the UCI’s rules: a triathlon bike, and specifically the Cervélo P5X.
Like the P5X, Van Rysel’s concept bike forgoes a seat tube. However, it does have a more conventional chainstay, even if the seatstays run virtually parallel.
The FTP2 Concept Bike also adds a wide “two-part fork”, which appears to have two crowns, similar to the design used on Matthew Richardson’s Hope HB.T track bike for his 200m World Record.
Van Rysel says the handmade carbon frame and complete bike are rideable.
“It stands as a tangible prototype, built to withstand the constraints of extreme speed on the asphalt rather than just looking good on a podium,” it says.
‘Superhuman engine’ 
Hidden in the frame is a Mahle M40 electric bike motor. Van Rysel
Van Rysel claims the FTP2 Concept Bike will “double your FTP” and “magnify” your effort, and while the radical aero frame will likely aid that, the bike has a special motor tucked away in the down tube.
Van Rysel says the bike has a “unique” version of the Mahle M40 electric bike motor.
“Initially designed for mountain biking, this motor is driven by specific software developed to manage this raw power on the tarmac,” Van Rysel says.
“The system does not merely assist the rider but multiplies the input effort by four. The athlete transforms into a superhuman engine capable of reaching speeds between 45 and 100 km/h.”
An ‘integrated ecosystem’
The cockpit is said to be inspired by Formula One cars. Van Rysel
As opposed to just designing a bike, Van Rysel’s concept project includes a “fully integrated ecosystem”, with a special cockpit, shoes, helmet and clothing.
The cockpit of the bike is said to be inspired by Formula One cars, and “fully centralises the machine’s piloting” from a bullhorn position. The cockpit also fits a Hammerhead bike computer flush with the stem and above an integrated front light.
Van Rysel claims the cockpit can even be used to tighten the FTP2 concept shoe, which has an aeroplane wing profile to smooth airflow and “becomes the pedal” by integrating an axle into the carbon sole.
The shoe does away with pedals. Van Rysel
When designing the FTP2 aero helmet, Van Rysel says it didn’t start from the drawing board. Instead, the helmet uses Van Rysel’s new X Clip Concept, where an aerodynamic shell clips onto its existing RCR-R road helmet.
“This modularity maintains the safety and comfort of a homologated, ventilated helmet while providing the air penetration performance of a record-breaking prototype,” Van Rysel says.
The outer shell was made with Swiss Side, the aerodynamics experts Van Rysel also collaborated with for its RCR-F aero bike.
The helmet uses Van Rysel’s new X Clip Concept. Van Rysel
The speed suit integrates protective panels. Van Rysel
Finally, Van Rysel also created the FTP2 speed suit. Because the concept bike is capable of “motorcycle speeds”, the suit incorporates protective pads that are flexible and offer a claimed aerodynamic benefit.
The exterior of the suit is said to be abrasion-resistant, while there is an integrated baselayer that also has pads for protection.
Not for sale, but the tech will be
As you might have guessed, the FTP2 Concept Bike won’t be for sale. But Van Rysel says the ideas developed for the project will make their way to commercial products.
“The aerodynamic integration of the battery, the fork design, and the integrated lighting signature prefigure the standards for future Van Rysel road bikes,” it says.
Van Rysel says the tech developed across the rest of the ecosystem will also make its way to consumer products. The protective elements of the speed suit will likely make their way to Van Rysel’s cycling kit in the future, while the X-Clip helmet system “foreshadows” modular equipment and “paves the way for a new generation of versatile helmets”.
Meanwhile, it’s unlikely we’ll see Van Rysel release a cycling shoe with an integrated pedal system, but it says the work on the FTP2 shoe’s airflow and textiles will influence the design of its top-spec footwear.
In Van Rysel’s words: “What is extreme today will be the norm tomorrow.”
Van Rysel FTP2 Concept Bike specifications
Frame and fork: FTP2 carbon
Weight: 15kg (M)
Electric motor: Mahle M40
Drivetrain: SRAM Red AXS / Praxis carbon cranks
Wheels: Swiss Side Hadron3 850
Cockpit: FTP2 Carbon with AXS, Mahle and shoe-tightening controls
Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento 00 Adaptive
