Decathlon is no stranger to predicting what it thinks the future of cycling and the bicycle will look like – who can forget the Ultra-Endurance concept unveiled at the 2024 Velofollies show? While not entirely wild in terms of aesthetics, it offered a glimpse into the potential direction of endurance cycling, with a focus on storage and frame material combinations. Fast forward to 2026, and its in-house team of soothsayers has been at it again, this time applying a layer of Tron-like inspiration to the futuristic-looking Van Rysel FTP^2, designed exclusively for the annual Velofollies trade show in Kortrijk, Belgium.
(Image credit: Decathlon)
Let’s dive into the details.
(Image credit: Decathlon)
A fully integrated bicycle solution
According to Decathlon, integration was the cornerstone of the project, claiming it “redefines the relationship between rider and bike, with a purpose-designed helmet, shoe, and skinsuit completing the system” – all of which has been co-developed with industry experts for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and safety. The idea behind the bike is to double the rider’s FTP – hence its name – thanks to a unique Mahle e-bike motor and unlimited top speed.
The bike is fairly well considered and balanced from a design perspective, borrowing cues from non-UCI-legal time trial bikes such as the Trek Y-Foil of 1998-1999 and the Cervelo P5X, both of which completely ditched the traditional seat tube blueprint for a floating design.
The front end incorporates a high-rise fork, not unlike the Factor One and Hope HBT.T track bike, while a finned battery cover doubles as a protective strip for the over-exaggerated, beefy downtube. The saddle and wheels, however, are more traditional in execution and come compliments of Fizik and Swiss Side.
(Image credit: Decathlon)
Ancillary design elements
The Van Rysel FTP^2 employs a Formula 1-inspired cockpit that lets the rider control almost everything on the bike from the helm, including the electronics, integrated shoe-pedal system, and custom lighting. The cockpit features an integrated Hammerhead Karoo 3 cycling computer with a front light under the cradle, a brace of bento box mounts on the stem, and futuristic extensions that control everything from shifting and braking. There’s also a large radar light affixed to the floating virtual seat tube.
Built-in cycling shoes, I hear you ask? Van Rysel has reimagined the pedal-shoe interface by replacing the traditional shoe upper, retention dials, and pedal-cleat system with a wireless assembly that functions as one, thereby enhancing safety and aerodynamics. The shoe features a smooth, bulbous fairing body combined with a sock-like inner that encases the foot and lower leg, purportedly for aerodynamic and performance gains.
(Image credit: Decathlon)
Further improving safety is an innovative skinsuit that comprises special textiles and built-in motorcycle-standard protective pads. Protective clothing is something that has been discussed in depth at WorldTour level and this skinsuit idea marks a possible solution to the road rash and protection issues facing riders of all levels and abilities.
Finishing off the list of accompanying items is an EU-certified hybrid helmet co-developed with aerodynamic maestros, Swiss Side. It combines a traditional lid with a custom, aerodynamic time-trial helmet shell that fastens directly to the helmet, giving users two helmet options based on their needs.
Tech spec
- Frameset: FT2² Carbon
- Motor: Mahle M40
- Groupset: SRAM Red AXS with Praxis carbon cranks
- Wheels: Swiss Side Hadron3 850
- Cockpit: FTP² Carbon Cockpit with integrated buttons for AXS, Mahle motor and shoe retention
- Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento 00 Adaptive
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